Introduction
Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation contain the missionary letters to the 7 Congregations of Asia Minor at the time of the apostle John. However, the Bible is relevant at all times and those letters have had at least two different meanings in different eras. The Revelation of John is a prophetic/apocalyptic book and because of that, the letters also tell about the development stages of the Messianic Communities, in the past, in the present and even until the end of the 1000-year peace period that lies ahead of us.
When we look at the Congregations in John's time and after, and how the places are named, it all tells us that Elohim has planned everything.
The content of the letters corresponds to the conditions that existed in these seven churches during the time of the apostle John, as well as the stages of development, such as apostasy and returning to apostolic teachings, which have occurred throughout history in numerous revival movements that profess Messianic belief or Christianity and in their independent local Congregations.
Processing of the topic
Let's study from Revelation chapter 2 and only the missionary letter to the Congregation in Bergamum.
Letter to the Congregation in Pergamun, verses 12-17
12 And to the angel of the Congregation in Pergamum write; These things says he which has the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is A) : and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas B) was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Congregations; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receive it.
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A) It is possible that the throne of S*tan mentioned in verse 13 was geographically located in Berlin, Germany in the last century. Perhaps it partly spiritually caused the Holocaust to break out in Germany in the 1930s...40s (?)
>>The Pergamonmuseum takes its name from its main attraction, the altar of Zeus from Pergamon (Pergamum [in present-day Turkey]). Considered a masterpiece of the Hellenistic Age, this ancient Greek structure was shipped to Berlin in 1910, and the museum was built, in part, to house it. The Pergamonmuseum also contains other large archaeological structures, including the Market Gate of Miletus and the Ishtar Gate.<<
As from February 2022, it seems strongly that S*tan has moved his throne from Berlin to the Kremlin, Russia. It needs no other justification than the Russian army's attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2023, and the war has already continued for 1 year and 9 months.
When in my youth (in the 1960s) I went to watch and listen to a film about the Russian composer 'The Best of Pyotr Tchaikovsky', I was shocked by the composition at the end of the film: 'The Kreml's bells are ringing'! I felt that it was music straight from the Kingdom of Darkness!
As from February 2022, it seems strongly that S*tan has moved his throne from Berlin to the Kremlin, Russia. It needs no other justification than the Russian army's attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2023, and the war has already continued for 1 year and 9 months.
When in my youth (in the 1960s) I went to watch and listen to a film about the Russian composer 'The Best of Pyotr Tchaikovsky', I was shocked by the composition at the end of the film: 'The Kreml's bells are ringing'! I felt that it was music straight from the Kingdom of Darkness!
In this context, it is good to remember that the body of all believers in Adonai Yeshua is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, where he himself lives and rules. People where he does not live are ruled by S*tan and his filthy spirits and their hearts are a throne for S*tan!
- - -(B) Translated by G. Lamsa. does not mention in verse 13 any name for the slain witness.
Verses 12-13: Yeshua reveals himself as a war hero with the mightiest weapon: the sword of the Spirit, or the Word of Elohim! Verse 13, at that time Satan's throne was located in Pergamum, as a result of which one of the faithful witnesses of the Congregation named Antipas (B) was killed. Even today, where the Messianic are persecuted for their faith, it is always Sa*tan and his hordes who are causing distress, persecution, torture and death!
Verses 14-16: Yeshua rebuked some members of the Congregation for the heresy of Balaam: eating sacrifices to idols and fornication. In the same way, according to Nicholas, he did find supporters of that heresy too. I told about that doctrine last Shabat in the section "To the Congregation in Ephesus". Yeshua asked those members to repent themselves and if they don't, He threatened to come and punish them 'with the sword of His mouth'.
Verse 17: Yeshua promised only to those who win, 'hidden manna', i.e. some very heavenly delicacy, apparently 'love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit' and a white stone, such as was given to those who were acquitted in the courts, to the winners in sports competitions and as a sign of friendship, when the so-called tessara, i.e. a white square marble stone was split in half and the names of friends were engraved on them and the stone halves were exchanged so that each got the half with the name of his friend engraved on it. This verse refers to the recipient's new name, which is known only to the recipient and, of course, to our Creator.
A short summary of Pergamon parish
- It was located in Mysia, about 120 km (75 mi) north of Ephesus and it was the center of emperor worship with numerous temples and obscene idolatry.
- This also refers to the Congregation period in the years 312-606. At that time, Christianity had been made the state religion of the Roman Empire.
§ The name means: "Worldly Highness" and the spirit of the world had begun to gain a foothold in the Congregations.
§ Then the state and the Congregations were married, politics and religion together.
§ The dark ages of the Catholic Church, the Inquisition, bad popes etc.
§ Yeshua has a 'Two-Edged, Sharp Sword'
- Pluses and minuses:
+ Recognizing the name Yeshua in the midst of severe persecution
- Serving idols / - Immorality / - Heresies, the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.
Songs suitable for the topic
Come Let Us Worship & Bow Down
From The Rising Of The Sun
Wings Of A Dove
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