Are We Faithful to the Lord? (Revelation 2:12-17)
Beware of Trojans. You may have been warned before not to download any strange apps onto your phone. These apps could be Trojans, a common and dangerous form of malware. A Trojan is disguised to make users think it is helpful software. But once downloaded, attackers can use it to scam you by hijacking your phone, stealing your passwords and personal information, and spying on you. This malware gets its name from the mythical Trojan horse, which featured prominently in the Trojan War. According to legend, the Greeks fought the Trojans for ten long years but could not defeat them. Troy’s defences stood firm against the Greeks. To break the stalemate, the Greeks decided to change their tactics. Instead of confrontation, they turned to cunning. The Greeks pretended to sail away from Troy, feigning a retreat. They left behind a giant wooden horse. Thinking it was a peace offering from the “defeated” Greeks, the Trojans happily accepted the gift and brought the horse into the city. That night, when the horse was within the city walls, Greek soldiers emerged from the hollow body of the horse. They opened the city gates and let the rest of the Greek army in. The Trojans were defeated. Troy was sacked and burnt to the ground. The Trojan horse has since become a symbol of deception and of the danger of letting the enemy in.
The Lord will judge the faithless and reward the faithful.
Beware of spiritual Trojan horses. This was Jesus’ concern for the church in Pergamum. Although its defences stood firm against the direct attacks of the evil one, the church was in danger of being deceived by the devil’s devious devices. The Pergamene church endured severe persecution, but left the door open to Satan’s subtle schemes. In the letter to Pergamum, Jesus urges the church to remain faithful by turning away from the false teaching that had infiltrated it. We may be faithful in the face of external dangers, but are we just as watchful against the dangers that emerge within the church? Are we aware of the insidious idols among us that lead us away from the Lord? Are we still faithful to the Lord? We must listen to what the Lord says to the church in Pergamum. May His word renew our watchfulness and faithfulness. The Lord will judge the faithless and reward the faithful.
The Lord will judge the faithless (Rev 2:12-16)
As with the other letters to the churches, the letter to the church in Pergamum begins with a description of Jesus. He gives his diagnosis of the church’s condition and his direction for the church’s response. Revelation 2:12 describes Jesus in this way: The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. The sword represents Jesus’ word. He is described in a similar way in Revelation 1:16 — “From (the Lord’s) mouth came a sharp two-edged sword.” Also in Revelation 19:15 — “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations”. These verses pick up on Isaiah 49:2, where the Servant of the Lord says, “He made my mouth like a sharp sword.” Thus, Jesus is God’s chosen Servant. He has absolute authority to judge the world by His word.
Jesus is God’s chosen Servant. He has absolute authority to judge the world by His word.
Jesus will return to judge, but now He stands ready to save all who repent and believe in Him. Because we have all sinned, we rightly deserve God’s judgement against us. But God, in His grace and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save sinners. Jesus lived the righteous life we should have lived. He died the death we should have died. Jesus bore the judgement we deserved, so that our sins can be forgiven if we trust in Him alone to save us. Jesus rose from the dead to give us righteousness and new life. Jesus saves us from the judgement and wrath to come.
This is comforting to a persecuted and oppressed church. The Lord will save His people and uphold His justice. He will reckon with those who insist on opposing His gospel and His church. The church can rest assured that its suffering is not in vain. The Lord is a righteous judge who will put right all the wrongs that His people endure. We do not have to avenge ourselves, but we can leave it to the Lord. Beloved, entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly. He will not fail to do what is right.
Jesus will also evaluate the church in Pergamum by His word. For a church at risk of compromising with the world, this is an urgent reminder of Jesus’ lordship. He is the Head of the church. We are accountable to Him. We cannot hide from the penetrating power of Jesus’ word. His word is effective and sharp. It pierces our hearts and lays them bare. As Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Jesus, the just Judge, urges the church in Pergamum to be faithful in the face of two dangers: persecution and false teaching. In His report card diagnosing the church’s condition, Jesus gives them an “A” for their patient endurance amid tribulation. Look at Revelation 2:13 — “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” The Lord, who walks among the lampstands, is present with His church. He knows the church’s challenging circumstances. Take heart, beloved. Jesus is neither unaware nor uncaring. He knows our troubles and afflictions. Jesus understands the difficulties we face in a fallen world, which is hostile to Him and his people.
When I lived in the US, I met some young men who lived in bad neighbourhoods surrounded by drugs, gangs, and crime. It was extremely tough growing up in such an environment. The young men who sought a better life faced a lot of external opposition. In a similar way, the church in Pergamum lived in a bad neighbourhood. Jesus describes the city as “where Satan’s throne is” and “where Satan dwells”. Satanic opposition to the church was very strong. Pergamum was a hub of pagan government, culture and religion. As one of the most prominent centres of the imperial cult, it was home to the first-ever temple in Asia venerating a Roman ruler. Pergamum was zealous for emperor-worship. It also had many pagan temples dedicated to a vast array of idols (e.g. Asclepius, the serpent god of healing). Satan held sway over the city. He provoked the persecution of God’s people.
Christians who refused to worship the emperor or the idols were seen as anti-social, subversive and disloyal. Rome was ruthless in punishing those it deemed as threats to its power. The world will love us if we conform and blend in. But if we stand against the world’s beliefs, values and ways, we risk losing our reputation, our standing, and even our lives. The world will cancel and kill us. But despite its difficulties, the church in Pergamum stood firm, even to the point of dying for the faith. Jesus commended the church for holding fast to His name, which represents the glories of His person. Jesus’ name is worth living for; His name is worth dying for. The believers in Pergamum glorified Christ by being faithful unto death. Persecution was especially bad in the days of a believer named Antipas, who was killed for following the Lord. Even then, the Pergamum church did not deny the faith.
Notice two encouraging things: Firstly, see how Jesus knows Antipas. The Good Shepherd cares for His sheep, not one of them will be lost. If we belong to the Lord, He calls each of us by name. What great comfort—that we are personally known by the glorious Lord! He knows what each of us is going through. He sees what we are suffering for his sake. He is pleased by our perseverance. Beloved, be encouraged to press on. The Lord knows our faithfulness. A life lived for the Lord will never be futile. Even if the world should forget and forsake us, our Lord will remember and reward us. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Jesus cherished Antipas’ life and death.
Secondly, see how Jesus calls Antipas “my faithful witness”. What a privilege to share the same description as Jesus! In 1:5, Jesus is known as “the faithful witness”. Our English word “martyr” comes from the Greek word for “witness”. In the early church, the word for witness became synonymous with testifying to the Lord, even unto death. Antipas followed the Lord to the end, sharing in His suffering. Like Jesus, Antipas conquered by being faithful unto death. If we suffer with Christ, we will also be glorified with Him. Antipas fought the good fight and kept the faith. His example encouraged the rest of the church to do the same. The church did not give up, even amid severe affliction. Beloved, follow faithful examples of perseverance. This is one of the reasons why we need the church. As we live out our Christian lives in community, we portray to one another what it looks like to follow Jesus. At the end of the service, we will be welcoming twelve new members into the church. As members with them, we are responsible for encouraging one another to press on in Christ.
But not all is well with the church in Pergamum. Although it resisted the world’s opposition, it allowed the world’s corruption to slip in. Jesus calls out the church for compromising with false teaching in Revelation 2:14-15. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Some in the church had embraced false teaching, but the rest of the church did nothing about it. Notice how Jesus holds the whole church responsible, not just the offending parties.
Individualism and consumerism are big problems in the church. Some of us may have a wrong understanding of church and the Christian life. We think that as long as we’re spiritually OK, it does not matter how the other members in the church are doing. We just care about ourselves. Or, we may think that if we’re not doing well spiritually, then it is our own problem and none of the church’s business. Jesus calls out such self-centred ways of thinking in His warning to the church in Pergamum.
Yes, following Jesus is a matter of personal repentance and trust in Him. But a personal faith is not a private faith. The normal Christian life is lived in a covenant community, together with other members of God’s family. Therefore, we are to be members of a local church in a meaningful way, committing ourselves to actively love and serve one another. We should not be indifferent to the spiritual state of our brothers and sisters. The church in Pergamum seems to have forgotten this basic Christian commitment. Perhaps each person was so focused on the persecution that they overlooked the importance of caring for one another’s spiritual health.
So, Jesus calls the members of the Pergamene church to action. The whole church is to care for the whole church. If some among us stray from the faith, the rest of us are obligated by love to reach out to them in the hope of bringing them back. Many verses in the New Testament call us to do this for one another.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (Matt 18:15)”
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Gal 6:1-2)”
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)”
“Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 22-23)”
By joining a local church, we are committing ourselves to care for one another’s spiritual health. Lovingly exhort and admonish one another now, so that we do not have to bear the Lord’s judgement when he returns. To do nothing when a brother or sister strays is not loving. Therefore, Jesus is displeased with the church in Pergamum for not addressing the false teaching among its members.
Loving the world will cause us to forsake the faith.
What is the nature of the false teaching? Jesus likens it to the teaching of the false prophet Balaam in the Old Testament. In the Book of Numbers, Balak the king of Moab hired Balaam to curse Israel. But God thwarted their plans, and Balaam could only speak words of blessing upon the people of God. But shortly after, Balaam proposed a different approach. Since open opposition did not work, they would try subtle seduction. The temptation succeeded. Israel was ensnared by sexual sin with Moabite and Midianite women and led into idolatry. Because of their apostasy, God judged the Israelites and 24,000 of them died by a plague. Church, heed the Lord’s warning: Loving the world will cause us to forsake the faith.
The church in Pergamum is in similar spiritual danger to Old Testament Israel. Satan has more than one trick up his sleeve. If he can’t destroy the church by persecution, he will dilute the church with worldliness. If tribulation and trouble do not work, the devil will use pleasure and prosperity to draw us away from the Lord. The church in Pergamum was under pressure to conform to the culture. The world seeks to assimilate us into its way of believing, thinking and living. The pressure can come in the form of persecution. Or, it can come nicely gift-wrapped, with the alluring promise of acceptance and approval. The Trojan horse of worldliness is tempting. Worldliness is not just a problem “out there”, it is also a problem in here — in the church, in our hearts. How have we welcomed this Trojan horse into our lives and into the church, unaware of the damage and destruction it causes? The “stumbling block” (Rev 2:14) is not a small slip-up; it is a catastrophic collapse, a forsaking of the faith, a failure to be faithful until the end.
The Pergamum church did not realise the severity of their situation. They continued to entertain those who held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which is probably the same group as those who held the teaching of Balaam. The false teaching said it was alright for Christians to take part in idolatry by eating food for idols and by practising sexual immorality, which was closely associated with pagan practices. Maybe the reasoning went like this: To survive and succeed in the culture, we must conform to the culture. We need to compromise with the world to be accepted by the world. If we do not fit in, the world will pass us by. So, we do as the world does, chase after what the world wants, boast about what the world has to offer.
The sin of worldliness is subtle because it is acceptable or even respectable in the culture. We may think it is alright to worship health, work, wealth, power, pleasure, prosperity, sex, success and self because everyone else is doing it. In fact, those who do it do rather well for themselves. Worldliness is tempting because it speaks to our fears — our fear of missing out or losing out, our fear of being left out or left behind. Worldliness also speaks to our wants — our desire for more; our desire for satisfaction and security; our desire for comfort and control; our desire to be first and to make a name for ourselves. When we bring worldliness into the church, the church becomes just like the world. We lose our distinctive flavour; the salt loses its saltiness. How can the church continue to be a lampstand to shine the light of Christ, if we look more like the world than the Lord?
Are we faithful to the Lord? Or, have we bought into the Nicolaitan lie that we can have our cake and eat it too, that we can love Jesus and still love the world? The remedy is repentance. Listen to Jesus’ words in Revelation 2:16 — “Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.” In the case of the Pergamene church, repentance means disciplining those who insist on holding on to false teaching. If not, Jesus will come and carry out the discipline hHmself. His coming could refer to the final judgement. Or, it could refer to how the Lord will deal with the wayward even now. The New Testament examples of Judas, Ananias, Sapphira, and Demas are sober warnings of judgement. The Lord will not hesitate to act for the sake of his glory in his church. Stop flirting with the world. Cast away our idols. Turn back to the glorious Lord and worship Him only. He is worthy of our adoration and devotion. He graciously calls us to return to Him. He is faithful and just to forgive us. Repent, for the Lord will judge the faithless and reward the faithful.
The Lord will reward the faithful (Rev 2:17)
Jesus promises to give us true life, identity and belonging.
The letter to the church in Pergamum ends in Revelation 2:17 with an exhortation to listen to the Lord, who speaks to the churches by the Spirit. There is also a promise to those who conquer by forsaking worldliness and by keeping their faith in Christ to the end. The Lord will reward the faithful by giving them two things: the hidden manna and a white stone, with a new name written on the stone. Some in the Pergamene church had drifted away from Jesus. They tried to fit in with the world by being like the world. But the world’s acceptance and approval are fickle and fleeting. False gods make false promises that will never be fulfilled. Only Jesus can give us an eternal reward that will never pass away. So, cling to Christ. He promises to give us true life, identity, and belonging.
The hidden manna refers to the heavenly bread we have in Christ. Just as God provided life-giving manna to sustain Israel in the wilderness, so Jesus feeds us true, spiritual food. Indeed, Jesus is the Bread of Life. He died and rose from the grave to give us new life. Whoever trusts in Jesus shall not hunger, but have eternal life. For now, however, this manna is hidden. It is a future reward that awaits those who patiently endure and wait for the Lord’s return. We walk by faith, not by sight. What we will be has not yet appeared. Our new life is remains hidden with Christ. But when He appears, we will also appear with Him in glory. We shall be like Christ, because we shall see Him as He is. So, do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by Jesus. Antipas, who was faithful unto death, did not die in vain. He will be raised with the Lord. We too will be glorified with Christ if we persevere in Him.
The white stone is another way of describing the reward Jesus gives us. In New Testament times, such stones were given to persons acquitted by a court of law. The colour white indicates righteousness and holiness. Only Jesus can make us right with God. Jesus the Judge is also the one who justifies. The stone He gives us symbolises our acceptance and His approval. White stones were also given to the winners of competitions, allowing them to take part in victory banquets. The believers in Pergamum were tempted to take part in pagan festivals and feasts to gain social standing. Christians who refused to eat food sacrificed to idols were treated as social outcasts. They had no place at the table. But do not fear the world’s rejection, for what Jesus promises is far better. His approval is what matters most. In Christ, we can look forward to far better food at a far better feast: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Rev 19:9)” The Lord will “make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined (Isa. 25:6)”. Our souls shall be abundantly satisfied. We will no longer hunger or thirst. We will feast with King Jesus, who will swallow up death forever and wipe away the tears from all our faces.
The stone is inscribed with a new name … that no one knows except the one who receives it. This refers to our new identity in the Lord and the personal relationship we enjoy with Him. Do not be tempted to find our identity and belonging in the world. Christ is all we need. He puts His name on us, for He is not ashamed to call us His own. Isaiah 62:2 says, “The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give.” This name is known only to the one who receives it. This speaks to the intimacy of our personal relationship with the Lord. We know and love Him, because He first knew and loved us. Jesus is ours and we are His forever.
Beware the Trojan horse of worldliness. Do not love the world. Nothing this world has to offer can compare with Jesus. The Lord has promised us Himself. How rich we are in Him! The Lord, who will judge the faithless, will reward the faithful. So, press on. May we keep our faith in Jesus to the very end.