Revelation: Straddling the Fence

Revelation 2:12-17 

Have you ever been tempted to cut corners or do things you know you shouldn't? Do you negotiate with God about what's right and wrong? Do you justify your actions to compromise? If so, welcome to the church in Pergamum. 

Let me set the context.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to the apostle John through an angel while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. Jesus began his explanation of future events by writing to seven churches, firmly grounding the prophecy in a historical context. Each of the seven letters follows a similar structure. They start with an introduction to the Person of Jesus, praise for the church, identify the main problem, present a solution, describe the consequences of doing nothing, and end with a promise. 

The church in Ephesus had lost its first love (Rev. 2:1-7). The church in Smyrna was immersed in severe persecution (Rev. 2:8-11). The church in Pergamum had an issue with compromise.

The Person of Jesus
Jesus introduces himself to the church in Pergamum as “The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword (Rev. 2:12). The “two-edged sword” cuts both ways. If we read and obey the words of Jesus, the result will be abundant blessings. But if we choose to disobey, our sin carries consequences (Gal. 6:7).

Praise for Believers in Pergamum 
Pergamum was situated about fifteen miles inland, atop a cone-shaped hill that rose to a height of thirteen hundred feet. Today, visitors can reach the site by a gondola ride. Pergamum had a university and one of the world’s best libraries in ancient times, housing around 200,000 parchment scrolls. In fact, parchment was first developed and used in Pergamum.[1]

Pergamum was also a city of religious importance. There were massive altars to four of the prominent gods of the day: Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Asklepios. Everywhere Christians in Pergamum looked, there was an altar or a temple.

Jesus empathized with the believers living in this pagan environment, saying, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is” (Rev. 2:13a). I believe “Satan’s throne” refers to the city itself, with its prominent altars and temples to other religions. However, the church, amid Satan’s activity and influence, remained faithful to Christ. Jesus commended them, saying, “Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells” (Rev. 2:13b). Surrounded by pagan altars and temples, many had stood firm for Jesus, including Antipas, who was put to death for his faith. 

I pray that this can be said of us: that, in the middle of a broken, secular culture, we can stand firm for Jesus, even if we have to stand alone.

The Pergamum Problem
Although many had remained faithful, there were some in the church “who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality” (Rev. 2:14).

In Numbers 22-25, Balaam advised King Balak to lead Israel into sin by encouraging intermarriage and idol worship. It seems that the problem of Christians marrying pagan women and participating in idol worship was also an issue in Pergamum. They were compromising themselves by eating meat offered to idols and engaging in sexual immorality. Additionally, they followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:15; see Rev. 2:6). Although the identity of the Nicolaitans is unknown, it is understood that their teachings conflicted with biblical doctrine. 

The Solution
So, the believers in Pergamum were compromising. They compromised in their faith both doctrinally and morally. Jesus calls them to repent (Rev. 2:16a); to change their thinking and actions. Repentance involves admitting guilt, genuinely wanting to change, and redirecting one's life. 

The Consequence
If the compromising believers refuse to repent, Jesus said, “I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth” (Rev. 2:16b). Jesus’ rebuke is severe. He will come suddenly with the sword of his mouth,[2]  to judge all those living in sin.

The Promise
To those who kept standing firm and those who repented, here’s what Jesus promises:

Revelation 2:17
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

The “hidden manna,” an allusion to the manna given to the children of Israel during their desert wanderings, symbolizes the sufficiency and satisfaction found in Jesus, contrasting with the many tempting allurements of the world. 

While there is much discussion about the meaning of the white stone, I believe it is a stone given to winners of athletic contests, allowing them to participate in certain celebrations and feasts. The names of the athletes were inscribed on each stone. Therefore, the believer is given a stone with a new name, known only by the One who sees the heart. That stone is our “ticket” into the eternal glory of God. (Pergamum was known for white stones. Be sure to watch the virtual tour at the link below to see a pile of these stones.)

Some believers today, like those in Pergamum, are straddling the fence. They compromise by living with one foot in the church and one foot in the culture. They are deceived into trying to have the “best” of both worlds. But no one can serve two masters, and consequences await those who do. If you are straddling the fence, repent and stand firm on the side of Jesus.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 2:12-17. Where in your life are you most tempted to “straddle the fence”? 

Talking to God: What steps can you take to stand firmly for Christ instead of compromising?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist you as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

Please CLICK HERE for a virtual tour of Pergamum.

The Living Grounded Ministry is hosting a tour to the Holy Land from November 4 to 15, 2026, as part of our Bible Immersion trips. We would love to have you join us. We will be sharing more details soon.