“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,” These things say He who has the sharp two – edged sword: I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to my name, and did not deny my faith even in the days in which Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

–Revelation 2: 12 – 13.

The day Satan lost his place in heaven, he was hurled down to the earth where he established his throne. Jesus referred to him as the prince of this world. Since then he has always sought for convenient places to extend the frontiers of his kingdom. This defeat was clearly presented by the Apostle John thus; “ And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven” – Revelation 12:7-8. For that reason, it was declared concerning earth, “…Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knows that his time is short” – Revelation 12:12. The day Satan was cast down was indeed a black day for earth and its inhabitants because he came with great wrath and vengeance against the seed of the woman: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandment of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

The Throne in Pergamum

Back to our main text, the words of Jesus to the Pergamos (Pergamum) church was, “… I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is” – Revelation 2:13. Wherever Satan’s throne is established, such a place or life is in for endless woes and nothing good comes out of it. This is evident from the city of Pergamum which has been confirmed to be in ruins today in spite of its past glories. Located in modern day Turkey, it had a unique stature that was different from any other city because it was the political center at that time. It was from there that rulings were made that affected the whole of Asia Minor.

Pergamum was a thriving city. So why does the book of Revelation call it the dwelling place of Satan? The answer lies in the ruins of the city’s temples. Bible scholars found that, on one side, it was a beautiful city, but on the flip side, it was one of the darkest, eeriest cities in the whole Roman Empire. Why? Because Satan had his Empire located there as rightly reported by the book of Revelation.  

The people of Pergamum were said to be inventors and innovators, building the world’s first psychiatric hospital. It was a well-known center for the arts. The city’s acropolis rivaled Athens and its library was the second largest in the ancient world. According to history, at the end of the first century, Pergamum was a thriving city. So why does the book of Revelation call it the dwelling place of Satan? The answer lies in the ruins of the city’s temples. Bible scholars found that, on one side, it was a beautiful city, but on the flip side, it was one of the darkest, eeriest cities in the whole Roman Empire. Why? Because Satan had his Empire located there as rightly reported by the book of Revelation.  

The people of Pergamum were known as the “Temple – keepers of Asia.” The city had three temples dedicated to the Roman Emperor, another to the goddess Athena, and the third to the great altar of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Many scholars believe this altar is ‘The Throne of Satan’ mentioned in the book of Revelation. The very fact that Jesus would use this term to describe the city means that Satan felt at home there. It was his territory and he was the master of that land. The city was also characterized by the martyrdom of God’s servants of which Antipas was one. It was also known for liars and false prophets who prophesied for wages like Balaam. It was a land of persecution and restlessness for the saints.

Satan’s Throne Today

Any life or land where Satan lives is earmarked for destruction, no matter how ‘beautiful’ because that is Satan’s intention of indwelling any life. How do we know a life or land where Satan’s throne thrives? By the fruit it produces. Sodom and Gomorrah were such lands. The destruction of whatever God created would be the last option in His heart because He is endlessly loving and merciful. This option only comes if men fail to heed his warnings. These nations had to be destroyed to put an end to Satan’s hold and to forestall the transfer of the seed of the wicked one.

To drive this message home, where is Satan’s throne today? The quiet answer is, “it is in the hearts of those who are yet to surrender their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ.” Irrespective of your good looks or attractive and charming personality, if Jesus is not Lord of your life, then Satan is at home there, and your life is headed for doom.  The uncontrollable urge for illicit sex in one’s life is a quiet but sure evidence that Satan’s throne is in force in such a life. The dislike for truth and anything called God is a clear proof of the existence of Satan’s throne in a life or land, no matter how beautiful like Pergamum it may be.

Where is Satan’s throne today? The quiet answer is, “it is in the hearts of those who are yet to surrender their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ.” Irrespective of your good looks or attractive and charming personality, if Jesus is not Lord of your life, then Satan is at home there, and your life is headed for doom.

His throne can be established in a whole family when infidelity, hatred and bitterness become the order of the day. Examine yourself, don’t you think that the thief has sneaked in with his seat? The Word of God rightly puts it, “Give no place to the devil” – Ephesians 4:27. If you give him a foothold, he turns it into a stronghold. Every life or land invaded by Satan today began one day with a ‘little’ carelessness or ‘it doesn’t matter’; little by little, he became the master of such a life.  Wherever and whenever allowed, Satan can set up his empire freely – in a church, city, nation or continent. It was in fact a church Jesus was addressing in the main text. Did I just say church? YES, church. When we begin to become so coldhearted, taking spiritual things for granted and becoming more mindful of the external than the eternal, Satan is at work. YES, when we begin to enthrone men and money in church rather than Christ, we expressly usher in that tricky old serpent to come set up his throne in our midst.

How To Dethrone The Enemy

Today, the only way to get Satan dethroned from your life, family, city or nation is to open up and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He rightly declared, “No man can serve two masters…” – Matthew 6:24b. The enthronement of one is the dethronement of the other. My friend, the true and rightful King wants to take His rightful place in your life. Will you let Him in or will you have Satan reign over you and at the end destroy you? Sign up for Jesus today! God bless you.

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