October 20, 2024

The Church In Pergamum – Revelation 2:12-17

Ice Breaker

1. Read Revelation 2:12-17. Pergamum was also a center of emperor worship. This may be why it is called the place “where Satan has his throne.” In addition, temple prostitution was prevalent. How do you think the church responded to the lure of these temptations? Discuss your answers as a group.

Loving God Unreservedly

2. The Roman governor of Pergamum had the ius gladii ‘the right of the sword’ over its inhabitants meaning that he could have anyone put to death at will. What significance is there in Christ’s reminder of his having a sword (vs. 12)?
3. As a savior, is Jesus able to keep his promises? (Rev. 1:17-18). How does this truth inform our faith as we consider God’s judgment over his enemies?

Loving People Sacrificially

4. Observe (v. 13), namely the phrase Satan’s throne. Some have translated this to mean the place where Satan rules. What made Pergamum the throne of Satan (i.e., Pergamum’s center of worship, altar to the Greek god Zeus, Asclepius (god of healing) the serpent god, Christian persecution of Antipas, or Roman emperor worship)?
5. Consider the phrase, hold fast my name (vs. 13). How does this describe a loyal follower of Christ’s name?
6. Within the church of Pergamum some were spreading the false teachings of Balaam (vs. 14; Num. 22-24) and Nicolaitans (vs. 14; 2:6, 15). Observe the few things the exalted Lord had against the church of Pergamum (vv. 14-16).
   a) How should we address false teachings of the church today (the balance of love and grace)? How do we avoid being a stumbling block to others (vs. 14)?
   b) Being a different group mentioned from Balaam, were the Nicolaitans guilty of similar practices being described (vv. 14-15; the essence of these teachings refuted  by the council in Jerusalem Acts 15:20, 28-29)?
   c) The word repent (vs. 16, to change course, direction; change one’s behavior). Was the church guilty of unjustified tolerance of false teachings and practices?
   d) Was spiritual laxity/apathy towards pagan practices evident in the church of Pergamum (v. 16)?

Making Disciples Purposefully

7. Antipas my faithful witness (vs. 13). What is significant about this description being associated/modeled after Jesus’ (Rev. 1:5; 3:14)? How are we being called to be faithful witnesses to each other and the world?
8. How can your small group pray, serve at our Faith and Blue Fall Festival (October 26, 2024 from 3-6pm)?

Dig Deeper (optional/personal study)

9. Research: According to Numbers (22-24) Balaam was a non-Israelite “seer” (prophet). Balak, king of Moab asked Balaam to curse God’s people, he would not. Numbers 25 described Israel’s sin to worship foreign gods, Balaam was not associated with this sin. Numbers 31:16 directly placed the blame on Balaam. How were the false teachers of Revelation (2:14) considered a new manifestation of Balaam (Nicolaitans)?