Revelation 2:14

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.

But {G235} I have {G2192} a few things {G3641} against {G2596} thee {G4675}, because {G3754} thou hast {G2192} there {G1563} them that hold {G2902} the doctrine {G1322} of Balaam {G903}, who {G3739} taught {G1722}{G1321} Balac {G904} to cast {G906} a stumblingblock {G4625} before {G1799} the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474}, to eat {G5315} things sacrificed unto idols {G1494}, and {G2532} to commit fornication {G4203}.

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: you have some people who hold to the teaching of Bil‘am, who taught Balak to set a trap for the people of Isra’el, so that they would eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and commit sexual sin.

But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.

This verse is part of the message from Christ to the church in Pergamos, found in the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, where specific commendations and criticisms are given to seven churches in Asia Minor. Pergamos was a city known for its imperial cult worship and various pagan temples. Despite living where "Satan's seat" was, the church in Pergamos had remained faithful to Christ's name (Revelation 2:13). However, this verse highlights a significant problem within the congregation: allowing false teaching and immoral practices to exist among them.

Key Themes

  • The Doctrine of Balaam: This refers back to the Old Testament account in Numbers chapters 22-25 and Numbers 31:16. Balaam, unable to curse Israel directly, advised Balak, king of Moab, to entice the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality through the Moabite women. This led to God's judgment upon Israel. In Revelation 2:14, the "doctrine of Balaam" represents teaching or influence that leads believers into spiritual compromise, specifically by participating in idol worship and sexual sin.
  • Stumblingblock: The term skandalon in Greek refers to a trap, snare, or obstacle that causes someone to fall or stumble into sin. Balaam's counsel became a stumblingblock for Israel, leading them away from God. Similarly, those holding this "doctrine" in Pergamos were causing others in the church to stumble.
  • Idolatry and Fornication: These were often intertwined in pagan worship practices. Eating things sacrificed to idols could symbolize participation in pagan feasts or showing allegiance to other gods. Fornication (sexual immorality) frequently accompanied these rituals. The church was tolerating people who engaged in or promoted these practices, which were strictly forbidden for believers (See Acts 15:29).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "doctrine of Balaam" directly connects the issue in the New Testament church at Pergamos to a specific historical event in Israel's wilderness journey. This highlights a recurring danger: external enemies (like Balak) or internal false teachers (like those holding Balaam's doctrine) seeking to corrupt God's people through enticing them into sin, rather than through direct opposition. The term "stumblingblock" (skandalon) emphasizes the harmful effect of this teaching and practice on the spiritual walk of believers, causing them to fall into sin and away from faithfulness.

Reflection and Application

This verse serves as a strong warning against tolerating teaching or practices within the church that lead believers into compromise with worldly or sinful ways. Just as Balaam led Israel into idolatry and immorality, false doctrines today can subtly or overtly encourage participation in things that are contrary to God's commands regarding purity and exclusive devotion to Him. Believers are called to have discernment and to separate themselves from influences that act as a stumblingblock to themselves or others. Standing firm against spiritual compromise, even when it seems easier to tolerate certain sins or teachings, is essential for maintaining the purity and faithfulness of the church.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 2:15

    Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

  • Numbers 31:16

    Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

  • Revelation 2:20

    Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

  • Numbers 25:1

    ¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

  • Numbers 25:3

    And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

  • Acts 15:29

    That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

  • Jude 1:11

    Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

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