3rd church - Pergamum
The third church Jesus has message for. He commends the church for holding fast some truths, despite dwelling among great evil.
The promise to those in Pergamus who overcome is that he will give them some hidden manna (Rev 2:17), and also a white stone with their name on it.
In Roman times when a prisoner saw a white stone that had life and if was shown a back stone it meant death.
Manna means - What is it. Read Exodus 16:1-36. Remember God sent manna from heaven.
However, Pergamum as a church had some areas of compromise.
Jesus asks us not to compromise our faith.
Background Reading:
Revelation 2:12-17
The Third Church, Pergamum; Manna
12"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."