C. The letter to the church in Pergamum 2:12-17The purpose of this letter was to encourage the Christians in Pergamum for their faithfulness to Christ and to urge them to reject the false teaching in their midst. read more
2. Commendation 2:13The Pergamum Christians had held firmly to their commitment to Jesus Christ and their witness for Him even though they lived in one of Satan’s strongholds."Antipas is said to have been a dentist and a physician, but the Aesculapiades suspected that he was propagating Christianity secretly and they accused him of disloyalty to Caesar. He was condemned to death and was shut up in a brazen (or copper) bull, which was then heated until it was red-hot." [Note: Frederick A.... read more
3. Rebuke 2:14-15Balaam told Balak that he could overcome the Israelites if he would involve them in Moabite religious feasts that included sacred prostitution (Numbers 25). This would render them unfaithful to God and consequently subject to His discipline. The pagans in Pergamum were evidently encouraging the Christians to join in their pagan feasts and the sexual immorality that accompanied them too. By participating, some in the church had given tacit approval to Balaam’s teaching. The... read more
4. Exhortation 2:16If the erring believers would not judge themselves and repent, they could anticipate God’s judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:31)."Unwillingness to repent shows that a person is not a faithful believer." [Note: Thomas, Revelation 1-7, p. 196.] They would die by the sword proceeding from Christ’s mouth. Balaam had died, ironically, by the Israelites’ sword (Numbers 31:8). This judgment would be by the unyielding standard of God’s revealed Word that clearly condemns such behavior.... read more
5. Promise 2:17The "hidden manna" seems to be a reference to the manna that sustained the lives of the Israelites in the wilderness that lay "hidden" in the holy of holies. The Christians in Pergamum did not need the food of pagan festivals since they already had much better food. Christians feed spiritually on Jesus Christ, the bread of life (John 6:48-51), who is the real manna hidden from sight now. [Note: See Daniel K. K. Wong, "The Hidden Manna and the White Stone in Revelation 2:17,"... read more
1. Destination and description of Christ 2:18Thyatira was the smallest of the seven cities, but it was the one that received the longest letter. It lay about 45 miles to the southeast of Pergamum. It was famous for its textiles, especially the production of purple dye (cf. Acts 16:14), and its trade guilds.Flame-like eyes suggest discerning and severe judgment (cf. Revelation 1:14). Burnished (highly reflective) bronze feet in this context picture a warrior with protected feet (cf. Revelation... read more
D. The letter to the church in Thyatira 2:18-29Jesus Christ sent this letter to commend some in this church for their service, orthodoxy, and fidelity, and to warn others in it to turn from false teaching and sinful practices. read more
2. Commendation 2:19In many particulars some in this church were praiseworthy. They were strong in good deeds, love for others, trust in God, service of their Savior, and patient endurance in trials. Moreover they had become even more zealous recently. Love shows itself in service, and faith demonstrates itself in perseverance through persecution. [Note: J. P. Lange, "The Revelation of John," in Lange’s Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, p. 121.] read more
3. Rebuke 2:20-23Evidently a woman claiming to be a prophetess (cf. Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5) had been influencing some in this church to join the local trade guilds without which a tradesman could not work in Thyatira. This meant participation in the guild feasts that included immoral acts and the worship of idols. [Note: See Beasley-Murray, pp. 89-90.] Her name may or may not have been Jezebel. I think it was not. [Note: Cf. Newell, p. 54; Thomas, Revelation 1-7, p. 214; and... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Revelation 2:12
1. Destination and description of Christ 2:12Pergamum (modern Bergama) lay about 55 miles north of Smyrna inland a few miles from the Aegean coast. The meaning of the name "Pergamum" is "citadel." The town was noteworthy for three reasons. It was a center for many pagan religious cults, and emperor worship was more intense there than in any other surrounding city. [Note: Barclay, Letters to . . ., p. 45.] Second, it boasted a university with a large library. Third, it was the leader and center... read more