Three times in the description of the ever intensifying waves of tribulation rolling in over the earth there is a pause. It is during those pauses that the victory of the Lord and his people over Satan and his followers is described. 

THE REDEEMED ARE IDENTIFIED (Read Chapter 7) 

During this first pause in the successive waves of tribulation rolling in over the world … 

Evil Is Restrained: (vs. 1-3)

   Four of heaven’s powerful administrators watch over the four quadrants of the earth. They hold back the destructive forces advancing from every direction. (vs. 1)

   The tribulation pictured in the stormy winds may equate with that pictured in the four horsemen of Revelation 6:1-8. (cf. the two scenes with Zechariah 6:1-8)

   Another of God’s administrators announces that the tribulation will not be allowed to reach its full intensity until the redeemed are marked out in some way. (vs. 2-3 cf. Ezekiel 9:2-4)

   Christians are identified by the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. (Ephesians 1:13-14) His presence is confirmed by the appearance of fruit. (Galatians 5:19-26, Ephesians 5:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:19)

Those Who Are Redeemed Are Described (vs. 4-17) 

   Many come from among the people of Israel. (vs. 4-8. cf. Isaiah 59:20)

   Identified by God’s seal upon them as belonging to him, they, like the redeemed from other nations, are under his special care at this time.

   The numbers given are symbolic of completeness. God’s programme for Israel is now completed. There are many from each of the tribes of Israel.

   They are now part of the ‘Israel of God’—the redeemed of the Lord who are citizens of the New Jerusalem. (cf. Romans 9:6, 2:28-29, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 14:1-5)

   They are a new group of people brought together  from all over the world. (vs. 9-17)

   Their number is larger than any mathematical system can handle. As the redeemed of the Lord, the ‘Israel of God’, they are the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. (vs. 9. cf. Genesis 12:1-3, 13:16, 17:1-8, 22:17-18, Ephesians 3:6.)

   They come from every ethnic group in the world. (vs. 9) The Lord has called into being a new people group—those he has redeemed from sin. They are the new population for the new Jerusalem of the new earth. (Isaiah 42:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 3:12, 21:1-5)

   They are a forgiven people, justified by faith. (vs. 9-10) The white robe each one wears is the ‘robe of righteousness’ Isaiah spoke of. (Isaiah 61:10). They are clothed, not in righteousness of their own, but in the righteousness of Christ. (cf. Isaiah 64:6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Romans 3:21 - 4:8)

   They rejoice in the Lord who has saved them. (vs. 10, cf. Romans 5:1-5)

   Their salvation is the reason for songs of rejoicing and praise in heaven. (vs. 11-12, cf. Luke 15:6-7)  

   The song highlights several of God’s attributes. He is all powerful and wise. He is worthy of  praise and thanksgiving. He is to be honored above all else. He is eternal. (vs. 12, cf. Revelation 5:12-13)

   The redeemed of the Lord pass through much trial and tribulation. (vs. 13-14) They are cared for during those times. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, 2 Timothy 4:17-18, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 4:12-13, Isaiah 43:1-2, Acts 14:21-22)

   Those who are Christians at the time of the Great Tribulation are protected by the Lord. (vs. 14, cf. Mark 13:14-27)

   They come before the Lord in the purity of those made clean by means of Christ’s sacrificial death. (vs. 14, cf. Isaiah 1:18, 1 John 1:7-9)

   Having faithfully served the Lord during their earthly lives, they now serve joyfully in heaven. (vs. 15, cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8)

   Having experienced the Lord’s care on earth (cf. Psalm 27:5-6, 1 Peter 5:7), they now enjoy the canopy of his love for ever. He himself is their protective tabernacle. (vs. 15, cf. Revelation 21:3, 22)

   Having suffered want in their earthly pilgrimage, the redeemed of the Lord will never again hunger or thirst for anything. (vs. 16, cf. 1 Corinthians 4:10-13)

   Having come through the heat of battle in the service of the Lord on earth (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5), they now bask in the warmth of his love in heaven. (vs. 16)

   Having tasted the waters of life on earth (cf. Psalm 23:2-3, John 7:37-39),  they now drink deeply of the eternal spring. (vs. 17, cf. Revelation 22:1-5, 17)

   Having experienced the comfort of the Lord in their sorrows and disappointments on earth (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7), they now enjoy his comforting presence for ever. (vs. 17)

   The slain Lamb has become their Shepherd. (vs. 17, cf. Revelation 5:6, 9, 12, 13:9, John 1:29)

   Having entered his fold while on earth, they are now content in his eternal sheepfold. (vs. 17, cf. John 10:1-5, Psalm 23:1, Isaiah 40:11, Luke 15:1-7) 

THE GOSPEL IS STILL BEING PREACHED (Read Chapters 10 - 11:14)

During this second pause in the description of the ever intensifying judgements coming upon the world, John sees … 

The Lord Jesus Christ As A Mighty Angel: (10:1-7)

   He comes as a powerful messenger from heaven. (vs. 1) He has come this way on many previous occasions. (eg. Genesis 16:7-13, 22:9-18, Joshua 5:13-15, Judges 6:11-22, Zechariah 1:8-15)

   Compare the description of him here with that given in Revelation 1:7, 12-16.

   He is crowned as with a rainbow, signifying that he is the one through whom God fulfils all his covenant promises. (vs. 1, cf. Genesis 9:12-17)

   He carries with him a small scroll. Perhaps it contains his authority to take charge of all on land and in the sea. (vs. 2)

   His voice is like that of a lion. (vs. 3, cf. Hosea 11:10, Amos 1:2, 3:8, Joel 3:16, Genesis 49:9-10, Revelation 5:5)

   At his prompting a booming voice, like that of seven rolls of thunder, delivers a message to John. (vs. 3-4, cf. Psalm 29:3-11) But he is forbidden to write it down. (vs. 4) The message could have been an announcement of the exact time of Christ’s return, for that has always been information that God keeps to himself. (cf. Matthew 24:36-44, 25:13) If that is so, the message may well have been a clarification of the message given to Daniel. (Daniel 12:6-9)

   It is clear however, that the final judgments and the coming of the Lord to establish his rule are now imminent. (vs. 5-7, cf. Revelation 11:15, 12:10)

   The phrase ‘the mystery of God’ (vs. 7) includes in its range of reference …

      -         the Lord’s partially hidden purposes for the people of Israel (Romans 11:25-36)
-         the Lord’ previously hidden plan to bring into being a new people group—the redeemed of both
        Jew and Gentile (Romans 16:25-27, Ephesians 3:1-7)
-         the transformation of the Christian believer’s earthly body to that of a heavenly one
        (1 Corinthians 15:50-56)

   The time for the bringing of all these plans to fruition is now close. ‘There will be no more delay’. (vs. 7)

Hope That Turns Into Bitterness: (10:8-11)

   A scroll containing an important message from the Lord is given to John. (vs. 8)

   The message of the scroll tells of events which at first produce feelings of hope and well being but these soon turn sour. (vs. 9-11)

   It may tell of world rulers talking of peace while preparing for war. It may be giving warning of the man of lawlessness, the antichrist, raising hopes for stability in a world of chaos for the expectations will prove to be false. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

   Just as sinful practices start out being sweet to the senses but have bitter consequences, so the message John is to send to the nations is a final warning that hope placed in the ways of the world will turn out to be a false hope. The pleasures of sin soon turn into the bitterness of the aftermath. (Proverbs 7:1-27, 14:12, Isaiah 20:5-6)

    William Barclay[1] writes of these verses:

A message of God may be to a servant of God at once a sweet and bitter thing. It is sweet because it is a great thing to be chosen as the messenger of God; but the message itself may be a foretelling of doom and, therefore, a bitter thing. So for John it was an infinite privilege to be admitted to the secrets of heaven but at the same time it was bitter to have to forecast the time of terror, even if triumph lay at its end.

The Temple Of God And Its Measuring: (11:1)

   The reference is firstly to the building of a new Jewish temple. This will replace the one destroyed by Roman armies in AD 70 just as Jesus predicted. (cf. Matthew 24:1-2, Amos 9:11, Ezekiel 40-48)

   References to the Jewish temple also contain a picture of the redeemed who are portrayed in them as being the living temple of God, ‘living stones … being built into a spiritual house.’ (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-9)

   The instruction to ‘measure the temple of God’ (vs. 1) is symbolic of protection. Barclay[2] explains: "The measuring is like the sealing which is described in 7:2-3; the sealing and the measuring are both for the protection of God’s faithful ones in the demonic terrors to descend upon the earth."

The Raging Of The Nations: (11:2, cf. Psalm 2:1-6)

   The Lord’s protection is not extended to the outer court of the Gentiles. The fury of the nations will rage against the city of God for three and a half years. This is to the mid point of the seven year period of terror Daniel wrote of. (Daniel 9:26-27) 

Two Powerful Witnesses: (11:3-12)

   All through the three and a half year onslaught of the forces of darkness against God’s people, two specially equipped witnesses continue to proclaim the message of salvation and to warn of the coming judgments. The Lord is never without those who will bear witness to him. (vs. 3, cf. Acts 14:16-17)

   No clue is given as to the identity of the witnesses apart from the symbolic description of them as ‘the two olive trees and the two lamp stands.’ An earlier prophet refers to the two olive trees as being ‘the two who were appointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’ (vs. 4, cf. Zechariah 4:3, 11-14)

   Some have suggested that the two ministries could be those of Enoch and Elijah who are brought back for these climactic days of the age. For neither of these prophets ever died. They were translated directly to heaven. (Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5, 2 Kings 2:11) For a possible indication of the content of their message, refer to Jude vs. 14-15.

   Henry Morris[3] makes an intriguing observation. Could it be, he speculates, that these two who the Lord Jesus Christ calls ‘my two witnesses’ are the same two men who stood by him at the tomb and at his ascension? (Luke 24:1-8, Acts 1:10)

   The two witnesses …

      -         cannot be harmed until their ministry is completed (vs. 5)
-         have special powers to deal with the enemies of the Kingdom of God, just as Elijah had previously
        (vs. 6, cf. James 5:17, 1 Kings 18:37-39, 2 Kings 1:10-12)
-         are killed by a man endowed with demonic powers from hell itself (vs. 7, cf. Revelation 13:1-18
        where the beast is identified as a man)
-         die as martyrs in a city which, like Sodom of old, has become morally and spiritually corrupt, after
         a persecution like that endured by the people of Israel in Egypt, and after treatment like that
         endured by Jesus (vs. 7, Genesis 19, Exodus 1:11)
-         their death gives rise to waves of demonic laughter and an orgy of celebration across the nations as
         people rejoice in the assumption of the death of Christianity, just like the mockers gambled and
         partied at the crucifixion of Jesus (vs. 9-10, Matthew 27:27-50)
-         like Jesus, the two witnesses rise again and return to heaven (vs. 11-12, Luke 24:1-8, 50-53)

Continuing Devastation: (11:13-14)

   Those of every nation who refuse to repent are left to experience the ever intensifying disasters spreading across the earth.

   But they are forced eventually to acknowledge that the Lord, who they thought they had driven from their lives, is reigning. (vs. 13, cf. Philippians 2:8-11)

   The next wave of judgment is not far away. (vs. 14) But there is a further pause in the revelation to John, during which he is shown …

THE TRIUMPH OF THE LAMB OVER THE LION (Read Chapters 12-14)

As the nature of the ongoing conflict is shown to John in a vivid word picture flashed across the heavenly screen, he sees victory over evil in the coming of Jesus Christ. Both his first and second comings to planet earth are pictured in the scene that now unfolds before John.

A Chosen People: (12:1-2)

   The woman (vs. 1) may be understood in the first layer of the word picture as representing the people of Israel. It was to be through the Jewish nation that God’s plan of salvation would be revealed. (Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3) Israel is several times referred to as a woman in travail. (vs. 2, cf. Isaiah 66:7-9, Micah 4:9-5:5)

    The young woman chosen to bear the Savior may also be seen in the word picture. (cf. Isaiah 7:14, 9:1-7)

A Usurper Appears: (12:3-6)

   Satan, here pictured as a dragon (cf. 1 Peter 5:8, Genesis 3:1, 14), stands ready to foil God’s plan by killing the savior at birth and ruling in his place. (vs. 2-4, cf. Matthew 2:1-18)

   Likewise, every new work of God is targeted by Satan for destruction even before it comes to birth. (cf. Luke 22:31, 1 Thessalonians 2:18)  

   But the Lord intervenes to deliver Messiah from Satan’s evil intent. (vs. 5, cf. Matthew 2:13-14)

   The nation of Israel too, remains under God’s protection, as her people are threatened on all sides with destruction. (vs. 6, cf. Isaiah 31:5, Zechariah 9:14-17, Ezekiel 36-37, Micah 5:2-5)

   All women bearing children may take comfort from this story of God’s care for his people. (1 Timothy 2:15)

Where It All Begins: (12:7)

   A battle is constantly raging in the unseen world where evil spirits led by Satan wage war on the heavenly beings serving the Lord. The conflicts which keep on breaking out all over the earth are but an extension of this war in the heavens. (cf. Daniel 10:12-13, 20-21, Ephesians 2:2, 6:12)

   It is also here that Satan is continually bringing accusations against the Lord’s people on earth. (referred to in vs. 10) Just as he tried to destroy the integrity of Job’s faith in God, and the priestly status of the high priest Joshua, he attempts to bring down all believers in the sight of God. (Job 1:6-11, 2:1-4, Zechariah 3:1-2)

Satan’s Ultimate Defeat: (12:8-9)

   Two scenes may be understood as being pictured here.

   There may be a flashback to the scene of Satan’s fall from his original position as a princely heavenly being to that of leader of the rebellion against God. (cf. Isaiah 14:12-15, Luke 10:18) He is no longer a ‘morning star’ but an imposter, masquerading now as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

   But the scene is certainly of Satan’s final defeat. The end of his deception draws near. (cf. Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10)

The Coming of the Lord Draws Near: (12:10-12)

    With one voice all of heaven proclaims that the time has come for Christ to establish his authority over all. (vs. 10)

   Satan is about to be sent on his way. No longer in heaven is he able to bring charges against the redeemed. (vs. 10, cf. Luke 10:18)  

   Satan is overcome in the acceptance by faith of the redemption Christ has paid for by his death and in the giving of testimony to that faith, even if it means martyrdom. (vs. 11, Romans 1:16, 10:6-13)

   The ending of Satan’s activity in the heavenly realms is cause for great rejoicing there. (vs. 12)

   But knowing that his time on earth is also short, Satan steps up his activities there. His rage knows no bounds as he continues to spread torment and suffering among those who make their living from the land and the sea. (vs. 12, cf. Revelation 8:13, 9:14)

Protection In Troubled Times: (12:13-17)

   Satan remains committed to the destruction of God’s people. His persecution of the Church is his way at getting at Christ. (vs. 13, cf. Acts 9:1-4)

   When trouble strikes there is always a place of refuge for believers. (vs. 14) The protective canopy is the Lord himself, carried as on the wings of an eagle. (Exodus 19:3-4, Deuteronomy 32:9-12, 33:26-27, Psalm 18:1-19, 36:5-7, Isaiah 4:2-6, 25:1-5)

   An outraged Satan, now pictured as a serpent (cf. Genesis 3:1-5) steps up his attack on God’s people. He attempts to sweep them away in the floods of persecution. (vs. 15)

   But the Lord protects his people as he did in David’s time. (vs. 16, cf. Psalm 32:6-8, 124, Isaiah 42:1-2)

   Satan’s fury knows no bounds as he relentlessly pursues his goal of destroying the Israel of God—both Jew and Gentile who make up the redeemed, the offspring, or ‘seed of the woman’ first referred to in Genesis 3:15. (vs. 17) Barclay[4]  makes this comment. "As John saw it, Satan cast down to earth is in his last terrible convulsion and that convulsion is going to involve the whole family of the Church in the agony of persecution."

Satan’s Desperate Last Stand: (13:1-18)

   As he takes up his position between land and sea Satan calls up two powerful helpers to join him in his final attempts to overthrow the Kingdom of God. (vs. 1)

   The first of these is an evil world ruler, a monster rising up from the sea of humanity. (vs. 1, cf. Daniel 9:26, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) This man …

     -         rules over a group of nations united in their rebellion against God—profanity and cursing is
       everywhere (vs. 1-2)
-         receives his power and authority from Satan himself (vs. 2)
-        helps in the reconstruction of a nation which appeared to have collapsed beyond any hope of
       recovery—ancient Babylon under the rule of an Iraqi dictator perhaps? (vs. 3)
-         draws people into the worship of Satan and himself (vs. 3-4; occult practices and Satan worship
       spreading throughout the world today are pointing to this time)
-         rules without restraint for 3½ years (vs. 5, cf. Daniel 7:25)
-         seems to be winning in his war against God and his people—his arrogance and blasphemy is
       terrible (vs. 6-7, cf. Daniel 11:36)

    Those who have rejected the salvation provided for them in Christ will have bowed to the rule of the Anti-Christ—the Man of Lawlessness—the World’s Evil Ruler. (vs. 8)

   But the redeemed, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, refuse to worship him, even though many are martyred during his reign of terror. (vs. 8, cf. Revelation 21:27, Philippians 4:3)

   The consequences of a decision not to bow before this evil world ruler must be carefully understood. (vs. 9)

   Those who remain faithful to the Lord are encouraged to know that the suffering brought about by their faithfulness has long been known to the him. And he will enable them to endure. (vs. 10, cf. Hebrews 10:32-39)

   Now Satan calls up the second of the two men he hopes will help him overthrow the Kingdom of God. He is the false prophet—a  man-wolf roaming the earth. (vs. 11) This person …

      -        appears to be as gentle as a lamb but in reality is a vicious wolf (vs. 11, cf. Matthew 7:15,
        Acts 20:28-29, Ezekiel 22:27-29)
-        takes his teaching from Satan himself (vs. 11, cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
-        supports the reign of the evil world ruler (vs. 12, cf. Matthew 24:23-25 where Jesus talks of false
        Christs and false prophets working together in the end times)
-         consolidates his power and deception in the religious world by his ability to perform eye catching
        miracles on behalf of the evil world ruler during this 3½ year period (vs. 13-14, cf. Revelation
        16:13-14, 19:20, 20:10 where these two persons are spoken of together)
-         attributes divinity to the evil world ruler (vs. 14)
-         calls on a demon to possess the lifeless statue and to speak with the voice of the evil world ruler (vs.
        15; this idol will fall at the coming of the Lord as did Dagon of old, 1 Samuel 5:1-4)
-         further consolidates his and the evil world ruler’s power by taking control of the world’s economic
        systems; no one is allowed to buy or sell unless they have a symbol engraved on their forehead or
        right hand to indicate their allegiance to the evil world ruler and false prophet; those who refuse
        the symbol face persecution and martyrdom (vs. 16-17, cf. Revelation 20:4)

    While its purpose is clearly stated, the exact nature of the symbol is not given. It is either a name or a number representing a name in which the numerical value or each letter adds up to six hundred and sixty six. (vs. 18)

   Barclay[5], Henry Morris[6], and Leon Morris[7] all give helpful summaries as to the suggestions that have been made down through the centuries as to the identity of the person represented by the numerical symbol.

   The deception is now moving to its climax as this trinity of evil—Satan, an evil world ruler, and the false prophet—take God’s place in people’s lives.

   But as John watches the scene unfolding before him on the heavenly screen, he sees that the Lord has the last word. Victory is with the Lamb.

The Redeemed Are With The Lord: (14:1)

   In contrast with those who carry the insignia of the false prophet and the evil world ruler, the redeemed bear the name of the Lord. From among every nation of the world they are now one in the Lord. (cf. Revelation 5:9-10, Galatians 6:16, Ephesians 2:8-18)

   The group is now complete as indicated by the number of completeness. (12² x 10² = 144,000)

   They are with the Lord in the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-24) and they will be with him on Mount Zion (the mountain on which Jerusalem is built) when he returns to planet earth. (1 Thessalonians 3:13, 4:14, Isaiah 2:1-5, cf. Acts 1:9-12)

All Of Heaven Rejoices: (14:2-5)

   The rapturous, exultant sound of the music carries across the heavens and the earth, booming like that of a roaring waterfall and crashing thunder, yet pleasant to the ears like the melodious sound of many harpists playing together in perfect harmony. (vs. 2, cf. Revelation 1:15, 6:1)

   The new song the redeemed are singing is meaningless to those who do not know the Lord. It is a new song given to the redeemed to praise the Lord for who he is and for their redemption. (vs. 3, cf. Psalm 33:1-3, 40:1-3, 96:1-2, 98:1-8, 144:9, 149:1-6, Isaiah 42:10-17)

   Their integrity is not the cause of their redemption. Their redemption is the cause of their integrity. It is the integrity …

      -         of sexual purity (vs. 4, cf. Matthew 5:8, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Philippians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11,
          1 John 3:1-3)
-         of those who walk closely with the Lord (vs. 4, cf. 1 Peter 2:21)
-         of those redeemed by acceptance of the sacrificial death of Christ (vs. 4, cf. 1 Peter 1:13-23)
-         of those whose lives are dedicated to the service of the Lord (vs. 4, cf. Romans 12:1-2)
-         of truthfulness (vs. 5, cf. Proverbs 12:17-22, 14:5, 25, Revelation 21:7-8)

   Some of God’s specially equipped couriers now carry his final message to the people of the world.

One Last Chance To Repent Is Offered: (14:6-7)

   A world wide proclamation of the Gospel is in progress. It is the only good news left for a world coming to its end. This Gospel is …

      -        the same good news announced by the apostles; its message is eternal (vs. 6, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11,
          Matthew 24:35)
-         a message of hope for all people (vs. 6)
-         a last call to repent and surrender to the Lord and creator of heaven and earth (vs. 7)
-         a final warning concerning the judgment about to fall (vs. 7)       

The Lifestyle That Excludes God Has Fallen: (14:8)

   The world-wide philosophical and religious systems which began in ancient Babylon (Genesis 10:8-12,   11:1-8) have now collapsed. (vs. 8, cf. Revelation 17-18, 19:1-3)

A World In Rebellion Must Face The Righteous Wrath of  God: (14:9-11)

   Those who submit to the world’s evil ruler and his false prophet (Revelation 13) must now drink the cup which, in one sense, they have poured for themselves. (vs. 9-11, cf. Psalm 75:7-10, Revelation 19:19-20, 20:10)

God’s People Are Encouraged To Patiently Endure: (14:12)

   They are those who remain faithful to him. (cf. 2 Timothy 2:12, Hebrews 12:1-13, Revelation 2:1-11)

The Lord Himself Now Speaks: (14:13)

   He promises eternal happiness to those who trust in him. This is one of the seven ‘beatitudes’ of the book. (cf. Revelation 1:3, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 14)

What People Have Sown Produces Its Own Harvest: (14:14-20)

   This is a principle stated many times in the Scriptures. (cf. Proverbs 22:8, Hosea 8:7, Galatians 6:7

   The Lord Jesus Christ returns for the harvest. (vs. 14)

   Three of God’s specially equipped servants come to help. (vs. 15-20) This word picture drawn of the harvest of judgment is presented many times in the Scriptures. (cf. Matthew 13:36-43, Revelation 19:15, Joel 3:12-16, Jeremiah 8:20)