Revelation Chapter Two, Acknowledging Heresy

Revelation 2:16 “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

As we have addressed before, the term “repent,” does not mean to do penance; it means to change your mind. It is most famously found in Acts chapter 2, when Peter speaks to the Jewish audience about what they had done to Jesus. He addresses them several times, “Men of Judea,” Acts 2:14. “Men of Israel,” Acts 2:22. “Men and brethren (referring to his fellow Jews),” Acts 2:29. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know…” Acts 2:36.

Revelation Chapter Two, Deeds Become Doctrine

Revelation 2:15 “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

The church of Pergamos errs twice; the first error was tolerating the doctrine of Balaam in their own church. Ephesus tested apostles and found them to be false, by implication rejecting them for their heretical teachings.

Revelation Chapter Two, Balaam

 Revelation 2:14 “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

In this verse we learn that Pergamos is not without its own faults. They have persevered and kept the name of Christ and His faith in the place where Satan’s throne resided; they even continued their works after the martyrdom of Antipas. But they had permitted other things to happen, as well.

Revelation Chapter Two, Satan's Throne

Revelation 2:13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Pergamos appears to have been a residence for the throne of Satan. That is, his power base had been consolidated at Pergamos at the time. If this sounds strange, consider our Lord’s words to the seven Asiatic churches.