Revelation 12-15 is a major section of the book patterned in the same style as the other three sets of seven in the book (seals, trumpets and bowls). Each unit begins with “and I saw” (καί εἶδον). The seven units have the same 4 + 2 + 1 pattern with a brief interlude between the sixth and seventh unit. The larger section is framed by the word “sign” (σημεῖον) in 12:1, 3 and 15:2. Revelation 11:19 refers to the opening of the doors of the temple, Revelation 15:5-8 refer to the opening of the sanctuary of the tent in heaven.
Opening of the doors of the heavenly temple (11:19)
- 12:1-18 The War of the Dragon (vs. 1, 3 a great sign, σημεῖον)
- 13:1-11 The First Beast, from the Sea (καί εἶδον)
- 13:11-18 The Second Beast, from the Earth (καί εἶδον)
- 14:1-5 The Lamb and the 144,000 (καί εἶδον)
- 14:6-13 The Three Angels (καί εἶδον)
- 14:14-20 The Son of Man’s Harvest of the Earth (καί εἶδον)
- (Interlude: 15:1, introduction of the seven vials)
- 15:2-4 The Saint’s Victory over the Beast (καί εἶδον; 15:2, third sign, σημεῖον)
Opening of the sanctuary of the tent in heaven (15:5-8)
This outline is drawn from Greg Beale’s commentary, although I have added the opening of the two heavenly sanctuaries. Craig Koester also considers 11:19-15:4 as a unit describing “the conflict between the Creator and the destroyers of the earth” (Revelation, AB, 523).
Some commentators group chapter 15 with chapter 16 since the pouring of the bowls is introduced in 15:1 and executed in chapter 16. Buist, for example, calls Revelation 12:1-14:20 “Two further interludes” (Revelation, 402). Osborne specifically rejects Beale’s suggestion, observing the phrase “and I saw” (καί εἶδον) is a general formula used often in the book. For Osborne, 15:1-8 parallels the introduction to the trumpets in Revelation 8:2-5 (Revelation, 452, n. 1). Massyngberde Ford takes 11:6-19 as an introduction to seven signs in 12:1-14:20 (the woman, the dragon, the beast of the sea, the beast of the earth, the lamb and virgins, the seven angels (Revelation, AB, 194). For each of her septets, the seventh contains the next set so there are really only six signs.
Regardless of the boundaries and structure of the unit, the main theme of Revelation 12-15 is the source of evil that is tormenting the God’s people. This is the first time John reveals explicitly who is behind the persecution: “that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan” (12:9).
In addition, the nature of the persecution God’s people must endure intensifies. Prior to Revelation 12 demonic activity was implied (6:8 and 9:11), but the devil himself was never mentioned. Revelation 11:7 mentions the beast for the first time, but who or what the beast refers to is not developed until Revelation 13. Those who choose to follow this beast (and receive his mark) will “drink the wine of God’s wrath” (Rev 14:10). Those who refuse the beast’s mark will no longer be able to buy or sell (13:17) and those who are marked by God (14:1) will face persecution and death (13:7). But “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on” (Rev 14:13).
From now on? That would be 41 A.D. to May 19, 2020 A.D. Hmmmm. Something’s wrong here.
Woodrow Nichols
antinomianuniversalism.com
From now on in the book of Revelation. Sorry I was unlcear, I may edit the post. Also, as you know, Revelation was written closer to AD 90.
I don’t believe the majority of scholars. I let the common sense of the prophecies as they relate to current events. The events of that time are substantial. Caligula ordering Agrippa I to build a giant statue of himself and place it in the holy of holies. The Beast from the Sea, Caligula, and the Beast from the earth, Agrippa I. The Anchor Bible Commentary by J..Massygberde Ford places its origin to the time of the Baptist. She also agrees that the Whore of Babylon is the Temple in Jerusalem, not Rome. Thanks for answering.
Woodrow Nichols
antinomianuniversalism. com
I have a new article I”m posting on my website. Give me your personal email and I will send you a copy. It has my testimony in it.
I (resurrection/second beast/scapegoat) was Hitler (sacrifice made to be sin/first beast-red dragon/sacrificial lamb)
This blog post does a great job of talking about Revelation 12-15 and diving into the main part of the matter. It provides an understanding of the passage’s themes. It is really interesting to see how this unfolds, it reveals the identity of the dragon as the ancient serpent, the devil, and Satan himself. This idea adds depth to spiritual conflict that emphasizes the weight of persecution faced by God’s people. I enjoy how the blog post provides different perspectives on the structure of the passage, mainly the debate that surrounds whether Revelation 15 should be grouped with Chapter 16. I think that it is important to bring up the relevance of the messages in Revelation, mainly in our current context where many believers still face persecution and spiritual warfare. As we reflect on these truths, we should feel encouraged by the victory of the Lamb over the many dark forces. We should hold onto the promise of blessing for those people who continue to remain faithful to God.
The main theme of this passage is that of the evil that has plagued our land and is torturing the believers on Earth. I find it interesting that at this point in Revelation John finally reveals (and this is seemingly the first time it is revealed to him) who the actuarial person or being behind the persecution is. He explains that the person behind this is the serpent who is called Satan! Other times there are names or titles given to these mysterious beings, until now. Throughout the book of Revelation, there are themes of these people who follow God, to endure persecution. Its always interesting to see what the significance is of naming an entity explicitly rather than some implicit meaning behind it. When we decide to follow this beast, later developed and named in revelation 13, we are marked by God and sentenced to death. I believe this is why the name and understanding of what you are following is so important.
This blog post does a really good job of giving good analysis of the main themes of Revelation 12-15. Highlighting the significance of the “war of the Dragon”. One thing that stood out to me was how the devil was never really mentioned and that it was just implied that Satan was behind the evil but, as stated in the post we say it clearly stated in revelation 12:9 “hat ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan”. This was something that I had never really thought that the devil to the people living through these times and to who the some of the authors of the Bible were writing to might not of heard the devil being the source of evil and that it could be completely new to them.
Revelation 12-15, with its strong structuring and recurring patterns, it presents a strong picture of divine revelation, unveiling the cosmic conflict between good and evil. Anchored by the thematic framework of “signs” and the repeated motif of “and I saw,” this section plunges the reader into a narrative where celestial visions and earthly realities converge. Greg Beale’s outlined pattern, echoed by Craig Koester, meticulously guides us through a series of interconnected episodes, each unveiling a layer of the eschatological drama. The opening of heavenly sanctuaries serves as a portal to the unfolding cosmic drama, while the interlude between the sixth and seventh units heightens the suspense, akin to a crescendo before the climax. Throughout this celestial theater, the source of evil is unmasked, the ancient serpent, the devil, and Satan himself. John’s revelation pierces through the veils of allegory, illuminating the true adversary behind the persecutions faced by God’s people. The intensifying nature of persecution underscores the stakes at hand, as followers face the dire consequences of allegiance, either to the Lamb or the beast. Even with the turmoil, there is a big reassurance, the blessedness of those who remain steadfast in their faith, even unto death. Revelation 12-15 serves not only as a chronicle of cosmic upheaval, but as a testament to the enduring faith and ultimate victory of God’s people amidst the throes of adversity.