Sharp, Double-Edged Sword

Revelation 2:12-17

Key Verse 2:12

1. Read v. 12-13. What aspects of himself did Jesus state in his opening to this church? What does Jesus’ “sharp, double-edged sword” refer to? What did Jesus say he knew about the church in Pergamum (13)? What victory/good point did Jesus mention about them? Why is this important to Jesus, important for them?

2. Read v. 14-16. What two related issues did Jesus have against Pergamum? How were these issues detrimental to the church’s job as a lampstand? Describe the story of Balaam and Balak (Numbers 22-25). Why did Jesus use this story to describe the work of false teachers in the Pergamum church? What happens when Jesus comes to “fight against” false teachers “with the sword of [his] mouth”?

3. Look at v. 17. How can a church “hear what Spirit says” in regards to false teaching? Compare eating the “hidden manna” Jesus describes with eating “food sacrificed to idols,” what is the difference? What is the significance of the “white stone” with a “new name” written on it? How is having a new name a major theme throughout the Bible?