Revelation of Jesus - Church of Pergamos
The book of Revelation holds the most important message for Christians and Christian Churches. It is the only book in the bible that holds a blessing to those who read it. So, please - read it! Rev1:3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." I am focusing on Revelation chapters two and three, on the character of the churches.
The message to the churches follows a specific form:
- Jesus presents himself in a certain way
- Jesus states what makes the church unique
- Jesus criticizes the church for something its doing wrong
- "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches"
- Jesus promises a unique gift to some of the churches
It is a ritual that repeats seven times with minor variation that Jesus is preforming as High-priest. We need to understand every part in order to understand the meaning of the whole message.
Pergamos
Rev2:12-17
Pergamos was 50 miles north of Smyrna. It was the Roman capital of the province of Asia. It held the first temple of the imperial cult, built in 29BC in honor of Caesar Augustus. It held many other altars and cults and gained the name "Satan's Throne". The name "Pergamos" means fortified or high, comes from the root word purgos which translates to tower. A clear allusion to the tower of Babylon but in the bible we find frequently that God doesn't like fortified cities for some reason. Probably because they keep rich and corrupt people safe.
Jesus presents himself as "he which hath the sharp sword with two edges". The sharp sword with two edges is his word and his word is truth and that is something that cuts to the soul. The sword is a large double-edged sword, having two edges implies balance, righteousness and justice. Romans would think in a slightly different way - there are two sides to a coin, two sides to a scale, two sides to an argument. Both sides are equal but the speaker skilled in rhetoric can win any argument, sway any judgement, make the truth as he likes it to be. It is basic relativism and Jesus shows that he holds both sides to account and will not hesitate to strike each of them down according to their measure.
Jesus knows the church lives in Satan's backyard. He also knows they remain Christian even after Antipas was martyred among them. Antipas was ordained by John as the bishop of Pergamos. He was martyred in a bull-shaped altar for casting out demons, probably by the emperor Nero. His name is a compound of the words anti -meaning against, substitute or instead of; and pater -father. Anti-pope?
Jesus scolds the church because it tolerates the doctrine of Balaam and Nicolatians. Basically very similar doctrines - corrupting people through Idol/demon worship, magic and deviant sexual practices are their common theme. Jesus warns Pergamos - Rev2:16"Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." He's simultaneously stating three things - I'm ready for you, I will fight you first, I will fight against them. His s-word is true and will get you regardless for which camp you think you're playing.
The message to the church of Pergamos smells to high heaven of political intrigue, secrets and playing sides- both sides! This church highly resembles the Roman- Catholic as well as Orthodox church. Thinking in political terms, playing political sides, political "Christianity" is total bullshit. But it does pump up the attendees and donations! Jesus shows us that this type of thinking invites corruption and Pergamos was flooded with it. Being christian in name only doesn't mean anything. Partaking in long ceremonies and rituals that have no meaning to you is worthless - it is pagan magic meant to enchant the laity, like dangling a piece of food in front of a hungry beast. Reading the bible in ancient latin instead of the native tongue of the people in order to obfuscate its meaning makes it worthless and makes you the culpable one for keeping the truth from your neighbor. Worship of Saints and making Icons - Images of saints is creating idols from the very people who fought against such practices. Praying to saints instead of God is even worse. Praying to Mary and elevating her ad infinitum is outright blasphemy - she has become a trademark Idol of the Catholic church! The Papacy is just an extension of the Imperial Cult - the worship of Emperors. All the while the clergy is plagued by sex scandals - fornication, homosexuality and child molestation. The Jesuit order has been suspected of overthrowing governments, sexual corruption and political blackmail for the purposes of manipulation, control - anything to get a handle. Jesuits are the spies of the Pope and his assassins and whatever he desires them to be. They will commit unimaginable acts of horror while thinking they are fully justified as the right hand of god. A clearer manifestation of the doctrine of Baalam would be difficult to find.
Thinking that the line between good and evil can be drawn across borders of countries or nations or skin colors or socio-economic casts or Churches and denominations is a tragic error. The line that separates good and evil cuts through every single heart. Call yourself Christian all you like - if you don't understand the meaning of the name, if you have no clue what the bible is saying - you risk exposure to these corrupting influences that the bible is warning against and you become a pawn on a chessboard of the world, moved not by the teachings of Jesus but by the whims of his impostors and your own sinful impulses.
The special gift Jesus promises the church of Pergamos if it overcomes its troubles is the hidden manna, a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knows except the one who receives it. Manna was a mysterious food the Jews ate in the wilderness. It was hard as a rock, they needed to grind it to powder and bake it yet it would waste away in sunlight so they had to gather it in the dark. It was provided directly from God - they received two portions on Friday and no portion on Saturday - because God would rest on the sabbath. A few pieces were stored in the ark of the covenant that wouldn't waste away - as samples and proof of God's favor for the Jews and their exodus from Egypt. It is thought to be the food of Angels. Just as the Jews gathered their Manna before daybreak - we need to gather ourselves as believers in truth because the dawn will come very soon and wickedness will be revealed.
The white stone with a new name signifies a new birth and new life for those who receive it. Just as Abram was named Abraham or Jacob - Israel. A new life brings new purpose and it will not be one of war and manipulation, but oneness and truth.
Please write your comments below, I'd love to hear your take on this!