As the Israelites traveled in the wilderness, God gave them manna to eat to satisfy their hunger (Ex. 16). But Deut. 8:3 talks about what was hidden behind the manna that neither the Israelites nor their Fathers knew “but that [the Lord] might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” This “hidden manna” is shortly thereafter referenced (8:16) as that which “your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end”.
As we have seen, a huge theme in John’s view of conquering is how Jesus conquers, by the sword of His mouth (1:16; 2:16; 19:15, 21) or as His Word (2:12). Therefore, John recapitulates the imagery of Deut. 8 to show that the hidden manna which “nobody knew” is really the Word of God, or the sword that comes out of Jesus’ mouth. The fact that John writes that Jesus promises the one who conquers His Word shows that Jesus provides His people with the instrument that He Himself uses to conquer–His Word, the sword of His mouth. If we look at 3:21, we see that the one who conquers conquers “as [Jesus] also conquered”.
The name written that no one knows could possibly be a reference to 19:12. John is saying that the believer will receive a white stone (signifying victory, acquittal, and allowing entrance into the Messianic feast) with the name of Jesus, the one that no one knows but Himself. Thus, the one who conquers is given entrance to the Messianic feast (and thus the kingdom), given victory (by conquering), and acquitted from all sin by the name of Jesus.
“On the interpretation of the stone, L&N 2.27 states, “A number of different suggestions have been made as to the reference of ψῆφος in this context. Some scholars believe that the white ψῆφος indicates a vote of acquittal in court. Others contend that it is simply a magical amulet; still others, a token of Roman hospitality; and finally, some have suggested that it may represent a ticket to the gladiatorial games, that is to say, to martyrdom. The context, however, suggests clearly that this is something to be prized and a type of reward for those who have ‘won the victory.’ ”( Biblical Studies Press. The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press, 2005. Print.)
“The meaning of the ‘white stone’ (v. 17) is uncertain: it is properly a ‘pebble’ or tessera (tablet; Gk. psēphos). These had many uses, more than one of which may be apposite here. They represented acquittal, or served as a token or ticket of many kinds. The written name here is of the individual, and marks Christ’s individual acceptance of the believer.” ( Rudwick, M. J. S., and C. J. Hemer. “Pergamum.” Ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. New Bible dictionary 1996 : 902. Print.)
“Historically, a white stone was given to victors at games for entrance to banquets (cf. the messianic banquet); such a stone was also used by jurors at trials to vote for acquittal” (Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Print.)
White stones were associated with acquittal in court and admission to special feasts for athletic victors or members of a guild; here they may suggest entrance to the Messianic feast. (Zondervan (2015-08-25). NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message (Kindle Locations 294578-294580). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.)
Aspiring Theologian 