Monday: Smyrna and Pergamum
To the church in Smyrna, Jesus is introduced as “‘the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life'” (Rev. 2:8, NKJV; see Rev. 1:18). To the church at Pergamum, Jesus is the one with the sharp two-edged sword held in His teeth (Rev. 1:16, Rev. 2:12).
What is the significance of the way Jesus is described for each of these two churches?
Image © John Thompson from GoodSalt.com
Read Revelation 2:8-17. The church members at Smyrna are also known for their hard work; yet, they don’t have much to show for it, maybe as a result of a “synagogue of Satan” in their midst (Rev. 2:9). Similarly, the members at Pergamum seem to be clinging to their faith, even though “the throne of Satan” is among them (Rev. 2:13). Thus, the reality of the great controversy is seen here, as well.
The church at Smyrna is warned of tough times ahead, including prison and maybe even death (Rev. 2:10). In Pergamum someone already had been killed for his faith (Rev. 2:13). It is important to note that the hard times have a time limit; that is, evil is not allowed to continue beyond a certain point (Rev. 2:10).
Of concern is that God has “a few things” against the church in Pergamum (Rev. 2:14-16). Apparently they are tolerating people in their midst who “hold [to] the doctrine of Balaam” and to “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” (Rev. 2:14-15, NKJV).
“Nicolas and Balaam seem to be parallel terms; Nicolas is a compound Greek word (nika? and laos) and means ‘the one who conquers the people.’ Balaam can be derived from two Hebrew words-am (‘people’) and baal (from bela, ‘to destroy’ or ‘to swallow’), meaning ‘destruction of people.'”-Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary on the Book of Revelation (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 2002), p. 111. Jesus warns the whole church that if their heresy continues, He will come in person and fight against them with the sword in His mouth (Rev. 2:16).
Yet even amid these warnings, Jesus gives both churches great encouragement (Rev. 2:11, Rev. 2:17).
| Read Revelation 2:14-15. What do these verses tell us about the idea that doctrine does not matter? Why does it matter, and in important ways too? |
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"What do these verses tell us about the idea that doctrine does not matter? Why does it matter, and in important ways too?"
Theology precedes ethics. We talk and behave based on our beliefs, values and desires.
Doctrine (teaching) embraced, results in a certain quality of life. (See JN 10:10)Christianity counters the barbarian, criminal, perverted, depraved nature of humans. As far as the "great controversy" theme where Satan slanders God by accusing Him of being arbitrary, vengeful, unforgiving & severe...those who accepts this behave that way. The other accusation where Satan claims that humans are incapable of keeping the law ..those who accept this like so many "Christians" end up living a Laodicean, bipolar, frustrated, defeated lifestyle. Those who think & say that humans, even empowered by the grace of God, can NOT stop sinning, parrot/echo Satan's lie and are described in scriptures as those who "have a form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof." 2 Tim 3:5
The author here indicates that Jesus is shown holding a sword with His teeth. The word that is used there is "went," not "held." The sword goes out of His mouth without being held by His teeth.
In both instances, the description of Jesus seems relevant to the characteristics and particular experiences of these two churches in both the literal and historical sense of those periods.
Smyrna: represents the period when the church was persecuted severely, yet Jesus is shown as having died and raised, being promised that the overcomer would not be overcome by the 2nd death.
Pergamos: the ruler of that city possessed a broad 2-edged sword as a scepter. As the head of the church Jesus rules by His Word of Truth. It was in the period of Pergamos that error began to creep into the church. Interesting that the ancient religion of Babylon migrated to Pergamos, and from there found it's way to Rome, and eventually the Roman Church, referred to "Babylon the Great" in prophecy.
The truth of our doctrine is vital. Jesus taught that we must worship God in Truth (John 4:24). Any falsehood accepted will eventually lead to perdition. If the adversary deceives us in even one point, he will eventually control us completely. We either serve God in truth or not. Our service/worship is to be wholehearted. One falsehood accepted gives our enemy control of the mind. Only through the knowledge and acceptance of Truth can shut out the enemy.
Like Cain, people want to bring their own type of sacrifice, their means of worship and their own dictates. They don't mind what the Lord's will is. We need to remember 'Thus says the Lord' principle in our issues of worship.
What's in a name? In ancient history, a lot. Names were significant for they carried spiritual messages that could seriously impact the lives of individuals, families, whole nations and as we see in this lesson, churches. We can cite numerous examples such as Moses - "to draw out", Issac - "laughter", Abimelech - "my father is king" but most significant is the name JESUS and we all know why (Matt.1:21). His purpose was fulfilled at the cross because "Immanuel" (Matt. 1:23; Is.7:14), came and dwelt among us.
The names of the churches also convey a spiritual message relevant to the church overall and accurately reflect her history. The name Smyrna means "sweet smelling" like myrrh (perfume). Smyrna does not get a rebuke but instead warnings about troublesome times ahead which could mean persecution, imprisonment or even death (Rev. 2:10-12).
These words were fulfilled, for during this period, the most vicious persecution occurred against the Christians. In 107 AD Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch in Syria, and a friend of John the Apostle, was thrown to the lions and eaten alive in the amphitheater of Rome." He also recalls the killing by the sword, of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, and friend of Ignatius, in 155AD whose body was burned at the stake in Smyrna.
Turtullian of Carthage converted to Christianity because of the witness of Christian martyrs and became a staunched defender of the faith himself. During the ten-year Diocletian rampage and vicious persecution against Christians - which continued even after his death - the Christian faith came close to total annihilation but for the intervention of Emperor Constantine.
Just as it was before, the church of God will again face severe persecution and a time of trouble such as not been seen but we can take courage in the promises of Jesus, that even if we have to die for our faith, who says "I am He who lives, and was dead, and I am alive forevermore...." (Rev.1:18).
In that resurrection morning
When the trumpet of God shall sound
We shall rise, we shall rise
(Hallelujah)
Then the saints will come rejoicing
And no tears will e'er be found
We shall rise, we shall rise
(Hallelujah)
We shall rise, we shall rise
(Hallelujah, Amen)
We shall rise, in that resurrection morning
Hallelujah!
Smyrna church - character, this is the era of early Christian church. This apostolic church understood and accepted the message Jesus sent unto her, she didn't give up her zeal, patience etc. She returned to her first love. When persecution begun the romantic empire ravaged the church with bloody persecutions and millions gave up their lives for Christ.
: Pergamos seemed impossible to persecute, every persecution seemed to be a blessing, Satan could not tolerate so he decided to follow a different course, He inspired Constantine the emperor of the Roman empire to unite with the Church. The emperor of the religion of the monarch also came into the Church. Shortly after the pagan Sunday was initiated to law AD 321
Thank for your post. I had began to think that Constantine did domething good by ending the persecution of the church. But hr had an ulterior motive and was directed by Satan to bring paganusm into Christianity.
One thing that is striking for me as we discuss the persecution of the church, is that God is more
interested in our salvation than our comfort. When we shall be persecuted in the same way as the ancient church, may God grant us the endurance and victory in Jesus' name.
In fact persecution signifies the highest degree of spiritual maturity. It is only when we are fully grounded in faith that we will be subjected to persecution because that is when our characters will not be compatible to the social cultural, political economic and even religious values of the ungodly. Only then shall we experience the reality of the great controversy in our lives. If Christians are in conformity with the world, then of what justification will persecution be? The church in Smyrna had to face this persecution because of their steadfast faith exhibited through hard work and resistance to Satan’s adversity. So let our focus be on how to experience growth in our relationship with God so that if subjected to persecution, it shall not be in vein.
I am not sure that it is correct to say that persecution signified the highest degree of spiritual maturity. It would perhaps be better to say that those with spiritual maturity are more able, in the strength of Christ, to bear persecution.
Persecution is a sign of an evil mind at work, not that we have reached some level of Christian attainment.
I know that there are some folk who feel that we must be persecuted and who go out of their way to be obnoxious in their presentation of truth. That is not necessary. We can present truth in a way that even if people disagree with you they know that they have been in the presence of Christian acting in a Christ like manner.
I do like your last statement: So let our focus be on how to experience growth in our relationship with God so that if subjected to persecution, it shall not be in vein.
Christ’s introductory title as the One “who died and came to life again” would be encouraging to these potential martyrs (Revelation 2:8). The church members at Smyrna could face martyrdom in full confidence. They would be resurrected to eternal life by the one who Himself was victorious over death through a resurrection. The members at Smyrna were poverty-stricken people. Yet, Christ says they were spiritually rich (Revelation 2:9). The contrast with Laodicea is significant. The Laodicean church assumed it was rich, but it was spiritually impoverished.The advice that was given to the Church in Smyrna remains valid for us. We, too, must remain faithful in spite of tribulation or poverty.
The time of Smyrna included a period of tribulation lasting "ten days" (Rev 3:10).
Those 10 prophetic "days" refer to 10 literal years of persecution. They began in 303A.D., during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. The persecution was significant and severe, and it "sifted" the church, showing who really believed in Jesus, and who did not.
"Christian churches were to be destroyed; all copies of the Bible were to be burned; all Christian were to be deprived of public office and civil rights; and last of all, without exception, were to sacrifice to the gods on pain of death." (Schaff, History of the Church, vol.2 sec. 24.)
Another historian writes that the persecution "came completely to an end in the tenth year (313A.D.), though indeed it began to abate after the eighth year." (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, VIII, sec.15.)
The end was brought about by the "Edict of Milan" (the Edict of Toleration,) signed by the Emperors Constantine and Licinius in 313A.D.
Constantine's edict "was a decisive step from HOSTILE NEUTRALITY [brought about in 313A.D.,] to FRIENDLY NEUTRALITY and protection, and prepared the way for the legal recognition of Christianity... With Constantine, therefore, the last of the heathen, the first of the [professedly] Christian, emperors, A NEW PERIOD BEGINS." (Schaff, vol.2 sec.25)
The "new period", universally recognized by historians, is what we now call the period of "Pergamos". And it was during the time of Pergamos that the church was flooded with nominal Christians.
correction :
the "hostile neutrality" was brought about in 311A.D. (not 313A.D.). The "friendly neutrality" (marking the end of the 10 years of persecution) came in 313A.D. with the Edict of Milan.
“a few things”; is an expression which challenged me that though i have all truths of this age; keep the true sabbath, have spirit of prophecy with all reform messages and testimonies, though i go to church earlier or am a pastor or church leader in any position, though i pay tithe faithfully...there are some "few" things that i haven't given up or stopped to do, there a few things that if Christ comes today may separate me from Him...these are the things we are called to be willing today, not tomorrow to leave and continue with our relationship with Christ. be blessed brethren
While the church in Pergamum was assaulted from the outside, it also faced serious internal religious deception. We see saints who are compromising in their walk with God. We hear of those who were holding to the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans which Christ clearly says He hates (Revelation 2:14-15) and these were from within the Church. Balaam’s story is found in (Numbers 22-24). He was a prophet who manipulated Israel into falling under God’s curse. Balaam’s motive was personal gain (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 6). He had been offered riches and power by Balak, a gentile king, to destroy God’s people, Israel.The prophet found a way to accomplish the king’s desire.
Balaam devised a plan whereby he caused the men of Israel to commit sexual immorality with Moabite women and to sacrifice to their gods in a community meal during a festival (Numbers 25:1-2). Thus he led Israel into sin by causing the nation to ACCOMODATE itself to idolatrous pagan religion and its immortality. Balaam came to stand for an evil individual who seduces God’s people into sin. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to check closely in our lives to see if we are also not accommodating things in our lives that God hates. Yes you might be saved but if we still hold on to things that God hates it is not right. We should not comprise with the things of the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)
Dear Tambu,thank you for your commentary above. I agree that there are and there will always be internal threats to the Church in carrying out its mission. A recurring theme in Revelation 3 is Christ's encouragement to us to endure to the end. By guarding our hearts and minds with continuous feeding on the Word of God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to be our guide, we (the Church) shall overcome. Though Christ spoke to the Churches, there is no doubt that He was addressing the individual members, admonishing and also encouraging them to stay with Him, even as He admonishes and encourages us with His Word today. As for Balaam, I beg to disagree that he led Israel to sin. His last recorded act in Num 24 was to tell Balak point-blank that he can NOT go against God's directive. He subsequently went ahead to further bless Israel. Nowhere in the Scriptures was the whoredom of Israel with Moab of Num. 25 ascribed to him as the engineer. Thank you
Olakuhle Olajide I shared the same thoughts with you but after readin 1Peter2:15 found out he played a part kindly read it and you will see Balaam led the Children of Israel astray
In connection with Balaam, I suggest that the following thought links him to the whoredom at Baal-peor.
In the revenge against the Midianites, their 5 kings, Balaam, and practically the whole Midianite army, are killed. (Num 31:8.) But the Midianite women and children were taken captive (31:9). When Moses realized what Israel had done, he protests, saying,
"Have you saved all the women alive? Behold, these caused the children of Israel, THROUGH THE COUNSEL OF BALAAM, to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor..." (Num 31:15-16).
So it would appear that the plan to use the Midianite women to entice Israel at Baal-Peor, did come through Balaam. It was his counsel that brought about the plan.