Chapter Nine/Holding Fast to Jesus' Name

TRAVELING 50 miles north up the coastal road from Smyrna and then 15 miles inland through the Caicus River valley, we come to Pergamum, now called Bergama.  The city was renowned or its temple of Zeus, or Jupiter. In the 1800's, archaeologists transported the altar of that temple to Germany, where it may still be viewed, along with many statues and reliefs of pagan gods, at the Pergamum Museum in East Berlin. What message would the Lord Jesus send to the congregation living amid all that idolatry? 

First, Jesus establishes his identity, saying: "And to the angel of the congregation in Pergamum write: These are the things that he says who has the sharp, long two-edged sword." (Revelation 2:12) Jesus here repeats the description give of him at Revelation 1:16. As Judge and Executioner, he will strike down those persecute his disciples. How comforting that assurance! Regarding judgment, however, let those withing the congregation also be warned that Jehovah, acting through this "messenger of the covenant," Jesus Christ, "will become a speedy witness" against all professing Christians who practice idolatry, immorality, lying, and dishonesty and who fail to care for the needy. (Malachi 3:1, 5; Hebrews 13:1-3) The counsel and reproof that God causes Jesus to give must be needed! 

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