Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 2:12

"and to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:" — Revelation 2:12 (ASV)

The speaker identifies himself as “him who has the sharp, double-edged sword” (cf. comment on 1:16; cf. Isaiah 49:2). In dealing with the Pergamum congregation, divided by deceptive teaching, the risen Lord will use this sword to fight against the Balaamites and the Nicolaitans (v.16). It is interesting that Pergamum was a city to which Rome had given the rare power of capital punishment, symbolized by the sword. The Christians in Pergamum were thus reminded that though they lived under almost unlimited law, they were citizens of another kingdom—that of him who needs no other sword than that of his mouth.