Written by Lesallan Bostron
BIB3560 Revelation (ONLSP23)
Ohio Christian University
Pastor Alexander Soultz
May 3, 2023
Insights the Book of Revelation: Chapters Twelve and Thirteen (Revelation 12, 13, ESV)
This discussion post lists the seven most significant insights this student has gained from the Book of Revelation, chapters twelve and thirteen (Revelation 12, 13, ESV).
The woman in Revelation 12:1-2 (ESV) represents the nation of Israel.
According to one interpretation, the woman giving birth in Revelation 12:1-2 (ESV) represents Israel bringing forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In this passage (Revelation 12:1-2, ESV), Israel is “symbolic” and represents the nation of “Israel” (Bostron, 2023).
The child in Revelation 12:5 (ESV) represents Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
In Revelation 12:5 (ESV), the male child, the woman, gives birth to represent “Jesus Christ, the Messiah.” The central figure of Christianity, Jesus Christ, is believed by many Christians to be the incarnation of God, the Son and the awaited Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. Jesus is the first-century Judean preacher and the religious leader who was the firstborn of the Virgin Mary. Jesus performed many miracles, founded the Christian church, and ultimately died by crucifixion as a sacrifice to achieve atonement for sin. Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven (Matthew 27:32-56; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2, ESV). Jesus “said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though were dead, yet shall live” (John 11:25, ESV).
What has this student learned about God’s sovereignty from Revelation 12:1-17 (ESV)?
This student has learned that Revelation 12:1-17 (ESV) is a symbolic vision that represents the continuing struggle between God and Satan. The male child represents Jesus Christ, the woman represents the nation of Israel, and the dragon represents Satan. Satan attempts to destroy the woman and her child. Finally, Satan is defeated and thrown down to earth (Bostron, 2023). What has been shown is that despite Satan’s plans and attempts to overthrow God’s plans, His plan for salvation is being fulfilled. The big picture is that this demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all things.
Two beasts are mentioned in the Book of the Revelation of Saint John the Divine chapter thirteen: one rising from the sea (Revelation 13:1, ESV); and the other from the earth (Revelation 13:11, ESV).
The description of the two beasts, one that rises from the sea (Revelation 13:1, ESV) and the other from the earth (Revelation 13:11, ESV), represents the political authority that has become destructive (Bostron, 2023). The first of these two beasts, rising from the sea, represents the political authority that has become destructive. The second beast rises from the earth and is often described as the false prophet. This second beast is closely related to the first beast that rises from the sea (Revelation 13:1, ESV), as this beast acts in support of the first beast.
What might the heads, horns, and diadems represent (Revelation 13:1; 13:3; 13:11, ESV)?
The heads and the horns symbolize the beast’s power and authority, and the diadems are a type of crown worn as an ornamental headband that monarchs and others wore as a badge of royalty. The diadems represent the beast and its authority to rule over kingdoms. The blasphemous names upon the beast’s head indicate its opposition to God. The second beast (Revelation 13:11, ESV) is the false prophet, which exercises the first beast’s authority in its presence and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast. The second beast performs many great signs and makes fire rain down from Heaven to Earth in front of people. By the signs that this beast is allowed to work in the beast’s presence, it deceives those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet live.
The beast gets its power from the dragon, who gave the first beast its power (Revelation 13:2, ESV).
Revelation 13:2 (ESV) states that the dragon gave the first beast its power, its throne, and great authority. The beast gets its power from Satan, represented in this passage as the dragon. The dragon gives the first beast power, a throne, and authority (Revelation 13:2, ESV). Given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words against God, this beast was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. Finally, the beast opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God—the beast blasphemies against God, against God’s name and His dwelling. The first beast was allowed to make war on the saints and conquer them. This beast was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, and all who dwell on the earth will worship it (Revelation 13:5-8, ESV).
What insight has Revelation 13:1-18 (ESV) taught this student about how Satan influences this world?
The passage has taught this student that Satan influences this world by giving power and authority to political systems that oppose God and persecute His people. Represented by the first beast is the political authority that has become destructive. This is the power and authority the dragon (Satan) gives. The false prophet is the second beast and acts in support of the first beast and deceives the people of the earth. Insight is that Satan uses deception and political power to influence this world.
What is the significance of the number 666 mentioned in Revelation 13:18 (ESV)?
How does the message of Revelation 13:1-18 (ESV) apply to our lives today?
References:
Bostron, L. (2023). Revelation 12 (ESV): Detailed Analysis – A Christian Thing. Thechristianthing.com. https://thechristianthing.com/revelation-12-esv-detailed-analysis/
Bostron, L. (2023). Revelation 13 (ESV): Detailed Analysis – A Christian Thing. Thechristianthing.com. https://thechristianthing.com/revelation-13-esv-detailed-analysis/
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
Revelation 12 Detailed Analysis Review. (2023). BIB3560 Revelation (ONLSP23) (ohiochristian.edu). https://ohiochristian.edu
Revelation 13 Detailed Analysis Review. (2023). BIB3560 Revelation (ONLSP23) (ohiochristian.edu). https://ohiochristian.edu
Revelation 12 – ESV Bible – Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.com. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/revelation/12.html
Revelation 13 – ESV Bible – Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.com. https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/revelation/13.html
