Pergamum was a very important city. It had a vast library of over 200 000 scrolls and the word parchment is derived from Pergamum. It was the centre of emperor worship, even more so than Ephesus and Smyrna, and had even gained the title neokoros or temple-sweeper because of this. It built three temples to the emperor. It also went in for pagan worship in a big way too.
So this is why the letter says "where Satan has his throne". Now this does not mean that the place was had an actual throne to Satan, just that Satanic influence was great. See how John uses the word Satan. He had referred to the synagogue of Satan and here the temple of Satan. When we think of Satanic influence we are too readily influenced by horror movie portrayals. His influence is much more pervasive and much more mundane.
See that God places a church in the midst of darkness (see Isaiah 60). We should not be surprised if we find ourselves in such circumstances. God praises them for remaining true to Him in the midst of such circumstances.
At the same time there were some things they were getting wrong. Just because a church is enduring persecution does not mean it is getting everything right. Likewise, an individual who is enduring trials can still be getting things wrong and may need correction.
The Nicolaitans seem to be at the heart of this error again, and are likened to Balaam. Balaam failed to destroy Israel by direct means, but then managed to lead them astray by his advice to Balak. Pergamum faced the same risk. Idol worship and sexual immorality were great dangers. Sexual immorality is a great danger today, and one which the church needs to wake up to.
The church needed to repent.
The hidden manna may be mentioned here in contrast to eating food offered to idols. There are numerous suggestions as to what the white stone means. It could signify entrance to the heavenly banquet. The name is significant as well. God is forming our character, which is signified by the new name. We do not see yet what we will finally be like, but we know it will be glorious.
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