Lessons From the Seven Churches – Faithfulness

“‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”

Revelation 2:13

The Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the brutal reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (A.D. 81–96). John’s crime was that he proclaimed and shared the saving message of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 1:9). On Patmos, John received a prophetic revelation that included seven letters to seven churches that existed at that time in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These letters contain both correction and encouragement, which are relevant not only to the believers of that time but also to us today.

The third church addressed was the church in Pergamum, located approximately 45 miles from Smyrna. It also “boasted one of the finest libraries of antiquity and was the place where parchment was first used. It had once been the capital of the Roman province of Asia.”^[1] Additionally, Pergamum was a city with a great altar to Zeus, prevalent emperor worship, and various pagan cults. Although they lived in an ungodly society, once again Jesus reminds them that He “knows” their situation. What a great reminder for us as well. Regardless of our circumstances, the Lord knows what we are experiencing.

“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress,

And the way grows weary and long?

Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares.”^[2]

It is amidst this background that the Lord commends the believers for remaining faithful in this ungodly environment (Revelation 2:13). Even when one of their brethren, Antipas, was martyred, they held onto their faith in the Lord. Although we know little about Antipas, he is often thought to be the first known Asian to die because he refused emperor worship. Like those faithful believers, the Lord expects us to always remain faithful regardless of our environment.

“Christ’s commendation of the faithfulness of the church at Pergamum is a challenge to Christians today to stand true when engulfed by the evil of this present world, the apostasy within the ranks of religion, and the temptation to compromise their stand for the truth."^[3]

One key lesson that we learn from the church at Pergamum is to remain faithful to the Lord and His Word even when we live in an ungodly environment. It seems that every day our culture continues to deteriorate, and the pressure to compromise increases. However, we need to remember that Christ is fully aware of what is going on in our lives and all that is around us. This should encourage us that He is with us each day. Let us commit ourselves to being faithful, looking to the day when the Lord says to us, "Well done my faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are always with me and aware of what I am experiencing. This encourages me to remain faithful to You regardless of my situation. Help me to rest in Your unfailing care, trusting You with my past, my present, and my future. Amen.

[1] The Ryrie Study Bible.  NASB 95 Edition.

[2] Frank E. Graeff. Does Jesus Care?

[3] John Walvoord.  Revelation Commentary, pg. 66.