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•PEREZ =Pharez, (q.v.), breach, the son of Judah (Nehemiah 11:4). “The chief of all the captains of the host for the first month” in the reign of David was taken from his family (1 Chronicles 27:3). Four hundred and sixty-eight of his “sons” came back from captivity with Zerubbabel, who himself was one of them (1 Chronicles 9:4; Nehemiah 11:6).
•PERFECTION See SANCTIFICATION.
•PERFUMES were used in religious worship, and for personal and domestic enjoyment (Exodus 30:35-37; Proverbs 7:17; Cant. 3:6; Isaiah 57:9); and also in embalming the dead, and in other funeral ceremonies (Mark 14:8; Luke 24:1; John 19:39).
•PERGA the capital of Pamphylia, on the coast of Asia Minor. Paul and his companions landed at this place from Cyprus on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13, 14), and here Mark forsook the party and returned to Jerusalem. Some time afterwards Paul and Barnabas again visited this city and “preached the word” (14:25). It stood on the banks of the river Cestrus, some 7 miles from its mouth, and was a place of some commercial importance. It is now a ruin, called Eski Kalessi.
•PERGAMOS the chief city of Mysia, in Asia Minor. One of the “seven churches” was planted here (Revelation 1:11; 2:17). It was noted for its wickedness, insomuch that our Lord says “Satan’s seat” was there. The church of Pergamos was rebuked for swerving from the truth and embracing the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. Antipas, Christ’s “faithful martyr,” here sealed his testimony with his blood.
This city stood on the banks of the river Caicus, about 20 miles from the sea. It is now called Bergama, and has a population of some twenty