Revelation 7-12 pt. 2

Revelation chapter 12:1-6

6) What does John see and hear? A pregnant woman crying out in pain because she is about to give birth. A red dragon with seven heads wearing seven crowns and also having ten horns. Seven diadems on each horn.

7) Who is the pregnant woman? Common teaching is she symbolizes the nation of Israel. Twelve stars=Twelve tribes of Israel. Also based on who she gave birth to – a male child who will rule with a rod of iron. Who do you suppose he symbolizes? Jesus Christ – see Revelation 19:15. Jesus is a Jew.

8) Who is the red dragon? Satan. What words do you associate with description? Red – danger, blood. Dragon – large, powerful, evil

9) What do you think the first sentence in verse 4 is in reference to? Predominant teaching – Satan convinced one third of the angels to follow him in his rebellion against God.

10) What did the red dragon plan to do? Devour/kill the child. Why? He perceived Jesus to be a threat and was determined to remove that threat. Was he successful? No. The woman fled to safety where she was cared for by God.

Revelation 12:7-17

11) What images come to mind when you read the first sentence in verse 7?
12) What did Satan and his allies lose? Access to heaven. Up to those point, Satan was permitted entry into Heaven where he carried out his role as accuser of the followers of God. See Job chapters 1-2 and Zechariah chapter 3.

13) What names are associated with Satan in this chapter and what does each tell you about him? Great dragon – see answer to question 8; Ancient serpent – reference to Genesis. Satan entered the serpent, the craftiest creature in the Garden of Eden, in order to tempt Adam and Eve; devil and Satan – both mean Adversary/Accuser. Legal terms. A prosecutorial role; Deceiver of the whole world - Liar

14) What was Heaven’s reaction to Satan's defeat? Extreme joy. Great celebration.

15) What did Satan’s defeat mean for earth? Not good. He is mad and is going to take it out on earth. Why is he so upset? His time on earth is short.16) After his defeat, what did Satan do? Pursued after the woman (Israel.) He attempted to destroy her. Was he successful? No. She escaped him.

17) What was his next objective? Attack the woman’s offspring. Those who were loyal to God. Followed His commands faithfully and believed the words of Jesus.

Chapter 12 ends with Satan standing on the sand of the sea. He’s waiting for someone. We’ll meet that someone in two weeks.