Where Satan Lives - Revelation 2:12-17

Christ commends the congregation at Pergamum for not buckling in under pressure.  One of their number, Antipas, was even martyred for the faith. But Christ corrects the congregation because they had not been discerning, but had actually permitted false teaching to occur within their walls.

 “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you "also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Revelation 2:14–15, NIV)

Interestingly, twice in the introductory words to this Church, Christ mentions that Satan is enthroned and lives in the city.

““To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.” (Revelation 2:12–13, NIV)

"The throne of Satan” in Pergamum is a way of referring to that city as a center of Roman government and pagan religion in the Asia Minor region. It was the first city in Asia Minor to build a temple to a Roman ruler (Augustus) and the capital of the whole area for the cult of the emperor . . . The concluding phrase of v 13 (“where Satan dwells”) is a contrast with the first clause of the verse (“I know where you dwell”) in order to accentuate the idea that light and darkness cannot dwell together in peaceful coexistence. Therefore, a witnessing church will be a persecuted church. [1]

"In addition, Asklepios, the god of healing, was the god most associated with Pergamos. His snake-like form is still the medical symbol today. The famous medical school connected to his temple mingled medicine with superstition." [2]

Wherever and whenever our world exalts what's is false and idolatrous, therein is the place where Satan dwells.  He is not omnipotent, nor can he supplant or usurp the sovereign might of Almighty God.  But where there is wickedness and evil, the immediate hand behind the false is Satan.  There he reigns.  There he dwells.  "He is also called “the dragon,” “the old serpent” (Rev. 12:9; 20:2); “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30); “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2); “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4); “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2)." [3]

 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

Father behind the idolatry and evil of every institution, behind every organization or philosophy is Satan. Therefore today as I face this world of where he is so active grant me the graces of the armour of Christ that I might stand and not falter. Antipas gave his life for his conviction that Christ is Lord. May I not do any less.  



___________________________________
1.  Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (246). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
2. The MacArthur Study Bible. 1997 (J. MacArthur, Jr., Ed.) (electronic ed.) (1995). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.
3.  Easton, M. G. (1893). Easton’s Bible dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.