CONDEMNATION OF THE PERGAMOS CHURCH

The Condemnation of the Church at Pergamos

"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." "So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate."

 

The Lord Jesus has only a few things against this church, namely two. But they mark the trend downward in the career of the church.

There are some in it who hold the doctrine of Balaam. Those who desire material gain personally at the expense of God's people.

The Character of Balaam the Man

They act in the way which corresponds to the character they possess. It is best to look at the man and discover what he is. Then other things become plain.

"Loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Pet. 2:14-16). "Ran greedily after the error of Balaam" (Jude 11). They are deceivers of God's people (2 Pet. 2:13). They have eyes full of adultery or passion (2 Pet. 2:14). They cannot cease from sin (2 Pet. 2:14). They are covet­ous, cursed (2 Pet. 2:14). They are mad or crazy in their pursuit of gain (2 Pet, 2:16).
"Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:" "Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;" "But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet."

The Teaching of Balaam the Prophet

"The counsel of Balaam" (Num. 31:16).

This prophet apparently knew the truth and knew that the Lord would put only truth into his mouth. He knew that he could speak no other message than the truth. So when speaking as a prophet he prophesied the truth. But he gave counsel other than as a prophet which worked the undoing of Israel. This he did by teaching the wicked king Balak.
"Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD."