What does Revelation 2:14 mean?

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. Revelation 2:14

Explanation

Revelation 2:14 refers to a rebuke given by Christ to the church of Pergamum. This church is one of the seven churches to which Jesus sends messages in the book of Revelation. The verse criticizes some members of the Pergamum church for adhering to the “doctrine of Balaam.” Balaam was an Old Testament figure who, according to the book of Numbers, was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the children of Israel. Instead, however, Balaam ends up blessing them because he can only say what God allows him to say. The deeper, more insidious act of Balaam, referenced in this verse, is his advice to Balak to entice the Israelites to sin through idolatry and sexual immorality, as a way to bring curse upon them. In this context, “eating things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” symbolizes a betrayal of faith, idolatrous practices, and moral corruption which was present among some members of the church in Pergamum.

Historical Context

The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, and is often dated to the end of the 1st century AD, a time when Christians faced persecution under Roman authority. Pergamum was a prominent city in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), known for its cultural and intellectual institutions, including a massive library and a temple dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor. The challenges faced by the Christians there included social pressure to conform to the religious practices of the surrounding pagan culture, which often involved emperor worship and participation in festivals that included eating food sacrificed to idols and engaging in sexual immorality.

Theological Insights

From various theological viewpoints, the doctrine of Balaam can be interpreted as a warning against compromising with the world to the point of syncretism, where Christian belief is mixed with non-Christian practices. This compromise is seen as spiritual adultery, akin to the forsaking of one’s allegiance to God. Theological interpretations often focus on the importance of purity in doctrine and practice, and the repercussions of drifting from the teachings of the Gospel in favor of cultural or social acceptance.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a warning to modern believers to maintain their faith and practice without succumbing to societal pressures that may be contrary to their beliefs. A practical application might involve avoiding the participation in practices or ideologies which are inconsistent with Christian values. Individuals and churches today can use it as an admonition to critically evaluate where they might be compromising their faith, and encourages vigilance in staying true to the teachings of Christ.

Cross-References

• Numbers 22-24, 31:16 (the story of Balaam and Balak)
• 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (Paul’s admonition against eating food sacrificed to idols)
• 2 Peter 2:15 (a reference to the way of Balaam)
• Jude 1:11 (the error of Balaam)

Language Study

Key words and their meanings in the original Greek language from this verse include:

• “doctrine” (διδαχὴν, didachēn): teaching or instruction.
• “Balaam” (Βαλαὰμ, Balaam): the name of the Old Testament prophet.
• “stumblingblock” (σκάνδαλον, skandalon): a trap or snare; figuratively, something that causes error or sin.
• “sacrificed unto idols” (εἰδωλόθυτα, eidōlothyta): food offered to idols, which was a common practice in pagan rituals.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Balaam bears some similarities to other ancient myths where seers or prophets are consulted to curse enemies, highlighting a belief in the power of words and blessings in ancient cultures. The condemnation of eating food sacrificed to idols and committing fornication can also be seen in other ancient religious systems, as these practices were often part of pagan religious ceremonies intended to garner favor with the gods or express religious devotion.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science generally does not directly comment on theological or spiritual doctrines; however, there is a discussion to be had around the psychological and social aspects of human behavior when it comes to conformity and peer pressure. Understanding these dynamics can shed light on why individuals within a religious community, like those in Pergamum, might have conformed to the prevailing cultural practices at the time, opting for societal acceptance over religious adherence.

Commentaries

Various biblical experts and theologians provide insight into Revelation 2:14. Many agree that the verse reflects a conflict in the early church between adhering to the teachings of Christianity and engaging in the idolatrous practices that were culturally pervasive at the time. Some see this as an allusion to the dangers of false prophets within the church, while others highlight the verse’s relevance to the continual struggle between cultural assimilation and maintaining distinct religious identity. Some commentaries consider “the doctrine of Balaam” as paralleling issues of compromise within contemporary Christian communities, suggesting that this ancient problem persists in various forms today.