Revelation 2:12-17
Pergamos

Revelation Chapters 2-3 – the church age – the 7 church ages in church history
Ephesus Apostolic church age – the first church age – The Acts Church
Ephesus – Means to relax
Smyrna – The Persecuted Church – 100-313AD
-Means Myrrh, which had somewhat of a bitter taste
Pergamos – The Imperial Church Age – means married – 313-600 AD

Revelation 2:12-17 – The Church In Pergamos

The city of Pergamum was beautiful on the outside, but spiritually dark on the inside

verse 12 – angel – means messenger & is the pastor of the church

Church is a called-out selection of people who have been called to change the environment/ separated group of believers

-The Bible is God’s Word, and He wrote it… – The Lord has the final Word
-Pergamum believed in Emperor worship

Pergamum – means married
-This refers to a marriage between the church and the world. We get the word polygamy from this word

Jesus is described as having a sharp two-edged sword – Hebrews 4:12
-swords cut things/chop things off and separate

How does this separation take place?
1. Through the Word – Colossians 3:10-12

2. Hold Fast To The Name Of Jesus – Verse 13A
-Using the name of Jesus separates us from people and demons

3. Take A Stand – Ephesians 6:10-18
-No matter what

A. Stand by being active – I know your works
-Witnessing-Praying-Serving

B. Stand by making a declaration –
Antipas – means against all – Verse 13
Verses 14-15 – do not compromise your faith and Christianity

c. Take a stand through strength – Verse 13 – HOLD FAST
-Phil 4:13 – who infuses you with strength
-It’s easy to stand when things are good

HOLD FAST – refers to a very powerful grip
-Never let go of Jesus and His Word
The Nicolaitans were compromisers

Verses 16-17
v16 – means to change your mind and radically turn to Jesus Christ
I will come – Jesus was giving some time for the people to repent

Sword of my Mouth – this sword had a curved, sickle-shaped blade on a long pole
It could cut through anything. Jesus will get rid of all the bad stuff in the church

Verse 17 – overcomes – are people who are saved & are warriors & champions
Hidden Manna – Jesus is the Invisible God who will nourish and provide for us in very difficult and hard times

White Stone – refers to being totally innocent and completely forgiven
Not guilty

New Name – shows we will be in heaven and everything will be brand new