Revelation 2:12-17

Letter to the church in Pergamos Revelation 2:12-17: Pergamos was a noted Roman city. It was a center for culture and education. It had one of the great libraries of the ancient world. Jesus described Himself to this church as "He which hath the sharp sword with two edges." This sounds very much like Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Jesus knew that these brethren lived in a place of terrible persecution yet they had not denied the Lord. There "Antipas" was described as "my faithful martyr." He is one of the great anonymous heroes of the Bible. There are many who just live, serve, and died quietly for the Lord who are truly heroes!

Even though their situation was very difficult it did not excuse the fact that they had tolerated some false teachers. Jesus said, "I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."

The promise to these brethren was, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."