Persecution of Antipas
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The persecution of Antipas is a significant event mentioned in the Book of Revelation, specifically in the letter to the church in Pergamum. Antipas is recognized as a faithful witness and martyr for his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith during a time of intense persecution.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Antipas is found in Revelation 2:13, where Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum: "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:

Pergamum, a city in the Roman province of Asia, was known for its pagan practices and as a center of emperor worship. The phrase "where the throne of Satan sits" likely refers to the city's prominent altar to Zeus or its status as a hub of imperial cult worship. Christians in Pergamum faced significant pressure to conform to these practices, and refusal often led to persecution.

Antipas as a Faithful Witness:

Antipas is described as a "faithful witness," a title that underscores his steadfastness in the face of persecution. The term "witness" (Greek: "martys") is the root of the word "martyr," indicating that Antipas's testimony to the truth of the Gospel ultimately led to his death. His martyrdom serves as a powerful example of loyalty to Christ, even unto death.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Antipas in Revelation highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the cost of discipleship. His faithfulness is commended by Christ, serving as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite external pressures and threats. The reference to "where Satan dwells" emphasizes the spiritual opposition faced by the early church and the need for believers to rely on Christ's strength to overcome.

Legacy and Influence:

Antipas's martyrdom has been an inspiration for Christians throughout history who face persecution. His example is a reminder of the call to bear witness to Christ in all circumstances, trusting in the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful. The account of Antipas encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, knowing that their struggles are seen and honored by the Lord.

Conclusion:

The persecution of Antipas is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians and the enduring call to faithfulness. His account, though brief in Scripture, resonates with the experiences of countless believers who have suffered for their faith, serving as a testament to the power and hope found in Christ.
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

Library

The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution.
... after his death, John's exile to Patmos must be connected with this persecution.
It mentions imprisonments in Smyrna, the martyrdom of Antipas in Pergamus, and ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 37 the roman conflagration.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... Herod Antipas made it his residence, and built there a strong castle and a palace
of unrivalled splendour. ... [1288] Under his reign the persecution of the Roman ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... in those days when Antipas, a faithful Christian, and probably the former pastor
of the church, was slain (Dr. Hales thinks) in Domitian's persecution, in AD94 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Jealousy of John's Disciples. --Final Testimony of the Baptist. ...
... When he returned to the other side of the river, Herod Antipas, who ruled in ... the
Baptist may have found it necessary, in order to avoid persecution, to betake ...
/.../section 120 jealousy of johns.htm

Matthew.
... aspirations; but Capernaum belonged to the tetrarchy of Herod Antipas, and the ... and
jealousy of Herod is roused, and foreshadows the future persecution of the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... father's, which could be said truly of Archelaus alone, for Antipas reigned 43 years ...
138] The writer makes no definite reference to the persecution of Antiochus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... suspicions of a nature so mean and jealous as that of Antipas, and this ... To the same
hatred, caused by national persecution, we must impute such expressions as ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Of the Lord's Passion, and that it was Foretold.
... it was necessary for Him to undergo and endure, but that He might show what ought
to take place in every persecution, that no ... [737] Herod Antipas the tetrarch ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of the lords passion.htm

Author's Introduction,
... Thanks to him, Herod, Herodias, Antipas, Philip, Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate are ...
of the great excitement produced among the Jews by the persecution of Antiochus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/authors introduction.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Alcibiades, a Gallic witness in the persecution under Marcus Aurelius, [86]218. ...
Alexander, a Gallic witness in the persecution under Marcus Aurelius, [104]216. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

Resources
If I convert to Christianity, my family will disown me, and I will be persecuted. Should I follow Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake? | GotQuestions.org

What is Novatianism? | GotQuestions.org

Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Persecution

Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel

Persecution is Sometimes to Death

Persecution of Abel

Persecution of Antipas

Persecution of Daniel

Persecution of David

Persecution of Elijah

Persecution of Elisha

Persecution of Gideon

Persecution of Hanani

Persecution of James

Persecution of Jeremiah

Persecution of Jesus

Persecution of Job

Persecution of John

Persecution of John the Baptist

Persecution of Lazarus

Persecution of Lot

Persecution of Micaiah

Persecution of Moses

Persecution of Prophets

Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel

Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ

Persecution of Simon

Persecution of Stephen

Persecution of the Apostles

Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna

Persecution of the Disciples

Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ)

Persecution of the Jews

Persecution of the Righteous

Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement

Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From

Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel

Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity

Persecution of Timothy

Persecution of Urijah

Persecution of Zachariah

Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer

Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake

Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ

Persecution: Christ Suffered

Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To

Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under

Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From

Persecution: God Delivers out of

Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under

Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure

Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape

Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To

Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ

Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel

Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ

Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal

Persecution: Originates: Pride

Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering

Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To

Persecution: Saints May Expect

Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For

Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans

Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles

Persecution: Spirit of Herod

Persecution: Spirit of Jews

Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel

Persecution: Spirit of Paul

Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh

Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees

Persecution: Spirit of Saul

Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah

Persecution: Suffering of Apostles

Persecution: Suffering of Daniel

Persecution: Suffering of David

Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews

Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah

Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah

Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas

Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas

Persecution: Suffering of Peter

Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old

Persecution: Suffering of The Church

Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets

Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under

Persecution: The Wicked: Active In

Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To

Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In

Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated

Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For

Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success

Related Terms

Phygellus (1 Occurrence)

Phygelus (1 Occurrence)

Tribulation (43 Occurrences)

Lystra (6 Occurrences)

Oppression (67 Occurrences)

Jezebel (20 Occurrences)

Apostolic (2 Occurrences)

Witchcraft (8 Occurrences)

Testaments

Endure (90 Occurrences)

Witch (2 Occurrences)

Between (2624 Occurrences)

Offended (26 Occurrences)

Onesiphorus (2 Occurrences)

Justus (3 Occurrences)

Within (400 Occurrences)

Firm (111 Occurrences)

Temporary (13 Occurrences)

Rome (12 Occurrences)

Dispersed (28 Occurrences)

Driven (128 Occurrences)

Arises (21 Occurrences)

Ariseth (20 Occurrences)

Stumbled (47 Occurrences)

Short (128 Occurrences)

Nero

Alexandria (4 Occurrences)

Affliction (120 Occurrences)

Suffering (104 Occurrences)

Root (54 Occurrences)

Message (222 Occurrences)

Manasseh (140 Occurrences)

Account (460 Occurrences)

Derbe (4 Occurrences)

Broke (153 Occurrences)

Antichrist (4 Occurrences)

Age (404 Occurrences)

Straightway (96 Occurrences)

Immediately (141 Occurrences)

Josiah (51 Occurrences)

Region (96 Occurrences)

Persecuting (14 Occurrences)

Philip (37 Occurrences)

Timothy (28 Occurrences)

Elijah (104 Occurrences)

Judith (1 Occurrence)

Suffer (195 Occurrences)

Subapostolic

Sub-apostolic

Simon (75 Occurrences)

Mark (182 Occurrences)

Sermon (1 Occurrence)

Peter (181 Occurrences)

Yet (1244 Occurrences)

Victor's (4 Occurrences)

Various (52 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Nakedness (50 Occurrences)

Urged (44 Occurrences)

Upper (99 Occurrences)

Obadiah (21 Occurrences)

Offense (44 Occurrences)

Overthrown (44 Occurrences)

Olves

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)

Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences)

Joyful (83 Occurrences)

Jabneh (1 Occurrence)

James (40 Occurrences)

Jabneel (2 Occurrences)

Leading (101 Occurrences)

Lasts (9 Occurrences)

Gentlewomen (3 Occurrences)

Goods (231 Occurrences)

Godly (50 Occurrences)

Word's (3 Occurrences)

Worshipped (81 Occurrences)

Wreath (21 Occurrences)

Influenced (2 Occurrences)

Persecution of Abel
Top of Page
Top of Page