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Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 20

"To the angel of the church in Pergamos"

Text: Revelation 2:12

THE CHURCH OF PERGAMOS

Pergamos was a famous city in the past. It was the provincial capital of Asia Minor. It was an educational hub as well, and had a national library that boasted of having 200,000 books.

“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.'”
Revelation 2:12-13

1. The Lord Jesus carried a sharp two-edged sword.

a) The sword is a weapon of war.

b) It was also used in execution of criminals.

c) The Lord was prepared to wage war against evil.

2. Where Satan’s throne is.

a) Pergamos had many famous temples.

b) One was dedicated to Zeus.

c) Another one was dedicated to Asclepios, the god of healing.

d) A special Roman Temple was dedicated to Emperor Augustus Caesar.

e) Hence, the reference to “Satan’s throne”.

3. The works of the Church at Pergamos.

a) Believers suffered persecution.

b) But the true believers held fast to their faith in the Lord.

c) They did not deny their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

d) Some faltered and fell from steadfastness.

e) But by and large Pergamos held fast to their faith in the Lord.

4. Antipas the faithful martyr.

a) It began to take on a new meaning as Christians suffered persecution.

b) The word had not come to mean “a martyr”.

c) Antipas was called a martyr for he died for his faith in the Lord Jesus.

d) He was honoured by the Lord and was called a “faithful martyr”.