or rendered poor by fines,—­“the spoiling of their goods.”—­“But thou art rich,” rich in faith, in good works, in the gifts and graces of the Spirit, the earnest of the heavenly inheritance.—­In this place a colony of Jews had gained such social influence as to move the populace, and even the local magistrates, to offer violence to the servants of God.  It does not appear that these Jews were professing Christians of any creed, but just such as Paul often encountered in Judea and elsewhere. (Acts xvi. 19-22.) The devil instigated the Jews, and they the Gentiles; and both, the magistrates, to silence the testimony of Christ’s witnesses, by which all were tormented.  The design of the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning, was to destroy that church; but Christ’s design was to try her members.  Only some were to be imprisoned, and the time of trial would be limited to “ten days,”—­a definite for an indefinite, but short time.  Those who resist the truth contradict its advocates, and blaspheme the holy name of God, though professing to be either Jews or Christians, area “synagogue of Satan.”  “A crown of life” is promised to such as proved “faithful unto death.”  They shall not be “hurt of the second death;” that is, eternal death. (Ch. xx. 14, 15.)

12.  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13.  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.

14.  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15.  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16.  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh 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 knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Vs. 12-17.—­To the church in Pergamos reproofs and threatenings are addressed by him who has the “sharp sword.”  Satan had his throne in this place, whence he assailed the true doctrine and disciples of Christ by heresy and persecution.  In such a great fight of afflictions there was one distinguished, like Stephen, for boldness and fortitude, who “resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”  And wherever there is a “faithful martyr” for Christ, who “holds fast his name, and will not deny his faith” at the risk of his life, his divine Lord will condescend to register his name