HOME OF SATAN'S SEAT

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth" (Rev. 2:12-13).

The "seven churches of Asia," as listed in Revelation 1:11, and chapters two and three, were the only churches about which Jesus spoke to the Apostle John in his vision (Rev. 1:1, 10; 9:17).  Because the Book of Revelation came late in the life of John (the book is believed to have been written sometime between A.D. 90-100), there were hundreds of churches throughout the Roman Empire.  And yet, Jesus chose these seven, all located in what is now Turkey.  Why? 

Some believe these seven provide a representation of the seven periods in Church History; that is, over the time between Christ's Ascension, and His Second Coming (Jn. 14:1-3; Acts 1:8; 1 Th. 4:16-17; Rev. 19:11-21).  Although theologians holding this view differ on the exact dates, the seven periods are pretty consistent.  Ephesus (Desired One) represents the Apostolic Church from its birth on Pentecost, until A.D. 100.  Smyrna (Myrrh) represents the suffering Church between A.D. 100-313.  Pergamum (Thoroughly Married) pictures the union between Rome and the Church (A.D. 313-606).  Thyatira (Continuous Sacrifices) depicts the Church as dominated by Roman Catholicism (A.D. 606-1520).  Sardis (Those Escaping) represents the Church emerging as a result of the Reformation, until the "opening of Daniel's sealed prophecy" (A.D. 1520-1830).  Philadelphia (Brotherly Love), the Christ-centered Church, A.D. 1830 until the Rapture, is known for close relationship with Jesus, and its love of the brethren.  The last church, the Church of Laodicea (the People Rule), summarizes the entire Church Age, with "so called believers playing church," while Jesus remains excluded from their gatherings.  This church is dominated by "tares," and "leaven" (Mt. 13:25, 33)!

The land known as Turkey, has been conquered, at one time or another, by all six empires referred to in Revelation 17:10 - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.  At the time John wrote Revelation, Pergamum was the center of Rome's worship of many false gods, the most Satan-like being Caesar!  Note that "Pergamum" means being "thoroughly married"; the church was married to Rome!

Do not allow patriotism to become a god; always put Jesus first!