Chapter Summary

The woman clothed with the sun (Israel). Satan drawing the stars. The man-child (Christ) caught up to the throne. The arch-angel and his angels fighting Satan. Satan and Israel in the great Tribulation.

Discussion Questions for Revelation, Chapter 12

1. The book of Revelation is not necessarily a chronological story of the future. Sometimes there are flashbacks and foreshadowings of things that have not happened yet in the narrative. What scenes are being described here in chapter 12? How do these visions help interpret the stories being shown here? What Scriptures can you use to help interpret John's visions here?
2. Who is the woman? Why is it important to properly identify the woman?
3. What do the 7 heads and 10 horns of the dragon represent? Are you able to be sure? Why or why not?
4. Who is the Son that was born to the woman? Why is it significant that he is going to rule with an iron rod?
5. We've seen the number 1,260 before in Revelation. What is the significance here? How does this connect to the previous use of that number?
6. Revelation 12:9 connects most (if not all) of the names of Satan: the dragon, the serpent, the devil, Satan, the one who deceives. Where else are these names found in Scripture? Why do you think these names are used instead of one standard name? Why do you think John wanted to make it explicitly clear that these names are all the same being?
7. Verse 11 depicts a powerful image of what the Christian life should look like: conquering sin death by trusting in the blood of Jesus, and giving up their lives for the sake of others. Does this mirror your life? What do you need to change in order to look like this?
8. Read Job 1:6-11, 2:1-6, and Zechariah 3:1-2. Why do you think the Lord allowed Satan to be in His presence? How does that challenge the concept that God cannot be in the presence of sin? How can we reconcile the fact that Satan was in the presence of God, but God can't be in the presence of sin?
9. Read 1 John 2:1-2. How does Jesus' role in these verses contrast Satan's role in Revelation 12:10? Is Satan right to accuse you of your sin? How has the Lord been your advocate?
10. Read Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11-12 and Isaiah 40:31. What do you notice that all these have in common? How might these verses apply to Revelation 12:14?

Key Words/Phrase

Satan's wrath, v. 12

Characters

God, Christ, Michael, Satan.

Strong Verse(s)

9, 10, 11.