Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Revelation Study Class 9
As we continue our study on the book of Revelation, we now move on to the Third Epistle: Pergamos (2:12-17).
In the Epistle to the Assembly in Pergamos, the Old Testament illustrations are from a subsequent period of Israel’s wilderness experiences. Balaam and Balak are used to illustrate the special circumstances of this Assembly; the counterpart of which will be found to exist in “the day of the L-rd.”
It is the last of the three Epistles in which the Old Testament reference is to Israel and the Wilderness period. In the first we had Israel’s Espousals; in the second we had Israel’s Testing and Trial. Now, her in the third, we have Israel’s Failure.
This failure is marked in the Epistle to Pergamos. The predominant tone of the Epistle is that of Crimination. Two solemn warnings are given and a call to “Repent,” with a threat of being fought against by the sword of His mouth. This will be evident in the Epistle as we proceed.
2:12: And unto the angel of the Assembly in Pergamos, write: These things saith he who hath the sharp two-edged sword
This attribute of Yahshua is taken from 1:16. It is used here and in the closing threat of the Epistle, (2:16), because the judgment upon “the error of Balaam” was executed with the sword (see Num.31:8); “Balaam also, the son of Beor, they slew with the sword” (See also Joshua 13:22). Hence all the significant references to the “sword” in this Epistle. In 1:16 the sword proceeds out of Ha Mashiach’s mouth, teaching them how, by the word which cometh out of His mouth He can chastise and destroy. Harken therefore to Him!
V.13: I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is… Here we have a special reference to the scenes and circumstances of Revelation 13;2, where the Dragon gave the beast “his power, his throne, and great authority, In Revelation 16:10, “the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the beast.” So, at that time, in the Day of the L-rd, there will be a special place where Satan’s throne will be set up in this world; and when he and the Beast will receive that worship which it is and has ever been his aim, all through, to obtain from mankind. Evidently this throne is in Pergamos (Turkey). Whatever foreshadowing there may have been of this in the past or in the history of the roman Emperors, it only shows us the possibility of that, in which all believe when we speak of “history repeating itself.” Pergamos was the seat of the ancient mysteries. That which has been, may be again. Just as the deeds of Antiochus Epiphanes show us how another individual will yet do completely, what he did partially.
and thou holdest fast my name through the refusal to receive the mark of the beast. See Revelation 11:18 (which fear thy name”) and compare 13:13-15 and 2 Thes. 2:11,12.
And didst not deny my faith, {even] in the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth Here is another allusion to Satan’s future special presence on the earth in the days to which it is referred. History does not document anywhere concerning an individual named Antipas. Later tradition has a great deal to say, but its conflicting statements will not repay us for the extensive investment in time involved in chasing unverifiable information. There will be many martyrs in those days; and here, one of them is mentioned by name. Compare and see Revelation 6:9-10; 13:10; 20:4, when the fulfillment of the L-rd’s words will be understood. Matthew 24:9, Mark 13;9; Luke 21:12; John 15:20;16:2. These are the days specifically referred to in this Epistle. It is not a new thing for prophecy to name a person long before his personal manifestation (See 1 Kings 13;2; Isaiah 44:28; 14:1). “The place where Satan dwelleth” (13:2; 16:10) must be the place where persecution will rage most fiercely.
V.14: Nevertheless, I have against thee a few things, that thou hast there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication
The “error of Balaam” (Jude 110 is seen in Numbers 25:1 and 31:16. The entire scene describes idolatry of the grossest kind, where fornication will be designated as a religion! And when religion is turned into fornication as it was and is in all the great heathen systems of idolatry. This was the essence of idolatry of old, and this is what is evolving on earth today. What other meaning could the significant words in chapter 9:20 and 21 refer?
V. 15: So hast thou also those that hold fast the teaching of the Nicolaitanes (religious hierarchy) (v.6) in like manner
V. 16: Repent therefore; otherwise, I will come unto thee speedily and will fight against them with the sword (v.12) of my mouth Here we see the actual fulfillment of this threat in chapter 19;11-21.
V. 17: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the Assemblies: To him that overcometh will I give of the hidden manna This promise follows the order of the Old Testament illustration:
(1) To Ephesus was the Tree if Life (Gen. 2)
(2) To Smyrna it was not to be hurt of the second death (Gen. 3)
(3) Now to Pergamos, it is the manna of the Exodus (Ex. 16;32-4)
We must remember how the false prophets and teachers were all fed at Jezebel’s table (1 Kings 18:19). All of these false teachers will be supported by the State of which the Beast will be the head. The faithful remnant of the woman’s seed will again be driven into the wilderness (12:13-17).
How beautiful to thus be reminded here that G-d can spread a table (not Jezebel’s) for the faithful remnant who have been driven into the wilderness just as during the Wilderness period in the Exodus ((Ps. 78;19), “when mad did eat angels’ food, and he sent them meat to the full” (Ps. 78:24,5). It is in this connection that the promise of the manna is given. In Exodus 16:34,35, we are told that the manna was especially given “until they came to a land inhabited.” Until then, G-d has “hidden manna” with which to support His people.
and I will give unto him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which none knoweth save he that receiveth it
This new name for the new Israel is the subject of prophecy. Isaiah 62:2 tells us of the time when “Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the L-rd shall name” (See also Isa. 65;15). Revelation 19:11-16 is the fulfillment of this promise. What that new name will be has not yet been revealed, but its association with the “white stone” reminds us that as they will be “a kingdom of priests,” so they will have the priestly signs as did Aharon (Ex. 28:36). On the front of his mitre was a plate of gold “holy to the L-rd.” In this scenario, instead of a plate of gold, they are to have a white stone, on which will be an inscription equivalent to Aharon’s, with their new name, thus distinguishing them in a most emphatic way from those who will worship the Beast and receive his mark on their foreheads.
Those who will be on earth in those days will be divided into two opposing parties: the party of the beast, and the party of the Lamb; each having its own distinctive mark or brand. There will be no allowance for “bipartisanship” or tolerance for walking the fence between religions. The “handwriting” of G-d is clearer than ever. Which side will you take?
Next week we will address the Fourth Epistle: Thyatira (2:18-29).
Shalom v’brachas,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart