Some time ago I was asked the question – “What do you think is the greatest problem facing the church in the UK today?” My answer to that question was straightforward and consisted of only one word: “Worldliness”. There is absolutely no doubt that the lines of demarcation between the world and the church have become very blurred in recent times. Whilst our forefathers may have been some­what restrictive in their description of worldliness and somewhat legalistic in their approach to the whole subject, our generation is at risk of slipping into the world and of losing our distinctiveness as the people of God. This is not a new problem. The Lord addresses the church in Pergamum and, as we shall see, worldly attitudes and conduct had taken something of a grip upon the believers in this notable city.

The City⤒🔗

Pergamum, the provincial capital of Asia, was situated about fifty five miles north­east of Smyrna. The city had a number of notable buildings and temples and was renowned for its library of some two hundred thousand volumes. It has been de­scribed as the ‘Lourdes of the ancient world’ because one of its temples was dedi­cated to Asclepius, the serpent-god of healing. It was also a significant centre as far as the worship of the Roman Emperor was concerned being the first place in Asia to erect a temple to Augustus (29 BC). So, in the light of all of this, it is not surprising that when Jesus is addressing this congregation he refers to the place in which they are living and witnessing as the place “where Satan’s throne is.” (verse 13)

The Church←⤒🔗

Jesus’ assessment of the church in Pergamum in some ways reads like the end of term report of an average pupil. There are positive and encouraging matters but there are also “areas of concern” and “matters that need urgently addressed.”

The Positives←⤒🔗

Despite fierce and focussed persecution that has culminated in the death of one of their number, Antipas, the church has stood firm and remained faithful (verse 13). This is not something to be taken lightly. When you consider how slow we are to speak up for the Saviour when others around us are mocking the things of God it is a truly mighty matter that they have stood firm in the face of Satanic per­secution and trouble. Jesus encourages them to maintain their faithful stand and promises them both help now and rich blessings in the future if they do not com­promise and remain faithful unto death. In verse 17 three particular words of en­couragement are brought before the Pergamum believers.

“The hidden manna”←↰⤒🔗

Many are the views circulating as to the meaning of this expression but I am drawn to the view that just as the manna was God’s provision for his people during the days of the wilderness journey so he will continue to pro­vide grace, and especially strength, to his people as they face the opposition of the powers of darkness during their journey to heaven. It’s “hidden” in the sense that it is something known to and received by God’s people but hidden from those who are strangers to grace and to God. God is promising help to his people to stand firm. Daily strength.

“A white stone”←↰⤒🔗

Jurors in the courtrooms of Pergamum would vote at the end of a trial by drawing out black or white stones from a bag. The black stone signified the condemnation of the person on trial whilst the white stone signified their ac­quittal. Jesus is saying to these struggling, persecuted saints that although the people of Pergamum have rejected them and their faith he approves of them. He is looking and smiling with favour upon their witness and that’s what matters. Let the pagans of Pergamum wave the black stone of rejection in the face of the Christians – what does it matter? The great King and Head of the church waves the white stone of approval and acceptance before them. His is the praise and approval they need.

“A new name”←↰⤒🔗

The new name which is engraved upon the white stone is only known to the one who receives it (verse 17). It seems that if they remain faithful to the Lord and persevere to the end then when they enter glory Jesus will give a new distinctive name to each victorious saint. As Philip Hughes helpfully states:

The name known only to the recipient indicates the uniqueness of each individual be­fore God and the distinctness of the interpersonal relationship of each with him.¹

So, says the Saviour, stand firm. Stand firm and I will daily sustain you, constantly affirm you and ultimately bring you home to glory.

However, despite their apparent faithfulness and despite these rich promises for both the present and the future all is not well.

The Negatives←⤒🔗

The negatives are essentially found in verses 14 and 15. Here reference is made to “the teaching of Balaam” and “the teaching of the Nicolaitans”. Whatever this error is it is a single error being described by two different terms. The allusion is undoubtedly to Balaam whom we meet in Numbers 22-24. Having utterly failed to pronounce words of cursing upon the Israelites Balaam advises Balak, king of Moab, that the best way to destroy God’ people would be for Moabite girls to se­duce the Israelite men by inviting them to take part in idolatrous feasts. Derek Thomas suggests that the “teaching of Balaam” is a reference to ‘the ease with which sexual sins can destroy the church.’²

The Pergamum believers were attending events which not only were compro­mising their distinctiveness as the people of God but meant that they were placing themselves in the way of serious sexual temptations. The modern application of this is not difficult to find. Whilst the clubbing scene in the UK today might not have any connection to pagan idolatry the principle remains the same. Don’t, as a child of God, place yourself in the way of temptation. Don’t compromise the distinctiveness of the Christian faith. Don’t seek the approval and praise of the world. Better to know the “well done” of Jesus than all the praise of the world. Better to keep away from those places where we can easily fall into sexual sins. From such sins there is spiritual recovery but often they “mark us” deeply and haunt us for the rest of our lives.