The seven cities, which are mentioned in the Book of Revelation, were part of Asia Minor and belonged to the Roman empire. Despite the Roman conquest, the Greek culture predominated. Ary noho izany, the cities were full of the occult. The churches were daily confronted with idolatry, pagan (firaisana) rituals and customs, games, fanaovana ody ratsy, sikidy, and fornication. During Jesus’ visitation to John at the Isle of Patmos, Jesus mentioned the throne of Satan or the seat of Satan (Revelation 2:12-13). Where was the throne of Satan? Jesosy nilaza, that the throne of Satan was in Pergamos (Pergamon), where Satan dwelled. But what is the throne of Satan? What does the throne of Satan mean? What did Jesus mean by Satan’s throne?
The city of Pergamos
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 (Revelation 2:12-13)
Jesosy nilaza, that Satan dwelled in Pergamos and that the throne of Satan or the seat of Satan was in Pergamos. If the throne of Satan or the seat of Satan was in Pergamos then this means that Satan had authority in the territory of Pergamos and that he governed the city. Ary noho izany, the whole city was under Satan’s authority.
Satan reigned in Pergamos through the works and lives of the people. Ny vahoaka, who lived in Pergamos worshiped Satan and had given Satan power through their works and the lives they lived. The devil gave the people what they wanted, namely wisdom, fahalalana, prosperity, power, entertainment SY healing.
When we look at the works and the lives of the people, we will find out how the devil could establish his throne in Pergamos (Vakio koa: Ny herin'ny devoly dia herin'ny ota).
The Acropolis
Pergamos was the cultural capital of the Hellenistic (Greek) kolontsaina. Despite the Roman conquest, the Greek culture predominated. Ao anatin'ny 29 BC Pergamos became the capital of Asia Minor. And the first Roman temple was built in honor of Rome and August the empire.
ny (king’s) palaces, pagan temples, the Pergamon altar, the great library, the gymnasia, the theaters, the amphitheater, the stoa’s, the Prytaneion (seat of the government; building from which the government exercises authority), the market place (agora) and fountains were all built on the Acropolis of Pergamos.
The pagan temples
The devil was exalted and worshiped in the pagan temples; the temple of Athena, the temple of Dionysos, the temple of Demeter, the temple of Rome and August, and the temple of Hera.
In the second century AD, the temple of Trajan and the Egyptian temple were built. The temple of Trajan was built in honor of the emperor Trajan. The Egyptian temple was built for the Egyptian gods Serapis and Isis. This Egyptian temple is also called the Red Basilica.
When Christendom became the state religion of the Roman empire, the ancient pagan temples, including the Red Basilica, were used as churches.
The great Pergamon altar; the altar of Zeus
The people offered sacrifices for Satan on the altars, including the great altar of Pergamon. The great altar of Pergamon was built on one of the terraces of the Acropolis in honor of Zeus and Athena. Although the great altar of Pergamon is also called the altar of Zeus, the supreme Greek deity and god of the sky, there was insufficient proof to confirm it.
The gymnasium and the great library
Satan gave his people wisdom, fahalalana, and insights. Satan educated his people in the gymnasium. He learned his pupils to write, and read, and were educated by philosophers, and practiced sports in the nude. Not only were the Greek gods worshiped in the gymnasium, but also the Egyptian gods. Since the Greeks had adopted many aspects of the Egyptians.
Besides the gymnasium, the people were also educated in Pergamos’ great library, which was the second-largest library in the world
The theaters
Satan kept his people busy and entertained them in a.o. the amphitheater, theaters, and thermal baths.
The Asclepeion; medical center
Satan provided everything, including a place where his people could go for healing. The Asclepeion was the pagan temple of Asclepius. This healing temple (medical center and ancient sanatorium) was built and dedicated to Asclepius; the first doctor-demi god in Greek mythology and the god of medicine and healing.
Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Coronis and had healing power. Many people believed in his healing power and therefore, they came to the Asclepion to get healed.
In the Asclepeion were also thermal baths, a stadium, a gymnasium, a library, and a theater. Because it was believed that rest, exercise, and relaxation in the form of entertainment would promote a healthy lifestyle and contribute to the healing process. The physicians were educated and trained in the Asclepeion.
The priests of the Asclepeion; the physicians
The Asclepiades were the temple priests of the Asclepeion and were called physicians. One of the most famous physicians, who is also considered the founder of medicine was Hippocrates.
ny oath of Hippocrates originates from the Asclepeion of Kos and was first taken by his scholars as some kind of initiation ritual.
The oath of Hippocrates is still used today by physicians. The world calls it professional ethics. But in reality, doctors bind themselves to the god of medicine Asclepius, who is a demonic force from the kingdom of darkness.
But Hippocrates was not the only well-known physician. Another well-known physician was Galen.
Galen began his studies and medical training at the Asclepeion in Pergamos.
The father of Galen initially wanted his son to study philosophy or politics. But when Galen’s father received a dream from the god Asclepius, in which Asclepius commanded Galen’s father to send his son to the Asclepeion to study medicine, Galen’s father obeyed the voice of Asclepius and send his son to the Asclepeion.
The priests of the Asclepeion dedicated themselves to the temple and received insights and revelations from Asclepius.
The sclepiusfeasts
Every four years Asclepiusfeasts were held with sports (games), which were performed in the nude, and dance, drama, and music competitions in honor of the god Asclepius. The games began on the first day with a sacrifice to the god Asclepius.
The temple sleep in the Asclepeion
The Asclepeion was best known for its temple sleep. After following certain rituals, like sacrifices to the gods, praying special prayer formulas, and ritual purifications, the patient went to the dormitory in the temple.
In the dormitory, they were hypnotized. During their sleep, they hoped that Asclepius would heal them or that they would receive a dream of him or of one of his children (a.o. Hygiea, Panacea, and Aceso). When they received a dream, they went to the priest of Asclepius (doctor).
The priest of Asclepius would analyze the dream and provide treatment. Sometimes the treatments included an operation, whereby the patient was put to sleep by using i.e. opium.
Modern medicine and hospitals have their origin in these healing temples of Asclepius.
They have their origin in Asclepius, the god of medicine, who gave insights and revelations, which are in reality insights and revelations by demonic powers of the kingdom of darkness, to philosophers, priests of the Asclepeion, and physicians.
The staff of Asclepius
In our modern society, we still see the symbol of the god Asclepius, which is the rod of Asclepius or the staff of Asclepius; a serpent entwined around a rod (or staff). This staff or rod was carried by Asclepius in his hand and is still used as a symbol for healing and medicine.
The occult way of healing
Although many people were healed in the Asclepeion, the believers should have rejected this occult way of healing, when Christendom became the state religion of the Roman empire. But they didn’t.
Instead of rejecting this way of healing, Christians adopted these methods and applied them to the church.
The church adopted among others the temple sleep in the church and monastery and Christianized it.
The only difference was that they didn’t call upon Asclepius as they did in the Asclepeion. Instead, they called upon God, the saints, and martyrs. But the practices and methods were exactly the same.
They didn’t stand on the Word and didn’t believe in the Name of Jesus and that by the stripes of Jesus they were healed (Isa 53:5, 1 Pe 2:24). Instead, they adopted pagan rituals and methods and committed idolatry. Through their idolatry they allowed the occult to enter the church.
Occult practices in Jesus’ time
There is so much more to write about the occult practices in Pergamos. But the fundamental issue is that all these things that took place in occult Pergamos, where Satan had established his throne and where he dwelled, still take place and has become the center of our society.
The occult practices of the Roman empire, where the Greek culture predominated, already existed before Jesus came to the earth and during His walk on earth. na izany aza, we don’t read anything in the Bible that Jesus got involved with these pagan practices.
We don’t read anything about Jesus going to the theatre and being entertained and visiting sports (games) or music competitions.
We don’t read anything about Jesus being focused on exercising or exercising Himself and promoting a healthy way of living. Neither do we read anything about Jesus sending someone to the Asclepeion.
Although Jesus came to the world and lived in the world, Jesus didn’t belong to this world.
Jesus belonged to another Kingdom, a Kingdom which was not of this world. That’s why Jesus wasn’t occupied with the things of this world, but with the things of heaven; the things of His Father.
Jesus didn’t walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit and saw the works of Satan. Instead of getting involved with the evil works of Satan, Jesus stayed obedient to God and His words and walked after Ny didiny in His will.
Because of the fact, that Jesus walked after the Spirit and stayed loyal to the commandments of God, Jesus could fulfill His mission.
What is the throne of Satan?
Jesus revealed to John that the throne of Satan was in Pergamos and that Pergamos was Satan’s dwelling place. When we look at the city of Pergamos, it could very well be, that the throne of Satan not only referred to the altar of Zeus. But the throne of Satan referred to the whole city of Pergamos; the government, fivavahana, education, and lives of people.
Everything that was built was inspired by Satan. Satan was the author and ruled in all these places. Satan’s purpose was to inspire the people and reign in their lives. Ka izay, Satan would be exalted by the people.
Satan was very active in the lives of people. Especially in the lives of political leaders and religious leaders.
Satan was lord and master in his temples, the great altar, the great library, the gymnasium, the Prytaneion, and the Asclepeion (antique sanatorium, hospital).
Satan invented all these things to keep people busy. Satan entertained them and bound them to him.
Ny vahoaka, who visited these places belonged to Satan and his kingdom and served him. Satan took possession of everyone, who entered his territory.
Satan knew exactly what the carnal man wanted. Therefore Satan seduced and attracted them with his wisdom, fahalalana, prosperity, health, power, magic, entertainment, and anticipated on the lusts and (firaisana) desires of the carnal man. As soon as he possessed them, he executed his plan of destruction in their lives.
The persecution of Christians in Pergamos
No wonder, that Christians were persecuted in Pergamos. Satan saw that his territory was under attack and taken by Christians.
To prevent his territory from being taken by Christians, Satan tried to eliminate his enemies through false doctrines, carnal seductions, compromising with the pagan culture, bowing to leaders, SY denying Jesus Christ.
And if all these things didn’t work, because the Christians stayed obedient and faithful to Jesus Christ and His Word, and didn’t deny Jesus and didn’t bow to Satan, who ruled in the lives of the political and religious leaders, the Christians were put to death (Vakio koa: ‘Do you confess Jesus before men or do you deny Jesus).
In our society, we still see the influence of the Roman and Greek cultures in the western world. If you are spiritually asleep and your spiritual eyes are closed you don’t see it. But when you awake spiritually, your eyes shall be opened. You shall see, that everything that is considered normal and harmless in our society is not considered normal and harmless in the truth of the Light. But it is inspired by the kingdom of darkness.
The knowledge shall increase
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased (Daniel 12:4)
In the Book of Daniel, it is written that knowledge shall increase. This knowledge has nothing to do with the spiritual knowledge of the truth of God, Ny teniny, and His Kingdom. But this knowledge refers to the knowledge of this world (science), which originates from Greek culture and is inspired by the evil powers of darkness.
Since the Word of God is the truth, we see that the words of God regarding the increase of carnal knowledge are being fulfilled.
The focus on the increase of knowledge and wisdom has never been so present.
It is expected from people that they perform on the highest level and obtain the highest education and the highest positions in society. And this already starts at a young age.
When a child develops slowly, teachers immediately inform their parents and call them to action.
The child is no longer allowed to be a child. But the child is expected to grow up speedily and to perform. The child is analyzed and put in a box, through means of SATs, which are developed by scientists (origin Greek philosophy) to measure the intelligence level of a child.
Many parents don’t listen to the needs and desires of their children. They don’t look at what makes their children happy. But most parents impose their will and push their children to perform at a high level and obtain the highest education. So that their children get a high position in society and their parents can show off.
Children are unhappy and feel lost
There is such pressure on children, that many children are unhappy and feel that they are not heard, accepted, and loved and that’s why many children derail.
It’s not surprising that so many children feel lost and are not happy, but experience identity disorders or are depressed and even commit suicide.
The world wonders, why so many children derail and commit suicide. But they don’t look at the cause, that the world has created.
People think that the wisdom and knowledge of this world are the most important thing in life and Satan makes use of this.
The more intelligent and the higher the education of the person, the more possession Satan takes of the person.
The person is inspired by Satan and receives insights, fahalalana, wisdom, and revelations, and gets involved with demonic powers. And where demonic powers are present, sexual uncleanness takes place.
Idolatry leads to sexual uncleanness
Sexual uncleanness is a manifestation of the activity of demonic powers. This happened in Pergamos, where it was normal to have plural sexual relationships with both males and females outside the marriage covenant. And let’s not forget the sexual relationships with minors, especially boys. But that should not be surprising, since they played sports naked. But all these sexual uncleannesses were an abomination to God and still are an abomination to God.
That’s why, God warned His people to not get involved with idolatry, pagan rituals, and pagan customs, which were considered normal to the Gentiles, but to God they were abominations.
God gave His people His law to reveal Ny sitrapony SY His way.
In the New Covenant, the apostles of Jesus not only stayed in Israel to preach the gospel, like Jesus, but they went into the world to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
When they went to the Gentiles, they were confronted with the pagan cultures and their idolatry and fornication (sexual uncleanness).
The Gentiles were raised in a pagan culture. They were accustomed to their culture, habits, and rituals and considered them normal, because they were part of their culture. They didn’t know any better. Just like the people of God, who lived in Egypt for 430 years and were raised in Egypt and were familiar with the Egyptian culture and customs and considered them normal (Vakio koa: ‘Every culture disappears in Christ').
But God didn’t consider these things normal. That’s why God wanted His people to renew their minds with His words and commandments. God wanted His people to abstain from idolatry and fornication.
The will of God has not changed in the New Covenant
God’s will has not changed. In the New Covenant, this is still His will. Therefore the apostles addressed sanctification and holiness unto the Lord again in the New Covenant. They instructed the believers to live holy lives and to remove all sins and iniquities among them. The apostles warned the believers to not get involved with idolatry and fornication.
The apostles knew very well that the grace of God didn’t mean to keep living in sin and that it didn’t matter how you live. They knew, that the life in Jesus Christ as the famoronana vaovao didn’t mean walking as the old creation and compromising with the world. Because if they did believe this, as so many Christians do today, then they would not address the carnal works and sin. They wouldn’t have commanded the believers to repent and remove them from their lives.
In the Old Covenant, God didn’t want His people to get involved with pagan cultures and customs. Instead, God wanted them to separate themselves from them and stay dedicated and obedient to Him and His Word. God still doesn’t want His people to get involved with the pagan culture of this world.
The throne of Satan established on earth
All the things, which took place in Pergamon, take place in the world and have become the center of the lives of people.
The Roman empire, in which the Greek culture predominated, is still present and dominates on earth. This shows, that Satan has established his throne on earth. Satan is still the god of this world and the people worship Satan as god through the lives they live.
Satan takes possession of the minds of people. Because Satan knows, that when he controls the mind, he possesses the life. He gives them what they want and fulfills their carnal needs. And in return, the people worship Satan and give Satan power through their works and their lives.
Andriamanitra no Mpahary
But God is the Creator lanitra sy tany mbamin'izay rehetra ao anatiny. God’s will and His law, which is the law of the Spirit, is established forever. His Word is the truth and stands forever!
The whole creation testifies of God and therefore no person has any excuse. Ny olona tsirairay, who doesn’t want to submit to God and His Word and commandments shall bring mischief over his or her life and shall be judged by the Word on the great Day of the Lord (John 12:48).
'Aoka ho fanasin'ny tany'
Source: Zondervan’s pictorial Bible dictionary, Wikipedia
