The Church of Pergamos, Rev. 2:12-17
Rev. 2:12 “He who has the sharp, two-edged sword” This church was compromising their faith. On the one hand, they believed in the sacrifice of Christ on their behalf; on the other hand, they sacrificed to idols. They knew God was holy and He merits all they have, yet they commit sexual immorality, giving their bodies to another, Rev. 2:14. Where Jesus is to be their shepherd and lead them, they have instead placed leaders who pointed them to these wrong practices and beliefs, Rev. 2:15, following the doctrine of Nicolaitans in their church structure. Their false leaders were taking the place of the Spirit’s leading in their lives.
So Jesus addresses them as one wielding a sword. Hebrews gives us insight into this sword. According to the context of Heb. 3—4, the Jews, having left Mt. Sinai for the Promised Land, displayed unbelief and disobedience toward God repeatedly. As a result, they did not enter the land of rest. Heb. 4:9-11 tells us that there is still a rest for God’s people. With that, we are introduced to the sharp, two-edged sword in Heb. 4:12. This sword separates between the soul and the spirit in us to reveal the truth of the sin and unbelief in us so we may acknowledge it and run to the throne of grace for help, Heb. 4:12-16. Then our striving with God ceases, and we enter the promised land of rest.
Jesus tells this church, “I know your works,” Rev. 2:13. And in Heb. 4:13 we find a corresponding word: “and there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” He knows our works, and when we come to the Word in humility, we have the opportunity to hear His words speak to us and reveal the issues of the heart. Rather than letting false teachers be the rule, let the Scriptures be the light; then let the sword of the Word and the Spirit go to work and reveal to you where repentance is necessary. Who is holding the sword? Jesus is “He who has the sharp, two-edged sword.” He is the one who guides us through the Word. He leads us to overcome by His Spirit, Rev. 2:17.
Who holds the sword? Will you trust your heart to Him? The Jews in the Exodus received physical manna that was left outside their tents six days a week (a double portion was left on day six to sustain them on the seventh day). The overcomers, those who remained in this church and took a stand for this word in faith, receive hidden manna, Rev. 2:17, to sustain them against their temptations in this present wilderness of the world and forever.
