Who was Antipas in Revelation?

Answer 1

">Revelation 2:13 is the only New Testament mention of Antipas, so all we know of him is to be found in verses 12 & 13. We are told that he was a member of the church in Pergamos, he was faithful, and he was martyred (killed because of his faithfulness). 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. "

The word 'martyr' originally meant 'witness', so does this reference does not necessarily mean that Antipas was martyred, or even persecuted as a Christian. The passage refers to him being killed among the people of Pergamos

Christian tradition is that Antipas was bishop of Pergamos. If so, this would have been no earlier than the early second century, when the office of bishop (overseer) was instituted, and thus dating the Book of Revelation well into the second century. Others say that Antipas was probably fictional.

The only Antipas known outside Revelation 2:13 is Herod Antipas, a first century ruler of Galilee and Perea, and son of Herod the Great. Following from his father, Herod Antipas was probably at least nominally a Jew and thus could be described as a faithful witness ('martyr') by a Jewish author who may have written material later incorporated into Revelation. Against this is that Herod Antipas could not have died in Pergamos.

Antipas was either an otherwise unknown martyr, or a representation of all of the faithful Christians who were willing to stand 'against all', as the name means, against Satan.

Answer 2

Antipas was a Christian mentioned in the book of Revelation (2:13) as a faithful witness who was martyred for his faith. He is commended for standing firm in his beliefs despite facing persecution and martyrdom.