Revelation 2:12-13 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
The next church to which Jesus writes is in Pergamum. Again, the angel is to be the messenger of this letter. The description of Jesus that is highlighted is again, the sword. It is not said where this sword is, but it may be the same that sword that was coming out of his mouth in 1:16. This sword pierces the soul and reveals motives and actions. Nothing can hide from him.
The city of Pergamum was a throne of Satan. Satan was king, sovereign, reigning in people’s lives, destroying all he touched. People in the city had turned to the darkness. But this group of believers had remained true. In spite of the peer pressure, they had not compromised. The specific theme involved in this pressure is not stated in this verse but will appear in the following verses: immorality and idolatry. These believers had not given in two the pressures of their culture. One person named Antipas even lost his life for his convictions.
It is difficult to live by our convictions when compromises are to easy to make. No one will notice, we think. One time won’t hurt. The problem is that each compromise makes the next one easier until we no longer notice the conviction of the Spirit upon our consciences. Staying true to the teachings of Jesus may require great conviction and end is great suffering. As many cultures become anti-Christian, the cost of following Jesus may increase for many people. Will we remain true to Christ in the dark days before us?
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