Read Revelation 2:13.
Have you ever lived in the city where Satan dwells? Some might think that to be Las Vegas! (No offense if you have roots there.) But actually, we live in a world in which Satan dwells. His influence is felt everywhere, and his throne? Well, the Bible says that Satan is the ruler of darkness and the ruler of this world (Acts 26:18). Satan’s dominion includes everyone who is not in the kingdom of God (John 12:46). With that in mind, though the revelation puts Satan’s throne in the city of Pergamum (probably figurative of the throne in the temple of Zeus), Satan could be said to be sitting on the throne of every heart that is without Christ. That is a harsh reality, and the Scriptures make no room for anything in between. There are those walking in darkness and probably don’t realize it!
Next, Jesus commends the church’s perseverance in the face of great persecution and opposition. Antipas, who was martyred there in the first century is thought to be the first bishop of the church at Pergamum. His execution apparently did little or nothing to discourage the faithful Christians. Their own leader taken from them only strengthened their resolve. Like all of the churches in the revelation, this church underwent great persecution, and this one persevered. The great strength of the church at Pergamum was their perseverance. They stayed true to Christ in the face of great adversity.
Adversity has a way of revealing one’s faith. What is adversity revealing in you? My prayer is that like the church at Pergamum, your faith will be revealed in perseverance. When the going gets tough, don’t stop walking with Christ. Don’t stop reading the Word. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop meeting together with fellow believers. In fact, do more of these things! If life has got you down, then get down to the essentials of your walk with Christ.