Revelation 2:12-14

12 Then to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him Who has and wields the sharp two-edged sword: 

   

13 I know where you live--a place where Satan sits enthroned. [Yet] you are clinging to and holding fast My name, and you did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed (martyred) in your midst--where Satan dwells. 

Pergamum was located in modern day Turkey. The city was centrally located and used by the Romans as an administrative point for their kingdom in Asia-Minor. The city was a major cultural and political center. Pergamum had temples, libraries, and medical facilities; it was a modern city and Jesus tells John to write that satan was enthroned there. Consider our world today, satan’s primary tools to deceive and steal from people are governments and culture. People today, just as when this letter was written, look to the government and trust in government instead of God. People also look at culture and think that we are too sophisticated for God. There were believers in Pergamum and they were empowered to hold to Jesus even with all of the deceptive glory of satan at work. The truly called and chosen in this church were never left or forsaken by Jesus, even when people were being martyred. 

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: you have some people there who are clinging to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to set a trap and a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, [to entice them] to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and to practice lewdness [giving themselves up to sexual vice].

Once again, the chosen ones within the church would have in all likelihood read this letter of prophecy. Our Father would have insured they would have, just as He has insures that we read it, and just as true believers throughout history have read the Book of Revelation. They would have seen the killings and persecutions of the Romans, they would have seen worldliness being glorified, and they still were empowered to hold fast to Jesus. Even though the church leadership was allowing false teachings in, the Brides in Pergamum were enlightened by the Holy Spirit to see the Truth. 

The church leaders were probably trying to grow the church as church leaders often do. So they wanted to be inclusive and they allowed leaders in that were not called or chosen to be leaders. The Truth is that it is fine to have everyone come to church, that is what church is for, but read Timothy and Titus and see what true church leadership of a church should be. The chosen ones of Pergamum were probably pointing these shortcomings out and this letter is actually Jesus telling His believers your right. Jesus is showing them that even though the leadership is blinded and the church is in disarray, I have not left you or forsaken you!

We will be empowered by our Father to do the same during the Great Tribulation, when the world is going after the anti-christ and false prophet. We will be empowered to not be deceived by all of the glory of the anti-christ’s church. Even though false miracles will be abounding, we will see the Truth. We will be sealed and protected until the day that our Groom returns, Ephesians 4:30.