Revelation 20

Chapter 20 begins the last of John’s visions. Chapter 20 is one of three parts of Revelation that are the most frequently misunderstood (chapters 13 & 17 are the other two) However, as we have seen before, if we remember that we are reading apocalyptic, symbolic literature that was never intended to be taken literally we will understand John’s purpose. Revelation is not a series of events, one following another. Each vision or scene can be understood without having to connect it with the scene preceding or following.

The most common interpretations of this chapter teach that Jesus returns, binds Satan, and rules on earth with believers for 1,000 years. Then Satan is released, there is a final battle which ends human history. At last there is a final judgment with all people receiving their just due. There are many problems with this interpretation. First, it is an angel not Jesus that binds Satan. Second, the scene is played out in heaven, not earth. Then there is the 1,000 year period.

Much confusion comes from how the 1,000 year period is interpreted. When it is interpreted as a literal period of 1,000 years then all sorts of pre-millennium and post-millennium theories can be conjured up. But, 1,000 is a multiple of 10 which in apocalyptic writings connotes complete or inclusive. As used in chapter 20 the 1,000 year period means that Satan is completely bound and the martyrs are completely secure in heaven. In the Greek language John used, the 1,000 year period does not come to a literal ending. Rather, the tense suggests that it is the complete and faithful witness of the Christian community that keeps Satan contained. When the faithful fall away from their allegiance to God, Satan is released again to deceive the world.

In the Book of Ezekiel the names Gog and Magog refer to Babylon’s persecution of Israel, and in Revelation it is clear that John is again referring to the new Babylon, Rome the persecutor of the Christians.

John points to an ultimate and final judgment where all people will be judged on the basis of their allegiance to God or to evil. John shows that while all people will die, not all people will experience a second death. By second death he means an eternal separation from the goodness of God.

What does today’s reading

reveal to you about God?

What does it reveal to you about yourself?

Think about what God wants you to do

or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change

anything in your life?

18-Oct-11     Rev. 21