Three issues for the church in Pergamum
See what you think of this advice, which is based on Revelation 2:12-17. Here are three substantial challenges the church at Pergamum faced in witnessing boldly for Christ, ranked from most to least difficult. Here are some suggestions for the church leaders.
1. Living Where Satan Has His Throne (Rev 2:13)
Difficulty: Most difficult
Pergamum was a centre of imperial cult worship with temples dedicated to “Roma and Augustus,” Zeus, and Asclepius. As an administrative capital, imperial loyalty was constantly tested. To confess “Jesus is Lord” was inherently to declare “Caesar is not Lord”—an act potentially viewed as treason. This environment of spiritual opposition was so intense that Christ Himself acknowledged they lived “where Satan has his throne.”
How church leaders might address this:
- Teach clearly that Jesus is Lord over all powers, both earthly rulers and spiritual forces
- Encourage believers to “fear God more than man” (Matthew 10:28)
- Point to Antipas as a model of faithful witness even unto death (Rev 2:13)
- Remind the congregation that Christ knows their situation intimately (“I know where you live”)
- Develop practical wisdom for navigating civic duties without compromising faith
- Strengthen believers with the truth that Christ walks among His churches (Rev 1:13)
2. False Teaching That Encourages Compromise (Rev 2:14-15)
Difficulty: Very serious
Revelation 2:14-15 specifically condemns those holding to the “teaching of Balaam” and the “Nicolaitans”—false teachings that permitted idolatry and sexual immorality. These seemingly small compromises (“It’s just food” or “It’s only a social custom”) represented profound betrayal of loyalty to Christ and contaminated the church’s witness.
How church leaders might address this:
- Guard the truth of the gospel through systematic catechesis
- Refute false teaching with clear biblical exposition
- Establish clear theological boundaries and church discipline procedures
- Call the church to genuine repentance before Christ comes “to fight against them” (Rev 2:16)
- Create alternative community celebrations to replace pagan festivities
- Emphasise that Christ offers better rewards than the world—“hidden manna” and “a white stone with a new name” (Rev 2:17)
3. Fear of Social Exclusion and Economic Pressure
Difficulty: Still serious, but more manageable
Pergamum’s prosperity was tied to its religious institutions and trade guilds, which were inseparable from idolatrous practices. Christians faced potential economic hardship, social isolation, loss of status in guilds, damaged family relationships, and public mockery for their exclusive devotion to Christ.
How church leaders might address this:
- Build a strong church family where those who suffer for Christ are supported and honoured
- Teach that suffering for Christ is a mark of blessing (Matthew 5:11-12)
- Develop economic support systems within the Christian community
- Model boldness in public witness, demonstrating that the Spirit gives power, not fear (2 Timothy 1:7-8)
- Establish Christian trade networks and business partnerships
- Remind believers they share in Christ’s sufferings and future glory (Romans 8:17)
Summary Table
| Rank | Challenge | Pastoral Response |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Satan’s throne: living in a spiritually hostile culture | Teach Christ’s Lordship; encourage godly fear; remind them Jesus knows their struggle |
| 2 | False teaching that permits compromise | Teach truth faithfully; call for repentance; discipline where needed |
| 3 | Fear of exclusion or persecution | Build strong church community; honour suffering; model bold witness |
The church at Pergamum needed to remember Christ’s self-identification as the one with “the sharp, double-edged sword” (Rev 2:12), indicating both His authority to judge and His word that divides truth from falsehood. Despite their challenging circumstances, Christ commended them for remaining true to His name and not denying the faith (Rev 2:13).
The call to faithfulness in Pergamum remains vital today: to hold fast to Jesus’ name and not deny His faith—even where Satan dwells. Faithful witness requires spiritual discernment, courageous leadership, and deep love for the truth of Christ.