Revelation 20

The drama reaches its peak: God's enemies face defeat and punishment in two episodes (Revelation 19:11–21; 20:7–10). Meanwhile, the faithful enjoy a 1,000-year resurrection (Revelation 20:1–6) followed by the final judgment (20:11–15).

Like the Old Testament angel of the LORD (see Genesis 16:7–11; 22:15; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22–34; Judges 2:1–4; 6:11–22), the angel coming down from heaven has God's authority. This is symbolized by the key that controls the bottomless pit and the power to chain God's great enemy (see Revelation 12:7–9) for a thousand years.

See the "The Thousand Years (The Millennium)" Theme Note.

This passage has three parts:

• the binding of Satan (Revelation 20:1–3),

• the reign of God’s holy people (Revelation 20:4–6), and

• Satan's release for a final battle attempt (Revelation 20:7–10).

Four themes emerge:

1. Satan's war is pointless—he cannot resist even an angel;

2. God’s holy people will be justified and honored;

3. God will achieve the final victory; and

4. even when sinful people experience Christ’s good purposes, they still follow Satan when he gains some freedom to act.

• This imprisonment, described as a bottomless pit (Abyss), represents an initial defeat for Satan and the forces of evil. Various New Testament passages explain how Christ's work impacts Satan (Luke 10:17–20; Acts 10:38; 26:18; Romans 16:20; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7; see Matthew 12:24; 16:19; 18:18; John 12:31; 1 John 3:8). Christ's presence with his followers restrains evil powers (see 2 Thessalonians 2:7), reminding persecuted Christians that they have a future with God.

• he could not deceive: Deception is the devil's hallmark, as he is a liar (see John 8:44; 1 John 3:8); no liar will enter heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15). Faithful believers who experience Christ's reign will not be deceived.

• The brief period of time might symbolize the three and a half years (see Revelation 11:2–3, 9–11; 12:14; 13:5)—it is a limited time.

• thrones, and those seated on them: This image of a heavenly court includes the elders (Revelation 4:4) on thrones (see Daniel 7:9–10), the victorious martyrs (see Daniel 7:22), and all of God's people.

• beheaded for … Jesus: Beheading was a common execution method for Roman citizens.

• The faithful who refused the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17) will judge the condemned (see 1 Corinthians 6:2–3) on thrones like those of the worshiping elders (see Revelation 4:10–11; 5:8–10; 11:16).

John compares the first resurrection with the second death (see Revelation 20:12–15; compare John 5:29).

Blessed: This fifth blessing in Revelation (see also Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 22:7, 14) highlights the promised reward of life. God's faithful people (Revelation 20:4) will reign with Christ as priests of God (see also 1:6; 5:10).

When Satan is free to act (Revelation 20:7), he still tries to deceive. He will gather a large army (compare Ezekiel 38–39) in a final attempt to defeat God's people (Revelation 20:9).

Satan's attempt to defeat God's people ends with his fiery destruction. This passage has two main purposes:

1. to demonstrate God's complete justice, as Satan and his followers deserve punishment and will not change; and

2. to highlight the corruption of those who follow Satan. Even after witnessing Christ's rule for many years, they still join Satan when he is released.

These reasons form the basis for the judgment at the great white throne (Revelation 20:11–15).

• Jewish traditions differ on where Gog and Magog are located. Symbolically, they are to the north (see Jeremiah 1:14–15), the direction from which enemies traditionally approached Megiddo and Jerusalem. The names represent nations and rulers from all over the earth that oppose God's people (see Ezekiel 38–39).

• to assemble them for battle: This repeats earlier scenes where God's enemies gather for battle (Revelation 16:16; 19:19). Here, Satan makes a final attempt to confront God and his forces.

No battle happens (see Revelation 16:16–21; 19:19–21) because fire from heaven comes down and consumes them, just like in Sodom (Genesis 19:24; see also 2 Kings 1:10–12; Ezekiel 38:22–23; 39:6). God's enemies cannot stand against him.

They will be tormented … forever: Rebellion against God has eternal consequences. Some find the idea of endless punishment disturbing, but Revelation and Scripture generally convey that God will deal strictly with sin and rebellion by those who reject Christ's saving work (see Matthew 13:42; 25:41–46; John 3:18, 36; Romans 2:7).

More than any other book in Scripture, Revelation shows that the unrepentant continue their rebellion despite the consequences (Revelation 9:20–21; 16:9–11; compare Luke 16:31). Revelation also highlights that God is just and deals with sin as it deserves.

This segment describes a court hearing where the dead are judged based on their actions. God responds to ongoing rebellion with eternal punishment.

• books were opened: See Psalm 56:8; Daniel 7:10.

• The Book of Life contains the names of faithful people who have experienced God's saving power (Malachi 3:16; see Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15). They are likely the same ones who experience the first resurrection (Revelation 20:5–6).

• the dead were judged: The works of both the redeemed and the unredeemed will be judged (see Revelation 22:12; Matthew 16:27; 25:31–46).

Hades: See study note on Revelation 6:7–8.

• The phrase Death and Hades refers to the reality of death, which is the last enemy God will destroy (see Revelation 21:4; 1 Corinthians 15:26).

• The lake of fire represents the terrible end for God's enemies who will not experience the first resurrection (see Revelation 20:5–6; compare Matthew 25:41; Luke 16:24; Jude 1:7).