“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to 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. 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. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
Philetairos of Tios broke from the ruler Lysimachus and declared himself “Lord of Pergamum and its wealth” in 282 BC. He was the son of Attalus and of the Attalid dynasty who ruled much of Asia Minor for a hundred, fifty years. His agenda was to make the city of Pergamum the Athens of Asia Minor.
The description that heads this letter is from the One who has the sharp two-edged sword. What He knows is that they live in the city where Satan’s throne is located. This is probably a reference to the altar of Zeus that could be seen far away and had a relief of the Titanomachia sculptured on it. The ruins of this altar by the Byzantines were recovered around 1878. It is one of the most important attractions of East Berlin, today.
Jesus commends the saints in this city for upholding His name during the days of Antipas who is noted as the first martyr of Asia Minor. Here is another piece of evidence for the early dating of the book as a whole. It had to be written before the widespread persecution by Rome as this persecution is dated in the days of Antipas.
However, he has a few things against them. First, some individual Christians in the city held to the teaching of Balaam, who had accepted Balak’s commission for a reward. Like him, certain individuals were encouraging saints to commit idolatry and fornication for profit. Second, some held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. They were similar but separate influences in the city. The panhellenic games were held at Pergamum under the Attalids. It was a huge event that brought many people, money, and festivities. Their games were called the Nicephoria and were connected with idolatry and fornication. It was so widespread and popular that sins would be tolerated that might otherwise be rejected. The Christian’s involvement in the festivities of this pagan event provided an opportunity to make money and to justify it as being the one time that one could sin with impunity.
The ultimatum was as follows: “Repent or I will come to you quickly and make war against them with the sword of my mouth.” No competition would exist in that dual. The choice is clear. Either repent or perish.
The promise of this letter is as follows: “To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Interestingly, victors in the game would often be given a new name inscribed in stone (cf. Rev. 19:12). The nobler and spiritual victors will receive honors, too. A new name will be inscribed on a white stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. These honors are not publicized by others to given acclaim and recognition among men. Again, take note that the promise given in all the letters is applied to the individual saint.