The Church of Pergamos
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write;” (Rev 2:12a KJV)
Pergamos was the Roman capitol in Asia Minor and was located 50-60 miles north of Smyrna. Like Smyrna, Pergamos worshiped the emperor and pagan idolatry, and false apostles and priests. Pergamos contained the largest alter to Zeus in the world. Christians were persecuted for refusing to join in the pagan worship.
The Church of Pergamos was lax and sought to please the world rather than God and allowed many false doctrines to be taught.
The Two Edged Sword
“These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;” (Rev 2:12b KJV)
The sword with two edges is a reference to the Word of God. God’s Word is powerful and sharp, and even discerns the intents of our hearts.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 KJV)