“The Book of Revelation Chapter 12”
Introduction: This week we will continue our Bible Study lessons in chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation. Now Revelation is a book of sevens, (God’s number of completeness). 1) In chapters two and three we have the Seven Churches. 2) In chapter five, there is the Seven-seal book. 3) In chapters six and eight, we have the opening of the Seven-Seal Judgments. 4) In chapters eight, nine and eleven, we have the Seven-Trumpet Judgments. 5) In chapters twelve and thirteen, (Today’s study) we have the Seven Personages revealed. 6) In chapters fifteen and sixteen, we have the Seven Vial Judgments. 7) In chapters seventeen, eighteen and nineteen there are the Seven Dooms that are proclaimed. 8) In chapters twenty-one, and twenty-two, there are Seven New Things that are revealed.
“The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon”
I) (The Woman, Israel, gives birth to the male child, Jesus Christ)
(The Woman, Israel) (Revelation 12:1-2)
1) (Read) (Chapter 12:1); And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: (KJV)
1) Explanation: (Chapter 12:1); And there appeared a great wonder in heaven. (This should have been translated, “a great sign in Heaven)”. A woman clothed with the sun, here this speaks of a “National Israel” with the “Sun” being a symbol of her Glory). And the moon was under her feet. (This speaks of dominion, and the mention of her feet). And upon her head a crown of twelve stars. (Now this speaks of dominion regained and Israel restored again).
1) Comments: (Chapter 12:1); We read about the Woman which is Israel. There are many interpretations of this woman. The Catholics say that this Woman is Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Catholics have various titles for Mary such as: Mother of God; Queen of Heaven; Queen of the Angels; Our Mother of Perpetual Help; Queen of the Universe; Queen of the Ages; Queen of the Prophets; Queen of the Apostles; and the Bride of Christ. Pope Pius IX, Dec.8, 1854, declared the “Assumption” of Mary that is her body was raised from the dead and did not see corruption. There are paintings of Mary are seen in Catholic Churches, standing on the moon, crowned with twelve stars, and clothed with the sun. Now most Protestants say that this woman is the Church. They say that the church has replaced Israel and has received all her promises. “The Bible says this Woman is Israel!” In the Old Testament, Joseph had a dream that describes this woman. In (Genesis 37:9-10), Joseph had a dream and beheld the sun and the moon and the Eleven stars made obeisance (reverence) to me. In verse ten we see the interpretation of these phrases, Joseph’s father (Israel), said shall I (sun) and thy mother (moon), and thy brethren (eleven stars); indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth. Joseph is the twelfth star. (Isaiah 9:6-7) says;” For unto us (Israel) a son is given that He (the son, Jesus) shall sit upon the throne of his father David and reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:32-33). (Romans 9:4-5) says; Who are Israelites to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the Glory, and the Covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the Service of God, and the Promises, whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Remember that our Lord Jesus took on him the seed of Abraham and the sins of all mankind. I believe that this “Woman is Israel” and “The Child is “Jesus Christ”!
2) (Read) (Chapter 12:2); And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. (KJV)
2) Explanation: (Chapter 12:2); And she being with child cried, (Now this pertains to the 144,000 Jews who will be saved in the first half of the Great Tribulation). In (Revelation chapter 7), travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. (Now this concerns the spiritual pregnancy, with the agonies of childbirth and this typifying in the physical of what will take place in the Spiritual. (Read)– (Isaiah 66:7-8)
2) Comments: (Chapter 12:2); The woman represents Israel and her child is Jesus Christ, the Messiah that is spoken of in (Isaiah 7:14); (Revelation 12:5); (Isaiah 66:7-8); (Micah 5:2); (Romans 9:4-5), Now the woman is not the church, since the church did not
bring forth Jesus Christ, but rather Jesus brought forth the church. Now her identification as the persecuted Jewish Saints clearly proves that the church is not on Earth during the Tribulation period. The birth pains refer to the period before the birth of Jesus Christ and when Israel was waiting for redemption by the Messiah to come. (Romans 8:22-23)
II) (The Great Red Dragon; is (Satan).
3) (Read) (Chapter 12:3); and there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. (KJV)
3) Explanation: (Chapter 12:3); And there appeared another wonder in heaven. (Now this should have been translated, “another sign”. And behold there was a great red dragon. (Now this denotes Satan and his murderous purpose, this is typified by the color of “red”. Now the Dragon had seven heads. (Now this refers to the Empires that persecuted Israel, even until John’s day; and those Empires were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. (Now these “ten horns” represents the ten nations that will be ruled by the Antichrist in the last days, and will greatly persecute the people of Israel. (Now the seventh head is those “ten horns”). (Now the prophet Daniel tells us that these “ten horns” represent the ten nations that will be in the “Old Roman Empire territory”, which refers to the Middle East and parts of Europe). (Read): (Daniel 7:7); And these were seven crowns upon his heads. (Now this represents the fact that Satan controlled these particular Kingdoms or nations).
3) Comments: (Chapter 12:3); Now in (Revelation 12:9), the Dragon is identified as Satan. Here the Dragon has a color of red which shows his murderous character. (Read) (John 8:44) Now his seven-heads and his seven-crowns show the completeness of his power and his influence over people. His ten-horns show Satan’s connection with the fourth beast of (Daniel 7:3), and with the beast from the sea in chapter thirteen of Revelation. Now His “Seven Heads” and “Ten Horns” and “Seven Crowns”, associate him with the “Beast out of the sea” in (Revelation 13:1).
III) (The seven heads of the dragon represents seven kings).
a) Nimrod, King of Babylon – (Genesis l0:9)
b) Pharaoh, King of Egypt – (Exodus 5:2-4); Dragon, – (Ezekiel 29:3-4).
c) Sennacherib, King of Assyria – (II Kings 18:13).
d) Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon– (Daniel 2:37), (Daniel 38:7:4); (Jeremiah 51:34).
e) Darius, King of Persia – (Daniel 2:39); (Daniel 5:28); (Daniel 7:5)
f) Alexander, King of Greece – (Daniel 2:39); (Daniel 7:6); (Daniel 8:21);
(Daniel 10:20); (Daniel 11:2-7) – Conquers
g) Alexander, takes over the world, preparatory to the first advent of the Lord. ROME!!
IV) Now the ten horns are the ten kingdoms that shall rise out of the revived Roman Empire in the Tribulation. Satan, the dragon, has been trying to destroy the seed of (Christ) and of the (woman); (Israel) through these seven kings.
4) (Read) (Chapter 12:4); and his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (KJV)
4) Explanation: (Chapter 12:4); And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, (Now this goes all the way back to the original rebellion of Lucifer against God; at that time, there was one-third of the Angels threw in their lot with Satan. Now we know these “stars” represent Angels because verse nine tells us so). And did cast them to the earth. (Now this is given to us more clearly in verses seven through nine). And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered. (Now this does not pertain to the birth of Jesus Christ as many claim, but rather the man-child which is the 144,000 Jews who will give their hearts to Jesus Christ in (Revelation chapter seven). For to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Now this pertains to the fact that the Antichrist will hate these Jews who have come to Jesus Christ). (Now this will take place in the first half of the Great Tribulation, and may well be the primary reason that the Antichrist will turn on Israel at that time).
4) Comments: (Chapter 12:4); Now the third part of the stars of Heaven are probably the fallen Angels who followed Satan in his original rebellion against God. (Read) (Isaiah 14:12-15); (Jude 1:6); (Ezekiel 28:12-16); (II Peter 2:4); Now at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, Satan was ready to kill Jesus. (Read) (Matthew 2:13-18). And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven. It is not unusual in Scripture, as Dr. Mitchell observes, to call the hindmost of an enemy the tail. And ye shall cut off the hindmost of them, which is literally in Hebrew, “Ye shall cut off their tail.” The tail of the dragon is therefore the heathen Roman power in its seventh or last form of government, the imperial power; and is not, as Dr. Mitchell supposes, to be restricted to the last heathen Roman emperors. The heathen imperial power is said to draw the third part of the stars of heaven, by which has generally been understood that the Roman Empire subjected the third part of the princes and potentates of the earth. But that this is not a correct statement of the fact is evident from the testimony of ancient history. The Roman Empire was always considered and called the empire of the world by ancient writers.
And it is even so named in Scripture, for St. Luke, in the second chapter of his gospel, informs us that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that THE WHOLE WORLD should be taxed, by which is evidently meant the Roman Empire. The whole mystery of this passage consists in the misapprehension of its symbolical language. In order therefore to understand it, the symbols here used must be examined. By heaven is meant the most eminent or ruling part of any nation. This is evident from the very nature of the symbol, for “heaven is God’s throne;” they therefore who are advanced to the supreme authority in any state are very properly said to be taken up into heaven, because they are raised to this eminence by the favor of the Lord, and are ministers of his to do his pleasure. And the calamity which fell upon Nebuchadnezzar was to instruct him in this important truth, that the heavens do rule; that is, that all monarchs possess their kingdoms by Divine appointment, and that no man is raised to power by what is usually termed the chances of war, but that “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” The meaning of heaven being thus ascertained, it cannot be difficult to comprehend the meaning of earth, this being evidently its opposite that is, everything is subjection to the heaven or ruling part. Stars have already been shown to denote ministers of religion; and this is more fully evident from of this book, where the seven stars which the Son of God holds in his right hand are explained to signify the seven angels (or messengers) of the seven Churches, by whom must be meant the seven pastors or ministers of these Churches. The resemblance of ministers to stars is very striking; for as the stars give light upon the earth, so are ministers the lights of the cause they advocate; and their position in heaven, the symbol of domination, very fitly betokens the spiritual authority of priests or ministers over their flocks. Hence, as the woman, or Christian Church, has upon her head a crown of twelve stars, which signifies that she is under the guidance of the twelve apostles, who are the twelve principal lights of the Christian world, so has the dragon also his stars or ministers. The stars therefore which the dragon draws with his tail must represent the whole body of pagan priests, who were the stars or lights of the heathen world. But in what sense can it be said that the heathen Roman Empire, which ruled over the whole known world, only draws a third part of the stars of heaven? The answer is: The religious world in the time of St. John was divided into three grand branches, the Christian world, the Jewish world, and the heathen and pagan world: consequently, as a dragon, a fabulous animal, is an emblem of a civil power supporting a religion founded in fable. And it necessarily follows that the stars or ministers of the Jews and Christians cannot be numbered among those which he draws with his tail, as they were not the advocates of his idolatry, but were ministers of a religion founded by the God of heaven, and consequently formed no part of the pagan world, though they were in subjection in secular matters to the pagan Roman empire. The tail of the dragon therefore draweth after him the whole heathen world.
4) Extra-Comments: And did cast then to the earth; that is, reduced all the pagan priests under the Roman yoke. The words of the prophecy are very remarkable. It is said the tail of the dragon draweth, (for so should be translated,) but it is added, and hath cast then upon the earth, to show that at the time the Apocalypse was written the world was divided into the three grand religious divisions already referred to; but that the tail of the dragon, or the pagan Roman power under its last form of government. And having brought the whole heathen world; (which was a third part of the religious world in the apostolic age); into subjection previously to the communication of the Revelation to St. John. It is the dragon’s tail that draws the third part of the stars of heaven, therefore it was during the dominion of his last form of government that Christianity was introduced into the world; for in the time of the six preceding draconic forms of government, the world was divided religiously into only two grand branches, Jews and Gentiles. That the sense in which the third part is here taken is the one intended in the prophecy is put beyond all controversy, when it is considered that this very division is made in the first and third verses, in which mention is made of the woman clothed with the sun-the Christian Church, the moon under her feet, or Jewish Church, and the dragon, or heathen power. Thus the heathen IMPERIAL government is doubly represented, first, by one of the seven draconic heads, to show that it was one of those seven heathen forms of government which have been successively at the head of the Roman state; and secondly, by the dragon’s tail, because it was the last of those and for a justification of this method of interpretation, see on the angel’s double explanation of the heads of the beast. And the dragon stood before the woman, the father of Constantine, abandoned the absurdities of paganism, and treated the Christians with great respect. This alarmed the pagan priests, whose interests were so closely connected with the continuance of the ancient superstitions, and who apprehended that to their great detriment the Christian religion would become daily more universal and triumphant throughout the empire.
4) Extra-Comments: Under these anxious fears they moved Diocletian to persecute the Christians. Hence began what is termed the tenth and last general persecution, which was the most severe of all, and continued nearly ten years; (see Mosheim’s Ecclesiastical History of the Third Century); and as it was the Divine pleasure that, at this time, a great deliverer should be raised up in behalf of his suffering people, the woman, or Christian Church, is very appropriately represented as overtaken with the pangs of labor, and ready to be delivered. Before the death of Constantius, the heathen party, aware that Constantine would follow the example of his father, who so much favored the Christians, beheld him with a watchful and malignant eye. Many were the snares that, according to Eusebius, were laid for him by Maximin and Galerius: he relates the frequent and dangerous enterprises to which they urged him, with the design that he might lose his life. When Galerius heard of the death of Constantius, and that he had appointed Constantine his successor, he was filled with the most ungovernable rage and indignation, notwithstanding he did not dare to take any steps contrary to the interest of Constantine. The dread of the armies of the west, which were mostly composed of Christians, was a sufficient check to all attempts of that kind. Thus the dragon, or heathen power, stood before the woman, or Christian Church, to devour her son, or deliverer, as soon as he was born.
IV) (The male child, Christ)
5) (Read) (Chapter 12:5); and she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (KJV)
5) Explanation: (Chapter 12:5); and she (Israel) brought forth a man child. (Now this is the 144,000 Jews who will come to Jesus Christ during the first half of the Great Tribulation in (Revelation chapter seven); we aren’t told exactly how this will be done). Who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron; (Now Israel, under Jesus Christ, will definited fill this role in the coming Millennial Reign). And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (Now this refers to the Rapture of the 144,000, which will take place at about the midpoint of the Great Tribulation).
5) Comments: (Chapter 12:5); Now the man child is Jesus Christ and He is destined to rule all nations as the Messiah. (Psalms 1:9); (Psalms 7:55); (Read) (Revelation 19:15) The Man-child is Jesus Christ. Satan has been trying to destroy the seed (Christ), of the woman ever since the fall (Genesis 3:14-15). Cain kill Abel, because he was angry him and he could not please God (Genesis 4:8). Satan tried to destroy the race of man by Angel’s (sons of God) taking women and producing giants (which means the fallen ones- (Genesis 6:1-4). God made a covenant with Noah that through Shem, his son, that the earth would be blessed in (Genesis 9:26). Satan brought all the people into Idolatry at Babel and God confused their language, and scattered them upon the face of the earth. God made another covenant with Abraham, that through him all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). When Isaac, the promised son was about twelve years of age, Satan moved God to test Abraham by commanding him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice upon Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-14), It was similar to the test of Job in (Job 1:6-12); (Job 2:3-6). The plan for Isaac’s destruction failed, for when God saw that Abraham was willing to kill his son, he intervened and spared his life.” When Isaac grew up and married Rebekah, Satan caused her to be barren, but Isaac prayed and God heard his prayer (Genesis 25:20-21), and twins were born. When the time came for Moses to be born, Satan put it into the heart of Pharaoh to order all male Hebrew children to be destroyed, but his plan was stopped by a baby’s tear (Exodus 2:5-10). And so it went on, until at the death of King Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram slew all his brethren with the sword (II Chronicles 21:13), thus reducing the seed line to one life. But Jehoram had children. Then the Arabians slew all his children but one, Ahaziah, the youngest (II Chronicles 21:17); (II Chronicles 22:1). But Ahazaih had children; these in turn were slain, by Athaliah his mother. She thought she had slain them all, but God intervened and rescued the infant son at the hands of his aunt, who hid him in the Temple in (II Chronicles 22:10-12). During the captivity Satan tried to destroy, the whole Hebrew nation. At last, the promised seed was born, Then, Satan, failing to prevent his birth, determined to destroy him before he could reach the cross. To that end he prompted Herod to slay all the male children at Bethlehem under 2 years age; (Matthew 2:16-17). When Christ entered his ministry, Satan tempted Christ to throw himself down from the Pinnacle of the Temple (Luke 4:9) and when this failed he attempted to get his own townspeople to cast him over a precipice (Luke 4:29). The two storms on the Sea of Galilee were attempts of Satan to destroy Christ. Jesus rebukes the winds (Matthew 8:24-27). Then Satan renewed the fight through Priests Pharisees until he succeeded at last in getting one of Christ’s own disciples “,Judas,” to sell his master. Then amid the shades of Gethsemane, through physical exhaustion, he sought to kill Christ. When at last ho succeeded in having Christ crucified, through Pilate, he took care to have the place of burial sealed and guarded. But when Christ arose from the dead, Satan’s rage knew no bounds. The history of the Christian Church; is but one long story of the Irrepressible Conflict” between Satan and God’s people. This man child (Jesus), is to rule all nations with a rod of iron, This is a prophecy when Jesus sets up his Kingdom and he sits upon the throne of his Father, David, and rules the whole earth (Isaiah 9:6); (Luke 1:32-33); (Psalm 2:6-12); (Revelation 2:27); (Revelation 19:15).
6) (Read) (Chapter 12:6); and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (KJV)
6) Explanation: (Chapter 12:6); And the woman fled into the wilderness. (Now this “woman” is the National Israel; at the midpoint of the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist will turn on the people of Israel and he will defeat her, with many thousands of Jews fleeing into the wilderness), where she hath a place prepared of God. (Now this place is actually ancient “Petra”, located in Jordan). (Read); (Isaiah 16:1-5); in that they should feed her there, a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (Now here they mention that this refers oddly enough to the Arabs of Jordan. The 1,260 days constitute almost all, of the last half of the Great Tribulation. Now this place called “Petra” is now empty of people, awaiting the arrival of Israel).
6) Comments: (Chapter 12:6); the woman (Israel); fled into the wilderness and Jesus gave instructions to Israel to flee into the mountains, (Matthew 24:15-22). This period of time is spoken of when ye see the abomination of the desolation, spoken by Daniel in (Daniel 9:27). This is in the midst of the week (7 years), which means there is 3 years, 6 months, or 42 months, or 1260 days remaining of the Tribulation. (Read) (Matthew 24:15-22) Now the Woman (Israel), is given two wings of a great Eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness. Satan is now cast upon the earth and is trying to destroy Israel. The only living witness of God that is left is Israel. Israel cannot be destroyed because Jesus is going to sit upon the Throne of his Father, David, and reign over the House of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32-33). The woman will be given the “wings of a Great Eagle” that she may fly into the “wilderness”, into “her place” where she shall be nourished for a “time, times, and half a time”. (The last half of the Tribulation in (Daniel 7:25); and in (Daniel 12:7). This takes us back to the flight of Israel from Egypt, of which God said, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on Eagles Wings”, and brought you unto myself, “(Exodus 19:4). The prophet Isaiah speaks of this time when he says, “come my people” (Israel) enters into thy CHAMBERS, AND SHUT THY DOORS ABOUT THEE, HIDES THYSELF AS IT WERE A LITTLE WHILE; THREE AND ONE HALF YEARS. UNTIL THE INDIGNATION (TRIBULATION) BE OVER PAST; (Isaiah 26:20). And further in (Isaiah 27:1); we read, in that day, (The day of the casting out of the Dragon). The Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish Leviathan, (Dragon), that crooked Serpent and he shall slay the Dragon that is in the Sea, (Anti-Christ) in (Revelation 13:1-2). This place of refuge is described in (Daniel 11:41); “He (Anti-Christ) shall enter also into the Glorious Land, (Palestine) and many countries shall be over thrown. But these shall escape out of his hand, even Edon and Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon. (This refuse may be in the city of Petra).
V) (The Archangel: Michael) (Revelation 12:7-12)
7) (Read) (Chapter 12:7); and there was war in heaven: Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his Angels, (KJV)
7) Explanation: (Chapter 12:7);And there was war in heaven. (Now this war in Heaven pertains to the “Mystery of God” being finished in (Revelation 10:7); Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his Angels. (Now this pertains to Satan and all the Angels who followed him were being cast out of Heaven, which will take place at the midpoint of the Great Tribulation; now why the Lord Jesus Christ has allowed Satan and his minions to remain in Heaven all this time, now this we aren’t told, and it is a “Mystery”, but it will now be finished).
7) Comments: (Chapter 12:7); There war in Heaven- Although Satan was cast out of Heaven before the creation of man. (Ezekiel 28:13-19); (Isaiah 14:12-16). This battle is in the Heavenlies, where Satan is now the Prince and Power of the Air, Satan’s fall continues downward from Heaven to the Heavnelies. (Atmosphere from the Heavenlies to the Earth, and from the Earth to the Bottomless Pit, to the Lake of Fire! The Angel, “Michael”, is mentioned 4 times in the Bible: 1) Michael has battled Satan and his angels before in (Daniel 10:12-14); (Daniel 10:21). 2) In (Daniel 12:1), it says that Michael shall stand for Israel in their time of trouble (Tribulation). 3) In (Jude 1:9), it says that Michael is an Archangel (Chief Angel). In (I Thessalonians 4:16), 4) we see that Michael accompanies Jesus at the Rapture, the Angels that Michael has with him are innumerable (Psalm 68:17); (Daniel 10:10), (Matthew 26:53), (Hebrews 12:22), (Revelation 5:5). Satan is cast to the earth to further torment the earth, it is interesting to note; that it says that Satan accuses the brethren before God day and night. Compare how Satan accused Job in (Job 1:19); (Job 2:4-5). Here Jesus called him the Devil; “the Father of Lies”, “and a murderer”, from the beginning in (John 8:44). Peter said, the “devil was our Adversary”, walking about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).
8) (Read) (Chapter 12:8); and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (KJV)
8) Explanation: (Chapter 12:8); And prevailed not; means that Satan will then be defeated. Remember it is not Satan who instigates this war, but rather it will be the Archangel Michael at the Command of God Almighty). And neither was there a place found any more in heaven. (Now here the removal of Satan and his Angels from Heaven will soon bring a closing of the Book of Revelation, where the Evil One has no more place on Earth as well, but rather he will have the place of torment forever and ever. (Read) – (Revelation 20:10)
8) Comments: (Chapter 12:8); “There was war in heaven”: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and “they prevailed not. Neither was their place found any more in heaven”. And that great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, which was called the Devil, and Satan, which deceived the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Now the Devil prevailed not against the cause of Christianity. Neither was their place found any more in heaven. The advocates of the heathen idolatry were prevented from having any farther share in the government of the empire. The wonderful success of Constantine over all his enemies, and his final triumph over Licinius, correspond exactly to the symbolical language in this verse.
9) (Read) (Chapter 12:9); and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (KJV)
9) Explanation: (Chapter 12:9); And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan. (Now here he is referred to as “the Great Dragon” because of his propensity to “steal, kill, and destroy” (Read) – (John 10:10); now he is called “the old serpent” because in his first appearance in the Bible. He chose to work through a serpent; therefore, he is what the curse caused, now the serpent was to be wryly subtle, and treacherous). Which deceiveth the whole world. (This deception is his greatest weapon; he deceives, and is himself deceived). He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Now Satan and his Angels were cast out into Earth and this was pronounced the beginning of the end, for this evil monster).
9) Comments: (Chapter 12:9); Now the Devil is not a symbol or a legend; “he is very real”. Now originally Satan was an Angel of God, but through his own pride, he became corrupt. Now the Devil is God’s enemy, and he constantly tries to hinder God’s work. But the Devil is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted to do. (Read) (Job 1:6); (Job 2:8), Now the name Satan means “accuser” in (Revelation 12:10). Satan always looks for people to attack in (I Peter 5:8-9). Now Satan likes to pursue believers that are weak in their Faith, and those who are spiritually weak and those who are isolated from other believers. Now even though God permits the Devil to continue his work in this world, our God is still in control. Now our Lord Jesus Christ has complete power over Satan and Jesus defeated Satan when He died and rose again for the sins of mankind. Now I tell you that one day Satan will be bound forever and never again to do his evil work. (Read) (Revelation 20:10)
10) (Read) (Chapter 12:10); And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven. Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before our God day and night. (KJV)
10) Explanation: (Chapter 12:10); And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven. (Now this loud voice presents the white-robe wearers the (saints) of (Revelation 6:10-11). Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God. (Now this presents the triumph of Jesus Christ). And the power of his Christ means that He has this power of Jesus Christ refers to the fact that He will rule this world, not Satan. Now for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Now this implies that either Satan or one of his fallen Angels is before the Throne of God, accusing the Brethren constantly). (Read) (Job chapters one and two)
10) Comments: (Chapter 12:10); Now the words, salvation, strength, kingdom, and power; they all refer to the coming of the millennial kingdom of OUR Lord Jesus Christ. Now with the reference to believers, but Satan is most commonly known as a tempter and the accuser of the brethren before our God (Jehovah). (Read) (Job 1:6-12); (Job 2:1-5); and (Romans 8:33-34) Now the believers can and will overcome Satan through the Blood of Jesus Christ and their testimony about Jesus Christ.
11) (Read) (Chapter 12:11); and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV)
11) Explanation: (Chapter 12:11); And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. (Now the power to overcome and overwhelm the Kingdom of Satan is found exclusively in the Blood of the Sacrifice of the Son of God, and our Faithwhich in that Finished Work of Jesus Christ). (Romans 6:3-5); and (Romans 6:11-14); (Now the “testimony” must pertain to the fact that the Object of our Faith is in the Cross, and exclusively the Cross, which then will give the Holy Spirit the latitude to always to work within our lives). And by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Now this refers to the fact that the Believer must not change his testimony regarding the Cross to something else, even if it means death). (Read) (Romans 6:3-5); and (Romans 6:11-14);
11) Comments: (Chapter 12:11); Now the critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, (Jesus Christ). Shed his blood for our sins. The victory is won by the sacrifice of Christ’s death in our place to pay the penalty for our sin, and the sacrifices we make because of our Faith in Jesus. Now as we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape from it. But we should be loyal and serve Him always for He alone brings victory. (Romans 8:34-39)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. Here is given the reason why the followers of Christ prevailed at this time against all their adversaries. It was because they fought against the dragon in the armor of God. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by proclaiming salvation to sinners through Christ crucified, and by their continual intercession at the throne of grace for the conversion of the heathen world. And by the word of their testimony and by constantly testifying against the errors and follies of mankind. And they loved not their lives unto the death. They regarded not their present temporal estate, but even gladly delivered up their lives to the fury of their persecutors, and thus sealed the truth of what they spoke with their blood.
12) (Read) (Chapter 12:12); Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (KJV)
12) Explanation: (Chapter 12:12); Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. (Now all Heaven rejoices because Satan has no more access to those portals). Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the seal for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath. (Now the “woe” mentioned here is the third and final woe, and this pertains to Satan being cast out of Heaven, and down to this Earth; now Satan will be very angrily), because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Now in order to carry out his plan; now Satan knows that he has a short time left; because by failing Satan knows that he is doomed)!
12) Comments: (Chapter 12:12); Now the Devil begins to step up his persecution because he knows that “his time is short.” We are living in the last days, and Satan’s work has become more intense. Now even though the devil is very powerful, as we can see by the condition of the world. But he is always under God’s control. Now one of the reasons that God allows Satan to work evil and bring temptation is so that those who pretend to be true followers of Jesus Christ will be weeded out from Christ’s true believers. Now Satan knows that the last great confrontation with Jesus is near. Now that is why he is trying desperately to recruit as many as possible for this last and final battle.
13) (Read) (Chapter 12:13); and when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (KJV)
13) Explanation: (Chapter 12:13); And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (Now that’s when, the Antichrist will break his Seven year Covenant with Israel, now they will be attacking and defeating her. (Read) (Daniel 9:27)
13) Comments: (Chapter 12:13); Now Satan lost the battle against Michael the Arc-Angel and was cast down to earth. Now he could no longer accuse the saints before God in Heaven. This is because he has been overcome by the blood of the Lamb. Now because of Satan’s hatred for Israel and God‘s people he has made every attempt to exterminate Israel.
VI) Now Satan has done many things to Israel and they are listed below.
A) Satan has enslaved God’s people. (Exodus chapter 2)
B) Satan has drowned God’s people. (Exodus chapter 14)
c) Satan has starved God’s people. (Exodus chapter 16)
D) Satan has tempted God’s people. (Exodus chapter 32); (Numbers chapter 14)
E) Satan has cursed God’s people. (Numbers chapter 23)
F) Satan has captured God’s people. (II Kings chapter 17 and 24)
G) Satan has burned God’s people. (Daniel chapter 3)
H) Satan has devoured God’s people. (Daniel chapter 6)
I) Satan has hanged God’s people. (Esther chapter 3)
J) Last but not least we could add the gas ovens of Adolph Hitler that he had killed millions of God’s people the Jews. But I tell you that Satan’s most vicious attacks are yet to come.
VII) (The Jewish remnant assaulted by Satan). (Revelation 12:14-17)
14) (Read) (Chapter 12:14); and to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (KJV)
14) Explanation: (Chapter 12:14); And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place. (Now the Lord Jesus Christ will help Israel at this time, and do so greatly; now this refers to Petra, which is located in modern Jordan). Where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Now this refers to three and one half years, the last half of the Great Tribulation.
Now the Antichrist will take his armies elsewhere, thinking to take care of this remnant a little later). (Read) (Daniel 11:44)
14) Comments: (Chapter 12:14); The Woman (Israel), is given two wings of a great Eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness. Now Satan is now cast upon the earth and is trying to destroy Israel. The only living witness of God that is left is Israel. Israel cannot be destroyed because Jesus is going to sit upon the Throne of his Father, David, and reign over the House of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32-33). The woman will be given the “wings of a Great Eagle” that she may fly into the “wilderness”, into “her place” where she shall be nourished for a “time, times, and half a time”. (This is last half of the Tribulation, (Daniel 7:25), (Daniel 12:7). This takes us back to the flight of Israel from Egypt, of which God said, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on Eagles Wings, and brought you unto myself”, (Exodus 19:4). The prophet Isaiah speaks of this time when he says, “come my people (Israel) enters into thy CHAMBERS, AND SHUT THY DOORS ABOUT THEE, HIDES THYSELF AS IT WERE A LITTLE WHILE; THREE AND ONE HALF YEARS. UNTIL THE INDIGNATION (TRIBULATION) BE OVER PAST; (Isaiah 26:20). And further in (Isaiah 27:1); we read,” In that day, (The day of the casting out of the Dragon). The Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish Leviathan; (Dragon); (that crooked Serpent) and he shall slay the
Dragon thatis in the Sea, (Anti-Christ) in (Revelation 13:1-2). This place of refuge is described in (Daniel 11:41). “He (Anti-Christ) shall enter also into the Glorious Land, (Palestine) and many countries shall be over thrown; but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edon and Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon. This refuse may be in the city of Petra just south of Jordan. Now this place called “Petra” is now empty of people, awaiting the arrival of Israel. Now there is a supply of water and food already stored here for the people. The caves that are carved-out of the rocks will be used for their housing while the peoples stay here.
15) (Read) (Chapter 12:15); and the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. (KJV)
15) Explanation: (Chapter 12:15); And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman. (Now this refers to the army of the Antichrist, which has just defeated Israel and is now bent on completely destroying her). Now it is here that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. (Now the man of sin fully intends to destroy Israel at this time, but the Lord Jesus Christ will intervene to stop him, as the next verse proclaims).
15) Comments: (Chapter 12:15); Now the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. Now since the serpent is symbolic of the devil and the woman is symbolic of the Israelites who have accepted their Messiah and fled from the Antichrist. Now the flow that flows from Satan’s mouth must also be symbolic, signifying that whatever he does here and he will try to destroy Israel, but all of this will come to naught. Now the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood. The water here evidently means great multitudes of nations and peoples; which, the interpreting Angel says, the waters which thou saw are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. This water, then, which the dragon cast out of his mouth, must be an inundation of heathen barbarous nations upon the Roman Empire. And the purpose which the dragon has in view by this inundation is, that he might cause the woman, or Christian Church to be carried away of the flood.
16) (Read) (Chapter 12:16); and the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (KJV)
16) Explanation: (Chapter 12:16); And the earth helped the woman. (Now this probably refers to our Lord Jesus Christ sending an earthquake). And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (Now this proclaims the action that helps the woman, (Israel) hurts the Dragon. Also this will probably be an Earthquake!
16) Comments: (Chapter 12:16); The earth helped the woman, when the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood waters. This was probably a great earthquake that was done by our God to protect His people Israel. Who does this woman represent in verse sixteen of chapter twelve? Now the woman is not Mary or the church here. But the woman is Israel and the man-child is Jesus Christ, and the time is the last 1260 days or three and one half years of the tribulation period. Now Satan has been cast out of Heaven and is trying to destroy Israel. God hides Israel in the wilderness, and the earth swallows up this flood that Satan uses to destroy Israel. Now Satan makes war upon Israel and her remnant, but Jesus Christ shall return to destroy Satan and rule over Israel in (Revelation 19:11-21); (Revelation 20:1-15).
17) (Read) (Chapter 12:17); and the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (KJV)
17) Explanation: (Chapter 12:17); And the dragon was wroth with the woman. (Now Israel has escaped out of the clutches of Satan one more time). And went to make war with the remnant of her seed. (Now after the Rapture of the 144,000 Jews, with their Testimony still ringing out over Israel, there is no doubt, that many other Jews will accept our Lord Jesus Christ at that time and make up the “Remnant”). Which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Now once again, this refers to the fact that this Remnant of Jews, ever how many there will be, they will have accepted Jesus Christ, and this will greatly anger Satan).
17) Comments: (Chapter 12:17); Now the woman, in (Revelation 12:1), represents faithful Jews. And the child in (Revelation 12:5), represents Jesus Christ the rest of her offspring could be either Jewish believers or all of the believers. Now the Apostle Paul tells us that we are in a spiritual battle in (Ephesians 6:10-12). Now John says that the war is still being waged, but the outcome has already been determined. Now Satan and his followers have been defeated and will be destroyed. Now Satan is battling daily to bring more into his ranks and to keep his own from defecting to God’s side. Those who belong to Jesus Christ have gone into battle on God’s side, and he has guaranteed them victory. Now God will not lose the war, but we must make certain not to lose the battle for our own souls. Don’t waver in your commitment to Jesus Christ. A great spiritual battle is being fought and there is no time for indecision.
A) Now as we come to the end of this chapter twelve in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of your Soul. If you were to die before this day comes to an end. Where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.
B) Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”
C) Then you should share your Faith in Jesus Christ with other Christian friends or a pastor. Now by becoming a Christian, this is your first step on that long life’s road of a Spiritual growth and your service to sharing God.
D) The second step is to follow Jesus Christ in a believer’s baptism by immersion in water and joining a local church that teaches the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1) Remember what Jesus said to Thomas in (John 14:6) I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2) Neither is there Salvation in any other; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) (And His name is Jesus)
“What Shall I Do To Inherit Eternal Life?”
E) We as Christians should remember that Salvation is simple, but it’s not cheap. It cost Jesus Christ everything so that salvation could be offered to us freely. God has provided salvation on a basis, which permits anyone who can make their own decision to have it. If salvation could be received on the basic of education, multitudes would be excluded. If eternal life could be had on the basis of wealth, a great number would still be left out. If being saved were dependent upon one’s moral perfection, everyone would fall short. God has made His salvation available on the basis of a personal faith which even a child can exercise. This way everyone is reduced to the same level in the eyes of God and all must come to him on the same terms (Romans 3:9-10) and (Galatians 3:22). Paul said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not, of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
F) Below you will find some scriptures in the book of Romans that can lead you through the Romans road to Heaven. Please take the time to read the questions below and study God’s Word and may God bless you always.
1) Who is good? (Romans 3:10) As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.
2) Who has sinned? (Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
3) Where did sin come from? (Romans 5:12) Wherefore, as by one-man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
4) God paid the price for sin. (Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5) We all have a way out. (Romans 5:8) But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
6) What must I do to be saved? (Romans 10:9-11) That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.
For with the heart man beliveth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
A) The main reason or purpose of teaching this Book of Revelation in this simple lay-out form is to tell the Gospel and warn all people of their destination of their souls and hopefully help all people hear the Good News of Jesus whether they are saved or lost. By studding God’s Holy Word we can have a better picture of Heaven and Hell. Also it is my prayer and hope that everyone can understand a little more about their new home in Heaven and of what God’s future plan that He has in store for them for all eternity.
B) The purpose of this Bible Study is to simplify the Book of Revelation so that the believers in our Lord Jesus Christ can understand what God’s future plans are for all mankind. Now some people just shake their heads and are scared to what the future holds for them. They say that they cannot read this book and understand anything that the Scriptures are saying to them. So I have tried to outline each of the verses with the help of the Holy Spirit so that anyone; whether you are a believer in Jesus Christ (Saved) or an unbeliever (lost) and don’t know who our Savior Jesus Christ is. It is my prayer and hopes that when you try to read and study the Book of Revelation that everyone will always keep an open-mind.
C) Now remember that God loves you and this Book of Revelation is about your future and where everyone will spend the rest of their life. Now as a Christian I am concerned about your soul and where you will spend all eternity at. So just remember that we all have two choices in this life and the first one is that you should realize that you are a sinner and on your way to a place called Hell because of your unbelief in Jesus and His finish Works on the Cross.
D) The second choice is that then you call upon the name of Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life and save you: then you are on your way to a place called Heaven because of what Jesus done for all mankind on the Cross.
E) He paid the price by shedding His Precious Blood and dying there so that all mankind could go free. Now this concludes our Bible Study on the chapter twelve of the Book of Revelation.
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Your, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose