Pergamos is the third of seven churches in Asia Minor that received an evaluation of its overall spiritual condition from God:
"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
"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 Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. " (Revelation 2:12-16)
Pergamos was a city of Mysia in Asia Minor, situated by the river Caicus. It was formerly the seat of the kings of Attalia and the royal residence of Eumenes. Pergamos was bequeathed by Attalus, the last Attalia king, to the
Romans.
Pergamos was anciently famous for its library, which contained, according to Plutarch, two hundred thousand volumes. The library itself was a marriage gift from Anthony to Cleopatra. It was here that the membranae Pergameniae, Pergamenian skins, were invented; from which we derive our word parchment.
