“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.” Verse 13. NOTE.—_Antipas_ comes from two Latin words, _anti_, opposed to, and _papas_, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. Regarding _Pergamos_, see note on page 256. 14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church? “Unto the angel of the church in _Thyatira_ write.” Verse 18. NOTE.—Thyatira means _song of labor_, or _sacrifice of contrition_, and points out the condition of God’s people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538 A.D., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page 223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation. 15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones? “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end, _to him will I give power over the nations_: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.” Verses 25-27. 16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed? “Unto the angel of the church in _Sardis_ write.” Rev. 3:1. NOTE.—Sardis means _song of joy_, or _that which remains_. A cause for _joy_ at that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God’s people were left _remaining_. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798 A.D., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29. 17. What endearing title is given the sixth church? “To the angel of the church in _Philadelphia_ write.” Rev. 3:7. NOTE.—Philadelphia means _brotherly love_, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page 251. 18. What words to this church show the second advent near?