Chapter thirteen finally introduces the main human antagonist of the drama – the Beast. He is never called “antichrist” in the Revelation; that term appears only in 1 and 2 John in reference to the general deceptive spirit and anyone who denies Jesus. However, it is appropriate to consider him as the ultimate embodiment of […]
Chapter twelve provides long-term look at the big historical picture. John made it clear in Revelation 12:1 that this was a “sign,” so we should read this as symbolic figures. A natural reading shows three main persons: the woman, who represents the nation of Israel; the dragon, who represents Satan; and the male child, who represents Jesus.
Chapter eleven continues the break in the judgment timeline as John was told about the coming of two unique witnesses. (There is nothing in chapter eleven to indicate that he saw them in a vision but was rather told about them.) These two witnesses will “prophesy for 1,260 days” (Revelation 11:3). This period is also
