Revelation 2:12
Verse
Context
Sermons
Willie Mullan
Stephen Kaung
Joshua Daniel
Carter Conlon
Shane Idleman
Phil Beach Jr.Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The angel of the Church in Pergamos - See the description of this place, Rev 1:11. Which hath the sharp sword - See on Rev 1:16 (note). The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, cuts every way; it convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; pierces between the joints and the marrow, divides between the soul and spirit, dissects the whole mind, and exhibits a regular anatomy of the soul. It not only reproves and exposes sin, but it slays the ungodly, pointing out and determining the punishment they shall endure. Jesus has the sword with the two edges, because he is the Savior of sinners, and the Judge of quick and dead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
TRENCH prefers writing Pergamus, or rather, Pergamum, on the river Caicus. It was capital of Attalus the Second's kingdom, which was bequeathed by him to the Romans, 133 B.C. Famous for its library, founded by Eumenes (197-159), and destroyed by Caliph Omar. Parchment, that is, Pergamena charta, was here discovered for book purposes. Also famous for the magnificent temple of Æsculapius, the healing god [TACITUS, Annals, 3.63]. he which hath the sharp sword with two edges--appropriate to His address having a twofold bearing, a searching power so as to convict and convert some (Rev 2:13, Rev 2:17), and to convict and condemn to punishment others (Rev 2:14-16, especially Rev 2:16; compare also see on Rev 1:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,.... Of the city of Pergamos; see Gill on Rev 1:11. In it was a church of Christ, but when it begun, and how long it lasted, is not certain. Antipas, who is mentioned, Rev 2:13; is thought, by some, to have been the pastor of it. Though, according to the Apostolical Constitutions (s), Caius was the first bishop of it; and it appears, that in the "second" century there were several in this place that suffered martyrdom for Christ, as Carpus, Papulus, and a woman whose name was Agathonice (t). Attalus, the martyr, who suffered in the same century, was also a native of this place (u). In the "fifth" century there was a bishop of Pergamos in the council at Ephesus; and in the "sixth" century, there was one in the "fifth" synod at Constantinople; and in the "seventh" century, Theodorus, bishop of the church here, was in the sixth synod held at the same place; and in the "eighth" century one Pastilas was bishop of Pergamos; and in the same age, Basil, bishop of this place, was in the Nicene synod (w); and the Christian name now is not wholly, though almost extinct; for when our countryman, Dr. Smith (x), was there, there was a little church called St. Theodore's, whither a priest was frequently sent from Smyrna, to perform divine service, there being but a very few Christian families in it. This church represents the church from the time of Constantine, and onward, rising up to, and enjoying great power, riches, and honour Pergamos signifies high and lofty; things that were sublime and lofty, were, by the Greeks, called , and also all high and lofty towers (y). It was built under a very high and steep mountain, upon the top of which a tower was erected, by the lords of the lesser Asia, which still continues (z). The church it represents had its principal seat at Rome, where Satan dwelt, Rev 2:13; which signifies exalted likewise; and it introduces the man of sin, antichrist, the popes of Rome, who exalted themselves above all that is called God, princes, kings, and emperors; whom they excommunicated, dethroned, trod upon their necks, kicked off their crowns, and obliged them to hold their stirrups while they mounted their horses, with other haughty action, too many to name, These things, saith he, which hath the sharp sword with two edges: of which See Gill on Rev 1:16; This title is used partly to show, that the only weapon this church, and the true ministers and members of it had, to defend themselves against the growing corruptions of antichrist, who in this interval rose up by degrees, and was revealed, and came to the height of his power, was the word of God, the Scriptures of truth; and partly to show, that in process of time, though not in this period, the man of sin should be destroyed, with the breath of Christ's mouth, and the brightness of his coming; of which his fighting against the Nicolaitans, with the sword of his mouth, Rev 2:16; is an emblem, (s) L. 7. c. 46. (t) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 15. (u) Ib. l. 5. c. 1. (w) Hist. Eccl. Magdeburgh. cent. 5. c. 2. p. 3. cent. 6. c. 2. p. 4. cent. 7. c. 2. p. 3. c. 10. p. 254. cent. 8. c. 2. p. 4. (x) Notitia, p. 120. (y) Servius in Virgil. Aeneid. l. 1. p. 403, & l. 2. p. 633. Ed Basil. 1586. (z) Smith. Notitia, p. 112.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here also we are to consider, I. The inscription of this message. 1. To whom it was sent: To the angel of the church of Pergamos. Whether this was a city raised up out of the ruins of old Troy, a Troy nouveau (as our London was once called), or some other city of the same name, is neither certain nor material; it was a place where Christ had called and constituted a gospel church, by the preaching of the gospel and the grace of his Spirit making the word effectual. 2. Who it was that sent this message to Pergamos: the same Jesus who here describes himself as one that hath the sharp sword with two edges (Rev 1:16), out of whose mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. Some have observed that, in the several titles of Christ which are prefixed to the several epistles, there is something suited to the state of those churches; as in that to Ephesus, what could be more proper to awaken and recover a drowsy and declining church than to hear Christ speaking as one that held the stars in his hand, and walked in the midst of the golden candlesticks? etc. The church of Pergamos was infested with men of corrupt minds, who did what they could to corrupt both the faith and manners of the church; and Christ, being resolved to fight against them by the sword of his word, takes the title of him that hath the sharp sword with two edges. (1.) The word of God is a sword; it is a weapon both offensive and defensive, it is, in the hand of God, able to slay both sin and sinners. (2.) It is a sharp sword. No heart is so hard but it is able to cut it; it can divide asunder between the soul and the spirit, that is, between the soul and those sinful habits that by custom have become another soul, or seem to be essential to it. (3.) It is a sword with two edges; it turns and cuts every way. There is the edge of the law against the transgressors of that dispensation, and the edge of the gospel against the despisers of that dispensation; there is an edge to make a wound, and an edge to open a festered wound in order to its healing. There is no escaping the edge of this sword: if you turn aside to the right hand, it has an edge on that side; if on the left hand, you fall upon the edge of the sword on that side; it turns every way. II. From the inscription we proceed to the contents of the epistle, in which the method is much the same as is observed in the rest. Here, 1. Christ takes notice of the trials and difficulties this church encountered with: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, etc., Rev 2:13. The works of God's servants are best known when the circumstances under which they did those works are duly considered. Now that which added very much lustre to the good works of this church was the circumstance of the place where this church was planted, a place where Satan's seat was. As our great Lord takes notice of all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he takes notice of all the temptations and discouragements we meet with from the places where we dwell, and makes gracious allowances for them. This people dwelt where Satan's seat was, where he kept his court. His circuit is throughout the world, his seat is in some places that are infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Some think that the Roman governor in this city was a most violent enemy to the Christians; and the seat of persecution is Satan's seat. 2. He commends their stedfastness: Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. These two expressions are much the same in sense; the former may, however, signify the effect and the latter the cause or means. (1.) "Thou holdest fast my name; thou art not ashamed of thy relation to me, but accountest it thine honour that my name is named on thee, that, as the wife bears the name of the husband, so thou art called by my name; this thou holdest fast, as thine honour and privilege." (2.) "That which has made thee thus faithful is the grace of faith: thou hast not denied the great doctrines of the gospel, nor departed from the Christian faith, and by that means thou hast been kept faithful." Our faith will have a great influence upon our faithfulness. Men who deny the faith of Christ may boast very much of their sincerity, and faithfulness to God and conscience; but it has been seldom known that those who let go the true faith retained their fidelity; usually on that rock on which men make shipwreck of their faith they make shipwreck of a good conscience too. And here our blessed Lord aggrandizes the fidelity of this church from the circumstance of the times, as well as of the place where they lived: they had been stedfast even in those days wherein Antipas his faithful martyr was slain among them. Who this person was, and whether there be anything mysterious in his name, we have no certain account. He was a faithful disciple of Christ, he suffered martyrdom for it, and sealed his faith and fidelity with his blood in the place where Satan dwelt; and though the rest of the believers there knew this, and saw it, yet they were not discouraged nor drawn away from their stedfastness: this is mentioned as an addition to their honour. 3. He reproves them for their sinful failures (Rev 2:14): But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, etc., and those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. There were some who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin; they, by an impure worship, drew men into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Observe, (1.) The filthiness of the spirit and the filthiness of the flesh often go together. Corrupt doctrines and a corrupt worship often lead to a corrupt conversation. (2.) It is very lawful to fix the name of the leaders of any heresy upon those who follow them. It is the shortest way of telling whom we mean. (3.) To continue in communion with persons of corrupt principles and practices is displeasing to God, draws a guilt and blemish upon the whole society: they become partakers of other men's sins. Though the church, as such, has no power to punish the persons of men, either for heresy or immorality, with corporal penalties, yet it has power to exclude them from its communion; and, if it do not so, Christ, the head and lawgiver of the church, will be displeased with it. 4. He calls them to repentance: Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, etc., Rev 2:16. Observe here, (1.) Repentance is the duty of saints as well as sinners; it is a gospel duty. (2.) It is the duty of churches and communities as well as particular persons; those who sin together should repent together. (3.) It is the duty of Christian societies to repent of other men's sins, as far as they have been accessory to them, though but so much as by connivance. (4.) When God comes to punish the corrupt members of a church, he rebukes that church itself for allowing such to continue in its communion, and some drops of the storm fall upon the whole society. (5.) No sword cuts so deep, nor inflicts so mortal a wound, as the sword of Christ's mouth. Let but the threatenings of the word be set home upon the conscience of a sinner, and he will soon be a terror to himself; let these threatenings be executed, and the sinner is utterly cut off. The word of God will take hold of sinners, sooner or later, either for their conviction or their confusion. III. We have the conclusion of this epistle, where, after the usual demand of universal attention, there is the promise of great favour to those that overcome. They shall eat of the hidden manna, and have the new name, and the white stone, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it, Rev 2:17. 1. The hidden manna, the influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ in communion with him, coming down from heaven into the soul, from time to time, for its support, to let it taste something how saints and angels live in heaven. This is hidden from the rest of the world - a stranger intermeddles not with this joy; and it is laid up in Christ, the ark of the covenant, in the holy of holies. 2. The white stone, with a new name engraven upon it. This white stone is absolution from the guilt of sin, alluding to the ancient custom of giving a white stone to those acquitted on trial and a black stone to those condemned. The new name is the name of adoption: adopted persons took the name of the family into which they were adopted. None can read the evidence of a man's adoption but himself; he cannot always read it, but if he persevere he shall have both the evidence of sonship and the inheritance.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:12-17 The letter to the church in Pergamum portrays Christians who are tempted to compromise their morality and their loyalty to God. The city of Pergamum was the earliest capital of the Roman province of Asia. It contained a famous library, and its citizens developed the use of animal skins as writing materials. 2:12 Christ’s sharp two-edged sword indicates that these Christians would receive the Lord’s most severe judgment (see 2:16; see study note on 1:16). The two-edged sword was the Roman symbol of authority, which typified Pergamum as capital of the province. If the church failed, the true governor of the city (Christ) would turn his authority against them.
Revelation 2:12
To the Church in Pergamum
11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death. 12To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Revelation) the Church at Pergamos
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:03:32PergamosREV 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being a worldly Christian and warns that aligning oneself with the world makes one an enemy of God. The sermon is based on the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 2, where Jesus addresses the seven churches. Jesus commends those who are faithful and through witnesses, but also warns about the dangers of compromise. The preacher encourages the congregation to keep their focus on Jesus and to overcome the challenges they face, promising that those who overcome will receive blessings such as eating from the hidden manna and receiving a white stone with a new name written on it.
Testimony of Jesus - Search for the Testimony
By Stephen Kaung1.3K1:15:15TestimonyEPH 2:1REV 1:13REV 2:8REV 2:12REV 2:18REV 3:1REV 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of the Lord and the Church as God intends it to be. He refers to the seven golden landscapes representing the seven churches in Asia, which were meant to bear the testimony of Jesus. The speaker highlights that the Lord is constantly searching for his testimony among his people and measures the church based on it. He urges believers to repent if the testimony is distorted or lost and warns against substituting it with other things.
(Spiritual Preparedness #1) the Remnant Church
By Ed Miller1.3K52:43REV 1:18REV 2:1REV 2:8REV 2:12REV 22:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and being prepared for the coming of the Lord. The terminal point of the book of Revelation is highlighted, where Jesus declares that He is coming and urges the churches to be ready. The sermon begins by reading a passage from Revelation chapter 1, which describes the glorious appearance of Jesus and His imminent return. The speaker also emphasizes the need for total reliance on the Holy Spirit in studying God's Word and highlights the desire of God to reveal Himself to His people.
Christ's Message to the Church in Pergamos - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel87928:30GEN 15:1DAN 9:20MAT 18:6REV 2:12REV 2:16
This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of repentance, standing firm in faith, and avoiding accommodation of worldly practices. It highlights the need to renounce sin, trust in God's protection and provision, and not be a stumbling block to others. The message warns against compromising with evil, emphasizes the significance of repentance for personal and national sins, and stresses the consequences of straying from God's truth.
The Church at Satan's Throne
By Carter Conlon85647:01REV 2:12This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the church at Satan's throne. It emphasizes the need for the church to maintain purity and faithfulness amidst the darkness and temptations of the world. The message calls for repentance from compromising teachings and behaviors, urging believers to turn back to God and embrace His grace for transformation and victory over sin.
The Dangers of the Silent Compromising Church
By Shane Idleman43655:46REV 2:12This sermon delves into the concept of the compromising silent church as depicted in Revelation 2. It challenges listeners to consider what Jesus would say about their worship, prayer life, and personal conduct if He visited their church. The sermon emphasizes the need to address compromise, remove destructive influences, and pursue purity to experience God's power. It highlights the importance of overcoming sin and embracing the new nature in Christ, symbolized by the white stone and new name. Ultimately, it underscores the transformative power of the blood of Jesus in cleansing and restoring believers.
The Zeal of Phineas - Numbers 25
By Phil Beach Jr.2600:00PhineasHoliness and RighteousnessTrue Zeal for GodREV 2:12Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of having true zeal for God, contrasting it with false zeal that lacks knowledge. He draws from the story of Phinehas in Numbers 25, who acted with righteous zeal to stop a plague among the Israelites caused by their sin. Beach encourages believers to seek a holy zeal that aligns with God's honor, urging them to confront and eliminate sin in their lives. He highlights the need for the church to be vigilant against teachings that corrupt and weaken their faith, advocating for a return to true holiness and commitment to God. Ultimately, he calls for a personal response to God's Word, inviting the Holy Spirit to ignite a passion for righteousness within each believer.
Christianity Is a Person
By Joseph Carroll2541:28Personal Relationship with ChristCommitment to GodChristianityREV 2:12Joseph Carroll emphasizes that Christianity is fundamentally a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than merely a set of doctrines or a means to an end. He challenges the audience to reflect on their understanding of Christianity, urging them to cultivate a deep love for Christ that transcends mere attendance or ritualistic practices. Carroll warns against the dangers of complacency and self-centeredness, encouraging believers to fully commit their lives to Christ and prioritize their relationship with Him above all else. He stresses that true love for Jesus will manifest in one's actions and desires, ultimately leading to a fulfilling Christian life. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a heartfelt plea for genuine devotion to Christ.
Pergamos: A Church With Compromise (Rev. 2:12-17)
By Mike Bickle2154:51Call to RepentanceCompromise in the ChurchREV 2:12Mike Bickle addresses the church of Pergamos in Revelation 2:12-17, emphasizing the dangers of compromise within the church. He highlights three groups: those who are faithful, those who compromise, and those who tolerate the compromise without taking a stand. The Lord calls for repentance from all groups, warning that He will act decisively against those who embrace false teachings that promote sin under the guise of grace. Bickle encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to confront false doctrines that lead to spiritual compromise, reminding them of the promises given to those who overcome.
Encountering Jesus: Overcoming Temptation (Rev. 2), Part 1
By Mike Bickle2156:28Spiritual ObedienceOvercoming TemptationREV 2:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of overcoming temptation through a deep encounter with Jesus, focusing on the dangers of immorality and idolatry as highlighted in Revelation 2. He warns that these sins can dull our spirits and grant access to Satan, urging believers to live in obedience to experience God's power. Bickle stresses that understanding Jesus' nature—His authority, love, and desire for us—can empower us to resist temptation. He encourages the congregation to seek a vibrant relationship with Christ, which is essential for spiritual vitality and overcoming sin.
A Deal With the Devil - When Truth Is Compromised
By Shane Idleman1550:04TruthCompromiseREV 2:12Shane Idleman addresses the critical issue of truth in his sermon 'A Deal With the Devil - When Truth Is Compromised,' emphasizing the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return amidst various interpretations of the rapture and the end times. He warns against the dangers of compromising the truth, illustrating that even slight deviations can lead believers away from God's intended path. Idleman uses the metaphor of a lighthouse to highlight that truth is unchangeable and must not be diluted for the sake of popularity or acceptance. He encourages the church to remain steadfast in faith, to evangelize, and to confront the challenges of a world that seeks to undermine biblical principles. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a return to a fervent relationship with Christ, reminding listeners that faith must be tested to be trusted.
(The Lord and His Church) 6. the Worldly Church
By Zac Poonen0EXO 16:33JHN 12:48ACT 20:28EPH 6:17HEB 10:201PE 5:8REV 2:12Zac Poonen preaches about the church in Pergamum, commended for holding fast to the faith amidst persecution, especially highlighting the faithful witness of Antipas who stood uncompromisingly for God's truth. However, after Antipas' death, the church declined spiritually, succumbing to the teachings of Balaam and Nicolaitans, leading to worldliness and idolatry within. Poonen emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, even in the face of opposition, and warns against tolerating sin and compromise within the church, urging repentance and a return to God's truth.
The Seven Churches
By W.J. Erdman0REV 1:9REV 2:1REV 2:8REV 2:12REV 2:18REV 3:1REV 3:7REV 3:14W.J. Erdman preaches on the powerful vision of Christ among the churches in the Book of Revelation, emphasizing His presence and authority over the Universal Church. The vision reveals Christ's priestly and judicial role, offering praise, warnings, and promises to the churches. The seven letters to the churches address specific commendations, rebukes, and promises, reflecting the various conditions of the historic and present-day church. Each letter follows a structured format, highlighting the Author's description, praise or censure, words of encouragement or warning, and promises to the overcomers.
The Victor's Life Secret
By Paris Reidhead0Faithfulness in AdversityThe Call to RepentanceREV 2:12Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the church in Pergamos, highlighting its steadfastness in faith amidst a city dominated by evil. He warns against the dangers of false teachings, such as those of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes, which can infiltrate the church and lead believers astray. Reidhead calls for repentance and a return to the true teachings of Christ, asserting that the church must remain a beacon of hope and truth in the heart of the city, where spiritual battles are most intense. He encourages believers to embrace their role in the city, proclaiming the power of Christ's name and the necessity of standing firm in faith. Ultimately, he assures that those who overcome will be rewarded with the hidden manna and a new name from Christ.
Readings on 1 Peter 2
By John Nelson Darby0Christ's AuthorityFaithfulness in Trials1PE 2:91JN 5:4REV 1:8REV 2:10REV 2:12REV 2:16REV 3:5REV 3:7REV 3:11REV 3:20John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Christ's character as it relates to the conditions of the seven churches, particularly highlighting His attributes of judgment and authority. In Smyrna, He is presented as 'The first and the last, which was dead, and is alive,' offering comfort amidst tribulation. Darby discusses the importance of understanding the unseen realities behind events, illustrating how God's judgment operates in both human responsibility and divine holiness. He warns against the seduction of the church by worldly influences, particularly in Pergamos and Thyatira, and stresses the need for faithfulness and separation from corruption. Ultimately, he calls believers to hold fast to Christ's truth as they await His return.
The Sword in the Shadow
By Allan Halton0ISA 27:1ISA 34:5ISA 49:1JHN 16:131CO 12:12EPH 6:17HEB 4:12REV 1:16REV 2:12Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming desensitized. He highlights the power of the spoken word, drawing from Isaiah's prophecy about Christ and the corporate entity of believers as a sharp sword in God's hand. Halton underscores the importance of believers yielding to the Spirit to become instruments of God's powerful sword, purifying the Church, impacting heavenly realms, and confronting spiritual adversaries with divine authority.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The angel of the Church in Pergamos - See the description of this place, Rev 1:11. Which hath the sharp sword - See on Rev 1:16 (note). The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, cuts every way; it convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; pierces between the joints and the marrow, divides between the soul and spirit, dissects the whole mind, and exhibits a regular anatomy of the soul. It not only reproves and exposes sin, but it slays the ungodly, pointing out and determining the punishment they shall endure. Jesus has the sword with the two edges, because he is the Savior of sinners, and the Judge of quick and dead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
TRENCH prefers writing Pergamus, or rather, Pergamum, on the river Caicus. It was capital of Attalus the Second's kingdom, which was bequeathed by him to the Romans, 133 B.C. Famous for its library, founded by Eumenes (197-159), and destroyed by Caliph Omar. Parchment, that is, Pergamena charta, was here discovered for book purposes. Also famous for the magnificent temple of Æsculapius, the healing god [TACITUS, Annals, 3.63]. he which hath the sharp sword with two edges--appropriate to His address having a twofold bearing, a searching power so as to convict and convert some (Rev 2:13, Rev 2:17), and to convict and condemn to punishment others (Rev 2:14-16, especially Rev 2:16; compare also see on Rev 1:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,.... Of the city of Pergamos; see Gill on Rev 1:11. In it was a church of Christ, but when it begun, and how long it lasted, is not certain. Antipas, who is mentioned, Rev 2:13; is thought, by some, to have been the pastor of it. Though, according to the Apostolical Constitutions (s), Caius was the first bishop of it; and it appears, that in the "second" century there were several in this place that suffered martyrdom for Christ, as Carpus, Papulus, and a woman whose name was Agathonice (t). Attalus, the martyr, who suffered in the same century, was also a native of this place (u). In the "fifth" century there was a bishop of Pergamos in the council at Ephesus; and in the "sixth" century, there was one in the "fifth" synod at Constantinople; and in the "seventh" century, Theodorus, bishop of the church here, was in the sixth synod held at the same place; and in the "eighth" century one Pastilas was bishop of Pergamos; and in the same age, Basil, bishop of this place, was in the Nicene synod (w); and the Christian name now is not wholly, though almost extinct; for when our countryman, Dr. Smith (x), was there, there was a little church called St. Theodore's, whither a priest was frequently sent from Smyrna, to perform divine service, there being but a very few Christian families in it. This church represents the church from the time of Constantine, and onward, rising up to, and enjoying great power, riches, and honour Pergamos signifies high and lofty; things that were sublime and lofty, were, by the Greeks, called , and also all high and lofty towers (y). It was built under a very high and steep mountain, upon the top of which a tower was erected, by the lords of the lesser Asia, which still continues (z). The church it represents had its principal seat at Rome, where Satan dwelt, Rev 2:13; which signifies exalted likewise; and it introduces the man of sin, antichrist, the popes of Rome, who exalted themselves above all that is called God, princes, kings, and emperors; whom they excommunicated, dethroned, trod upon their necks, kicked off their crowns, and obliged them to hold their stirrups while they mounted their horses, with other haughty action, too many to name, These things, saith he, which hath the sharp sword with two edges: of which See Gill on Rev 1:16; This title is used partly to show, that the only weapon this church, and the true ministers and members of it had, to defend themselves against the growing corruptions of antichrist, who in this interval rose up by degrees, and was revealed, and came to the height of his power, was the word of God, the Scriptures of truth; and partly to show, that in process of time, though not in this period, the man of sin should be destroyed, with the breath of Christ's mouth, and the brightness of his coming; of which his fighting against the Nicolaitans, with the sword of his mouth, Rev 2:16; is an emblem, (s) L. 7. c. 46. (t) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 15. (u) Ib. l. 5. c. 1. (w) Hist. Eccl. Magdeburgh. cent. 5. c. 2. p. 3. cent. 6. c. 2. p. 4. cent. 7. c. 2. p. 3. c. 10. p. 254. cent. 8. c. 2. p. 4. (x) Notitia, p. 120. (y) Servius in Virgil. Aeneid. l. 1. p. 403, & l. 2. p. 633. Ed Basil. 1586. (z) Smith. Notitia, p. 112.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here also we are to consider, I. The inscription of this message. 1. To whom it was sent: To the angel of the church of Pergamos. Whether this was a city raised up out of the ruins of old Troy, a Troy nouveau (as our London was once called), or some other city of the same name, is neither certain nor material; it was a place where Christ had called and constituted a gospel church, by the preaching of the gospel and the grace of his Spirit making the word effectual. 2. Who it was that sent this message to Pergamos: the same Jesus who here describes himself as one that hath the sharp sword with two edges (Rev 1:16), out of whose mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. Some have observed that, in the several titles of Christ which are prefixed to the several epistles, there is something suited to the state of those churches; as in that to Ephesus, what could be more proper to awaken and recover a drowsy and declining church than to hear Christ speaking as one that held the stars in his hand, and walked in the midst of the golden candlesticks? etc. The church of Pergamos was infested with men of corrupt minds, who did what they could to corrupt both the faith and manners of the church; and Christ, being resolved to fight against them by the sword of his word, takes the title of him that hath the sharp sword with two edges. (1.) The word of God is a sword; it is a weapon both offensive and defensive, it is, in the hand of God, able to slay both sin and sinners. (2.) It is a sharp sword. No heart is so hard but it is able to cut it; it can divide asunder between the soul and the spirit, that is, between the soul and those sinful habits that by custom have become another soul, or seem to be essential to it. (3.) It is a sword with two edges; it turns and cuts every way. There is the edge of the law against the transgressors of that dispensation, and the edge of the gospel against the despisers of that dispensation; there is an edge to make a wound, and an edge to open a festered wound in order to its healing. There is no escaping the edge of this sword: if you turn aside to the right hand, it has an edge on that side; if on the left hand, you fall upon the edge of the sword on that side; it turns every way. II. From the inscription we proceed to the contents of the epistle, in which the method is much the same as is observed in the rest. Here, 1. Christ takes notice of the trials and difficulties this church encountered with: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, etc., Rev 2:13. The works of God's servants are best known when the circumstances under which they did those works are duly considered. Now that which added very much lustre to the good works of this church was the circumstance of the place where this church was planted, a place where Satan's seat was. As our great Lord takes notice of all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he takes notice of all the temptations and discouragements we meet with from the places where we dwell, and makes gracious allowances for them. This people dwelt where Satan's seat was, where he kept his court. His circuit is throughout the world, his seat is in some places that are infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Some think that the Roman governor in this city was a most violent enemy to the Christians; and the seat of persecution is Satan's seat. 2. He commends their stedfastness: Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. These two expressions are much the same in sense; the former may, however, signify the effect and the latter the cause or means. (1.) "Thou holdest fast my name; thou art not ashamed of thy relation to me, but accountest it thine honour that my name is named on thee, that, as the wife bears the name of the husband, so thou art called by my name; this thou holdest fast, as thine honour and privilege." (2.) "That which has made thee thus faithful is the grace of faith: thou hast not denied the great doctrines of the gospel, nor departed from the Christian faith, and by that means thou hast been kept faithful." Our faith will have a great influence upon our faithfulness. Men who deny the faith of Christ may boast very much of their sincerity, and faithfulness to God and conscience; but it has been seldom known that those who let go the true faith retained their fidelity; usually on that rock on which men make shipwreck of their faith they make shipwreck of a good conscience too. And here our blessed Lord aggrandizes the fidelity of this church from the circumstance of the times, as well as of the place where they lived: they had been stedfast even in those days wherein Antipas his faithful martyr was slain among them. Who this person was, and whether there be anything mysterious in his name, we have no certain account. He was a faithful disciple of Christ, he suffered martyrdom for it, and sealed his faith and fidelity with his blood in the place where Satan dwelt; and though the rest of the believers there knew this, and saw it, yet they were not discouraged nor drawn away from their stedfastness: this is mentioned as an addition to their honour. 3. He reproves them for their sinful failures (Rev 2:14): But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, etc., and those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. There were some who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin; they, by an impure worship, drew men into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Observe, (1.) The filthiness of the spirit and the filthiness of the flesh often go together. Corrupt doctrines and a corrupt worship often lead to a corrupt conversation. (2.) It is very lawful to fix the name of the leaders of any heresy upon those who follow them. It is the shortest way of telling whom we mean. (3.) To continue in communion with persons of corrupt principles and practices is displeasing to God, draws a guilt and blemish upon the whole society: they become partakers of other men's sins. Though the church, as such, has no power to punish the persons of men, either for heresy or immorality, with corporal penalties, yet it has power to exclude them from its communion; and, if it do not so, Christ, the head and lawgiver of the church, will be displeased with it. 4. He calls them to repentance: Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, etc., Rev 2:16. Observe here, (1.) Repentance is the duty of saints as well as sinners; it is a gospel duty. (2.) It is the duty of churches and communities as well as particular persons; those who sin together should repent together. (3.) It is the duty of Christian societies to repent of other men's sins, as far as they have been accessory to them, though but so much as by connivance. (4.) When God comes to punish the corrupt members of a church, he rebukes that church itself for allowing such to continue in its communion, and some drops of the storm fall upon the whole society. (5.) No sword cuts so deep, nor inflicts so mortal a wound, as the sword of Christ's mouth. Let but the threatenings of the word be set home upon the conscience of a sinner, and he will soon be a terror to himself; let these threatenings be executed, and the sinner is utterly cut off. The word of God will take hold of sinners, sooner or later, either for their conviction or their confusion. III. We have the conclusion of this epistle, where, after the usual demand of universal attention, there is the promise of great favour to those that overcome. They shall eat of the hidden manna, and have the new name, and the white stone, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it, Rev 2:17. 1. The hidden manna, the influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ in communion with him, coming down from heaven into the soul, from time to time, for its support, to let it taste something how saints and angels live in heaven. This is hidden from the rest of the world - a stranger intermeddles not with this joy; and it is laid up in Christ, the ark of the covenant, in the holy of holies. 2. The white stone, with a new name engraven upon it. This white stone is absolution from the guilt of sin, alluding to the ancient custom of giving a white stone to those acquitted on trial and a black stone to those condemned. The new name is the name of adoption: adopted persons took the name of the family into which they were adopted. None can read the evidence of a man's adoption but himself; he cannot always read it, but if he persevere he shall have both the evidence of sonship and the inheritance.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:12-17 The letter to the church in Pergamum portrays Christians who are tempted to compromise their morality and their loyalty to God. The city of Pergamum was the earliest capital of the Roman province of Asia. It contained a famous library, and its citizens developed the use of animal skins as writing materials. 2:12 Christ’s sharp two-edged sword indicates that these Christians would receive the Lord’s most severe judgment (see 2:16; see study note on 1:16). The two-edged sword was the Roman symbol of authority, which typified Pergamum as capital of the province. If the church failed, the true governor of the city (Christ) would turn his authority against them.