v. 1-3 – Satan Bound – John’s focus now shifts from the beast to the beast’s master – Satan himself.  He is bound by an angel and imprisoned in the bottomless pit for 1000 years. 

3 views – pre-millennialism – post-millennialism – a-millennialism 

Pre - - Jesus’ return before the millennial 1000 year reign (rapture – 2 resurrections)

Post - - Jesus’ return after the millennial 1000 year reign

A - - totally symbolic – no return – no real 1000 year reign –

Aligns somewhat with traditional Jewish belief –

Scripture says one day is like 1000 years – (Ps. 90:4; 2 Pet. 3:8) – human history

Creation – day 1-6 – everything created – human existence – 6000 years

Day 7 – Sabbath – 1000 years - - not too good of a theory – no mention of Messiah

1000 year reign of martyrs?  -  Behind the scenes view?

- Martyrs reigning and Satan bound – not what it seems

- Apparent defeat of martyrs – but – really their triumph.

 

v. 1 – John sees an angel – from heaven – his point – not God – not Jesus – an angel

“an angel” – an unnamed angel – binds Satan – not so powerful after all

“The key of the abyss and a great chain” – clearly symbolic… no key could loc the abyss – no chain could restrain Satan – He is a spirit and not contained by human restraints.

The angel has authority over the abyss – as if with chains and a key.

 

v. 2 – Satan – given four titles we know from the past – the “dragon, serpent, devil, Satan”

- 1000 years =10³ = completion = Satan bound for the complete time God has determined.

 

v. 3 – Satan is locked up (Is. 24:22) so that he will not deceive (not as punishment) the nations for 1000 years.  John writes with a capacity to see things one at a time.  To John, any evil act or the authority to commit it – is given by God…

The End is in God’s control – not Satan’s (Satan doesn’t have a free hand in this).

Satan cannot destroy the church – in fact – he cannot even destroy the martyrs (who were killed already) because they will reign with Christ – for 1000 years.

Satan will be released for a short time again – to spur on THE END!

What nations?  Previous mention of nations being destroyed!  Those associated with the beast and false prophet – BUT – here with the dragon (Satan).

 

v. 4-6 – The first resurrection – We expect the reign of Christ but we get the reign of His people – the martyrs.

 

v. 4 – Thrones – (Dan. 7:9) – in heaven?  Most common in Rev. (except Satan & the beast)

Martyrs – reigning – on the thrones – could be and makes sense.

Authority To Judge – justice was done – passion for justice throughout Revelation.

Souls – not bodies?  Temporary state?   Final resurrection state to come!

Beheaded – “executed” – at that time, beheaded with an axe

Positive things – for the testimony of Jesus – for the Word of God

Negative things – didn’t take the mark, didn’t worship the beast or his image.

Came to Life – or “lived” – not the usual word for resurrection – Martyrs though slain in disgrace and humility on earth, live to reign with Christ in heaven!  They gained royalty and triumph.

 

v. 5 – Martyrs lived first – others must wait till after 1000 years – John doesn’t mention a second resurrection – so First Resurrection could pertain to the first group to be resurrected (the martyrs).

 

v. 6 – Those who are part of this first resurrection are Blessed indeed.

            1 – Second death has no power over them

            2 – Priests of God and of Christ (close connection – God/Christ)

            3 – Reign with Him (singular) for 1000 years