Antipas: A Martyr
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Antipas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. He is recognized as a faithful martyr of the early Christian church. The reference to Antipas is found in Revelation 2:13, where Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum through the Apostle John: "I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the days when My faithful witness, Antipas, was killed among you, where Satan dwells" .

Historical Context

Antipas is believed to have lived during the first century A.D., a time when Christians faced significant persecution under Roman rule. Pergamum, where Antipas was martyred, was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its pagan worship and as a center of imperial cult activities. The reference to "where the throne of Satan sits" is often interpreted as an allusion to the city's strong association with idolatry and emperor worship, which posed a direct challenge to the Christian faith.

Significance in Early Christianity

Antipas is honored as a "faithful witness," a title that underscores his steadfastness in the face of persecution. The term "martyr" in the early Christian context refers to someone who bears witness to their faith even unto death. Antipas's martyrdom serves as a powerful testament to the early Christians' commitment to Christ, despite the threat of severe consequences.

Tradition and Legacy

While the biblical account provides limited information about Antipas, early Christian tradition holds that he was a bishop or leader in the church at Pergamum. Some traditions suggest that he was martyred by being burned alive in a brazen bull, a method of execution used in ancient times. Although these details are not found in the biblical text, they reflect the veneration and respect afforded to Antipas by subsequent generations of Christians.

Antipas's legacy is one of unwavering faith and courage. His example would have served as an encouragement to the believers in Pergamum and other early Christian communities facing similar trials. The mention of Antipas in Revelation highlights the reality of persecution faced by the early church and the call for believers to remain faithful amidst adversity.

Theological Implications

The account of Antipas in Revelation emphasizes the spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil, with Pergamum depicted as a stronghold of satanic influence. Antipas's martyrdom is a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the ultimate victory of those who remain true to their faith in Christ. His account is a call to perseverance and faithfulness, encouraging believers to hold fast to their testimony in the face of opposition.

Antipas's mention in the Book of Revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the trials faced by the early church and the enduring call to faithfulness for all Christians. His witness continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
Nave's Topical Index
Revelation 2:13
I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
493. Antipas -- Antipas, a Christian of Pergamum
... Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Antipas Phonetic Spelling: (an-tee'-pas) Short
Definition: Antipas Definition: Antipas, a Christian martyr of Pergamum. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/493.htm - 6k
Library

Verse the Seventeenth
... 3:13.) "Thou has not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my
faithful martyr, who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth." (Revelation 2:13 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/verse the seventeenth.htm

The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622.
... rich in God; some kept the name of Jesus, and denied not the faith, suppose they
should had given their blood for it, as the faithful martyr Antipas did; but ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the last judgment by the.htm

Who, Now, Should Know Better the Marrow of the Scriptures than the ...
... I will give thee a crown of life." [8297] Also to the angel of the church in Pergamus
(mention was made) of Antipas, [8298] the very faithful martyr, who was ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter xii who now should.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... dwellest; where the throne of Satan is, and thou holdest fast my name, and didst
not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful martyr, who was ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Herod
... So it was with Herod Antipas. 3. But no man can serve two masters. ... 6. But the
blood of the martyr was not shed before his work was done. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 14-29 herod.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Adiabene, [36]113. Adrianus, a martyr, [37]354. ... ??desius, introduces Christianity
into Ethiopia, [38]105 (note 30). ??desius, a martyr, [39]347. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

John the Baptist
... reply; then a lewd orgy, a king's oath, a girl's demands, a martyr's release, the ...
room for a more intimately personal motive on the part of Antipas for the ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/vi john the baptist.htm

Of the Lord's Passion, and that it was Foretold.
... [737] Herod Antipas the tetrarch of Galilee. According to St. Luke (xxiii. ... [756]
Justin Martyr quotes this passage in his Dialogue with Trypho, and complains ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of the lords passion.htm

The Gospels
... The most important evidence is furnished by Justin Martyr, who was born near Samaria,
and ... 3 and in Mark 6:17 to explain the fear felt by Herod Antipas that he ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter ii the gospels.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... dungeon, nor yet that the peace of restful conviction has filled the martyr of Christ ...
of Herod the Great and of the accession of (his son) Herod Antipas to the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

Resources
What was Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herodias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the various Herods mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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