Revelation 2:14
Verse
Context
To the Church in Pergamum
13I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells.14But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.15In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have a few things against thee - Their good deeds are first carefully sought out and commended; what was wrong in them is touched with a gentle but effectual hand. The followers of Balaam, the Nicolaitanes, and the Gnostics, were probably all the same kind of persons; but see on Rev 2:6 (note). What the doctrine of Balaam was, see the notes on Num 24:1 (note) through Num 25:18; and Numbers 31:1-54 (note). It appears that there were some then in the Church at Pergamos who held eating things offered to idols in honor of those idols, and fornication, indifferent things. They associated with idolaters in the heathen temples, and partook with them in their religious festivals.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
few--in comparison of the many tokens of thy faithfulness. hold the doctrine of Balaam--"the teaching of Balaam," namely, that which he "taught Balak." Compare "the counsel of Balaam," Num 31:16. "Balak" is dative in the Greek, whence BENGEL translates, "taught (the Moabites) for (that is, to please) Balak." But though in Numbers it is not expressly said he taught Balak, yet there is nothing said inconsistent with his having done so; and JOSEPHUS [Antiquities,4. 6. 6], says he did so. The dative case is a Hebraism for the accusative case. children--Greek, "sons of Israel." stumbling-block--literally, that part of a trap on which the bait was laid, and which, when touched, caused the trap to close on its prey; then any entanglement to the foot [TRENCH]. eat things sacrificed unto idols--the act common to the Israelites of old, and the Nicolaitanes in John's day; he does not add what was peculiar to the Israelites, namely, that they sacrificed to idols. The temptation to eat idol-meats was a peculiarly strong one to the Gentile converts. For not to do so involved almost a withdrawal from partaking of any social meal with the heathen around. For idol-meats, after a part had been offered in sacrifice, were nearly sure to be on the heathen entertainer's table; so much so, that the Greek "to kill" (thuein) meant originally "to sacrifice." Hence arose the decree of the council of Jerusalem forbidding to eat such meats; subsequently some at Corinth ate unscrupulously and knowingly of such meats, on the ground that the idol is nothing; others needlessly tortured themselves with scruples, lest unknowingly they should eat of them when they got meat from the market or in a heathen friend's house. Paul handles the question in Co1 8:1-13; Co1 10:25-33. fornication--often connected with idolatry.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I have a few things against thee,.... The members of this church before their open separation from the apostasy; who still continued in the communion of the corrupt church of Rome, though they remonstrated against the errors and evil practices that crept in; and so were a stumbling block, and a snare to others to join in their idolatry and superstition: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication: which latter was in order to the former: the instruction Balaam gave to Balak, which is here called his doctrine, was, that Balak should get some of the most beautiful women in his kingdom to ply the men of Israel, and draw them into uncleanness, and so to idolatry; by which means, God being angry with them, he might get an advantage over them: that the Israelites did commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab, and eat things sacrificed to idols, and bowed down to Baal Peor, is certain, Num 25:1; but that this was brought about through the counsel of Balaam is not so plainly expressed, though it is hinted at in Num 31:15; but the Jewish writers are very express about this matter. Jonathan ben Uzziel, one of their Targumists on Num 24:14, has these words of Balaam, "Come, and I will counsel thee, (speaking to Balak,) go and set up inns, and place in them whorish women, to sell food and drink at a low price: and this people will come and eat and drink, and be drunken, and will lie with them, and deny their God; and they will be quickly delivered into thine hands, and many of them shall fall. This now was the stumbling block he taught Balak to lay before them. And elsewhere (g) it is said, "that Balaam, the wicked, gave counsel to Balak, the son of Zippor, to cause the Israelites to fall by the sword; he said to him, the God of this people hates whoredom, cause thy daughters to commit whoredom with them, and ye shall rule over them. And then they go on to relate how they built shops, and placed an old woman without, and a young woman within; and when the Israelites came to buy, how well they used them, and what familiarity they admitted them to; how they made them drink of Ammonitish wine, which inclined to lust and when the signified their desire, oblige them to worship Baal Peor, and renounce the law of Moses. Both Philo (h) and Josephus (i) speak of this counsel of Balaam, much to the same purpose. The Samaritan Chronicle says (k) that this counsel pleased the king, and he sent into the camp of Israel, on a sabbath day, twenty four thousand young women, by whom the Israelites were so seduced, that they did everything they desired them, which was just the number of those that were slain, Num 25:9. By Balaam may be meant the pope of Rome, for that name signifies, "the lord of the people"; and is very appropriate to him, who in this interval took upon him to be universal bishop, and lorded it over both church and state, in a most haughty and tyrannical manner; and the Balaamites were those who submitted to his power and authority, and received his doctrines; and by Balak, king of Moab, may be intended the secular powers, the emperors, kings, and princes of the earth, who were instructed by the popes of Rome, to draw their subjects into idolatry, which is spiritual fornication, to eat the breaden God, to worship the host, images, and saints departed; and which proved a snare, and a stumbling to some of this church, as to the Israelites of old, to do the same things, (g) T. Hieros. Sanhedrin, fol. 28. 4. & Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 106. 1. Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 20. fol. 229. 1. Yalkut, par. 1. fol. 244. 3, 4. & par. 2. fol. 76. 4. (h) De Vita Mosis, l. 7. p. 647, 648. (i) Antiqu. l. 4. c. 6. sect. 6, 7, 8, 9. (k) Apud Hottinger. Exercit. Antimorin. p. 109.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14-15 Some in Pergamum were syncretists, combining Christianity with paganism and engaging in immoral activities. John compares them to Balaam, who lured Israel into sin (see Num 25:1-3; 2 Pet 2:15; Jude 1:11). • Nicolaitans: see study note on Rev 2:6.
Revelation 2:14
To the Church in Pergamum
13I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells.14But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.15In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Sneak Attack (Part 3)
By Jim Cymbala4.0K24:47Spiritual WarfareNUM 22:5MAT 5:13MAT 6:12JHN 14:21CO 10:13REV 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing for Jesus and not giving in to temptation, even when others may mock or ridicule. The speaker encourages the audience to be strong and committed to Jesus, reminding them that there is no middle ground when it comes to serving Him. The speaker also shares personal experiences and examples of Christians around the world who are standing firm in their faith. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God knows and understands the challenges faced by believers and that their reward awaits them in heaven.
The Vow of the Nicolaitan Bride
By Carter Conlon2.5K49:26Churches of RevelationEXO 34:12HOS 2:2REV 2:14REV 2:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going beyond personal convenience in order to fulfill God's plans for our lives. He quotes the scripture where Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which is a reasonable service. The preacher also highlights the significance of making vows to the Lord and keeping them, as it affects not only our relationship with God but also our relationships with others. He warns against a legalistic and shallow approach to holiness and consecration, emphasizing the need for a genuine love relationship with Jesus Christ and a burden for His children.
The Church - God's Anointed Servant
By Denny Kenaston2.1K1:27:07Anointed ServantISA 40:31ISA 42:1MAT 5:13MAT 6:33MAT 21:33JHN 15:4REV 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to move beyond simply observing and rejoicing about the presence of God, and instead fully immerse themselves in His presence. He uses the analogy of a river, stating that many believers have been content with splashing around at the water's edge for too long. The speaker also highlights the corporate implications of this, suggesting that the church as a whole needs to embrace a deeper walk with God. He concludes by describing the church as a beautiful, holy, and anointed bride, and encourages believers to bear fruit and fight according to the rules of the spiritual war.
(The Foundation and the Building) Five Danger a Christian Worker Faces
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:24ACT 1:41CO 4:7REV 2:4REV 2:14In this video, Zach Poonen shares his concern about the inaccurate portrayal of Jesus Christ by many Christian workers, pastors, and churches. He emphasizes the importance of accurately representing Jesus to the world. Poonen encourages believers to show the love, compassion, purity, humility, and service that Jesus exemplified during his time on earth. He urges Christians to correct this wrong and present Jesus Christ accurately to the corners of the land.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 210
By Don Courville34122:08Radio ShowMAT 3:2MAT 3:8ROM 3:241CO 1:291PE 1:16REV 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for a spiritual awakening in our land. He uses the analogy of two arms, repentance and pardon, stretching across the stream of life, symbolizing the need for us to turn from our wicked ways and seek God's forgiveness. The preacher references the story of John the Baptist, who preached repentance in the wilderness and baptized people in the Jordan River. He also highlights the need for repentance in our personal, church, family, and national lives. The preacher suggests that God has allowed political leaders to be in office to show us the need for repentance, and he expresses a belief that a great awakening will come to our land, possibly through a national tragedy.
2 Peter 2:15
By John Gill0FaithfulnessDeceptionNUM 22:5MAT 7:13JHN 14:62PE 2:15JUD 1:11REV 2:14John Gill emphasizes the dangers of forsaking the right way of the Lord, which is the path of truth and salvation through Christ. He warns against following the example of Balaam, who strayed into error and profaneness for the sake of unrighteous gain. Gill highlights that those who abandon their faith may be seduced by covetousness and idolatry, leading them away from the true doctrine they once professed. The sermon serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deviating from the Christian faith and the importance of remaining steadfast in the truth.
Holiness and Evangelism
By James Blaine Chapman0PRO 11:30MAT 5:13MRK 2:17ACT 11:24ROM 12:22CO 6:17EPH 5:8JAS 1:271PE 1:16REV 2:14James Blaine Chapman emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from the world while still being actively engaged in evangelism. He warns against the dangers of mixing worldly practices with evangelism, as it can lead to the corruption of the Church. Chapman highlights the need for Christians to be insulated but not isolated, following Jesus' example of being holy yet engaging with sinners to bring healing and salvation. He stresses the necessity of maintaining purity and concentration in evangelism, focusing on influencing a few deeply rather than many superficially. Chapman underscores that a burden for the salvation of souls, rooted in personal holiness, is essential for effective soul winning.
Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 3.-- Tuesday
By J.H. Newman0MAT 7:20MAT 13:25ACT 28:292TI 4:3REV 2:14J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of defending the truth and combating erroneous doctrines within the Church, urging pastors to be vigilant and not tolerate teachings that go against God's Word. He emphasizes the need for unity, piety, and steadfastness in faith, praying for God's mercy and guidance in preserving the Church. Newman warns against complacency and the dangers of allowing sin and false teachings to infiltrate the Church, citing biblical examples of the consequences of neglecting sound doctrine.
(The Full Gospel) 9. Are You Serving God or Money?
By Zac Poonen0MAT 6:24LUK 14:33LUK 16:13ACT 3:6ACT 4:351CO 9:141TI 6:9REV 2:14Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the impossibility of serving both God and money, emphasizing that loving God means hating money and vice versa. He highlights the Pharisees' error of doctrinal purity without genuine love for God, warning believers against the subtle trap of loving money while claiming to love God. Poonen stresses the need for a radical shift in affection, illustrating that just as a new love can expel an old one, loving Jesus wholeheartedly will naturally lead to despising money. He challenges believers to examine their hearts honestly, acknowledging that a love for money can lead to ruin and destruction, emphasizing the importance of being faithful and righteous in handling finances.
New Wine in New Wineskin
By Zac Poonen0MAT 11:12MRK 7:1LUK 5:381CO 14:26EPH 4:111PE 2:5REV 1:12REV 2:14Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of embracing new wineskins to contain the new wine of God's Word, highlighting the battle against religious traditions that can hinder our obedience. Jesus was crucified not for preaching against sin, but for exposing the hypocrisy of religious leaders and their traditions that replaced God's Word. Poonen challenges believers to break free from old-covenant characteristics and embrace the new covenant realities, such as every believer being a priest and the importance of body-ministry in gatherings.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 4. Religiosity or Spirituality?
By Zac Poonen0NUM 16:32MAT 5:21ROM 8:36GAL 5:241TI 3:162TI 3:5HEB 8:7REV 2:14Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the distinction between religiosity and spirituality, emphasizing that religiosity focuses on external actions while spirituality is a matter of the heart. He warns about the danger of having a form of godliness without its power, highlighting the importance of true repentance and radical transformation from within. Poonen uses biblical examples like Cain, Balaam, and Korah to illustrate the consequences of being religious but not spiritual, urging believers to prioritize genuine love for God and others over mere external acts of righteousness.
The Apostate's Lifestyle
By J.B. Buffington0NUM 25:11CO 2:14TIT 3:22PE 2:10REV 2:14J.B. Buffington preaches on the dangers of apostasy and the characteristics of false teachers as outlined in 2 Peter 2:10-16. He emphasizes how these apostates walk after the flesh, despise authority, are presumptuous, irreverent, and sensual. Buffington warns against those who commercialize the Gospel for personal gain, like Balaam who loved the wages of unrighteousness, and highlights the importance of discerning false teachings and not supporting apostasy.
Epistle 214
By George Fox0DEU 13:13PSA 12:4ROM 14:19PHP 4:8JAS 5:22PE 2:201JN 5:9REV 2:14George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns against setting up idols and stumbling blocks that draw people's focus away from God's truth within themselves. Fox emphasizes that the power of God will break down these false constructs and that those who follow an earthly, dark spirit will be corrupted and hardened in heart, leading to division and lack of unity in truth.
Arresting the Downward Trend
By Zac Poonen0REV 2:14Zac Poonen preaches on the downward trend seen in the five messengers and churches rebuked by the Lord in Revelation. From losing first love for the Lord in Ephesus to the decay of the body and spiritual pride in Laodicea, each church represents a different stage of spiritual decline. The messengers were complacent, busy preparing sermons for others while neglecting their own spiritual condition, reminiscent of an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.
Church Government
By J.W. McGarvey0DEU 21:1ACT 2:17ACT 20:281TI 3:1HEB 13:171PE 5:1REV 2:14J.W. McGarvey preaches about the importance of Church Government, focusing on the qualifications and roles of elders within congregations. He addresses the need for elders to possess specific qualifications, such as age, family experience, and teaching ability, in order to effectively lead, protect, and teach the church. McGarvey also discusses the significance of having a plurality of elders in each congregation, emphasizing the importance of faithful discipline and ruling. Furthermore, he explores the role of evangelists within the church, highlighting their distinct duties and the necessity of their work in conjunction with the eldership. Lastly, he stresses the urgency of addressing worldliness and sin within the churches, calling for the removal of unworthy elders, the restoration of active eldership, and the collective effort of the pulpit and press to bring about necessary reforms.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have a few things against thee - Their good deeds are first carefully sought out and commended; what was wrong in them is touched with a gentle but effectual hand. The followers of Balaam, the Nicolaitanes, and the Gnostics, were probably all the same kind of persons; but see on Rev 2:6 (note). What the doctrine of Balaam was, see the notes on Num 24:1 (note) through Num 25:18; and Numbers 31:1-54 (note). It appears that there were some then in the Church at Pergamos who held eating things offered to idols in honor of those idols, and fornication, indifferent things. They associated with idolaters in the heathen temples, and partook with them in their religious festivals.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
few--in comparison of the many tokens of thy faithfulness. hold the doctrine of Balaam--"the teaching of Balaam," namely, that which he "taught Balak." Compare "the counsel of Balaam," Num 31:16. "Balak" is dative in the Greek, whence BENGEL translates, "taught (the Moabites) for (that is, to please) Balak." But though in Numbers it is not expressly said he taught Balak, yet there is nothing said inconsistent with his having done so; and JOSEPHUS [Antiquities,4. 6. 6], says he did so. The dative case is a Hebraism for the accusative case. children--Greek, "sons of Israel." stumbling-block--literally, that part of a trap on which the bait was laid, and which, when touched, caused the trap to close on its prey; then any entanglement to the foot [TRENCH]. eat things sacrificed unto idols--the act common to the Israelites of old, and the Nicolaitanes in John's day; he does not add what was peculiar to the Israelites, namely, that they sacrificed to idols. The temptation to eat idol-meats was a peculiarly strong one to the Gentile converts. For not to do so involved almost a withdrawal from partaking of any social meal with the heathen around. For idol-meats, after a part had been offered in sacrifice, were nearly sure to be on the heathen entertainer's table; so much so, that the Greek "to kill" (thuein) meant originally "to sacrifice." Hence arose the decree of the council of Jerusalem forbidding to eat such meats; subsequently some at Corinth ate unscrupulously and knowingly of such meats, on the ground that the idol is nothing; others needlessly tortured themselves with scruples, lest unknowingly they should eat of them when they got meat from the market or in a heathen friend's house. Paul handles the question in Co1 8:1-13; Co1 10:25-33. fornication--often connected with idolatry.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I have a few things against thee,.... The members of this church before their open separation from the apostasy; who still continued in the communion of the corrupt church of Rome, though they remonstrated against the errors and evil practices that crept in; and so were a stumbling block, and a snare to others to join in their idolatry and superstition: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication: which latter was in order to the former: the instruction Balaam gave to Balak, which is here called his doctrine, was, that Balak should get some of the most beautiful women in his kingdom to ply the men of Israel, and draw them into uncleanness, and so to idolatry; by which means, God being angry with them, he might get an advantage over them: that the Israelites did commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab, and eat things sacrificed to idols, and bowed down to Baal Peor, is certain, Num 25:1; but that this was brought about through the counsel of Balaam is not so plainly expressed, though it is hinted at in Num 31:15; but the Jewish writers are very express about this matter. Jonathan ben Uzziel, one of their Targumists on Num 24:14, has these words of Balaam, "Come, and I will counsel thee, (speaking to Balak,) go and set up inns, and place in them whorish women, to sell food and drink at a low price: and this people will come and eat and drink, and be drunken, and will lie with them, and deny their God; and they will be quickly delivered into thine hands, and many of them shall fall. This now was the stumbling block he taught Balak to lay before them. And elsewhere (g) it is said, "that Balaam, the wicked, gave counsel to Balak, the son of Zippor, to cause the Israelites to fall by the sword; he said to him, the God of this people hates whoredom, cause thy daughters to commit whoredom with them, and ye shall rule over them. And then they go on to relate how they built shops, and placed an old woman without, and a young woman within; and when the Israelites came to buy, how well they used them, and what familiarity they admitted them to; how they made them drink of Ammonitish wine, which inclined to lust and when the signified their desire, oblige them to worship Baal Peor, and renounce the law of Moses. Both Philo (h) and Josephus (i) speak of this counsel of Balaam, much to the same purpose. The Samaritan Chronicle says (k) that this counsel pleased the king, and he sent into the camp of Israel, on a sabbath day, twenty four thousand young women, by whom the Israelites were so seduced, that they did everything they desired them, which was just the number of those that were slain, Num 25:9. By Balaam may be meant the pope of Rome, for that name signifies, "the lord of the people"; and is very appropriate to him, who in this interval took upon him to be universal bishop, and lorded it over both church and state, in a most haughty and tyrannical manner; and the Balaamites were those who submitted to his power and authority, and received his doctrines; and by Balak, king of Moab, may be intended the secular powers, the emperors, kings, and princes of the earth, who were instructed by the popes of Rome, to draw their subjects into idolatry, which is spiritual fornication, to eat the breaden God, to worship the host, images, and saints departed; and which proved a snare, and a stumbling to some of this church, as to the Israelites of old, to do the same things, (g) T. Hieros. Sanhedrin, fol. 28. 4. & Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 106. 1. Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 20. fol. 229. 1. Yalkut, par. 1. fol. 244. 3, 4. & par. 2. fol. 76. 4. (h) De Vita Mosis, l. 7. p. 647, 648. (i) Antiqu. l. 4. c. 6. sect. 6, 7, 8, 9. (k) Apud Hottinger. Exercit. Antimorin. p. 109.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14-15 Some in Pergamum were syncretists, combining Christianity with paganism and engaging in immoral activities. John compares them to Balaam, who lured Israel into sin (see Num 25:1-3; 2 Pet 2:15; Jude 1:11). • Nicolaitans: see study note on Rev 2:6.