Revelation 2:12-13 12“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live, where Satan’s throne is, and you are holding fast to my name and have not denied faith in me and in the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one, who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.
The next church to which Jesus writes was in Pergamum, with an angel again being the messenger. This city had become quite prominent by the first century. It was located about 12 miles from the Aegean Sea and was built on a hilltop. It served as the capital of the Attalid Kingdom before the Roman Empire. The city was known for its impressive temples, large library, medical center dedicated to Asclepius, and major cultural and political influence. A temple to the Roman ruler cult was built in 29 B.C. to honor Caesar Augustus. Parchment was said to have been invented there. It was also the birthplace of the famous physician Galen.
The description of Jesus having a double-edged sword refers to 1:16. This sword pierces the soul and reveals motives and actions. Nothing can hide from him. It also protects and defends, which the believers in Pergamum needed because Satan had his throne in that city. Satan was king, sovereign, reigning in people’s lives, and destroying all he touched. People in the city had turned to the darkness with their idolatry and immorality. However, the Christians there had remained true to Jesus’ name. Despite the social pressure and the threat of death, they had not compromised in their faith. These were likely first-generation Christians, many of whom may have come out of paganism. Their faith in the gospel message they heard was solid. The threat was real, evident in the death of one of them. Antipas had lost his life for his convictions. He remained a faithful witness even to the point of martyrdom. The persecution of Christians was growing in Asia-Minor by the time John wrote Revelation. Threat and moved to reality.
It is difficult to live by our convictions when it would be easier to compromise. We might think that one small compromise will not matter. No one will notice one small denial to save pain, shame, or embarrassment. The problem is that each compromise makes the next one easier until we no longer notice the Spirit’s conviction upon our consciences. Staying true to the teachings of Jesus requires strong conviction, especially in cultures that are anti-Christian or full of humanism, immorality, or other religions.