Lessons From Pergamos “I Want the White Stone” Rev. 2:12-17

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.

Background of this Lesson Four Truths about this book—Rev. 1:1-3 It is a revelation It is a revelation to seven churches in Asia It is a revelation to seven churches in Asia in signs It is a revelation to seven churches in signs of things which must shortly happen It begins with personal letters to each church The rest of the book shows four enemies At the end of the book all four are destroyed The good news is, “We Win” Today’s lesson looks at one of these churches

The Letter to Pergamos I Want the White Stone! Pergamos was center of pagan worship Three temples to Rome and one to Asklepios A library of 200,000 books—many on parchment The church troubled by many false teachers Location of Satan’s throne Some held to doctrine of Balaam & sexual immorality Some embraced the doctrine of the Nicolaitans There were some faithful, especially Antipas Two blessing promised to those who overcome The hidden manna (John 6:31-51) The white stone I Want the White Stone!

I Want the White Stone White stones given to: Those acquitted by the jury Those given freedom from slavery Those who had been given Roman citizenship Those who were victorious in the races Victorious soldiers when they returned home Symbol of friendship inscribed and exchange Which one does it mean in Revelation 2 Does it really matter? It means the one understood by those in Pergamos I want the White Stone—”Lord, give it to me!” I have been acquitted I have been set free I have heavenly citizenship I have finished the race I have fought the good fight I have a friend, His name is Jesus

The Road to the White Stone Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Believe Mark 16:16 Repent Luke 13:3 Confess Faith Rom. 10:9 Be Baptized Into Him Gal. 3:27 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Be Faithful until death Rev. 2:10