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Revelation 2:12-17
In Revelation 2:12-17 are the words that John is to write and send to the “angel of the church in Pergamos” (Revelation 2:12, NKJV). These things are from, “He who has the sharp two-edged sword” being Jesus as described in Revelation 1:16 and is appropriate as the punishment for those who refuse to repent will be fought against by this description of Jesus (Revelation 2:16).
Pergamos was a city that was full of secular gods and the worship of them. The accusations of, “those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak” is a reference to the stumbling block put before the Israelites in Numbers 22-25 with emphasis on chapter 25 as the Moabite women mingled with the men of Israel to seduce them away from God and into the practice of their worship of the secular gods. This ties in with the practice of the Nicolaitans who practiced religious sexual immorality. Living in this society, “where Satan dwells” (Revelation 2:13) and yet remaining faithful to Jesus was a very difficult challenge for the Christians; Antipas was noted for being a “faithful martyr” (Revelation 2:13) as he was put to death for his faith in Jesus.
The reward for those who remain faithful to Jesus in this sinful society is to receive some of the “hidden manna” and a “white stone” with a new name written on it that no one knows except the one who receives it (Revelation 2:17). The “hidden manna” is in reference to the heavenly food that God provided for Israel in the desert (Exodus 16:13-16) and is most likely referred to in Revelation 2:17 as a pure gift of nourishment from God for those who remain faithful to Him.
The “white stone” is a symbol of innocence or approval as in ancient days the judge would throw a “white stone” in a bowl to announce his verdict of the innocent. There were many other uses for the “white stone,” but all are in reference in some way to being innocent or set free from a charge or labor, or at the least to receive blessings. The name on the white stone that no one knows except he who receives it is contested but may be in reference to the new life that Jesus gives to those who remain faithful to Him.
This is a promise that we can remain faithful to Jesus even in the midst of an evil society.
There are many religious secular things going on around us in the world today. One might say that we are surrounded by it. But that should not entice us to stray from our faith in Jesus, but show us the need to draw even closer to Jesus as it is He who overcame this world so that by putting our faith in Him, He will help us to also overcome this world. The reward for overcoming while living in the midst of the dwelling of Satan is to receive the hidden manna – the food of the LORD that satisfies our every hunger; and to receive the white stone of innocence in Jesus Christ with a new name for a new age.
Dear LORD,
The world around us today is not much different than that of Pergamos. Please help us to navigate through the false teachings of this world and not just to stay strong in our faith to Jesus, but to grow in it so that we may receive Your rewards for staying true to Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.