January 7 - Revelation. Pergamum (pt. 1)

January 7 – Revelation, Pergamum (pt. 1)
Revelation 2:12-17

It looks like I’m going to break this up into two days – there is just that much information to absorb! One of the things that excites me the most about these letters is the fact that we see first century word pictures that meant something to the readers along with the timeless truths that we recognize for our own lives and our church life.

Let me introduce you to the next city along the route. From Smyrna, you would travel north along the coast for 40 miles and then head inland 10 miles. This was the capital city. There was a library here that would have dropped me to my knees, holding over 200,000 volumes.

The city was built on a cone-shaped hill that stood over 1000 feet. The name in Greek means ‘citadel.’ Just at the top of the mountain was the great altar of Zeus. Worship of Zeus, ,Athena, Dionysus and Asklepios (the god of healing) occurred within Pergamum and was also the official center for the imperial cult as well.

Pergamum was the first city to receive permission to build a temple dedicated to the worship of a living ruler – Augustus, in 29 BC.

Jesus identified himself to the church in Pergamum as the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword (Rev. 2:12). This word picture would have been easily recognized by anyone in the province.

Roman officials held power that few others had. The Roman carried a sword that was different from others in the world. Orientals carried a scimitar and Greeks used a cutting sword. But, the Romans used a sword with a sharp point and double edge. It was a cut and thrust sword. This was the symbol of the highest order of authority and the Roman Proconsul (living in Pergamum, since it was the capital) had the power of life or death or ‘just gladii.’ He could execute at will.

When Jesus reminded the people that he had the sharp double-edged sword, he was reminding them that He had ultimate control over life and death.

To the people in the church, though, this was also a strong reminder that the sword of the Spirit was the Word of God. This church desperately needed to be reminded of that power. They were surrounded by religions that attacked the basic structure of their beliefs. At the highest point of the city was a tribute to Zeus.

Read on in Revelation 2. “I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives.” (Rev. 2:13)

Satan’s throne was visible to the church of Pergamum. That high point in the city - the altar to Zeus was right there in front of them. It was an immense throne. They faced their neighbors and friends who worshiped many different gods and the emperor. Antipas was executed for his faith. He must have been an incredible man to warrant this special notice by Jesus.

They’ve been faithful … nevertheless …