Pergamos was a powerful, glorious landlocked city with a famous library and temples for the worship of their gods and their emperors. Jesus described Pergamos as “Satan’s seat” (Rev 2:13), i.e. where Satan dwelt. This means that life was very difficult for Christians there. All were to offer annual sacrifices to Caesar. Christians who refused to do so had to be prepared to be persecuted. They did not compromise in defending the faith, and Jesus commended them for their courageous faith. One of them, Antipas, was martyred for his faith (Rev 2:13).

But Jesus also knew that among them were those “that hold the doctrine of Balaam” (Rev 2:14). Jesus (described as having “the sharp sword with two edges” in Revelation 2:12, i.e. the Word of God) will use the Word of God as the standard of judgment against all believers.

Numbers 22-25 reveals the sin of Balaam. Balaam knew God, God’s Word and His character. He used his knowledge for his own gain, causing the people of God “to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Rev 2:14), resulting in the death of 24,000 of them (Num 25). Balaam’s sin of compromise is a very deadly sin. Beware of the sin of Balaam!

The church in Pergamos had been courageous to withstand idol worship, but they did not deal with those in their midst who committed the sin of Balaam. As individuals and as a church, transgressions and transgressors have to be dealt with. We must not allow friendships or relationships to cloud our discernment and determination to use the same yardstick (i.e. God’s Word) to judge sins. Individually, when we do not judge our own sins, God will. He can send people to warn us, or He may send trials, diseases, etc. As a church, church leaders have to ensure that all ministries are guarded (especially the ministry of teaching God’s Word) and to respond rightly and biblically when there is sin in the midst of the church. God’s Word demands all areas of our life to be holy, no area is excused.

Another sin in the church in Pergamos was “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” (Rev 2:15), i.e. the sin of exaggerated Christian liberty. Amongst them were those who believed that since they were saved and would go to heaven, they could do what they liked while on earth. This is an abomination. We are saved to be Christ’s witnesses on earth. We are to live and do everything as unto the Lord (Rom 14:8).

There is only one standard: God’s Word. We may still falter because of the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes and the pride of our life, but when we quickly repent and seek God’s forgiveness, we will be forgiven. Repent before Jesus returns.