Topical Bible: Faithfulness: Antipas

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Topical Encyclopedia

Antipas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. He is recognized for his steadfast faith and is honored as a martyr within the early Christian community. 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

Pergamum, the city where Antipas lived and was martyred, was a significant center of pagan worship and Roman imperial cults. It was known for its grand temples dedicated to Zeus, Athena, and other deities, as well as for its altar to Zeus, which some scholars suggest might be the "throne of Satan" mentioned in Revelation. The pressure on Christians in Pergamum to conform to the surrounding idolatrous practices was immense, making Antipas's faithfulness particularly noteworthy.

Faithfulness in the Face of Persecution

Antipas is described as a "faithful witness," a title that underscores his unwavering commitment to Christ even unto death. The term "witness" (Greek: "martys") is significant, as it later became synonymous with martyrdom due to the early Christians' experiences of persecution. Antipas's faithfulness is highlighted by his refusal to renounce his faith despite the hostile environment and the ultimate sacrifice of his life.

Legacy and Influence

Though little is known about Antipas beyond this brief mention in Revelation, his example of faithfulness has resonated throughout Christian history. He is often celebrated as a model of courage and steadfastness for believers facing trials and persecution. Antipas's legacy serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to remain faithful to Christ regardless of external pressures.

Theological Significance

Antipas's account is a powerful testament to the early church's struggles and the triumph of faith over fear. His martyrdom exemplifies the call to bear witness to Christ in a world that often stands in opposition to the Gospel. The acknowledgment of Antipas by Jesus in the Revelation message to Pergamum underscores the divine recognition and reward for those who remain faithful.

In summary, Antipas stands as a symbol of faithfulness in the Christian tradition, representing the ultimate commitment to Christ in the face of persecution. His life and death continue to inspire believers to hold fast to their faith, trusting in the promise of eternal life with Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Historical Situation
... In Galilee and Perea, Antipas held in his hands the judicial as well as ... in fellowship
with God as their fathers had, trusting in his faithfulness, and hoping ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... the Epistle addressed "to the twelve Tribes," James 1:1. The faithfulness mentioned
here ... deny my faith, [even] [103] in the days [104] of Antipas, my witness ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... In the territory east of Jordan, which was under the dominion of Antipas, much of
John's ministry had ... In his faithfulness to principle he was as firm as a rock ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... Antipas not only failed, but was deprived of his dominions, and banished to Lyons ...
the woman in refusing favours from the Emperor, and her faithfulness to her ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... They had been faithful in those days when Antipas, a faithful Christian, and ... by those
titles, which are significant of his own faithfulness and inherent ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... the famous Antipater's or Antipas's father was also Antipater or Antipas [which
two ... 2, who gave testimony to Hyrcanus's and the Jews' faithfulness and goodwill ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... We know that it was the ambition of Herod Antipas again to unite under his sway ... of
the meaning of His impending Death, of the necessity of faithfulness to Him ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... So she seized the opportunity which the presence of Antipas in her house ... unlike his,
her part was marked by unalloyed purity, magnanimity, and faithfulness. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... "I will sing," he says, "of the mercies of the Lord forever, with my mouth will
I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations, for thou hast said, Mercy ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... light, to see the fruits and effects of sin; light, to see the truth and worth of
the merits of Jesus Christ; light, to see the truth and faithfulness of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm