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.

Revelation Chapter Two, Pergamos

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 Chapter Two, Unhurt By The Second Death

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.