Rev.2:13,14 – I know where you live—where Satan sits enthroned, yet you still cling faithfully to the power of my name. You did not deny your faith in me even in the days of my faithful martyr Antipas, who was executed in your city, where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you. There are some among you who hold to the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to eat things that were sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.
These two names, Antipas and Balaam, pretty much mirror the opposite types of people we have seen over the centuries that have had influence in the church. The first was Antipas, a disciple of John who gave his life serving the church in Pergamum. Martyrdom had become a common occurrence toward the end of the first century, especially for those who were recognized as leaders in the church. The second was a group that walked in the tradition of the ancient false prophet Balaam. These were the Nicolaitins who believed (like Balaam) that religion could serve as a great way to accumulate wealth. These two functions were opposite, one living to advance God’s kingdom the other dominated by self interest. Here are some comments about Antipas and Balaam from the Passion Notes.
“Ancient church tradition states that Antipas was a disciple of John who was ordained by John to be the bishop of Pergamum during the reign of the emperor Domitian. He was believed to have been martyred in AD 92 after refusing to deny his faith and make a sacrifice to the gods. He was dragged to the temple of Diana and placed inside a bronze, bull-like altar and roasted alive. Eastern tradition states that Antipas was one of the seventy disciples whom Jesus sent out.”
“Balaam was a prophet who was hired by Balak the king to curse the Israelites. Later, Balaam taught the people to turn to idol worship and commit immorality.”
The strange thing about this is that we can see these two movements clearly operating in the modern church. Too often leaders fall into the trap of using the church to accumulate wealth, nothing can be more offensive. Thankfully there are those who walk in the steps of Antipas. They may not physically die for the sake of the gospel but their whole life has been hidden away in God’s kingdom plans. At the end of the day there is really only these two options, which one will you choose?
