Revelation 2:12-17

The Letter to the Church at Pergamum.

Revelation 2:12. Pergamum was a town of great importance about 50 miles NE. of Smyrna. It was one of the most renowned centres of paganism in Asia, and possessed many temples, among them one dedicated to the worship of Augustus. In such a stronghold of paganism as the letter indicates, Christianity was confronted with exceptional opposition. two-edged sword: for this description of Christ see Revelation 1:16.

Revelation 2:13. where the throne of Satan is: the specific reference in this phrase seems not to be to the prevalence of immorality or the strength of paganism at Pergamum, but rather to the fact that Pergamum was the chief centre of Emperor-worship in the province. It was, as Sir W. M. Ramsay says, the worship of the Emperor that was recognised, when the Apocalypse was written, as the special foe of Christianity. [Zahn and J. Weiss think the reference is to the worship of Asclepius the healer. Christians would regard this cult as a caricature of their own religion. Hort says, Doubtless those are right who refer this to the serpent-worship attached to Asclepius. A. S. P.] Antipas: nothing is known about this man, except the fact that he was one of the earliest Christian martyrs.

Revelation 2:14. Balaam: cf. Numbers 31:16; Numbers 25:1 ff. Balaam advised Balak to attempt to seduce the children of Israel from the worship of Yahweh by tempting them to licentiousness. to eat things sacrificed: cf. the discussion in 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 10:14, where Paul lays down the principle that while such eating is a matter of indifference to an enlightened man, yet for the sake of example it is better to abstain (p. 650). In a stronghold of paganism like Pergamum it would be necessary for Christians to take a firm stand in this matter (cf. Revelation 2:20).

Revelation 2:15. Nicolaitans: Revelation 2:6 *.

Revelation 2:17. the hidden manna: Aaron was commanded (Exodus 16:33) to lay up a gold pot of manna before the Lord. According to later Jewish tradition mentioned in 2Ma_2:1-8, this was placed in the Ark when it was hidden away by Jeremiah till the Messiah should appear, at which time, according to the Apocalypse of Baruch, the treasury of manna would again descend from on high (cf. Revelation 11:19 *). a white stone: this phrase has never been explained, and it is still impossible to be certain about the allusion. It has been interpreted of (a) the white pebble used by jurors to signify acquittal; (b) a tablet of admission to banquets or entertainments; (c) the Urim and Thummim (pp. 100 f.) which were inscribed with the Divine name; d) the precious stones which are said in Jewish tradition to have fallen with the manna. But whatever be the origin of the metaphor, the meaning seems obvious. The white stone inscribed with the new name (i.e. the name of Christ) is a kind of charm or amulet which will secure entrance for the Christian into the new kingdom which is to be established. The white stone is thus the symbol of citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.