Revelation 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
Pergamos, or Pergamum, had a very storied history. Resting sixteen miles from the Aegean Sea (the sea where Patmos could be located), it is now the site of Bergama, Turkey. Subject first to Sparta and then Persia, it was also conquered by Alexander the Great.
Revelation 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’
This is the second overcomer passage in Revelation; the first being Revelation 2:7. First the overcomer was promised access to the tree of life, and now not being hurt by the second death. It would do well for us to remember what it means to be an overcomer.
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Verse 10 follows the thought of the synagogue of Satan. There was a very real spiritual adversary in Smyrna, resisting the church and its gospel. This synagogue was Satanically energized.
Revelation 2:9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
The Lord addresses Smyrna, stating that He knows their works, tribulation, and poverty. Ephesus was acknowledged for their works, labor and patience. In this the two churches share works, but diverge as the Lord discusses different issues of importance between them.
