The church of Pergamos had settled down into the world, the scene of Satan’s authority. This implies no outward or gross wickedness. Satan is quite content to see Christians becoming worldly. As long as they are untrue to Christ by admitting the world into their hearts, his object is gained quite as effectually as if he had betrayed them into the most abhorrent sin. When the religious world or any other takes the place to which Christ is entitled, the ardent love for His Person and the bright hope of His return disappear. Coldness, deadness, toleration of evil and indifference to His claims are sure to result. Open evil may or may not follow, but the mischief is done whether this is the case or not.
Gems From My Reading