Location
Overview
Pergamos (Pergamum) was the religious and administrative capital of the province of Asia, crowned by a great acropolis of temples. It is the third of the seven churches of Revelation.
Where Satan's seat is
Christ, "which hath the sharp sword with two edges," said, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is" (Revelation 2:12–13) — a reference, perhaps, to Pergamos's towering altar of Zeus or its cult of emperor-worship.
Antipas the martyr
The church had held fast even when "Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you" (Revelation 2:13).
A rebuke and a promise
Yet some held "the doctrine of Balaam" and of the Nicolaitanes; Christ called them to repent, promising the overcomer "hidden manna" and "a white stone, and in the stone a new name" (Revelation 2:14–17).
Events Here
Christ addresses the church dwelling where Satan's seat is
Scripture References
2 versesRevelation2 verses
Revelation 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Revelation 2:12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Archaeology & History
Pergamum (modern Bergama) was a magnificent Hellenistic capital famed for its library (second only to Alexandria's — the source of the word "parchment"), its great altar of Zeus, and a renowned healing shrine of Asclepius. Such concentrated pagan and imperial power is the backdrop to the letter's "Satan's seat."
Frequently asked about Pergamos (Pergamum)
Where is Pergamos (Pergamum) today?
Today, Pergamos (Pergamum) corresponds to Bergama, Turkey.
What does the name Pergamos (Pergamum) mean?
The name Pergamos (Pergamum) means “Citadel, height”.
What happened at Pergamos (Pergamum) in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Pergamos (Pergamum) include christ addresses the church dwelling where satan's seat is.
Where is Pergamos (Pergamum) first mentioned in the Bible?
Pergamos (Pergamum) is first mentioned in Revelation 1:11.
How often is Pergamos (Pergamum) mentioned in the Bible?
Pergamos (Pergamum) is mentioned in 2 verses across 1 book: Revelation.
Why is Pergamos called the place of "Satan’s seat"?
Probably because of its dominance in pagan and emperor worship — its great altar of Zeus and its imperial cult — making faithful Christian witness there especially costly.
Who was Antipas?
A faithful believer of Pergamos described by Christ as "my faithful martyr, who was slain among you."