(Revelation 2:12) And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Just as we read John's description of Jesus in Revelation 1:16, Jesus is again described as having a two-edged sword. I am sure your mind went to Hebrews 4 as mine did. I usually prefer the KJV, but I really like the amplified version for these verses.
(Hebrews 4:12-13) For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account.
Most of us think of these verses as the sword representing the Bible and how we can and should measure our actions against it. Yes, this is so true, but how much more so is The Word Himself (John 1:1 -In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.). He examines not only our actions, but also our motivations behind those actions. Are we doing right or kind things to earn His favor, to make ourselves look righteous, or simply because we love God and want to please Him? This brings us again to the phrase below in verse 13, that all of our works are known by the only One who will judge us accurately as well as fairly.
(Psalm 7:8-9) The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins [the innermost parts of our hearts and minds].
Praise God! Can we say anyone else will judge us with righteousness? How many quickly dismiss us when we make mistakes? But God is gracious to judge us as individuals and gives us grace based on many different factors in our lives. Don't be fooled, that is not an excuse to sin (See Romans 6:1-2), but instead it is a reason to honor the King of Kings with loyalty and right living.
(Revelation 2:13) I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Yes, you will see those first 4 words (in verse 13) to every church in Revelation. I expounded more on it in part 1, and you can read those verses there. Added to knowing our works, Jesus says He knows where we dwell. We could say this means He understands our circumstances and therefore has compassion for what we go through. But this also means Jesus knows when we go to places we should not dare to go. He is always watching.
In the case of the church in Pergamos, they were in an evil place that was seeped in paganism, including having a huge altar or throne to Zeus that was pretty prominent. The city was also full of moral comprise. Jesus not only was pleased with the church in Pergamos for resisting such influences but also expects the same from us. Do not take 2 Corinthians 6 lightly, but see it as a very real warning, you will see how it ties in to Revelation 2:14-16 as well.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18- 7:1) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
If interested, you can read more on the subject of being unequally yoked here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/03/2-corinthians-614-18-71-part-2.html
(Revelation 2:14-16) But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
You see how 2 Corinthians also applies to the issues Jesus has against Pergamos and all of us who choose to follow false religions/immoral pratices or closely align with those involved with such?
Unlike the church in Ephesus (part 1), where Jesus was pleased with them for hating the practice of the Nicolaitanes, this church is the opposite.
I will be honest; I do not see how this church could take a stand against the doctrines of Satanic paganism and yet be accepting of the Nicolaitanes who were also said to be immoral and involved with false idolatries. Then again, sounds like so many people today. They may say they would never worship Satan, and yet have no issues celebrating Halloween, watching programs/reading books full of witchcraft (Cartoons full of witches, spells, curses, and false gods are not innocent just because they are animated!), view pornography, go to bars, have sex outside of marriage, smoke so-called harmless drugs, etc. Many Christians today are just like the church in Pergamos who took a stand for Christ is some areas but hugely compromised in others.
(1 Corinthians 10:21) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
These is not a minor issue to God. Don't believe me, notice the list in Revelation 20 (See also Galatians 5:19-21):
(Revelation 21:8) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers [This includes rebelliously allowing occult books/movies into your home], and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Notice, Jesus tells them He will fight against them and quickly use His sword against them unless they repent. We need to take His messages seriously. He gives us warning after warning, so we have time to change our actions and return to Him. There will be a day when the warnings will end, and we will be held accountable for ignoring the gracious lifeline He so desperately longs for us grasp onto.
(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But remember, Jesus is always so very gracious to forgive us each and every single time we repent. Don't waste time, turn away from sin today!
(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Prasie God for His infinite mercy!
(Revelation 2:17) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
If we have ears, Jesus wants us all to apply this message to our lives.
This last part about the rewards that are gifted to those who overcome sin is so beautifully intriguing! I don't know the exact implication of this verse, but could Jesus Himself be our hidden manna as He will no longer be hidden but when we go to Heaven? We will see Him face to face as He really is and we will feast at the Father's table of eternal life! Not really sure that is what was intended here, but it is a profoundly hopeful and joyful picture.
This also makes me think of the song by C. Austin Miles, "There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, yes it's mine. I've met the Author of my story, and He's mine, yes He's mine."
So fascinating and beautiful to think of receiving a white stone with a new name. Makes me feel emotional just thinking about it. I picture having a private talk with Jesus as He hands me my stone. Goodness, makes we weep! How beautiful that day will be!
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