Pergamos

We have seen that declension of love characterized the first assembly in
the things which are {Rev. 1:3, 19},
and persecution with poverty the second. In the third, seducing doctrines, carnality, and worldliness, were inside the assembly. Baalim’s doctrine which so successfully damaged and overcame the Israelites, was that God’s people might have association with the Moabites — thus they lost their separate position as a people, and fell into grievous sin.
From the Lord presenting Himself as He that hath
the sharp sword with two edges {Rev. 2:12},
we might expect there was much to reprove, and so it was. Still, as usual, the Lord commends all He can first. He informs them that He knows that Pergamos is Satan’s seat; has not forgotten that one of their company, Antipas, had been a faithful martyr, and that they still hold fast His name, and have not denied His faith. But there were some among them holding the doctrine of Baalim, and others holding the evil doctrines of the Nicolaitanes. The Ephesian saints were commended for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitanes; but, alas! there was now bad doctrine inside the Church. This is very sad, and Christ must deal with such things in His own house. How terrible the thought of Satan having such power in the Church on earth! some like Baalim, seeking to ensnare the sheep and lambs, to turn them to idolatry, and filthiness of flesh and spirit; others were holding an evil doctrine connected with “deeds” which Christ hated. Sooner or later we may expect error in “doctrine” to be connected with evil “deeds.”
As we might suppose, Christ calls upon the assembly to repent, and threatens to fight against them (the holders of evil doctrine) if there be not repentance.
The overcomer is promised to feast on
the hidden manna {Rev. 2:17};
this may be the unrevealed glory and beauty of Christ, the Sustainer of His people. The
white stone {Rev. 2:17}
may teach us that he is to be publicly and specially honored before men. He is also to have a
new name, which no one knoweth saving he which receiveth it {see Rev. 2:17}.
Jacob had a new name —
Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed {Gen. 32:28}.
Whoever knew the depth and meaning of this new name like Jacob, the supplanter, who received it?
We may notice, that after this third address a promise is not given after the exhortation,
He that hath an ear, etc. {Rev. 2:29},
but before it. This divides the seven addresses into three and four. The sevens in this book are often divided in this way. It is also important to observe that each of the remaining assemblies has the coming of the Lord or His reign set before it; intimating that the principles of these four assemblies go on to the end.