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Revelation 20

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1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time. 4 Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years. 7 When the thousand years are complete, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore. 9 And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them. 10 And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

‹ Chapter 19 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

Study Notes — Revelation 20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Revelation 20 begins with the binding of Satan for a thousand years, during which time Christ will reign on earth. The martyrs who were beheaded for their testimony will be resurrected and will reign with Christ. After the thousand years, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations, leading to a final battle. God will then judge the living and the dead, and those whose names are not in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. The chapter concludes with a description of the new heaven and the new earth, where God will dwell with His people forever. Key verses include Revelation 20:1-6, which describe the binding of Satan, and Revelation 20:11-15, which describe the final judgment.

Context for the Chapter

Revelation 20 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the end times and the return of Christ. This chapter follows the description of the fall of Babylon and the return of Christ in Revelation 19. The events described in this chapter are a fulfillment of God's promise to His people, and demonstrate His faithfulness and justice. The chapter also looks forward to the new heaven and the new earth, where God will dwell with His people forever, as described in Revelation 21-22.

Heart Application

As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, even in the face of persecution and death. We are also encouraged to look forward to the return of Christ and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom, where God's people will reign with Him. May we be faithful and obedient to God's will, and may we look forward to the day when Christ will return in glory.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter describes the future, where God will bind Satan and Christ will reign on earth. The people who were killed for their faith will come back to life and live with Christ for a thousand years. After that, God will judge everyone, and those who are not faithful to Him will be punished. We can look forward to living with God forever in a new heaven and a new earth, as described in Revelation 20:1-6 and Revelation 20:11-15.

Voices from the Church

“The binding of Satan is a glorious truth, and one that should fill our hearts with joy and praise. For it is a reminder that God is sovereign, and that He will ultimately triumph over all His enemies.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The reign of Christ is a time of great joy and prosperity for God's people. It is a time when the church will be triumphant, and when God's kingdom will be established on earth.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Binding of Satan (Revelation 20:1-3) — Satan is bound for a thousand years, limiting his power and influence during the Millennial Kingdom.
  2. The Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4-6) — Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years, bringing peace and prosperity to all nations.
  3. The Release of Satan (Revelation 20:7-10) — After the thousand years, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations, leading to a final battle.
  4. The Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) — God will judge the living and the dead, according to their works.
  5. The New Heaven and the New Earth (Revelation 20:1-22:5) — God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where He will dwell with His people forever.

Core Doctrines

The Millennium
This chapter teaches that the Millennium is a real, future event, where Christ will reign on earth and Satan will be bound. As described in Revelation 20:1-6, the Millennium will be a time of peace and prosperity for God's people.
The Final Judgment
This chapter teaches that the final judgment is a real event, where God will judge the living and the dead according to their works. As described in Revelation 20:11-15, the final judgment will be a time of reckoning for all people.
The Binding of Satan
This chapter teaches that Satan will be bound for a thousand years, limiting his power and influence during the Millennial Kingdom. As described in Revelation 20:1-3, the binding of Satan will be a time of great joy and praise for God's people.
The Reign of Christ
This chapter teaches that Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years, bringing peace and prosperity to all nations. As described in Revelation 20:4-6, the reign of Christ will be a time of great joy and celebration for God's people.

Lessons from Revelation 20

  1. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, even in the face of persecution and death. As described in Revelation 20:4, the martyrs who were faithful to the end will be resurrected and will reign with Christ.
  2. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, and how He is in control of all things. As described in Revelation 20:1-3, God will bind Satan and establish His kingdom on earth.
  3. The Triumph of Christ — This chapter teaches us about the triumph of Christ, and how He will ultimately defeat all His enemies. As described in Revelation 20:4-6, Christ will reign on earth and bring peace and prosperity to all nations.
  4. The Importance of Obedience — This chapter teaches us the importance of obedience to God's will, and how it will be rewarded in the end. As described in Revelation 20:11-15, God will judge the living and the dead according to their works.
  5. The Hope of the Future — This chapter teaches us about the hope of the future, and how we can look forward to living with God forever in a new heaven and a new earth. As described in Revelation 20:1-22:5, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where He will dwell with His people forever.

Themes from Revelation 20

  1. The Kingdom of God — This chapter teaches us about the kingdom of God, and how it will be established on earth. As described in Revelation 20:1-6, the kingdom of God will be a time of peace and prosperity for God's people.
  2. The Triumph of Christ — This chapter teaches us about the triumph of Christ, and how He will ultimately defeat all His enemies. As described in Revelation 20:4-6, Christ will reign on earth and bring peace and prosperity to all nations.
  3. The Final Judgment — This chapter teaches us about the final judgment, and how God will judge the living and the dead according to their works. As described in Revelation 20:11-15, the final judgment will be a time of reckoning for all people.
  4. The New Heaven and the New Earth — This chapter teaches us about the new heaven and the new earth, and how God will create a new heaven and a new earth where He will dwell with His people forever. As described in Revelation 20:1-22:5, the new heaven and the new earth will be a time of great joy and celebration for God's people.
  5. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, even in the face of persecution and death. As described in Revelation 20:4, the martyrs who were faithful to the end will be resurrected and will reign with Christ.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the binding of Satan mean for God's people, and how does it relate to the Millennium?
  2. How does the reign of Christ bring peace and prosperity to all nations, and what does this mean for our lives today?
  3. What is the significance of the final judgment, and how should it motivate us to live our lives in obedience to God?
  4. How does the new heaven and the new earth relate to our hope for the future, and what does it mean for our lives today?
  5. What does this chapter teach us about God's sovereignty and power, and how should it impact our lives and worship?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Binding of Satan (Revelation 20:1-3)

20:1 An angel comes down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
20:2 He lays hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and binds him a thousand years.

2. The Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4-6)

20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

3. The Release of Satan (Revelation 20:7-10)

20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

4. The Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)

20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Millennium, and how does it relate to the binding of Satan?

The Millennium is a real, future event, where Christ will reign on earth and Satan will be bound. As described in Revelation 20:1-6, the Millennium will be a time of peace and prosperity for God's people. The binding of Satan is a key event in the Millennium, as it limits his power and influence during this time.

What is the final judgment, and how will it be carried out?

The final judgment is a real event, where God will judge the living and the dead according to their works. As described in Revelation 20:11-15, the final judgment will be a time of reckoning for all people, and will be carried out by God Himself.

What is the new heaven and the new earth, and how does it relate to God's people?

The new heaven and the new earth is a future event, where God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and will dwell with His people forever. As described in Revelation 20:1-22:5, the new heaven and the new earth will be a time of great joy and celebration for God's people, and will be the final destination for all those who are faithful to Christ.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Revelation 20:1 → Isaiah 24:22 The binding of Satan is similar to the binding of the wicked in Isaiah 24:22, where God will punish the wicked and reward the righteous.
2 Revelation 20:4 → Daniel 7:9 The reign of Christ is similar to the vision of Daniel 7:9, where the Son of Man comes to the Ancient of Days and is given dominion and glory.
3 Revelation 20:11 → Psalm 96:13 The final judgment is similar to the judgment described in Psalm 96:13, where God will come to judge the earth and all its inhabitants.
4 Revelation 20:12 → Matthew 25:31-46 The final judgment is similar to the judgment described in Matthew 25:31-46, where the sheep and the goats are separated and judged according to their works.
5 Revelation 20:1-6 → Ezekiel 37:21-28 The reign of Christ is similar to the vision of Ezekiel 37:21-28, where God will gather His people and establish them in the land, and will give them a new heart and a new spirit.
6 Revelation 20:7-10 → 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 The release of Satan is similar to the man of sin described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, who will be revealed before the day of the Lord and will lead many astray.
7 Revelation 20:11-15 → Romans 14:10-12 The final judgment is similar to the judgment described in Romans 14:10-12, where every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
8 Revelation 20:1-22:5 → Isaiah 65:17-25 The new heaven and the new earth is similar to the vision of Isaiah 65:17-25, where God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and will dwell with His people forever.
9 Revelation 20:4 → 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 The reign of Christ is similar to the resurrection described in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, where Christ will reign until all His enemies are under His feet.
10 Revelation 20:12 → Hebrews 9:27 The final judgment is similar to the judgment described in Hebrews 9:27, where every man will be judged according to his works, and will face the consequences of his actions.

Sermons on Revelation 20

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Judgment Seat of Christ by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its message that these events would come to pass shortly. He then shares a story about a preacher who c
Leonard Ravenhill "A Million Roads Into Hell" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the eternal consequences of not choosing salvation through Jesus Christ, highlighting the stark contrast between the eternal joy of heaven and the despair of
Andrew Strom Are You Walking in Romans 8? by Andrew Strom In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about Charles Finney, a preacher who had a profound impact on people's lives. Finney's presence alone caused a cotton factory fu
Leonard Ravenhill Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from
Leonard Ravenhill Judgement Seat - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the gravity of the Judgment Seat of Christ, highlighting the finality of judgment for both the righteous and the unrighteous. He describes the book of
A.W. Tozer (Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th
David Pawson (Revelation) 09 Revelation 20 - the Millennium by David Pawson In this sermon, the speaker shares about his experiences preaching to prisoners for several hours at a time. He tells the prisoners that if they remain faithful to Jesus and overco
David Wilkerson Hell - Part 2 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not neglecting salvation. He highlights how people often neglect prayer and the word of God, instead spending their time o
Derek Prince At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite
Paul Washer Did You Know That You're in the Bible? by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of our thoughts, deeds, and words. He highlights the idea that if our lives were exposed fo

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 20

In this chapter, we see the binding of Satan, the reign of Christ, and the final judgment. The binding of Satan is a glorious truth, and one that should fill our hearts with joy and praise. For it is a reminder that God is sovereign, and that He will ultimately triumph over all His enemies. The reign of Christ is a time of great joy and prosperity for God's people, and will be a fulfillment of God's promise to His people. The final judgment is a solemn reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of the consequences of rejecting Him. As we read this chapter, may we be encouraged to remain faithful to Christ, and to look forward to the day when He will return in glory. May we also be reminded of the importance of obedience to God's will, and of the reward that awaits those who are faithful to the end. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Binding of Satan

We notice that Satan is bound for a thousand years, limiting his power and influence during the Millennial Kingdom. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over all creation.

The Reign of Christ

We observe that Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years, bringing peace and prosperity to all nations. This is a fulfillment of God's promise to His people.

The Final Judgment

We see that God will judge the living and the dead, according to their works. This is a reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.

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