The Lodestar

Apostle John reminded the church in Pergamum about the “the days of Antipas” (Rev 2:13). But who is this Antipas?

This Antipas should not be confused with Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. Herod Antipas was a wicked ruler whom Jesus called “fox” (Luke 13:32). He offered the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter to his stepdaughter. He might have tried to kill Jesus and presided over Jesus’ trial (Luke 23:6—12).

But the Antipas mentioned in Revelation was the bishop of Pergamum, a pagan city in the first century AD. The name “Antipas” means “against all”; but the irony is that while Herod Antipas was against all that was good, Antipas the bishop of Pergamum was against all that was evil. The city of Pergamum was the centre of pagan worship where sacrifices were offered to demons. That is why the Bible calls this city “where Satan has his throne” (Rev 2:13). An ancient writer, Simeon Metaphrastes records that the demons of this city appeared to the people to tell them that they cannot live any longer in the city since the power of Bishop Antipas was casting them out. The people approached the conservative governor of the city to restrain Antipas who demanded Antipas to stop casting out the demons. Antipas refused to budge but he had to pay a high price of his defiance. The aged Antipas was thrown to the brazen altar alive and was roasted. His martyrdom is celebrated by some orthodox churches on April 11 every year.

The “days of Antipas” is a reminder of the days of persecution that this church had to go through following the martyrdom of their bishop. Some members of the church of Pergamum “remained true” to the name of Jesus even in these difficult times refusing to surrender the enemies of their faith.

‘Days of Antipas” is being repeated in many parts of the world as Christian faith comes under pressure from governments, fundamentalists, and enemies of the cross demanding steadfastness from Christ-followers.