Antipas of Pergamum

Antipas is named in the Book of Revelation, where the Lord calls him 'my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells' (Revelation 2:13). According to tradition he was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian and was consecrated bishop of Pergamum in Asia Minor, a city famous for its pagan altars and cults. His steadfast preaching and the power of his prayers so undermined the influence of the idols that the pagan priests denounced him. Refusing to offer sacrifice, the aged bishop was thrown into a red-hot bronze bull-shaped furnace at the temple of Artemis during the persecution under Domitian. His relics were buried in Pergamum and became a source of healing; from ancient times he has been invoked especially by those suffering from diseases of the teeth.