John reveals promises from God to the church of Pergamum for those who overcome persecution and heresy. Those who are faithful will receive “hidden manna” and a “white stone with a new name”. These promises will be received in this world and throughout eternity.
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2: 17
Hidden Manna
In his eponymous gospel, John reveals the meaning of hidden manna: It is Jesus himself:
I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:48-51
John describes other characteristics of Christ in the first chapter of his gospel: Jesus was with God in the beginning (1:2); all things were made through him (1:3); in him is life and that life is the light of all mankind (1:4); his glory is of the one and only son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth 1:14b.
Those who overcome are promised the fullness of the presence of Christ.
A White Stone with a New Name
Some interpretations of the meaning of the white stone emphasize the significance of the new name, more than the significance of the stone. Names are very significant and reveal character in Hebrew culture.The name on the stone is unique to each individual and reveals who we have been created to be expressed in fullness as we walk in the way of Jesus. One striking example of names’ significance is is the vast number of names that reveal God’s character: How many names does God have A scriptural interpretation reveals that the stone (ψῆφον) of Revelation 2:17, known in Hebrew as “even” (אֶ֙בֶן֙), is synonymous with a Hebrew heart or “lev” (לֵ֣ב). Further, in Ezekiel 36:26 [MT] , we read : “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh: “cHephtsibah” (חֶפְצִי־בָ֔הּ) is the new name written on the stone heart of God’s people.
The writer George MacDonald describes man’s character and nature in this devotional on the John’s letter to the church at Pergamon:
https://www.worksofmacdonald.com/consuming-fire-daily-devotional/2016/2/8/the-
A Life of Meaning
As terrible as the persecutions that faced the church at Pergamum were, we can understand how John offered them hope to overcome. He sends this letter to the church at Pergamon, but these promises are available to any believer and can help us overcome as well. Christians may know intellectually that God loves us, but it can be difficult to live knowing that Jesus in all his fullness loves us in our humanity and sees who we can become in Him. It is revolutionary to understand that We can live knowing that we are loved by the creator of the universe and that we can love Him back. We can’t fully understand God, but we know He fully understands us. What could be more fulfilling and meaningful than living in light of this truth?
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:12-13
Application
Read some or all of the Westminster Shorter Catechism through the lens of the promises given to the church at Pergamon. Does this focus change the way you understand the Catechism?
The Westminster Shorter Catechism – Ligonier Ministries
Reflect on the words of Clarence Jordan: “Faith is not belief despite evidence, but a life lived in scorn of the consequences”.
by Sherry Sommer
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