The Letters: Part II (Pergamum, Thyatira & Sardis)

Pergamum – Remain Faithful Among The Faithless

Pergamum was a renowned and prosperous city, boasting an estimated population of 100,000 to 200,000 inhabitants. Due to their early alignment with Rome’s imperial aspirations in the East, they enjoyed special favour from the Roman Empire. A magnificent city in ancient times, known for its temples, including those dedicated to Augustus, Roma, and Asklepios, Pergamum also had a significant emphasis on emperor worship and housed a famous library. It was considered Asia’s leading religious centre and was home to a grand altar dedicated to Zeus.

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.

Revelation 2:13 (NIV)

To the church in Pergamum, Jesus introduces himself as the wielder of the double-edged sword, the one true word of God. He commends the church for staying true to the word of God even when believers were being put to death for their faith. Nonetheless, there were some among them who had adopted the practices of the pagan world around them.

Like Balaam, The Nicolaitans were misusing the word of God to promote their own teachings, and the church had fallen victim to the schemes of the prince of this world. Jesus wanted them to repent from their evil ways and return to the childlike faith that they had first found in Him. To the ones who remained faithful to His word, He will give them the hidden manna and a white stone with their names written on it.

I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:17 (NIV)

God instructed the Israelites to collect and preserve a portion of manna as a reminder of the bread provided during their journey through the wilderness after being freed from Egypt (Exodus 16:32-34). Manna was the sustenance in the desert for the Israelites provided to them directly by God. The purest bread that could come only from God and that could suffice all their needs. Jesus is our manna from heaven sent for us by the Father to take care of all our needs. The white stone might symbolize an entry pass, an invitation to the LORD’s banquet in heaven.

Thyatira – Do Not Tolerate Immorality

Thyatira, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Pergamum, was a prosperous commercial town renowned for its numerous influential trade guilds. Notably, each guild had a patron deity associated with it. The locals regarded emperors as divine beings and saviours, even considering them to be the offspring of gods. Lydia, who had accepted Jesus through the Apostle Paul in Philippi, hailed from Thyatira and is thought to have played a vital role in bringing the Gospel to her hometown of Thyatira.

The reference to the Son of God made by Jesus in the context of Thyatira could be seen as a deliberate contrast to the divine status the city bestowed upon its emperors. Additionally, the mention of Jesus’ feet resembling bronze holds significance as Thyatira boasted a thriving metalworking industry, thus making the imagery all the more relatable to its residents.

Jesus commends the church for their love, faith, service, perseverance, and increased dedication. Yet the church had fallen prey to a false prophet who was misleading them to commit immoral acts drawing comparisons with Jezebel, the infamous wife of King Ahab. During her reign alongside her husband, the kingdom of Israel was led down a perilous path of moral depravity. Jezebel, with her unyielding desire for power and influence, introduced the worship of idols and the practice of sorcery into the heart of the kingdom. Her craftiness knew no bounds, as she skillfully manipulated those around her to embrace these sinful practices, thus corrupting the very fabric of society.

Although not the same individual, there are instances where the church finds itself vulnerable to the influence of false prophets who seek to lead the faithful astray. Just as Jezebel manipulated the Israelites, this unnamed prophet also employed her own cunning tactics to distort the true teachings of the Church, diverting believers towards immoral acts and questionable ideologies and drawing the wrath of God upon her.

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’

Revelation 2:24-25 (NIV)

The phrase “satan’s deep secrets” refers to the potential influence of deceptive forces on individuals, leading them astray through false healing and illusory blessings. Without a firm foundation in the teachings of Christ, it is impossible to discern the true origin of our blessings. The adversary employs temporary blessings and shows us miraculous signs in an attempt to divert us away from the straight and narrow path leading to God.

It is therefore imperative to address concerns pertaining to the tolerance of immorality within a church. It is disconcerting when a church overlooks such matters, dismissing issues that may not directly impact their congregation. This leniency may be driven by a desire for increased church membership, leading some pastors to compromise their principles. It is imperative that churches maintain a strong moral compass and diligently address issues of immorality, to ensure the spiritual well-being of their members and uphold the teachings of Christ.

I will give authority over the nations — that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’ —just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star.

Revelation 2:27-28 (NIV)

Jesus is referred to as the “morning star” in the same book of Revelation (22:16). As believers, we find solace and guidance in his everlasting radiance, even in the midst of surrounding darkness. It is crucial to rely on him for all our spiritual and physical needs, being cautious not to be deceived by evil forces masquerading as sources of light.

Sardis – Bringing Our Authentic Self

Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. It was a city known for its wealth and fame, with its acropolis situated on Mount Tmolus. The city’s commitment to its pagan belief system coexisted alongside an embrace of its sizable monotheistic Jewish community. This led to the allocation of prime land to construct one of the most expansive synagogues of ancient times, spanning a length comparable to that of a modern football field. Remarkably, even followers of Christ found a degree of acceptance within this diverse city. To the people of Sardis, Jesus introduces himself as the beholder of the seven stars, the stars being each of the churches that are being addressed.

I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Revelation 3:1-3 (NIV)

If we pretend to have faith, but deep down we don’t truly believe, we may fool others, but not God. People might be deceived by our outward appearance, but God sees our true intentions. Our faith is not determined by what others see, but by our inner conviction, even when no one is watching. On Sundays, while interacting with our fellow believers, our faith may seem alive and well, but what happens to it on other days is what truly matters.

Those who have faithfully kept their faith alive will be rewarded in heaven. They will walk with Jesus, dressed in white, and their names will never be erased from the Book of Life and Jesus will acknowledge them before His Father and the angels.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the hidden manna and the white stone offered to the ones who remain faithful even while living among the faithless?
2. How can a church of God tolerate such immorality?
3. What are the deep secrets of satan?
4. What does Jesus mean by morning star?
5. Can our faith look alive while being dead inside?