Revelation 2:13

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

I know {G1492} thy {G4675} works {G2041}, and {G2532} where {G4226} thou dwellest {G2730}, even where {G3699} Satan's {G4567} seat {G2362} is: and {G2532} thou holdest fast {G2902} my {G3450} name {G3686}, and {G2532} hast {G720} not {G3756} denied {G720} my {G3450} faith {G4102}, even {G2532} in {G1722} those days {G2250} wherein {G1722}{G3739} Antipas {G493} was my {G3450} faithful {G4103} martyr {G3144}, who {G3739} was slain {G615} among {G3844} you {G5213}, where {G3699} Satan {G4567} dwelleth {G2730}.

“I know where you are living, there where the Adversary’s throne is. Yet you are holding onto my name. You did not deny trusting me even at the time when my faithful witness Antipas was put to death in your town, there where the Adversary lives.

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 day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Commentary

Revelation 2:13 is part of the message from Jesus Christ to the church in Pergamum, one of the seven churches in Asia Minor. This verse highlights both the intense spiritual challenges faced by the believers in Pergamum and their commendable faithfulness.

Context of Pergamum

Pergamum (also known as Pergamos) was a significant city in ancient Asia Minor, renowned for its intellectual and religious prominence. It housed numerous pagan temples, including a massive altar dedicated to Zeus and a prominent temple for the imperial cult, which demanded worship of the Roman emperor. This made Pergamum a center of idolatry and emperor worship, posing a direct challenge to Christian monotheism and the exclusive lordship of Christ.

The phrase "where Satan's seat is" or "where Satan dwelleth" powerfully describes Pergamum's spiritual atmosphere. This could refer to the city's pervasive paganism, the emperor cult (which was seen as a direct affront to God), or even the massive "Throne of Zeus" altar that dominated the city's skyline. It signifies a place where the forces of evil had a strong foothold and exerted considerable influence, making it a particularly difficult environment for believers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Awareness: Jesus Christ's opening words, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest," underscore His omniscience and intimate knowledge of the church's circumstances. He sees their difficult environment and acknowledges their struggles.
  • Faithfulness Amidst Persecution: Despite dwelling in such a hostile place, the church in Pergamum is commended for their steadfastness. They "holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith." This speaks to their unyielding loyalty to Christ, even when it came at a great cost.
  • The Example of Antipas: The mention of "Antipas my faithful martyr" is a poignant detail. Antipas is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, but his inclusion here confirms that the persecution was real and resulted in the death of at least one believer. The Greek word for "martyr" (martys) here carries the meaning of "witness" who gave his life for his testimony, setting a powerful example of endurance and ultimate faithfulness.
  • Spiritual Warfare: The repeated emphasis on "where Satan's seat is" highlights the reality of spiritual opposition. Christians in Pergamum were engaged in a profound spiritual battle against unseen forces, not merely against flesh and blood.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Satan's seat" uses the Greek word thronos (θρόνος), which means "throne" or "seat of authority." This implies that Pergamum was not just a place where Satan had influence, but where he had established a center of power and authority. This reinforces the intensity of the spiritual darkness the Pergamene Christians faced.

The term "martyr" in Greek, martys (μάρτυς), literally means "witness." While it originally referred to someone who gives testimony, by the time Revelation was written, it had clearly begun to signify one who bears witness to Christ even unto death, as seen in Antipas's fate.

Practical Application

Revelation 2:13 offers encouragement and challenge for believers today:

  1. God Sees Our Struggles: No matter how difficult or spiritually oppressive our environment may be, Christ is aware of our situation and our faithfulness.
  2. Faithfulness is Possible Anywhere: Even in places dominated by opposing ideologies or spiritual darkness, it is possible to hold fast to Christ's name and not deny His faith.
  3. Courage in Witness: The example of Antipas reminds us of the call to be faithful witnesses, even when it demands sacrifice. Our testimony for Christ may challenge the prevailing norms of our society.
  4. Recognize Spiritual Battle: We are reminded that there is a spiritual dimension to the opposition we face. Understanding this helps us to rely on God's strength and spiritual armor in our daily lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 2:9 (7 votes)

    I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

  • Revelation 2:10 (7 votes)

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 (6 votes)

    But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

  • Revelation 3:11 (5 votes)

    Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

  • Revelation 3:8 (4 votes)

    I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

  • Revelation 3:9 (4 votes)

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Acts 22:20 (4 votes)

    And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.