THE SEVEN PERSONAGES OF REVELATION PDF Free Download
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LESSON FOUR
THE SEVEN PERSONAGES OF
REVELATION
TEXT: Revelation Chapters Eleven and Twelve.
A. THE MIDDLE OF THE TRIBULATION:
Chapter 11, 12 & 13 are parenthetical chapters to explain further the happenings during the first
half of the tribulation, and to explain what will happen during the last 3 1/2 years.
With the blowing of the seventh trumpet we have reached the middle of the Tribulation period
(Revelation 11:15).
B. THE KEY VERSE OF REVELATION:
The Key Verse of this wonderful book is the following verse: "The kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever"
(Revelations 11:15).
Although the fact of Christ taking control of the kingdoms of this world would not take place
for another 3 1/2 years, yet the pronouncement is made here as though it already had taken
place. At the darkest moment of Israel's history when the Beast was assuming power, the end
result was being announced. The final result is not in doubt. Jesus is the Conquering King and
He shall reign forever and ever.
C. SEVEN PERSONAGES OF REVELATION:
Here in the account of the events, which take place in the middle of the Tribulation, we are
introduced to seven personages. Each of these characters takes a very significant part in the
history of Israel at this time. These personages are 1) Two witnesses; 2) The Red Dragon; 3)
The Women clothed with the Sun; 4) The Man-Child; and 5) The Two Beasts.
The two Beasts will be studied in another lesson. The first five personages will be studied in
this lesson.
D. THE TWO TEMPLES:
Chapter eleven begins with a statement regarding the temple, which is to be rebuilt upon earth in
Jerusalem. The location of this temple is definitely known because it is the holy city, which will
be trodden under foot for forty-two months. At the close of the chapter is one statement
regarding the temple in heaven.
In the middle of the tribulation the temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem. In that temple the
Antichrist will appear and claim the right to be worshipped. "Who opposeth and exalteth
himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the
temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" (II Thessalonians 2:4).
This is the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel (Daniel 9:2). The religious system of
the man of sin will be connected with the temple in Jerusalem.
The eleventh chapter closes with the statement that the temple of God was opened in Heaven.
The significant thing to be noted here is that the ark of his testament is seen. This speaks of
God's covenant with Israel in the midst of a judgment scene described as lightnings, voices,
thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. The judgment will come but Israel will be saved.
D. THE TWO WITNESSES:
During the first half of the Tribulation two supernatural beings will appear upon the earth.
They are two persons who speak and preach God's message. They wear sackcloth, which
declare the need for repentance. After they were killed by the beast people rejoiced and sent
gifts because they claimed that these two witnesses had tormented them. The preaching of these
witnesses brought condemnation and conviction upon the world. This condemnation tormented
them. The same thing is true today. Those who are brought under condemnation hate
preachers of righteousness. This can bring torment to Christ's rejecters and the disobedient.
They are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before God prophesied by
Zechariah (Zechariah 4:2-3). These two witnesses have great power. They can spit fire and kill
their enemies. They have the power to stop rain and send plagues.
After they preach for 3 1/2 years, they are slain by the beast. However, it should be noted that
they were slain only after they had finished their testimony. They could not be killed before
their work was done. Their bodies lay in the street of Jerusalem for 3 1/2 days and the
authorities refused to permit their bodies to be buried. The whole world saw their corpses lying
in the street and rejoiced. After 3 1/2 days a great miracle took place. Life entered their bodies.
A voice was heard saying to them, "Come up hither" and they ascended into heaven in a cloud.
At the same time there was an earthquake which slew 7,000 men.
Who are these two witnesses?
Most Bible students agree that one of them is Elijah. The reasons for this opinion are:
1. Elijah did not experience physical death (II Kings 2:9-11);
2. It is foretold in Malachi that Elijah would appear on earth to prepare the way of the Lord's
Second Advent;
3. The witnesses are given the power to perform the same miracle that Elijah performed that of
withholding rain.
The identity of the other witness is more difficult to determine. The choice is between Enoch
and Moses. The writer is inclined to believe that he is Moses. Moses appeared on the Mount
of Transfiguration with Elijah. Moses manifested power in Egypt to turn the water into blood.
He also represents the law while Elijah represents the prophets. At any rate God will reveal his
identity when the time comes.
THE WRITER'S COMMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR DISCUSSION:
1. The fact that the whole world will be able to see the bodies of the witnesses lying in the
street of Jerusalem certainly foretells modern international television. It is through this
means that the bodies may be seen by the whole world.
2. It is the opinion of the writer that it is through the ministry of these supernatural
witnesses that the 144,000 are converted and sealed.
E. THE GREAT RED DRAGON: (Revelation 12:1-17).
The word "wonder" meaning "sign" or "symbol" is used for the first time in Revelation in
chapter twelve. The second sign in this chapter is the great red dragon (verse 3).
He is the devil. His seven heads and ten horns identify him with his representative, the Beast.
He hates the woman clothed with the sun and does his utmost to destroy her child. His
character is described by the names given to him: 1) Verse 3 - great old dragon, 2) Verse 9 - the
old serpent, the devil, Satan (which means "adversary") and 3) Verse 10 - the accuser of our
brethren.
In the original fall of Satan (Isaiah 14) he brought rebellion into the presence of God and
induced one-third of the angels to fall with him. This is the explanation of verse four "… the
third part of the stars of heaven…" The original expulsion of Satan was not a final overthrow,
for although his forces have been limited to the atmospheric heaven around the earth, Satan
himself still has had access to the throne of God to accuse the brethren (Verse 10). One of the
best known instances of this is recorded in Job when he accused Job (Job 1:6-12).
Here in the middle of the Tribulation he loses this privilege and is thrown out of heaven. The
devil and his angels fought but Michael prevailed. At this time a woe is pronounced upon all
who dwell upon the earth for the devil knows that he has but a short time (Revelation 12:12).
The devil is extremely angry and directs his wrath against the nation of Israel.
F. THE WOMAN: (Revelation 12:1).
The first wonder is chapter twelve is a woman clothed with the sun. This is the nation of Israel.
The twelve stars refer to the twelve tribes. The sun and moon would refer back to Joseph's
dream.
Throughout the years of Jewish history, the Jews have looked for the coming of the Messiah.
Although the man-child (man son) was born at Bethlehem yet she is still travailing. She is in
intense pain waiting to be delivered. She can only be relieved of this travail when she accepts
her Savior to whom she gave birth two millennia ago.
The vision of Satan standing before the woman ready to kill her child refers to the attitude of
Satan ever since Genesis 3:15. The promise was given to the world that deliverance would
come through the seed of the woman. Satan initiated the conflict of the ages attempting to
stamp out the seed of the woman from Genesis to Revelation. From the murder of Abel, to
Herod's decree to kill the babies, to Armageddon, the attempt to destroy the seed of the woman
has continued.
During the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation there will be the most intense anti-Semitism
crusade of all history. Throughout this persecution God will protect Israel supernaturally. In
spite of Satan's hatred and wrath directed against God's chosen people, there will come a revival
to Israel at this time. The term "remnant of her seed" denotes the last generation of Jews living
during the Tribulation. This remnant will turn to God in complete obedience. It is written
regarding them (Revelation 12:17): 1) they keep the commandment of God; and 2) they have
the testimony of Jesus Christ.
G. THE MAN CHILD:
This certainly is Jesus Christ who is identified in verse five by the clause, "who was to rule all
nations with a rod of iron."
The Greek text helps us here. The Greek words "arsen huion" are used here which means a
"male son." The man-child is singular in number. He is literally to be a male, and also literally
to be a son.
The dragon was ready to destroy Him at His birth and never ceased this attempt until our Lord's
ascension.
At this time he no longer can attack the "male son." However, his wrath will continue to be
directed against the woman who gave birth to the male son.
H. VICTORY OVER THE ACCUSER: (Revelation 12:11).
The remnant of Israel who will turn to Jesus Christ during this time of intense persecution will
have victory over the adversary by the following means: 1) By the blood of the Lamb; 2) By the
word of their testimony; and 3) They loved not their lives unto death.
This is the secret of victory, not only during the Tribulation, but also in this Church age. The
saints of all ages have overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their
testimony.
LESSON FOUR
SELF HELP TEST
SELF HELP TEST
A. What is the key verse of Revelation?
B. Clearly explain the meaning of this verse.
C. Name without looking at your notes the seven personages of Revelation.
D. Describe fully the ministry of the two witnesses.
E. Who were these two witnesses?
F. How was it that the beast was able to kill them?
G. Where might we find television in the Scriptures?
H. Explain how we know the woman clothed with the sun is Israel.
I. Identify the "man child."
J. What is your reason for believing this?
