Jesus told the ancient church at Pergamum that they were living right next to Satan’s throne. Then Jesus said he had a sword ready for battle… but maybe not quite in the way you’d expect!
This episode continues the miniseries about the seven churches that Jesus directly addressed. Remember, these words to the seven churches are important because this is the biggest chunk of direct speech that Jesus directs to his church anywhere in the scripture.
To the third church at Pergamum, Jesus saw things that they didn’t. They knew they were in a dark city, but they didn’t realize how dark. Jesus says somehow Satan was partially headquarted in Pergamum for a time. That’s pretty dark!
And yet Jesus praises this church for their brave stand against all the forces of darkness in their city.
However, the greatest threat to the church is within. A group of fifth-columnists who are intentionally infiltrating the church. Jesus speaks directly to these fakers, and he gives them one last chance to repent.
And it’s no more Mr. Nice Guy. Jesus is literally wielding a sword here, and it’s not a little sword either. It’s a barbarian broadsword called a rhomphaia.
This episode digs deeper into “thronos” and “rhomphaia” (θρόνοςmeaning ‘throne’ and ῥομφαίᾳ meaning ‘sword’) in Revelation 2:13 & 2:16.
Revelation 2:13 - “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.” (NIV)
Revelation 2:16 - “Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (NIV)
A big thank you to Rebecca J Gomez for the use of her poem entitled “Cairns” at the end of this episode!
Check out her substack entitled: Snippets and Sketches
Also check out her Middle Grade novel in verse: Mari in the Margins
Mentioned:
Rebecca J. Gomez’ Substack “Snippets & Sketches”
Pergamum Altar to Zeus in Berlin
Bammerhab Episode 10 - Judas’ Heel
Princess’ Bride - “You fell victim to one of the classic blunders!”
What is a Bammerhab?
“You have not given me into the hands of the enemybut have set my feet in a spacious place.” (Ps. 31:8 - NIV)
The phrase “in a spacious place” is the Hebrew word: Bammerhab.
Thanks to:
• Aaron Woodard for Graphic Design
• Dave Allam of Allam House for podcasting techniques
• Bible Hub for Greek / Hebrew resources
