Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PERGAMUM

(Gk. Pḗrgamos, Pḗrgamon)

A city in western Asia Minor listed among the seven churches of Rev. 1:11 (also 2:12-17). Located 24 km. (15 mi.) from the Aegean Sea and 113 km. (70 mi.) N of Smyrna, Pergamum was a famous and important city that enjoyed a rich history from the 3rd century b.c. to the 4th century a.d. Its acropolis was located strategically atop a steep cliff nearly 396 m. (1300 ft.) above the Caicus River, giving it an excellent view of the Bay of Lesbos. Ancient Greek kingdoms based their power here as a means of controlling vast regions and as a refuge during assault. With the conquest of Alexander the Great (334 b.c.) Pergamum rose in prominence as a major military and political center.

Rome conquered the area in 133 b.c. Pergamum became the chief city of Asia, locus of the beginnings of the imperial cult in the east and a continued center of intellectual and economic influence. In 88 b.c. Pergamum joined a revolt against Rome, prompting Antony to give its beloved library to rival Alexandria. Since 350 Pergamum was also known for its worship of Asklepios, god of healing, and many came to visit its asclepium, or healing sanctuary.

When John wrote the book of Revelation, Pergamum had been a major seat of government for 400 years. Evidence of a Jewish community can be found in literary sources. The Christian church probably developed here during Paul’s two-year stay in Ephesus. John’s letter commends the church for its perseverance — particularly in light of its life “where Satan’s throne is” (Rev. 2:13), perhaps a reference to the temple of Zeus or Asklepios. John also warns against “the Nicolaitans” (Rev. 2:15), apparently a sect that had urged a compromise with paganism (cf. 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11).

Examples of the city’s magnificence are its 12 m. (40 ft.) high altar to Zeus, its numerous temples, theater, enlarged agora, and library (200 thousand scrolls), making it an important intellectual center in antiquity.

Bibliography. E. M. Blaiklock, Cities of the New Testament (London, 1965), 103-6; C. Foss, “Archaeology and the ‘Twenty Cities’ of Byzantine Asia,” AJA 81 (1977): 469-86; C. Hemer, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting. JSNTSup 11 (1986, repr. Grand Rapids, 2000); J. McRay, Archaeology and the New Testament (Grand Rapids, 1991).

Gary M. Burge

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PERGAMUM

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)