Revelation 2:12–17 is part of the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor, specifically addressed

to the church in Pergamum. This passage is rich in symbolism, theological depth, and historical
context.

Structure of the Letter to Pergamum:

Greeting (v.12) – Jesus introduces Himself as the one with the sharp two-edged sword.

Commendation (v.13) – The church is praised for holding fast to Jesus' name even in
persecution.

Criticism (vv.14–15) – They are rebuked for tolerating false teachings (Balaam and
Nicolaitans).

Exhortation (v.16) – A call to repentance.

Promise (v.17) – Rewards for those who overcome.

The city:
Pergamum, the provincial capital of Asia, was situated about fifty-five miles northeast of Smyrna.
Unlike Ephesus and Smyrna, Pergamos was not a port city and it was not known for its commerce.
Pergamos was known for its religion. 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 center 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
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.

Textual Highlights & Interpretation:

Verse 12: “Him who has the sharp two-edged sword”

To each church He addresses Himself in a different manner, to the church that has lost her first
love (Ephesus), he identified Himself as the One in charge of all the churches. To the suffering and
persecuted church in Smyrna, he identified Himself as the conqueror of death. To the "infiltrated"
church of Pergamos he addresses Himself as "...He who has the sharp two-edged sword." It
Symbolizes divine judgment and authority. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints
and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb 4,12).
Verse 13: “Where Satan’s throne is”

The Lord is aware of the circumstances of his Church. He is aware of their work for Him and He
is aware of their attempt to stay true in a very wicked city. The city where Satan’s throne is located,
indicating the spiritual darkness and opposition to the Christian faith that existed in Pergamum.
Pergamum was a center of emperor worship and pagan cults. “Satan’s throne” likely refers to the
altar of Zeus or imperial cult practices.

Historical Setting: we find a group of early Christians gathered together in a secret meeting to
worship and study the scriptures. Among them are faithful believers who have faced persecution
and hardship for their faith in Jesus Christ. They have come together to encourage one another and
to seek strength and guidance in the midst of the challenges they are facing. The surroundings are
dimly lit, as the Christians have gathered in a hidden location to avoid detection by those who
would seek to harm them. The room is simple, with makeshift seating and a few flickering candles
providing light. Despite the difficult circumstances, there is a sense of peace and unity among the
believers as they cling to their faith in the face of adversity. Jesus commends the church in
Pergamum in this verse for holding fast to their faith even in the face of challenges and opposition.
This serves as a reminder to us that it is important to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it may
be difficult or unpopular. The church in Pergamum faced various pressures and temptations to
compromise their faith, yet they remained steadfast. Jesus’ recognition of their perseverance serves
as a form of encouragement and reinforcement for all believers.

Antipas is believed to have been an early Christian martyr in Pergamum. Though little is known
about him historically, his death is highlighted as a testament to the church’s perseverance.
According to church tradition, Antipas, who had been discipled by John, was roasted to death in a
brazen or copper bull in the temple of Artemis. There are many legends around this story, but the
kernel of the story is probably true. We can safely assume that John would have been interceding
for people he had been discipling, and this might have been the reason he received the revelation
about Pergamum.
This verse is a powerful reminder of faithfulness under pressure. Even in a place described as the
very seat of Satan, the believers are commended for not renouncing their faith.

Verses 14–15: “Teaching of Balaam” and “Nicolaitans”

• Balaam: OT figure who led Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25, 1-2 & 31,16
adultery with Moabites).

• What was the "doctrine of Balaam? Balaam had been given special prophetic gifts from
the Lord. He was an opportunist and decided that these gifts could be sold. His advice to
Balak was to let the young women sleep with the men of the children of Israel. He knew
that they would fall and worship their new wives’ idols, and that the Lord would have to
remove His hand from them because of their sin. This church, though not condoning it, let
 others in the church commit sexual immorality, and pagan worship without putting them
out!

• Nicolaitans: A heretical group promoting compromise with pagan practices.

• The church is criticized for tolerating doctrinal corruption.

Verse 16: “Repent… or I will come… with the sword”

• A warning of judgment if they don’t correct their ways. Repentance must be a change of
heart and actions.

• Jesus will confront them with His Word — the sword.

Verse 17: “Hidden manna… white stone… new name”

• Hidden manna: Spiritual sustenance, possibly referencing eternal life or Christ Himself.

• Μάννα appears in the NT 4 times: John 6,31& 49, of the manna in the wilderness for the
fathers as an antitype to "the true bread from heaven”. Heb 9,4, of the manna preserved in
a golden urn (see Exod 16,32ff) And Rev 2:17: τὸ μάννα τὸ κεκρυμμένον as eschatological
(heavenly) food of God for "those who overcome"
• 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.

• White stone: Symbol of acquittal or victory, possibly linked to ancient court practices or
athletic games.
• 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 favor 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.

• New name: Represents new identity in Christ, known only to the receiver — intimate and
personal.
 • 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.
• 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

Application & Reflection

• Faithfulness in hostile environments: Pergamum remained loyal despite intense pressure.

• Guarding doctrine: The danger of tolerating false teachings is real and spiritually
destructive.

• Repentance and reward: Christ offers both correction and profound promise ὁ θρόνος
τοῦ Σατανᾶ, (Rev. 2,13) to those who overcome.

Symbolism of Pergamum in Today's Context

• Faith Amid Hostility: Pergamum was praised for holding fast to Christ’s name in a city
described as “where Satan’s throne is”. Today, it represents believers who remain faithful
in spiritually hostile environments—whether that’s secular institutions, oppressive
regimes, or morally ambiguous cultures.

• Compromise with Culture: Despite its faithfulness, the church was rebuked for tolerating
false teachings like those of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. This reflects modern churches or
individuals who blend Christian beliefs with worldly ideologies—such as materialism,
moral relativism, or political idolatry.

• Warning Against Spiritual Complacency: The call to repentance in Revelation 2:16 is a

stark reminder that spiritual compromise, even if subtle, can erode the integrity of faith.
Pergamum symbolizes the danger of being “lukewarm” or selectively obedient.

• Martyrdom and Witness: The mention of Antipas, a faithful martyr, highlights the cost
of true discipleship. In today’s world, Pergamum reminds us of those who suffer or even
die for their faith, standing firm in the face of persecution.

In short, Pergamum is a mirror held up to any believer or church navigating the tension
between faithfulness and cultural accommodation.