On The White Stone

In my series on the Afterlife, I spoke about Revelation 2: 17 and of the promise of being given a white Stone with a believer's new name engraved thereon under the sub title "The White Stone" (See here). This is what I wrote on it: 

“To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17). There have been several interpretations of the significance of the white stone that is to be given to the overcomers (or victors) at the second coming of Christ. The brothers at Got Questions (See here emphasis mine), after giving several possible interpretations, say this:

"The best theory regarding the meaning of the white stone probably has to do with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games. The winner of a contest was awarded a white stone with his name inscribed on it. This served as his “ticket” to a special awards banquet. According to this view, Jesus promises the overcomers entrance to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. The “new name” most likely refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming believers to the holiness of Christ (see Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10)."

I believe this is true. The fact that this stone is promised to the victors (overcomers or conquerors) seems to strongly suggest that it is the stone given to the winners of athletic competitions. However, I also think it involves the believer's evidence of citizenship, and of the privileges and powers it gives to those who receive it. It is an evidence of having been chosen. After all, both white and black stones have been used from ancient times for citizens to vote yea or nay. It may also be like the magical Urim and Thummim stones that the priests of Israel used to discern the will of God. I think it will also be a kind of communication device or like a crystal ball. A white stone was also used to gain admission to certain events in Roman times."

Recently, however, in my readings I came across these words of Samuel Stockell (1704-1753 - See here) who wrote the following (emphasis mine):

"It was a custom among the ancient Romans, in their courts of justice, to give to persons, who upon trial were found innocent, a white stone, as a token of their justification. This was their acquittance, because they were found not guilty. To this our Lord alludes, when speaking to the Church in Pergamos, for he saith, “I will give to such,” as do, by living principles, “overcome the world,” not only to eat of the hidden manna, but I will give him also a sense of his justification. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it...For those, who were found guilty amongst the Romans, had a black stone given to them, which was their sentence of condemnation, as being upon trial found guilty.” {Rev.2:17}" (pg. 147)

It is almost impossible to know for sure what is the significance of the white stone, for anyone of these views may be the true meaning, although all of them seem right. What think ye?