Q&A: Revelation 10-14 the witnesses, mark of the beast 666, woman , child and dragon, the 144,000

1. What does the ‘little book’ represent in Revelation 10 ?

The “little book” held by the mighty angel in Revelation 10:2 symbolizes a message or prophecy John is meant to deliver. The angel commands John to eat it, making it “sweet as honey” in his mouth but “bitter” in his stomach (Revelation 10:9-10). This reflects the dual nature of God’s message: it brings joy to believers but also contains harsh truths and judgments.

2. Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11 , and what is their purpose?

The two witnesses in Revelation 11:3–12 represent faithful prophets or witnesses sent by God to testify and call people to repentance. They are given authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth as a sign of mourning. Many interpretations see them as symbolic of the church’s prophetic role or two specific figures representing the Law and the Prophets.

3. What powers do the two witnesses possess?

The witnesses possess powers similar to Old Testament prophets, such as Moses and Elijah. They can “shut heaven, that it rain not” (like Elijah), and turn water to blood or strike the earth with plagues (like Moses), as seen in Revelation 11:6. These powers emphasize their divine authority and mission.

4. What does the death and resurrection of the two witnesses symbolize?

The two witnesses are killed by the beast (Revelation 11:7), symbolizing the world’s rejection of God’s message. Their resurrection and ascension three days later signify God’s power to vindicate His faithful servants and His promise of victory over death, reassuring believers of ultimate triumph.

5. How is the city where the witnesses die described, and what does it represent?

Revelation 11:8 describes the city as “spiritually… Sodom and Egypt,” where the Lord was crucified, often interpreted as symbolic of earthly places of rebellion against God. This depiction emphasizes a world opposed to God’s authority, filled with spiritual corruption and hostility toward His people.

6. What happens when the seventh trumpet sounds?

When the seventh trumpet sounds (Revelation 11:15), voices in heaven declare, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.” This trumpet marks the end of earthly kingdoms and the establishment of God’s eternal reign, heralding divine judgment and fulfillment of God’s plan.

7. What is the significance of the temple of God opening in heaven?

In Revelation 11:19, the temple in heaven is opened, revealing the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s faithfulness to His covenant with His people. This vision reassures believers of God’s presence, His justice, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

8. Who is the woman in Revelation 12 , and what does she symbolize?

The woman represents God’s faithful people. In Revelation 12:1, she appears “clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars,” symbolizing Israel and, by extension, the church. The twelve stars often refer to the tribes of Israel, and her travail in giving birth reflects the persecution of God’s people throughout history, culminating in the birth of Jesus (KJV).

9. What is the significance of the dragon in Revelation 12 ?

The dragon is identified as Satan (Revelation 12:9), who seeks to devour the child born of the woman. This act signifies Satan’s continuous attempts to thwart God’s plan, including his opposition to Christ’s birth, ministry, and the ongoing spiritual warfare against the church.

10. Why is the number 666 important, and what does it symbolize?

The number 666, found in Revelation 13:18, is known as the “mark of the beast.” It represents humanity’s imperfection, falling short of God’s number (seven), which symbolizes completeness. This number has stirred debate, often seen as a code for evil or opposition to God, and warns against allegiance to worldly powers over God’s kingdom.

11. Who are the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 14 , and what is their role?

The 144,000, introduced in Revelation 7 and reappearing in Revelation 14:1-5, represent a remnant of faithful believers sealed by God. They are “redeemed from the earth,” signifying those preserved through tribulation and chosen to follow the Lamb (Jesus) and bear witness to God’s truth. The number symbolizes completeness, often interpreted as the whole community of God’s people.

12. What does it mean to receive the ‘seal of God’ versus the ‘mark of the beast’?

Receiving the “seal of God” (Revelation 7:3) implies belonging to God and being protected by Him. In contrast, the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:16-17) signifies allegiance to earthly, anti-God powers. This dichotomy highlights the choice between following God and succumbing to worldly pressures that oppose His commands.

13. What does the image of the beasts represent in Revelation 13 ?

The first beast (Revelation 13:1-10) represents a powerful political force or empire that blasphemes God and persecutes His people, while the second beast (Revelation 13:11-18) is a deceptive religious authority that promotes the worship of the first beast. Together, they symbolize a coalition of corrupt political and religious powers opposed to God’s kingdom.

14. How does the vision of the 144,000 on Mount Zion provide hope?

In Revelation 14:1, the 144,000 standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion symbolize ultimate victory and faithfulness. Despite trials, this vision assures believers that God’s people will triumph and reign with Christ, underscoring the promise of eternal security in God’s presence.

15. Why is Babylon’s fall in Revelation significant?

The fall of Babylon, first proclaimed in Revelation 14:8 and expanded in later chapters, symbolizes the end of corrupt worldly systems. Babylon represents moral decay and opposition to God, and its destruction affirms God’s justice, signaling the ultimate defeat of sin and evil.

16. What is the ‘everlasting gospel’ proclaimed by the angel in Revelation 14:6-7?

The “everlasting gospel” calls people to “fear God, and give glory to him” (Revelation 14:7). This message urges all to worship the Creator and prepare for His judgment, emphasizing repentance and reverence as central to God’s ultimate plan of redemption.

17. What does it mean for believers to ‘follow the Lamb wherever he goes’?

Revelation 14:4 describes the 144,000 as following the Lamb, indicating a life of obedience and discipleship. For believers, this means living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings and remaining steadfast in faith, regardless of worldly pressures or persecution.

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Detailed discussion of the topics in the book of revelation can be found in Sermon Series on Revelation and our Reveltaion Bible Study.