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.
Study Note
Study Note
Christ acknowledges that Pergamum is located 'where Satan's throne is' — a phrase most likely referring to the famous altar of Zeus and/or the city's prominent role in the imperial cult, including a temple to Augustus. Despite this hostile environment, the church is commended for holding fast to Christ's name and not denying the faith even in the days of Antipas, a martyr whose death is mentioned with rare specificity. The praise is followed by a rebuke (2:14-15) for tolerating Balaamite and Nicolaitan teaching, showing that external persecution was not the only threat facing the early church — internal compromise was equally dangerous. The verse models the consistent Revelation pattern: faithful endurance plus discernment of false teaching.
Other Translations
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.
I have known thy works, and where thou dost dwell--where the throne of the Adversary <FI>is<Fi> --and thou dost hold fast my name, and thou didst not deny my faith, even in the days in which Antipas <FI>was<Fi> my faithful witness, who was put to death beside you, where the Adversary doth dwell.
I have knowledge that your living-place is where Satan has his seat: and you are true to my name, and were not turned away from your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my true witness, who was put to death among you, where Satan has his place.
Cross References
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall …
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all …
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, …
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the …
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in …
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and …