Big Idea: God protects Jesus Christ and the messianic community against satanic attack.

Understanding the Text

As well as being the start of a new major section, Revelation 12 stands as the theological heart of the book because it shows why the church faces spiritual hostility in this world and how God provides the victory. Revelation 12:1–14:20 forms a grand interlude detailing the cosmic conflict between God and the forces of evil, as well as God’s vindication of his people and judgment of the unrighteous. In 12:1–13:18 we hear about the battle between the false trinity (Satan, sea beast, and earth beast) and the Triune God and his people. More specifically, chapter 12 consists of three scenes: the woman, the son, and the dragon (12:1–6), the war in heaven (12:7–12), and the war on ear…