Revelation 12

Hi Pastor John.

In Revelation 12, it looks as if the dragon and one third of the stars were cast out of heaven before Jesus’ birth.  Then, it kind of reads as though it was after Jesus’ resurrection.  Is Revelation 12 in the correct sequence, or is it going back and forth?

Thanks,

Billy

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Hi, Billy!

Here is the section in Revelation to which you are referring:

Revelation 12

3. And another sign was seen in heaven, and behold, a great, fiery-red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he could devour her child.
5. And she bore a male child who is to rule all nations with an iron rod, and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 

          (par)

7. And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels warring against the dragon, and the dragon waging war, and his angels.
8. But he did not prevail, neither was there place found for him in heaven any longer.
9. And the great dragon was cast out, the ancient serpent, who is called the Accuser, and Satan, who deceives the whole world.  He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

 

In this chapter, it was revealed to John that Satan was cast out of the kingdom of God after the resurrection and ascension of God’s Son, Jesus. The fact that John mentions that event in verse 4, before he speaks of Jesus’ ascension into heaven does not mean that the event took place before the ascension.

Hope that helps.

Pastor John