Revelation 12

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNo Unicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 1 3 8 0 0 12. The Woman and the Dragon) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 (12:1 17)) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 9 3 8 0 0 Outline (continued) ) V. Vision 4: Aspects of Warfare and Salvation (12:1 14:20) ) A. The Woman and the Dragon (12:1 17) ) 1. The Woman, the Son, the Dragon (12:1 6) ) 2. Warfare in Heaven (12:7 9) ) 3. A Song of Victory (12:10 12) ) 4. Help and Safety for the Church (12:13 17) ) V. Vision 4: Aspects of Warfare and Salvation ) 12:1 14:20 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out in birth pains and in anguish to give birth. 3 And there appeared another sign in heaven. And look, there was a great red dragon that had seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and he cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. 5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is about to rule all the nations with an iron rod. And the child was snatched to God and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the desert, where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for 1,260 days. ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 7 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back 8 and did not prevail, and a place in heaven was no longer found for them. 9 And the great dragon was cast down, that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, ) Now have come the salvation, power, and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers [and sisters] has been cast out; he is the one accusing them before our God day and night. 11 And they have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives even in the face of death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens, and they who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is very angry, because he knows that his time is short. ) 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he pursued the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14 And two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman, so that she might fly into the desert to her place, where she might be nourished for a time, times, and a half time away from the presence of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of its mouth water like a river after the woman, so that she might be swept away by the river. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river that the dragon cast out of its mouth. 17 And the dragon became furious at the woman, and he went out to fight against the rest of her offspring, those who were keeping the commandments of God and held to the testimony of Jesus. ) We have now come to the center of the book and are entering the second part of Revelation.

There is no close connection between the content of chapter 11 and that of chapter 12. Here is a new beginning, for Revelation basically has two main parts. These parts are divided into Christ s church persecuted by the world (chapters 1 11) and Christ with the church persecuted by Satan (chapters 12 22).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In addition, chapter 1 features an introduction to this book and chapter 22 a conclusion. ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 First, we note that the structure of Revelation tends to teach us a cyclical instead of a linear approach. This approach explains the apparent break in the middle of the Apocalypse, where the writer calls attention to Christ and his church persecuted by Satan (vv. 3 6, 13 17). Being cast out of heaven with his angels, the devil gives authority to the Antichrist and the false prophet the beast coming out of the sea and the beast coming out of the earth. All who do not have the mark of the beast or the number of his name are unable to buy or sell (13:1 18). But Christ takes on Satan and his cohorts, namely, the Antichrist and the false prophet. He appears as the Son of Man to inaugurate the Judgment Day (14:14 20). ) After these three chapters, John continues with his series of sevens, namely, the seven bowls of wrath (chapters 15 16).

Divine wrath poured out on God s enemies is a description of the final judgment (16:17 21). The woman called Babylon and all those who follow her are thrown down (17:1 18:24). The rider on a white horse comes to judge with justice and to make war on his enemies (19:11 21); and God s judgment reaches its completion when the books are opened and each person is judged (20:11 15). In brief, the Apocalypse reveals parallels that develop progressively with each cycle. ) Next, chapter 12 reflects typical Johannine repetition that serves to emphasize his unique presentation. For instance, the time period of 1,260 days appears in verse 6, where God prepared a place for the woman in the desert. And in verse 14 this woman flew to a place prepared for her in the desert for a time, times, and a half time.

These two time references are the same in duration: twelve hundred sixty days equals forty-two months (11:2 3) or three and a half years. ) Third, the chapter pictures both an ideal situation and a present reality.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The symbolism of the glorious woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head (v. 1) is an ideal picture of this woman having reached the zenith. Back of this ideal picture lies reality; it is the reality that takes form in the birth and ascension of Christ. It includes heavenly warfare, when the archangel Michael hurls Satan with his angels to the earth (v. 9). It points to the wrath of the devil, who pursues the woman as she flees to a place prepared for her while receiving help from the earth (v. 16). It portrays the followers of Christ waging a spiritual war against Satan and enduring the devil s wrath (v. 17). Conclusively, the scene that depicts the exalted woman is idealism; the scene that describes the persecuted church is realism. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Last, chapter 12 stresses the defeat of Satan. His defeat is highlighted by the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 cast out/down) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , which appears five times in succession (see vv. 9 [three times], 10, 13). Throughout this chapter, Satan is portrayed as a five-time loser, while Christ and his church are victorious. ) 7 8 3 8 0 0 " The devil attempted to devour the male child, but God snatched him up to his throne (v. 5). ) " Satan fought against Michael and his angels but lost (v. 9). ) " The dragon pursued the woman, but God prepared a place for her in the desert (vv. 6, 14). ) " The serpent wanted the woman to drown in a torrent, but the earth swallowed the river (vv. 15 16). ) " Satan lost when he waged war against the woman s offspring, who kept on obeying God s commands and holding on to Jesus testimony (v. 17). ) A. The Woman and the Dragon ) 12:1 17 ) Did John borrow material from pagan mythology, which seems to provide parallels to this passage (vv. 1 6) in a number of accounts? There is the Greek myth of Apollo born of the goddess Leto; it also mentions the dragon Python. Next, there is the Babylonian creation myth about Tiamat and the seven-headed monster slain by the god Marduk as Tiamat swept a third of the stars from the sky. Third, there are Persian and Egyptian myths with similar stories. And last, there are coins with messages: one portrays Emperor Domitian with an image of his son whose hand reaches out to seven stars; then a coin with an image of this son with the moon and six stars; also one with the son and his mother Domitia, who is depicted as a goddess.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.9|AUTODETECT|” Even though John was familiar with various mythological stories of the pagan world, we still must reject any suggestion that he borrowed from these sources to create the Apocalypse. God revealed the content of Revelation to Jesus, who in turn told John to write down what he has observed (1:1 2, 11, 19). Therefore, the Apocalypse is a God-given book. This does not mean that John mechanically wrote down what he was told, but rather that he wrote the visions he saw in the framework of symbols. The sun, moon, and crown of twelve stars adorn the woman to make her appearance beautiful and mighty. At the same time, these heavenly bodies are subordinate to her; she is far greater than they are. We see a parallel in Joseph s dream of the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing before him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.9|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 37:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.14-1.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John shows the reader a picture of the struggle between a woman and Satan, which is a throwback to the beginning of human history when God addressed both the woman and the serpent 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.14-1.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:14 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It depicts the spiritual warfare that God s people have faced ever since Adam and Eve fell into sin. This warfare becomes acute with the woman s delivery of a male child whom the serpent stands ready to devour at the moment of birth (vv. 1 6). Following the birth of the child, John describes warfare in heaven (vv. 7 9). As an interlude (vv. 10 12), John records a heavenly hymn. Then he concludes this chapter with a second report on Satan s war against the woman and her offspring (vv. 13 17). ) 9 1 3 8 0 0

1. The Woman, the Son, the Dragon) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 12:1 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
2. And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. And a great sign appeared in heaven. Translators differ in expressing the meaning of the words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 great sign) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Here are two examples: a great wonder -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” KJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” NCV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and a great and wondrous sign -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” NIV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The sign is a portent marvelous to behold, for it is large and visible in heaven. The word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears seven times in Revelation to portray the work of either God or Satan and his fallen angels (12:1, 3; 13:13, 14; 15:1; 16:14; 19:20). And the adjective ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 describes the sign here and in 15:1, where it refers to seven angels with seven plagues that fulfill God s wrath. The adjective and noun also occur in 13:13, where the second beast (the false prophet) performs great signs for the devil in full view of the people on earth. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 b. A woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This sentence can be understood only symbolically. Yet we have to ask the identity of this woman. Who is she? ) Is she Mary the mother of Jesus? Early Christian literature lists no references to that effect. Epiphanius of Salamis, approximately in the middle of the fourth century, is the first one to note that some individuals [unnamed] were identifying the woman with Mary. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”

4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But the New Testament speaks against this exegesis, because for herself Mary assumes a modest place in society and church. Also, during the Middle Ages the majority of writers equated the woman not with Mary but with the church. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.3-23.54.6|AUTODETECT|” Other scholars interpret the woman to be Israel, regarded by God as his wife 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.3-23.54.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 54:3 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.32|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.32|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 16:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� When John composed the Apocalypse, however, many Jews in the dispersion were members of the synagogue of Satan; they persecuted the Christians (2:9; 3:9). Further, the Jewish people, unable to rebuild Jerusalem after its destruction in August 70, have left no record of a national conversion after that date. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.39-58.11.40|AUTODETECT|” Still others see that Satan attacks God s covenant people from the time of the fall into sin to the consummation, so that the woman he assaults represents the covenant community of both the Old Testament and New Testament eras 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.39-58.11.40|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:39 40) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ). The people of these two eras demonstrate a oneness by calling her mother. She gave birth to the Messiah 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 7:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” ), for she represents Christ s human ancestry that incorporates Gentile Christians of the new covenant 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.11-45.11.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.11-45.11.21|AUTODETECT|” 11:11 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The woman s children, John intimates, are those who were keeping the commandments of God and held to the testimony of Jesus (v. 17).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� John teaches the unity of the people of God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 crown of twelve stars) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 represents God s people exemplified in the twelve patriarchs of the old covenant era and in the twelve apostles of new covenant times. The number twelve is a description of God s people. Notice the difference between the cosmic glory of this woman and the human glitter of the great prostitute (17:4). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

2. She was pregnant, and she cried out in birth pains and in anguish to give birth.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 This glorious woman was clothed with the brilliance of the sun as a source of light that was reflected by the moon. She had a crown of twelve stars on her head that symbolized complete victory. She was pregnant and about to give birth, which symbolizes the coming of Jesus in the flesh. Indeed, this verse is a reflection of the entire Old Testament period in which Satan displays his enmity toward God. He attacks the saints whom God places in the world to occupy a central position. They have been and are a source of light that they received from their Maker and Redeemer. Thus, God s people through his Word reflect his brilliance to dispel the darkness of the world. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.17|AUTODETECT|” The woman is in pain and anguish as she is giving birth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.17|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 26:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.7|AUTODETECT|” 66:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.4.10|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 4:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”

7. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� When John wrote the last book in the Bible, the birth of Jesus had taken place a century earlier. But the author highlights this text in the period of Jesus birth to stress the severe conflict Satan has fomented and continues to foment against God and his people. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

3. And there appeared another sign in heaven. And look, there was a great red dragon that had seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Chapter 12 is the first chapter in the Apocalypse that juxtaposes the woman and the dragon. It is also the first chapter that introduces two signs in heaven, one for each, with the difference that the adjective ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 describes the woman s sign. The sign of the dragon is not called great; instead the imperative Look! alerts the reader s attention to a horrific dragon. Not the sign but the dragon is great, that is, enormous in size. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The dragon s color is red, which symbolizes the color of warfare. The Greek word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 pyrros) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (fiery red) is used both here and for the rider on the red horse (6:4). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Although mythology has numerous accounts of dragons, John himself explains the meaning of the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 dragon) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.1|AUTODETECT|” : And the great dragon was cast down, that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world (v. 9; 20:2). Satan came to Eve in Paradise in the form of a serpent to deceive her 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.14|AUTODETECT|”

1. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Tim. 2:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But the deceiving serpent has become a powerful dragon that instills fear and dread in his opponents. Notwithstanding, God s people know that Jesus Christ has conquered this dragon, even if his force and fury continue to be overpowering. Wherever the dragon goes, he wages war aimed at gaining victory. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Note that this beast is depicted with seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. These numbers ought not to be taken literally but symbolically. The number seven signifies completeness, and the number ten is the number of fullness in the decimal structure. The seven heads and ten horns refer to completeness in conquering the world, which is evident in the appellation applied to Satan, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 prince of this world) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” John 12:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.30|AUTODETECT|” 14:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 16:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ). After the fall into sin, Adam no longer ruled in God s creation but Satan ruled by usurping that power 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The dragon dominates the world by governing global empires, principal authorities, political movements, and philosophical ideas. An angel interprets for John the significance of the seven heads and ten horns by saying, The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. And they are seven kings (17:9 10). These heads give leadership in their respective kingdoms, that is, the number seven signifies complete control, as John explains in the next chapter (see 13:1 9). The expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ten horns) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.7|AUTODETECT|” appears in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=27.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 24, where it portrays a beast that terrifies humanity and personifies ten kings. Last, the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 seven crowns) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” NASB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” NRSV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” REB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) symbolizes his complete control in respect to royal supremacy and majestic sovereignty. Satan s crowns, however, represent nothing but pretended royalty. As R. C. H. Lenski puts it, Satan wears symbols of arrogated dominion. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The devil exercises fearsome power; nonetheless, the saints in heaven and on earth know that his power comes to an end at the consummation. They are able to sing joyful praises to Jesus because he rules supreme (vv. 10 12). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

4. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, and he cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.8.10|AUTODETECT|” a. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and he cast them to the earth. Is this sentence referring to Satan disturbing the starry heavens or causing the fall of a third of the angel world? Many scholars understand these words literally because of 8:12, where the phrase a third part of the stars was struck calls for a plain interpretation. They also direct attention to ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.8.10|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 8:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , [The horn] threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. The starry host refers not to an angelic host but to the godly Jews who obeyed God s law and were slain by the armed forces of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (168 164 b.c.). Is John in the Apocalypse suggesting a literal interpretation of stars being hurled out of the heavens toward the earth? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Ladd comments, The dragon is such a colossal creature that with one sweep of his tail he can brush a third of the stars out of their natural position. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”

9. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Even though Satan s power is indisputable, a literal sense encounters the difficulty of explaining how colossal stars can land on the earth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A second view interprets the stars symbolically as angels whom Satan swept along with him into sin. These angels have been consigned to the bottomless pit, which a star (i.e., an angel) opens (9:1 2).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
10. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.41|AUTODETECT|” �� God prepared this horrible place for the devil and his angels 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:41) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.4|AUTODETECT|”
11. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Pet. 2:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Jude 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The number of angels is incalculable, so that the expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a third) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 alludes to a large aggregate of demons that with Satan were cast out of heaven (vv. 7 9). But also note that a third is the lesser part of the division, and that the majority of angels remained faithful to God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. This story of Satan seeking to exterminate Eve s godly offspring is repeated all through the centuries. Influenced by Satan, Cain killed his brother Abel, and Pharaoh drowned the male children of the Hebrews. With murderous intent King Saul hurled his spear at David, and Haman plotted to annihilate the Jewish people living in the provinces of Persia. In New Testament times, Herod the Great slew the baby boys up to two years old in Bethlehem.

Whenever a new development was about to take place in the history of God s people, in this verse symbolized by the woman, Satan stood ready to thwart God s purposes and tried to eliminate his Son. Satan s attacks on the woman continue until Christ returns. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” In Paradise, God put enmity between the serpent and the woman and between his offspring and hers. He said that the woman s offspring would crush the serpent s head 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Genesis 3:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ; see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This divine prophecy was fulfilled in the birth, life, and ascension of Jesus, as the next verse indicates. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 5. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is about to rule all the nations with an iron rod. And the child was snatched to God and to his throne.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” a. And she gave birth to a son, a male child. Here is the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies that predict the coming of the Christ 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 7:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.7|AUTODETECT|” 66:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The woman, representing the church of Old Testament believers, gave birth to her Son, the Messiah. John s wording seems redundant: a son, that is, of the male gender. But John is purposely explicit to highlight the relationship of the woman and the son. We must see the woman as the church that bore the Son; and in time, we must see the Son redeeming the church, which then becomes his bride (19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:17).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.9|AUTODETECT|” b. The Son is about to rule all the nations with an iron rod. John often alludes to the Psalter and especially to the messianic psalms. Three times in Revelation he quotes words from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 2:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , You will rule them with an iron scepter (2:27; 12:5; 19:15). That is, Jesus rules over unbelievers with an iron rod, which he applies to anyone who rises up against him. He is the Shepherd who cares for his sheep and protects them from harm. On the one hand, in Revelation the words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 all the nations) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.14|AUTODETECT|” can refer to the world that Satan leads astray. An angel announces, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the raging wine of her fornication (14:8). On the other hand, God gathers his own from all the nations, so that they come and worship before him (15:4). Indeed, Christ rules by establishing his kingdom and applying his rule over all the nations of the world 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He rules supreme with justice and love as King of kings and Lord of lords. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. And the child was snatched to God and to his throne. John writes nothing about the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord. But why does John omit these redemptive events? He telescopes Jesus earthly life for several reasons. First, he calls attention to Satan s defeat at the Lord s birth and ascension. Next, he links Jesus ascension to his rule over the nations. Third, he uses the ascension as a prelude to the next segment, namely, warfare in heaven (vv. 7 9). And last, John mentions two main redemptive facts: he stresses Jesus birth ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 on earth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that includes his ministry and his ascension ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 into heaven) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that includes his majestic rule. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 God is in control, for at the right moment he intervenes to safeguard his Son and causes Satan s strategies to collapse. God is the agent in the passive voice of the phrase the child was snatched to God. When Jesus took his rightful position on God s throne, Satan and his angels lost their place in heaven. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 6. And the woman fled into the desert, where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for 1,260 days.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Through the Antichrist, Satan directs his wrath primarily against the Christ, whom he seeks to eliminate and whose place he wants to usurp. Before the birth of the Messiah, the devil had tried to destroy the line of believers out of which Jesus would be born, but he failed. Then he attacked Jesus, but realized that this assault also ended in failure. After that he began to persecute his followers who proclaimed and continue to proclaim the name of their Lord. All these efforts, too, result in failure because God protects his people. ) The woman represents Christ s church on earth whose members flee to a place that God has prepared for them: the desert.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.8.2-5.8.4|AUTODETECT|” �� The image of the desert evokes the account of Israel s forty-year stay in the Sinai peninsula 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.8.2-5.8.4|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 8:2 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.3-11.19.8|AUTODETECT|” ), Elijah s flight to that same desert 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.3-11.19.8|AUTODETECT|” 1 Kings 19:3 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.80|AUTODETECT|” ), and John the Baptist s sojourn in the desert of Judea 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.80|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:80) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.17-48.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul also spent time in a desert, the one in Arabia 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.17-48.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:17 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.6-47.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ). Three factors emerge from spending time in a desert: a person is completely dependent on God to provide the material and spiritual necessities of life; the desert is always a temporary place; and last, the desert is a place where God trains his people spiritually and prepares them for service. Thus, the members of the church depend on God to be their provider and protector; they also realize that their stay on earth is but temporary; and they know that they are being trained for more extensive duties. Just as Israel s time in the desert of Sinai was temporary while the Israelites longed for permanence in the Promised Land, so the church today waiting on earth longs to be with Christ forever 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.6-47.5.8|AUTODETECT|” 2 Corinthians 5:6 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 God prepares a place of protection and nourishment for the church for 1,260 days. Even though her members suffer oppression and persecution, God never allows the annihilation of the church. The number 1,260 applies to the two witnesses who received power to prophesy for that length of time (11:3). Thus, the reference to the woman in the desert harmonizes with the prophesying of the two witnesses, which means that the witnesses and the woman represent the church.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The number 1,260 divided by thirty equals forty-two months, which is the length of time allotted to the Gentiles to trample on the outer court of the temple (11:2). The period during which the church is able to witness for the Lord is from the day of Jesus ascension to the time of his return. The beast of the earth has been given a mouth to blaspheme God s name and to exercise authority for a period of forty-two months (= 1,260 days). The devil, therefore, has been given exactly the same length of time the church on earth has received. In short, the meaning of these numbers in chapters 11 and 12 is the same. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 12:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� this preposition signifies either agency (by) or source (from). The construction here appears to mean prepared by God s command not by himself, with �� denoting that God was the source of the command. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �������� the primary meaning of this verb is to nourish ; the secondary definition is to rear, bring up, which is appropriate here and in verse 14.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 2. Warfare in Heaven) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 12:7 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Peter, writing about the ascension of the Lord, says that Jesus Christ has gone into heaven and is at God s right hand with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.22|AUTODETECT|” 1 Pet. 3:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.12|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus proclaimed victory over the spiritual forces that opposed him; these forces are Satan and his evil angels. Paul calls these powers the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Victory came when the archangel Michael and his angelic hosts conquered these evil forces by casting them out of heaven and hurling them to earth. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 7. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back 8. and did not prevail, and a place in heaven was no longer found for them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.6|AUTODETECT|” a. And there was war in heaven. All through history until Jesus ascension, Satan could appear in God s presence 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Job 1:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.2.1|AUTODETECT|” 2:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.1-38.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Satan, whose name means the accuser, could even accuse the high priest Joshua in the presence of God, but the Lord rebuked him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.1-38.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 3:1 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Also, Jesus told the seventy-two disciples who returned from their mission assignment, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” ; see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” John 12:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In other words, Satan had not yet been denied access to God s presence but could accuse God s people day and night (v. 10). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.1|AUTODETECT|” When Jesus completed his mediatorial work on earth, he ascended to heaven and took his seat at God s right hand. His entry into heaven made it impossible for Satan to come before God to accuse the saints. Jesus assumed the role of the attorney-at-law, the advocate with the Father 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.1|AUTODETECT|” 1 John 2:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” ). He paid the price to set his people free, and as a result Satan has been unable to bring slanderous accusations against God s people 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Jude 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Thus, Satan and his hosts were denied a place in the presence of the Almighty. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.13|AUTODETECT|” b. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back. The name Michael means Who is like God? As one of the archangels, he wages war against the archangel Satan, who wants to be like God. Michael is mentioned in the Old Testament as a prince and protector of God s people 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.13|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 10:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.1|AUTODETECT|” 12:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is he who with his angels attacked and fought the dragon and his cohorts. The grammatical construction indicates that the dragon is an angel, for he fights at the head of his multitude of angels. Note that not Satan but Michael is the one who leads the attack; he forces the evil one into battle, which is an indication that he has the upper hand and is sure of the victory. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. And did not prevail, and a place in heaven was no longer found for them. Satan and his cohorts had to acknowledge Jesus victory and their defeat when the Lord ascended to the throne. Far from accepting the reality of their overthrow, they faced Michael and his formidable hosts of angels, who drove them out of heaven and into a fierce battle. Satan s war with God began when the human race was plunged into sin. When believers in the Old Testament era were taken to heaven, Satan accused them before God of being unworthy sinners. As accuser of the saints, he had free access to God s presence. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.22.17-11.22.23|AUTODETECT|” The devil was not alone in his opposition to the saints entering heaven. He employed fallen angels to work for him. For instance, the Old Testament relates the account of a lying spirit standing before God, who gave him permission to put a lie in the mouths of the prophets as they counseled the kings of Judah and Israel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.22.17-11.22.23|AUTODETECT|” 1 Kings 22:17 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Since Christ s victory over sin and death, these evil spirits can no longer appear before God to accuse the saints. Indeed, not a single accusation can be brought against them, for God listens only to their praises, confessions, gratitude, and petitions. Hence, a new era has dawned in which Satan with his angels have lost their place in heaven and are restricted to a place on earth. On that same earth, God gave the woman a place and protected her. Wherever Jesus reigns, wherever the world domination of the lamb is already established, there the adversary of God has neither place nor rights. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 9. And the great dragon was cast down, that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 A good teacher repeats the points he wishes to make. So John mentions the downfall of Satan a total of five times in three verses (vv. 9 [three times], 10, 13). The great dragon and his followers are cast down to the earth, for heaven is now off limits to them. The series of names (great dragon, ancient serpent, devil, Satan, and deceiver) is given for at least three reasons: to identify the one whom Christ has conquered; to alert the dwellers on earth of the devil s grim power; and to illustrate this monster s capability to both destroy and deceive. ) a. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The great dragon.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Here is a picture of the primeval power of chaos. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� That is, the dragon is called ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 because of his enormous power. He gives his power, throne, and authority to the beast that rises up out of the sea (13:1 2).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 That ancient serpent.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The adjective ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ancient) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.1-1.3.7|AUTODETECT|” is a reference to Satan, who in the form of a serpent deluded Eve in Paradise 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.1-1.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:1 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). John uses the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 serpent) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.3|AUTODETECT|” as a synonym for dragon. In fact, it appears five times in Revelation (9:19; 12:9, 14, 15; 20:2). Paul even warns the church not to listen to the serpent s whispers and so being led astray to depart from Christ 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.3|AUTODETECT|” 2 Cor. 11:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The devil.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Greek term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 diabolos) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 comes from the preposition ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 dia) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (through) and the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ballein) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (to throw) and means to throw over or across, to divide, set at variance, accuse, bring charges, slander, inform, reject, misrepresent, deceive. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.44|AUTODETECT|” �� This is an accurate description of the devil s activities. John warns the believers not to yield to his temptations, for then they will be numbered among the children of the devil 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.44|AUTODETECT|” John 8:44) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.8|AUTODETECT|”

1. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.8|AUTODETECT|” John 3:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.3.10|AUTODETECT|”
2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ). And both James and Peter instruct their readers to resist the devil, for he will flee from them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.7|AUTODETECT|” James 4:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8-60.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8-60.5.9|AUTODETECT|”
3. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8-60.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Pet. 5:8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.27|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.27|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” 6:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 d. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Satan.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 This name is a synonym of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the devil) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and the terms are used interchangeably in the New Testament. The name derives from the Hebrew ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ha[[mn) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.3-53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” and signifies the adversary. Satan is at enmity with God and all those who serve and worship him. He is the accuser and slanderer of God s people. Through him the Antichrist appears as the lawless one, whom Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.3-53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” 2 Thess. 2:3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.7-53.2.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.7-53.2.9|AUTODETECT|” 7 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 e. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The deceiver.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Satan deceives the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 whole world) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|” , which does not mean that the elect are also led astray 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ). He is no longer able to accuse the elect in the presence of God; he is confined to do his evil work on the face of the earth. He seeks to blind the minds of the unbelievers to prevent them from understanding the good news of Jesus Christ 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 2 Cor. 4:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Satan and his evil angels are confined to this earth to carry out their deceptive and destructive work, and even here they cannot do whatever they please but can only go so far and do only as much damage as God allows. Satan not only must abide by God s decrees but must also realize that his schemes against God end in failure. Not Satan but God is the ruler in this world. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 12:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ������� � �� �P���� this phrase is deleted by Friedrich D�sterdieck as a conjecture to improve the grammar in the sentence. Without it, the verb ������ can be taken to introduce the articular infinitive ��� ��������� (to make war). The infinitive needs a preceding finite tense to complete the sentence. D�sterdieck is of the opinion that the phrase is a marginal note that has entered into the text. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”
4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� However, it is possible to insert mentally the verb ������ before A ������, which would then preclude the use of a conjecture.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28”
5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0

3. A Song of Victory) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 12:10 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 This hymn announces the triumphal conquest of God and Christ, and includes the saints who share in this victory. Afterward the heavens and its inhabitants are told to rejoice; and, last, the people on earth and the sea are alerted to the great wrath of the devil, whose time is short. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
4. And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, Now have come the salvation, power, and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers [and sisters] has been cast out; he is the one accusing them before our God day and night. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying. John reports that he heard a loud voice in heaven, but he fails to identify the speaker or singer, indicating that it is not a matter of importance. Even though angels often sing hymns of praise, the use of the possessive pronoun ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 together with the noun ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 and sisters) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ] rules out the angels. Some exegetes point to ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 19:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 22:9, where an angel uses the words your brothers. But these passages do not prove the point that angels call redeemed saints their brothers and sisters. Angels can never regard human beings as brothers and sisters. They differ from the saints in many respects: they lack physical bodies, have not been redeemed, are not heirs of salvation, have not been created in the image of God, and do not have a covenant relationship with God. The voice represents a group of singers, possibly the saints in heaven who sing this song of victory (compare 11:15). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 What does John wish to convey with the time reference ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 now) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ? Revelation stresses not chronological time, which is of fleeting consequence, but the governing principle of time. Here the adverb points to the dividing line in human history, Christ s death and resurrection, which resulted in his victory over Satan. The words of the song anticipate the final overthrow of Satan (20:10). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.24-46.15.28|AUTODETECT|” b. Now have come the salvation, power, and kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. The words of the song honor God by ascribing to him the salvation of his people accomplished in Christ, the power Jesus received to overcome Satan, and the kingdom which the Lord handed over to him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.24-46.15.28|AUTODETECT|” 1 Cor. 15:24 28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.15|AUTODETECT|” ). God is supreme in his kingdom. Although Jesus has been given full authority, it is God who rules his kingdom through his Son 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus told the disciples: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. Because the accuser of our brothers [and sisters] has been cast out; he is the one accusing them before our God day and night. It is not Michael and his angels who receive praise for the overthrow of Satan, but Christ, who exercises supremacy in his kingdom. When Jesus ascended to the throne with full authority to rule, Satan was cast out of heaven. The phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the accuser of our brothers) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 and sisters) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.6-18.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ] characterizes the devil s activity in the presence of God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.6-18.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Job 1:6 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.2.1-18.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.2.1-18.2.5|AUTODETECT|” 2:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.33-45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” ). This activity has now come to an end, because Jesus is the intercessor for the saints, and that precludes anyone from bringing a charge against them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.33-45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:33 34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 What is the significance of the present tense of the participle in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the one accusing them) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ? Cast down to earth, Satan can no longer accuse the believers before God s throne. But he does not accept defeat so as to desist from his evil works. On the contrary, Satan continues his attacks day and night by constantly accusing the followers of Christ and torturing their consciences.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29”

23. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.22|AUTODETECT|” �� He does so by first enticing a person to sin; next, if he is successful, he taunts the sinner with accusations. However, he fails miserably in his endeavors in view of God s forgiving grace through the shed blood of Christ Jesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

11. And they have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives even in the face of death. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John presents a picture that portrays the redeemed people of God a picture that is not limited by chronological time. He is concerned with the past but at the same time with the present and future.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30”

24. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.37|AUTODETECT|” �� So he writes in the past tense as if all God s children have already entered into glory. John writes confidently about the victory of the saints even though the time of Christ s return has not yet come. On the other hand, countless multitudes have already been victorious and are now with the Lord. They claim victory with Christ on the basis of his shed blood that has redeemed them from sin and set them free from Satan s accusations. They are more than conquerors through him who loved [them], for the Lord Jesus Christ gives them the victory 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.37|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|”
25. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” Cor. 15:57) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). John s perspective is not from earth still without victory to heaven, but rather from heaven triumphant in victory to earth. He sees the triumph of Christ with all the heavenly saints who overcame Satan and share in that victory. Whereas Satan seeks to accuse the saints on earth day and night, the saints in heaven sing God s praises day and night in thankfulness for their redemption. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the blood of the Lamb) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is a repetition of an earlier description of the saints in heaven who have experienced the great tribulation. These are they who have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb (7:14). In other words, the power in Christ s blood has made them victorious; they conquered because they proclaimed and taught the gospel, that is, the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 word of their testimony) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . They received the gospel and passed it on, so that it was their testimony on behalf of Jesus.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31”
26. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.39|AUTODETECT|” The blood of Christ is the key to this passage, for the believers redeemed through Christ s sacrifice fearlessly and without any hesitation have been his witnesses (6:9). These redeemed believers did not value their lives more than the message of the gospel; they were willing to offer their lives for the sake of Christ. Jesus says to his followers, Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.25|AUTODETECT|” ; see 16:25 and parallels). The Lord repeatedly teaches the principle of losing one s life for his sake 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.25|AUTODETECT|” John 12:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.24|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul demonstrates it when he addresses the Ephesian elders. He said, However, I consider my life nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me the task of testifying to the gospel of God s grace 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Believers express gratitude to him in their willingness to suffer for him even to the point of death. The preservation of one s life is a natural proclivity in human beings, but the love for the Lord Jesus overrules it. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

12. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens, and they who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is very angry, because he knows that his time is short. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Rejoice!) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The voice calls the heavens in general and the dwellers in particular to express their joy in the victory Jesus has achieved. The adverb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 therefore) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 links the preceding verses (vv. 10 11) to the injunction to be glad in the triumph of the Lord. Delivered from the accuser s constant intrusion into God s presence, the heavens now rejoice. Numerous times the heavens are exhorted to express their joy.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32”

26. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The twenty-four elders, the four living beings, and all the angels experienced Satan s intrusions that have now come to an end. Thus, neither the heavens nor the saints dwelling there will hear Satan s slanderous accusations any longer. Through Christ s victory heaven itself has been cleansed. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Lament!) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Here is the dividing line between the triumphant church in heaven and the militant church on earth that resists sin and evil. Now that Satan and his cohorts have been denied entrance into heaven and have been cast down to the earth, the devil is filled with wrath against God s people. He realizes that he has been defeated, that he has been given a limited time here on earth, and that in the short period allotted to him he must unleash his fury. On both land and sea he seeks to deceive and destroy the saints. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The woe addressed to the dwellers on earth should not be considered the third woe that is mentioned in 11:14. This woe stands by itself and lacks the differentiation of the definite article (see 9:12 and 11:14). It is used in a general sense, much the same as the double woes uttered by kings, merchants, and seafarers (18:10, 16, 19). The heavenly voice warns the earth and the sea that anguish and distress are coming upon them because of the devil s defeat in heaven. Defeated by the victorious Christ, he now vents his rage against the Christians (compare v. 17).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33”
27. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Satan knows that the opportunity God has given him is of short duration. It is the same as the three and a half years, the forty-two months, or the 1,260 days mentioned elsewhere (11:2 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5); these indications of time are not to be taken literally but figuratively. The Apocalypse features time not in terms of chronology but as an ideal. This book presents time as an idea in summary form without quantifying it in terms of years or centuries. Not Satan but God controls time and place. Therefore the saints on earth know the limitations of the devil as they rely on God s protective care. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 12:10 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.30|AUTODETECT|” A ������� the accuser. The word in this exact form occurs only once in the New Testament, whereas the other spelling ��������� is more familiar 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 23:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.35|AUTODETECT|”
28. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.8|AUTODETECT|” 24:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [variant]; 25:16, 18). The first one is the more original reading and is favored.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34”
29. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Yarbro Collins delineates several features in this hymn, including rhyming with respect to the repetition of !��� at or near the end of the lines, the nouns ����� and �������, and the parallels of A ������� and A ���������.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35”
30. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��� this preposition followed by the accusative case should be translated as by and not through. It has the sense of by force of as an efficient cause.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36”
31. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ���� the interjection governs the accusative nouns the earth and the sea as direct objects. Notice that the interjection appears without the definite article, which makes it general, while the three woes feature the article (9:12; 11:14). ) @���x� ������ note the construction ������ ������ (6:11; reversed in 20:3), which is translated exactly the same as this entry, namely, a short time. While ������ means opportunity, season, fixed or favorable time, ������ denotes chronological time. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0

4. Help and Safety for the Church) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 12:13 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Here is the last part of the account that began with a portrayal of a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head (v. 1). The woman gave birth to a male child who was snatched up to heaven, while she herself was cared for in a desert place prepared for her by God (v. 6). The second part of the account describes Satan s defeat followed by a heavenly victory song, and in the third segment John continues his account of the woman pursued by the dragon. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
5. And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he pursued the woman who gave birth to the male child.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.4|AUTODETECT|” This verse is filled with symbolism: the dragon is the symbol of Satan, the woman is the church, and the male child is Christ. Unable to attack the exalted Lord in heaven, the devil on earth seeks to destroy the church, the body of Christ. Jesus and his followers are one body, as Saul learned when Jesus asked him, Why do you persecute me? 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ). Christ is the head and we are his body 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.15|AUTODETECT|” 4:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 5:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.19|AUTODETECT|” 2:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). If Satan is powerless to assail Jesus, he vents his wrath on his followers. He persecutes Christians, as is evident not only throughout the centuries but also today. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 cast down/out) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” appear here for the fifth time (see vv. 9 [three times], 10, 13). These words sound a note of victory over Satan s defeat even though the church on earth must endure his wrath. They refer to the devil s painful fall and his bloodied head (13:3a) that was predicted at the onset of human history 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Satan has power on earth and is intent on destroying the church. But he does not seem to realize that because God vigilantly protects his people as the apple of his eye 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.10|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Satan himself will be defeated in the end. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 male child) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is preceded by the definite article to indicate the Lord Jesus Christ who ascended to his Father s throne. That same term appearing without the article in verse 5 to designate the newly born male marks the beginning of Jesus earthly life.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37”

31. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

14. And two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman, so that she might fly into the desert to her place, where she might be nourished for a time, times, and a half time away from the presence of the serpent.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.4|AUTODETECT|” John relies on the Old Testament for symbolic pictures. God told the Israelites at Mount Sinai that he had carried them on the wings of an eagle and brought them to himself 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.4|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 19:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.11|AUTODETECT|” ). The Israelites had just escaped from the clutches of Pharaoh s soldiers and could testify that God had safely carried them across the Red Sea. Other passages speak of the protective wings of the eagle 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.11|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.31|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.91.4|AUTODETECT|” ). Indeed God applies to himself the image of wings that serve as a place of refuge 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.91.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 91:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.10-49.6.18|AUTODETECT|” With the two wings of the great eagle that the woman receives from God, she no longer flees but literally flies to the place prepared for her in the desert. The church has wings to fly away and safely escape from the attacks of the devil. It is obvious that with all his resources in the world, Satan is unable to annihilate the church. God has given her a place and lavishly provides her with daily necessities much the same as he gave the Israelites manna, quail, and water during the wilderness journey. The Israelites were given physical health; their clothes and their shoes did not wear out; they were shielded from the hot desert sun during the day and were kept warm by the pillar of fire by night. God protected them from the stings and bites of natural enemies, from scorpions and snakes. Hence, God shields the church from the attacks of the devil by providing his covenant people with spiritual armor 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.10-49.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:10 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He nourishes and trains them in their spiritual service. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.25|AUTODETECT|” John writes that the woman is kept from the presence of the serpent for a specified period: for a time, times, and a half time, which is three and a half years. This reference is taken from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.17.1|AUTODETECT|” and 12:7 and is a time span which equals that of the forty-two months and the 1,260 days mentioned by John elsewhere (see v. 6:11:2 3; see 13:5). In a historical setting there is a literal period of three and a half years during the time of Elijah, who prayed that it might not rain 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.17.1|AUTODETECT|” 1 Kings 17:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.17|AUTODETECT|” James 5:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ). There was a literal period of three and half years when the temple was desecrated during the Maccabean war from 167 to 164 b.c. (1 Macc. 1 3; 2 Macc. 5); the prophecies of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 12:7 refer to it.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38”

32. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In Revelation, this period refers not literally but symbolically to the interval between Jesus first and second comings as the interim of the forty-two months or the 1,260 days. It is the period in which the serpent of deception rules the world; this time definitively comes to an end when God intervenes.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn39”
33. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

15. And the serpent cast out of its mouth water like a river after the woman, so that she might be swept away by the river. 16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river that the dragon cast out of its mouth.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 This is now the third time in this chapter that John writes the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 serpent) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (vv. 9, 14, 15). His choice is not merely stylistic; it attests to the craftiness of Satan, who has been losing the battle against God and the church. He is trying once more with trickery to overwhelm the woman and bring her to ruin. He does this by unleashing a stream of water in the desert where God placed her. Note that this water like a river comes forth from the mouth of the serpent, which can be interpreted to mean a flood of deceptive words. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Already in the earlier part of the Apocalypse, we read that Satan had his own synagogues in the cities of Smyrna and Philadelphia (2:9; 3:9). The leaders of these synagogues subjected the followers of Christ to slander, seduction, and persecution. And voices of deception via the media today engulf the members of the church, so that they are in danger of being swept away. But the believers are always aware of Satan s parody that Revelation displays: the river of deception and death is contrasted to the river of the water of life flowing from God s throne (22:1). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.2|AUTODETECT|” God constantly encourages his people not to fear even when the floodwaters threaten to overwhelm them. He comforts them by saying, When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 43:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.12|AUTODETECT|” ). The floodwaters of falsehood, malice, crime, and suffering will not be able to overtake them, for God is in charge. His people are not swept away by the torrents swirling around them but are kept safe. God causes the earth to swallow up the waters that come forth out of the serpent s mouth. His people sang the song of Moses in praise to God, You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.12|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 15:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Even though they may suffer physically in many ways, God protects his own from permanent harm, spiritually speaking. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Satan loses out once again. At the beginning of this chapter, the dragon stood in front of the woman ready to devour her child (v. 4). After he has been hurled to the earth, he pursues the woman, who flies away with the wings of a great eagle (vv. 13 14). Now he stands far away from the woman, whom he wants to destroy with a flood, but his efforts end in failure (vv. 15 16). His own territory, the earth, turns against him when it helps the woman. The deluge wanted to swallow the woman, but instead the earth now swallows the deluge. The word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 earth) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.30|AUTODETECT|” need not be taken literally as in the case of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who were swallowed by the earth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.30|AUTODETECT|” Num. 16:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.32|AUTODETECT|”

32. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.6|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 11:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Symbolically the earth stands for the structure of society that by God s intervening grace reaffirms morality, abolishes evil, and establishes truth.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn40”
33. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

17. And the dragon became furious at the woman, and he went out to fight against the rest of her offspring, those who were keeping the commandments of God and held to the testimony of Jesus.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Satan, called the dragon, never concedes defeat; every time he is vanquished, he returns with vengeance and fury. He is unable to reach the victorious Christ and thus turns his wrath on the church. He is unable to swallow the church as a whole and thus fights Christians faithful to their Lord. Satan faces a losing battle, which by itself is a source of comfort for those who feel the brunt of his anger in days of persecution and physical abuse. ) What is the meaning of the phrase he went out to fight against the rest of her offspring ? If we take the development of this chapter sequentially, we could infer that Satan has been successful in destroying the church and now wants to conquer the individual believers who form the remnant.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref41 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn41”

35. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.5|AUTODETECT|” �� The context, however, ever, reveals that Satan has not been able to remove the church because the earth absorbed the flood he sent to swallow her (v. 16). The rest of her offspring points to the church as a whole, which remains intact until the return of Christ. God will never, no never, leave or forsake her 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John has come to the end of the chapter and now summarizes the contents of verses 13 16. The author, steeped in the Old Testament, goes back to the beginning of human history where the words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 serpent) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 offspring) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” already appear. God said to the serpent, And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Yet this passage is not the only Old Testament reference John has in mind. If it were so, the italicized words in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the rest of) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.7|AUTODETECT|” her offspring would not be explained. John alludes to the prophecy in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.7|AUTODETECT|” Isaiah 66:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 8. There the prophet writes of Zion: ) 7 7 3 8 0 0 Before she goes into labor, ) she gives birth; ) before the pains come upon her, ) she delivers a son.& ) Yet no sooner is Zion in labor ) than she gives birth to her children. ) Two words stand out in this prophecy: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 son) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 children) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” . The virgin gave birth to a son 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 7:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.0|AUTODETECT|” ) and Zion brought forth children; the son is the Messiah and the children are his followers. All along, but especially at the end of time, the dragon attacks not the woman but the rest of her offspring. The equation of singular male with plural children and collective seed, all alluding to the same offspring from Zion, is virtually identical to the phenomenon in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.0|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref42 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn42”
36. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The contrast, therefore, is that of Christ the Son and of all the offspring identified with him. ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 John describes the followers of Christ with the clause, those who were keeping the commandments of God and held to the testimony of Jesus. The characteristics of these people are faithfulness and obedience with respect to God s law and the gospel of the Lord. The law denotes the Old Testament and the gospel the New Testament. Faithfully and obediently they continue to keep the teachings of God s Word; as long as they do so, Satan is unable to touch them. These followers advance the cause of Christ s kingdom in this world wherever they are. ) Verse 17 reveals the dragon s aim to destroy those who are Christ s followers. At the same time, it forms a bridge to chapter 13 that introduces the dragon giving power to the beast from the sea and the beast from the earth.

Every time the dragon plots against God and his people, he faces inevitable defeat. This fact indeed comforts and assures all believers of their safety and spiritual welfare. ) A last remark. Some translations number the verse that follows 12:17 as verse 18. But this verse should be combined with the first verse of the next chapter. Chapter 13 begins a new segment on the dragon and the beast coming up out of the sea. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 12:14 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ������ note that the expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 time) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is not chronological time but a fixed or favorable time, so that time, times, and a half a time does not add up to precisely three and a half years, but rather to an indeterminate season. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 15 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ����� in verses 15 and 16 the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 mouth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears three times, referring twice to the serpent and once to the earth. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ������� ������� ���� to make war with. However, this literal translation fails to communicate the correct meaning; hence I prefer the reading to make war against. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 William Hendriksen, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1982), p. 23. Jon Paulien 9 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.7-66.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Decoding Revelation s Trumpets: Literary Allusions and the Interpretation of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.7-66.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 8:7 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , AUSDDS 11 [Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1987], p. 344) divides Revelation into a historical division (seals and trumpets) and the end-time crisis (chapters 12 14 and the bowls). David E. Aune 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , WBC 52B [Nashville: Nelson, 1998], p. 661) regards 11:19 as an introduction to 12:1 17. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare George Eldon Ladd, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on the Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), p. 167; Isbon T. Beckwith, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Apocalypse of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1919; reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), pp. 617, 621 22; Robert H. Mounce, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , rev. ed., NICNT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), p. 231. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the commentaries of G. R. Beasley-Murray, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NCB (London: Oliphants, 1974), pp. 192 93; Alan F. Johnson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Expositor s Bible Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 12:512 13. See also the doctoral dissertation of Adela Yarbro Collins, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Combat Myth in the Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , HDR 9 (Missoula: Scholars Press, 1976), pp. 63 67, 70 71; Aune, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 667 74. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” KJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King James Version (Authorized Version) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” NCV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Everyday Bible, New Century Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” NIV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New International Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Raymond E. Brown, ed., ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Mary in the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978) p. 235 n. 512. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John F. Walvoord, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of Jesus Christ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1966), p. 188; and Robert L. Thomas, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22: An Exegetical Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1995), p. 120. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See Johnson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 514; S. Greijdanus, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 De Openbaring des Heeren aan Johannes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , KNT (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1925), p. 250; Mounce, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 232; Michael Wilcock, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Message of Revelation: I Saw Heaven Opened) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1975), p. 119; Gregory K. Beale, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NIGTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), p. 630. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 7 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Beckwith (p. 622) comments, No special symbolism, such as Israel s long history of suffering before the advent of Christ, is contained in the words; all such reference is remote from the purely idealistic passage. But this view is hard to maintain in view of Satan s aim to thwart God s purposes. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” NASB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Standard Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” NRSV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” REB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised English Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Interpretation of St. John s Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Columbus: Wartburg, 1943), p. 365. See also Hendriksen, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 136. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the commentaries of Ladd (p. 169); Johnson (p. 515); and Mounce (p. 233). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 This is the view of numerous commentators, including Beasley-Murray, Greijdanus, Hendriksen, Hughes, Lenski, Poellot, and Thomas. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Herman Hoeksema, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Behold, He Cometh! An Exposition of the Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1969), p. 419. Four women appear in Revelation: Jezebel (2:20), the mother of the son (12:1 6), the great prostitute (17:1), and the bride (21:2, 9). Jezebel and the prostitute are Satan s representatives. By contrast, the mother and the bride are God s people. Two women are profane and two are holy. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John F. Walvoord 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 191) writes, There is obviously a tremendous time lapse between verses 5 and 6, but this is not an uncommon occurrence in prophecy; the first and second comings of Christ are frequently spoken of in the same sentence. Would the first readers and hearers of this passage have understood the verse in this manner? Verses 5 and 6 refer not to the two comings of Christ but to his ascension and God s care for the church. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Henry Barclay Swete, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1911; reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1977), p. 152. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert Hanna, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 450. See also C. F. D. Moule, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 74. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 825; Josephus ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Against Apion) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1.19 �141. See also ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:369. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Geoffrey B. Wilson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Welwyn: Evangelical Press, 1985), p. 106; Werner Foerster, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 7:157. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 J�rgen Roloff, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. J. E. Alsup (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993), p. 148. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans Bietenhard, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:507; see also Nikolaus Walter, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:353; Werner Foerster, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:283. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 In chapter 12, the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 dragon) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs eight times (vv. 3, 4, 7 [twice], 9, 13, 16, 17). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans Bietenhard, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:468; Otto B�cher, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:297 98. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Friedrich D�sterdieck, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (New York and London: Funk and Wagnalls, 1886), p. 344. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Beale, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 654. Other solutions are presented by A. T. Robertson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 1066; Moule, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Idiom-Book) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 129; and R. H. Charles, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ICC (Edinburgh: Clark, 1920), 1:321 22. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 23 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Greijdanus, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Openbaring) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 260. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 24 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 G. B. Caird comments: John s vision & is equally concerned with the interpretation of past and present and the anticipation of the future 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Commentary on the Revelation of St. John the Divine) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [London: Black, 1966], p. 26). See also James L. Resseguie, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation Unsealed: A Narrative Critical Approach to John s Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , BIS 32 (Leiden: Brill, 1998), p. 46. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 25 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Louis A. Vos, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Synoptic Traditions in the Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Kampen: Kok, 1965), p. 207. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.43|AUTODETECT|” 26 ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.43|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:43) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 LXX) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 96:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.23|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 44:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.13|AUTODETECT|” 49:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.20|AUTODETECT|” ; Dan. 3:59 Old Greek and Theod.; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.20|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 18:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 27 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Martin Kiddle writes that the devil cannot hurt believers but only unregenerate mankind. See his ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1943), p. 235. But in this chapter Satan and his minions war against the saints on earth. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Bruce M. Metzger, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1994), p. 673; Adolf Deissmann, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Light from the Ancient East) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. Lionel R. M. Strachan (reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1978), p. 93. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 29 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Yarbro Collins, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Combat Myth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 137. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Moule, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Idiom-Book) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 55; Hanna, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammatical Aid) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 451. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” 31 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Lenski, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 382. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” 32 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus 9 1 -1 9 0 0 War) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1 proem 7 �19; 5.9.4 �394) notes a period of three and half years from June 167 to December 164 b.c. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref39” 33 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hoeksema 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Behold, He Cometh!) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 446) interprets the number seven symbolically as a configuration of completeness and its two parts of three and a half symbolically as the eras before and after Christ. See also Beale, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 646 47. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref40” 34 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.16|AUTODETECT|” See J. Dochhorn, Und die Erde tat ihren Mund auf: Ein Exodusmotiv in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.16|AUTODETECT|” Apc 12, 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ZNW) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 88 (1997): 140 42. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn41 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref41” 35 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Swete, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 160; Johnson 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 519) writes, The church, then, is paradoxically both invulnerable (the woman) and vulnerable (her children). Kiddle 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 240) comments, The distinction between the woman and her ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 offspring) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is simply that of the messianic community as a whole, and the noblest of her sons the conquerors in the seven letters. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn42 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref42” 36 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Beale, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 677. )