Antipas – Who Was He?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesA querist asks, “Is there any information on Antipas mentioned in Revelation 2:13?”
According to tradition, Antipas, the martyr of the church in Pergamos in Revelation 2:13 KJV, was roasted in a brazen bowl at Domitian’s request.
Additionally, Antipas was consecrated bishop of Pergamos by the Apostle John. The residents of Pergamos were worshipping demons who had appeared to them and the demons told them that they could not live there nor accept their sacrifices because the power of Antipas was casting them out.
Antipas was captured by the idolaters of Pergamos and delivered to their conservative governor who tried to convince Antipas that the older things are more honorable than the new. For this reason, the religion of the Greeks was more honorable than Christianity since it was older and grew better with the passing of time.
On the other hand, the faith of the Christians was not to be honored, since it started later and was accepted by fewer people. Antipas countered the argument by using the example of Cain and Abel. Even though Cain was older than his brother Abel, Abel was accepted by God and Cain was not. After killing his brother, Cain was hated and despised by all men who have lived thereafter, even though he was older, therefore the Greeks’ impiety is hateful to the Christians who came later, even though it is older.
When the governor and the Greeks heard this, they burnt with anger. After the aged Antipas refused to pinch some incense in the red hot copper bull-shaped altar of Caesar, he was thrown into the same brazen altar alive and roasted. While he was there, the saint fervently prayed to God, glorifying His great power, and thanked Him for being worthy to suffer for His love (source).
Related Article:
- About Antipas