Revelation 2:15
"But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality."
Key Reflection
Revelation 2:15 criticizes a group within the church in Pergamum for embracing teachings similar to those of Balaam, who enticed the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality by offering them sacrifices to false gods (Numbers 22-24). This would have been shocking to the original audience, as it directly linked their faith community with practices that led ancient Israel away from God. By invoking Balaam’s teachings, John underscores how easily even a Christian congregation can fall into idolatry and immorality, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in true worship and ethics.
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