“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 where you are living, where Satan's throne is; yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipa my faithful witness, who was killed in your midst, where Satan dwells — Pergamum's location in Satan's headquarters (possibly alluding to the imperial cult or the temple of Asclepius) makes the church's faithfulness more heroic. Antipas's martyrdom exemplifies the cost of witness; his title "my faithful witness" (martys) echoes John's own role as the one who testifies to Christ.
Church Fathers on Revelation 2:13
“He that shall overcome, shall not be hurt by the second death.” That is, he shall not be chastised in hell. The third order of the saints shows that they are men who are strong in faith, and who are not afraid of persecution; but because even among them there are some who are inclined to unlawful associations, He says:—
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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