Dwelling Where Satan's Seat Is Revelation 2:13

After John the apostle saw the vision of Jesus in chapter one of “Revelation”, he began to write to the “seven churches in Asia”. He started with the church located in “Ephesus”, then addressed the “church of Smyrna” and then the “church in Pergamos” where He told them, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things says he which has the sharp sword with two edges;” In chapter two and verse thirteen of Revelation, John shared how Jesus told them how He knew, “where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is” where we read:

I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

The verse begins, “I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is:” John began with the words, “I know” which means “Jesus perceives, notices, discerns and discovers” “your works” or “the church in Ephesus' business, employment and that in which they were occupied”, “and where you dwell” which means “and the place in which the church in Pergamos lives, settles and inhabits” “even where Satan's seat is” or “wheresoever the adversary who is the prince of evil spirits and the inveterate adversary of God and Christ's throne, power or kingly royalty exists”. Jesus told the “church in Pergamos” that He knew they dwelt within “the world” or “in the earth” where “Satan” ruled.

The verse continued, “and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.” John added the words, “and you hold fast” or “the church in Pergamos is as master, chief and powerful over” “my name” which refers to “Jesus' thought, feeling, mind, hearing, remembering and such as one ranks, has authority, interest, pleasure, command, excellence and deeds”, “and have not denied” or “and have not disregarded, abnegated or abjured” “my faith” which refers to “Jesus' conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things as well as the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”, “even in those days” or “also and indeed in the time interval” “wherein” which means “by and with” “Antipas” which means “like a father” and was “a Christian of Pergamos who suffered martyrdom” “was my faithful martyr” which means “was Jesus' trustworthy and confiding witness who proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death”, “who was slain” or “Antipas was killed, destroyed and allowed to perish” “among you” which refers to “in the midst of the church in Pergamos”, “where Satan” or “in the place the adversary who is the prince of evil spirits and the inveterate adversary of God and Christ's throne, power or kingly royalty exists” “dwells” which means “lives, settles and inhabits”. Jesus recognized how the “church in Pergamos” kept His name, did not deny their “faith and trust” in Him even when their “fellow believer” “Antipas” was “martyred” for His faith in Jesus.

When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we acknowledge that Jesus had some great things to say about the “church in Pergamos”. Though they were “in the world” which is governed over by “Satan”, they were not “of the world” and held fast to their “faith and trust” in Jesus. They did not “deny” their “faith”, and they continued to believe even when their “fellow believer” “Antipas” was killed. These are strong characteristics within this church, and when we consider them, we realize that God Almighty wants those who believe and trust in His Son Jesus to do the same. Though this is not all Jesus had to say to the “church in Pergamos”, we would do well to remember them and continue “fast” in our “belief and trust” in Him.

Next time John writes how Jesus told the “church in Pergamos”, “I have a few things against you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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