The Church of Pergamos
The letter to the Church of Pergamos is found in Revelation 2:13-17.
Jesus says I know:
- Your works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is
- 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.
But I have a few things against thee:
- thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock 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.
The Solution:
- Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Words to know:
- Balaam: Strong’s G903
- Βαλαάμ Balaám, bal-ah-am’; of Hebrew origin (H1109); Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher):—Balaam.
- Balac: Strong’s G904
- Βαλάκ Balák, bal-ak’; of Hebrew origin (H1111); Balak, a Moabite:—Balac.
- Nicolaitans: Strong’s G3531
- Νικολαΐτης Nikolaḯtēs, nik-ol-ah-ee’-tace; from G3532; a Nicolaite, i.e. adherent of Nicolaus:—Nicolaitane.
In the Old Testament Balaam was a prophet who the King Balak hired to cures the Israelites. This is found in Numbers Chapter 22. It seems that someone was teaching falsely. They were teaching that it was ok to combine pagan practices such as eating things sacrificed to idols and fornication with the teaching of Christ. Just like oil and water doesn’t mix, pagan and Christian practices don’t mix.
Looking at the etymology of the word “Nicolaitans,” it can be divided into two parts. “Nicos” comes from the Greek word “Nike,” meaning victor or victory. The second part, “laity,” has the same meaning in both Greek and English. Therefore, Nicolaitanism is understood as the act of elevating the clergy above the laity, which is considered heresy. Yes, you should respect the ministers who teach you and pray for you. However, remember Paul and the Bereans. Paul, who was a leader in the church and a well-respected teacher, did not consider it disrespectful for the Bereans to questions and diligently search out what he taught. Acts 17:10-11 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Notice it says that they were noble in that they received and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. If the clergy where you are doesn’t like for you to search out the scriptures, they just might be under the influence of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
Today there are still false doctrines being taught and preached around the world. A few examples are:
- The Prosperity Gospel: Often referred to as the health and wealth gospel or the Word of Faith movement, it teaches that faith leads to improved finances and health as blessings from God. Supporters believe they are entitled to riches and good health based on their interpretation of the Abrahamic Covenant, Jesus’s atonement, tithing, personal faith, and prayer.
- To refute, see Matthew 6:19-21, Acts 8:20, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; 11:23-30, Revelation 3:17.
- The Works-Based Gospel, which believes we are saved by our works.
- To refute, see Ephesians 2:8-9.
- The Moralism Gospel: This fallacy teaches the Gospel was given to make us “good people.”
- To refute, see Matthew 19:17 and Romans 3:12.
- The Self-Help Gospel says Jesus died to make people better versions of themselves.
- To refute, see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
Each of these and all other false doctrine either adds to or takes away from the Bible. This is why you must read the Bible for yourself. Please obey 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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.
articlesforchristians 