Dear Family,
Today is Sabbath, May 2, 2020, Day 21 in our Counting toward Pentecost. This is the 7th day of Week 3. Today we end the Week of Elim.
The Church in Pergamos was the third one of seven mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3. The word pergamos is from a Greek word meaning fortified with its root being the word purgos meaning a tower or castle.
Pergamos was a Church filled with difficulty. Difficulties included dwelling where Satan’s seat is, the doctrine of Balaam, and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
While the Smyrna Church was the persecuted Church that underwent severe persecution, even to death, the Pergamos Church may also have had a period of martyrdom.
Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and 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.
They also suffered stumbling blocks, being taught to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. These were serious spiritual errors that existed. Yet, it appears there were various members who had not all given over to the errors.
Revelation 2:14-15 (14) But I have a few things against thee, because 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. (15) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Believers at Pergamos were told to repent. Apparently, Pergamos needed to hold onto the Word of God. When Believers hold on to the Word of God which is a two-edged sword, they are better able to withstand heresies, dangerous doctrine, and various stumbling blocks. They were warned that Christ would come quickly with His sword.
Revelation 2:12, 16 (12) And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. (16) Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Consider a few of Satan’s tactics hurled against the first three Churches for a moment.
In Ephesus, Believers abandoned first love. Brethren, what makes love cool? Is it not iniquity? Did Satan encircle Believers with tremendous evil in the early stages of God’s Church? Stories about the first century and the Roman Empire’s debauchery are legend. Believers were surrounded by evil of all sorts. Yet, God’s Church survived!
In Smyrna, Believers were tortured and martyred. When tactics like surrounding people in evil fail to stamp out true Believers, they were viciously attacked physically. Yet, Satan’s tactics were foiled again. God’s Church survived! In fact, the Believers who were faithful during such tribulation are assured of sharing in the great glory of God. They have a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Romans 8:17(b) if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.
In Pergamos, Satan used other tactics. He attacked from within. Powerful false doctrines were introduced and took hold. Satan instigated tactics that had worked for him before as in the example of Balaam and Balac. The story is found in Numbers 22, 23, 24, 25. Balaam was a man who claimed a relationship with the LORD. Because he desired “the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15), he tried to curse Israel, but when he could not, he taught Balac to subvert them. Eventually, Israel was lured into fornication and idolatry. Then, God sent a plague among those who sinned.
Some in the New Testament Church in Pergamos were caught up in Satan’s stumbling block tactics. They also involved themselves in the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which God HATES. Some have said this is a doctrine of St. Nick or Santa Claus.
Others have said this doctrine is one that teaches free access to continue in unrestrained acts of sin because they are completely covered by Jesus; sacrifice. Consider, however, that this explanation of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans would produce basically the same outcome as the doctrine of Balaam and his stumbling blocks.
Still others have described this doctrine based on the meaning of the word. The root of the word Nicolaitans is from the Greek nikao which means to overcome or conquer. And, laos means the people. This explanation of the doctrine indicates an overcoming of the people by those who would prevail over them. In essence, it may mean the creation of a clerical system that eventually became a church hierarchy that lorded it over the people. History does show that such events did occur in a number of ways.
Apparently, this doctrine of Nicolaitans was attempting to make inroads in the Ephesus Church. Remember they were commended because “thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” (Revelation 2:6). Remember that Satan was so comfortable in Pergamos that he dwelled there (Revelation 2:13). His “seat” was there.
Chief among these historical appearances of a clergy overtaking the laity is what happened in the Catholic Church. This religious movement substituted the clergy and the pope for the Headship of Jesus Christ. When it finally prevailed by building an effective hierarchy among the priests or ministry, the doors were wide open to taking over “Christianity” completely. Any and all doctrines could easily be changed. Who could resist? To resist was tantamount to disobeying Christ.
Whatever doctrine is actually being meant by God as Nicolaitan, God hates it; and, so should we. All three of the possible explanations I have provided show dangerous and wrong doctrine. As we move toward Pentecost, let us not be caught up in any obvious errors. And, let us pray earnestly, that we will not succumb to any of Satan’s tactics – old or new. God has already provided what we need for victory!
God bless you with awareness of His presence and power in your life.
Ben Faulkner
© Copyright 2020, Church of the Sovereign God