THE COMMENDATION _ Revelation 2:13

THE COMMENDATION

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells (2:13).

Know your works (εἴδω eídō, Gk) - This refers to the sense of “to perceive, be aware of, and understand.”  It expresses the knowledge which comes from one’s state of being, intuitive knowledge, and refers to the absolute knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows everything about the church, both good and bad.

Satan’s throne – This is identified as the magnificent altar of Zeus that dominated Pergamum’s acropolis.

Others connect Satan’s throne with the worship of the god Asklepios that was prevalent in Pergamum.

Others point out that Pergamum was the leading center of emperor worship in the province of Asia.

Satan’s throne could easily be understood as a reference to the might of Rome under the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Hold fast – They did not deviate from fidelity to Christ or to the central truths of the Christian faith. The faithful believers at Pergamum exemplified the truth of Christ’s words in Matthew 16:18. They “hung in there.”

Antipas (Against all) – According to tradition he was roasted to death inside of a brass bull during the persecution instigated by the Emperor Domitian. Witness (μάρτυς mártus, Gk.) is translated into the English word “martyr.” Antipas was a man who paid the ultimate price for his refusal to compromise. He represents any true believer who is willing to stand for true faith in the name of Christ, even if it costs him his life.