To His Church in Pergamum

The church at Ephesus resisted false teaching, and Smyrna endured persecution. Believers at Pergamum battled both fronts. Twice Jesus acknowledges Satan’s throne and presence in their midst (the only city where Satan is said to have his throne!). Pergamum was the first city in Asia Minor to build a temple for emperor worship, boasting of itself as a “temple-warden.” As such, it became a leading center for this idolatrous practice. Pergamum was also a center for the cult of Asclepius, the god of healing whose symbol was a serpent. Furthermore, Pergamum had various pagan temples, including one in the form of the throne of Zeus, the father of the gods. Satan’s evil workings led to Antipas’s martyrdom, yet Jesus commends believers there for holding fast to His name and not denying the faith. Satan has also been sowing seeds of false doctrine among them, for some are guilty of harboring/condoning Nicolaitan heresy (sexual and spiritual immorality). Jesus calls His church to repent, lest He wield His sharp two-edged sword against them. Believers who conquer in faith receive hidden manna (to be consumed at the marriage feast of the Lamb - 19:9) and a white stone with a new name written upon it. White stones were given to victors at games as entrance passes to a great banquet, as well as by jurors at trials to vote for acquittal. Both gifts suggest different types of eternal blessing and reward.