Antipas and the "seat of Satan"

Study:

 "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." Revelation 2:13

Notice that "Satan's seat," in the above text, has both a political and a spiritual interpretation.

Political:

According to Revelation 12:9, the dragon is Satan.

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

But historically, the dragon is the Roman Empire, for it was Rome that tried to destroy the man-child, Christ.

"...and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne." Revelation 12:4,5

Recall: a beast is a kingdom and the man child is the Word!

"Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,..." Daniel 7:23

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him ... and his name is called The Word of God. ... And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: ... And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16

But the Roman Empire, the dragon, has a seat and that seat is the city of Rome.

"...and the dragon gave him [the beast from the sea] his power, and his seat, and great authority." Revelation 13:2

So "Satan's seat" has a political interpretation and according to this interpretation "Satan's seat" is the city of Rome!

Spiritual:

Does "Satan's seat" have a spiritual interpretation? It would seem odd if it did not, as we are talking about the seat belonging to... SATAN! a demonic spirit or fallen spiritual power!

According to Strong, Antipas is equivalent to Antipater and Antipater, a combination of "anti" and "pater," means "in the place of father" or "against father."

Does the Bible mention a "seat" in connection with a "father?" Yes!

"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: ... they ... love ... to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:1-10

So "Satan's seat" also has a spiritual interpretation!

Historical Significance:

Revelation 12:4 and 5 describes a historical strugle which took place in the city of Rome, during the Pergamos church period, between two parties, one a rising spiritual authority and the other, its opposition. The rising power, called the "seat of Satan" by Christ, claimed the "seat of Moses," or religious authority over the church, and the title of "father." Its opposition, called "Antipas ... my faithful martyr" by Christ, witnessed to Christ's teaching, preaching that none was to be called father accept God, and died for their faith. What we have here describes the rise of the Papacy in Rome!

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