Temple of TrajanTemple of Trajan2nd century AD marble 2nd century AD marble temple dedicated to the temple dedicated to the emperoremperor

Antipas: Bishop & Martyr Was the Bishop of Pergamum

Just like Polycarp, he was also a disciple

of John-ordained by John to be a Bishop.

He was martyred in 92A.D for refusing to offer incense and wine sacrifice to the statue of the Roman emperor because he was originally accused by Pagan priests for detracting Pagan worship because he was casting out too many demons.-Tradition also tells us that accusations came from some of the members (Aesculapians) of the medical guild, who probably believed that his ministry was negatively impacting Asklepion (Ancient Medical Center dedicated to the Greek serpent-god, Asklepion)

Verse 12• Jesus starts by establishing himself as the Jesus starts by establishing himself as the

double-edged sword.-Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians double-edged sword.-Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17 6:17

• The word of God is important because this was The word of God is important because this was the antidote to the poison false doctrine that the antidote to the poison false doctrine that had infiltrated the church of Pergamumhad infiltrated the church of Pergamum

• Jesus also makes this declaration to serve Jesus also makes this declaration to serve notice to the false god’s of Pergamum (Zeus, notice to the false god’s of Pergamum (Zeus, Athena etc) that he cut them-off (destroy Athena etc) that he cut them-off (destroy them)-1 John 3:8bthem)-1 John 3:8b

Verse 13• The throne of Satan was a direct reference to the great The throne of Satan was a direct reference to the great

altar of Zeus, demonic temples and Pagan worship all altar of Zeus, demonic temples and Pagan worship all over Pergamum. This was a city that was dedicated to over Pergamum. This was a city that was dedicated to the Devil.-the Devil.-Ephesians 6:12Ephesians 6:12

• Jesus commends them for their witness, especially that Jesus commends them for their witness, especially that of Antipas. Antipas was the Bishop of Pergamum and of Antipas. Antipas was the Bishop of Pergamum and was martyred under the rule of Emperor Domitian was martyred under the rule of Emperor Domitian because his ministry threatened demonic worship in because his ministry threatened demonic worship in PergamumPergamum

• When we ever our lives and word lift up Jesus there will When we ever our lives and word lift up Jesus there will always be opposition but the Sharp Double-Edged always be opposition but the Sharp Double-Edged Sword will always overcome.Sword will always overcome.

Verse 14-15

• The doctrine of Balaam can essentially be seen in The doctrine of Balaam can essentially be seen in Numbers 25:1-3 and Numbers 31:15-16Numbers 25:1-3 and Numbers 31:15-16

• This doctrine was very similar to the teachings of This doctrine was very similar to the teachings of the Nicolaitans who came to abused grace by the Nicolaitans who came to abused grace by indulging in sin. indulging in sin.

• The Nicolaitans were also present in the Church of The Nicolaitans were also present in the Church of Ephesus (Ephesus (Ephesians 2:6Ephesians 2:6), but it seems that the ), but it seems that the believers in Pergamum allowed this group to believers in Pergamum allowed this group to infiltrate their church. They were not gatekeepers.infiltrate their church. They were not gatekeepers.

Verse 16

• Whenever God corrects us, He also calls us to Whenever God corrects us, He also calls us to repent. repent.

• Judgment always starts in the house of the Lord.Judgment always starts in the house of the Lord.

Verse 14-15

• When obey God there is always a reward.When obey God there is always a reward.• Jesus promises to give them hidden manna and Jesus promises to give them hidden manna and

also the Lord will their names on white stone (On also the Lord will their names on white stone (On something that will stand the test of time)something that will stand the test of time)

They were faithful witnesses They had not renounced the name of

Christ.

They had allowed the Nicolaitans to infiltrate their Church.

Jesus tells them to repent immediately

Jesus tells them that they will receive hidden manna

Jesus tells them that he will give them a white stone with their name written on it.