Pergamos Rev 2:12-17

Thy Kingdom Come – the Book of Revelation

Class 4 - The Church at Pergamos

The overall character of this letter to the church in Pergamos is one of conflict or war, for even the name Pergamos means elevation/height with its root from the word for watchtower or fortified structure.

Pergamos, founded in the 3rd century bc, was situated upon a mesa 1100 feet about the Mediterranean Sea. From this height, they could watch the surrounding countryside and were protected by the sharp drop-off of the mesa on the north, west, and east side. This was a very militarily secure city. The approach to the south was a series of terraces creating a route up to the city.

This was the northernmost city of the seven cities of Revelation. It was world famous for its temples including the center of worship of Asclepios (As-clee-p-ous), whose name means Asclepios Savior. They also were the major manufacture of parchment. Our English word “parchment” actually came from the Greek “from Pergamos.”

Asclepios was the ancient Greek god of medicine, healing, and rejuvenation, famously symbolized by a serpent-entwined staff (the Rod of Asclepius). In addition to the worship of Asclepios, the people of Pergamos worshipped at the famous temple to Zeus.

As a result of these many characteristics, Pergamos was a major cultural, intellectual, and religious center in the Roman world.

The Portrait of the Lord

Our Lord’s portrait emphasizes the conflict or warfare aspect of this letter to the church of Pergamos.

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

This is an offensive weapon that can rapidly cut in two directions. The letter ends with the Lord warning them that He will use this sword if they do not repent. His sword to “fight” reflects the idea of warfare.

Clearly, the letter reminds us that all Christians are involved in spiritual warfare...

[Read the entire lesson by clicking on PDF transcript below]