CHRIST PRESENTS HIMSELF AS HAVING A SHARP TWO EDGED SWORD. Rev. 2:12
At Ephesus Christ is seen holding the seven stars, (churches) in his hand. At Smyrna Christ is seen as being the hope of the resurrection and strength. In Pergamos His coming is seen as being a sharp rebuke and judgment.
THE CONDITION OF THE CHURCH. Revelation 2:13
There were some commendable factors in this church. (Rev. 2:13) Jesus told them "I know where you dwell!" They were in the middle of sin city where Satan had authority and influence. Christ saw the temptations and the pressures they were under yet he did not lessen His instruction to them to be faithful and condemn sin. He is sympathetic yet firm.
The congregation at Pergamos had upheld the name of Christ and had not left the faith. There was no public denial of Christ in their church and Christ commended them for standing faithful when one of their members named Antipas was martyred. Antipas, tradition says was roasted alive inside a hollow brass bull.8 The point made here by Christ is that no trial, however severe, justifies unfaithfulness to the Lord. The threat to all in this church was real and when Antipas was arrested and slain surely it causes others feared for their lives. Yet, 1 Corinthians 4:2..."It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful."
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