Key Characters and Symbolism in Revelation 12

Study Notes

Key Characters in Revelation 12

The "woman" symbolizes Jesus' faithful church, depicted as "clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars."
The "great red dragon" represents Satan, characterized by seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns.
The "man child" refers to Jesus, destined to "rule all nations with a rod of iron."

Symbolism of the Woman

"Clothed with the sun" indicates the embodiment of Jesus, His gospel, and righteousness.
"The moon under her feet" signifies the Old Testament sacrificial system, reflecting the light of the future Messiah.
The "crown of twelve stars" symbolizes the efforts and influence of the twelve disciples in the early New Testament church.

Persecution of the Woman

While some believe the woman represents Mary, Revelation 12 indicates she undergoes significant persecution, unlike Mary’s experience post-Christ's birth and ascension.
Revelation 12:6 mentions her "fleeing into the wilderness," highlighting a reserved place prepared by God during an extensive period of persecution (1,260 days).

Symbolism of the Dragon

The "seven heads" of the dragon relate to the seven hills of Rome and its historical empires.
The "ten horns" reflect the governments supporting oppressive regimes against God’s people, originally representing ten barbarian tribes aiding the papacy and now indicating a modern coalition against believers.

Historical Context

The chapter connects to Daniel's prophecy regarding empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, with the dragon symbolizing Satan as the power behind these thrones.
Seven crowns present during this discussion signify the continuity and influence of these empires in oppressing God’s people.

The Fall of Angels

Revelation 12:4 describes a cosmic battle, where one-third of the angels, depicted as "stars," were cast down from heaven due to their support for Lucifer during his insurrection.
The war in heaven between God and Lucifer resulted in Satan and his angels being cast to earth, aiming to deceive humanity.

Description

Explore the key characters and imagery in Revelation 12, including the symbolic roles of the woman, the great red dragon, and the man child. Understand how these symbols relate to the faithful church and the mission of Jesus. Delve into the themes of persecution and the significance of the twelve disciples in early Christianity.