Revelation 20:1-3 Satan bound

Question

I don’t see anywhere else in scripture that there will be a 1000-year earthly kingdom where Christ reigns except in Revelation 20:4.

So why is Satan bound, if the world from the last bowl judgment is destroyed the earth completely? I realize that this book is not in chronological order. But nowhere in the Gospels or OT ever mentioned Satan being bound for a short period of time.

Revelation 20:1-4 (NASB)

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. ² And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; ³ and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

⁴ Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Answer 1

There seems to be two related issues raised with this question; a reason for Satan being bound, and when this happens. The reason is given in the text in question. Verse 3 clearly says:

"And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." Revelation 20:2 A.V.

That answers the first part of the OPs question, "So why is Satan bound...?" He is bound in order to stop deceiving the nations as he had been doing, prior to being bound for "a thousand years" in the bottomless pit.

But the second part of the OPs question shows why there seems to be a problem, "...if the world from the last bowl judgment is [sic. - has] destroyed the earth completely?" Ah, well, if that is a misunderstanding about sequence of events, that would need to be cleared up. The OP knows that the Revelation is not in chronological order, so this is where two things Jesus said might help bring clarity.

"And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his goods." Mark 3:26-27 A.V.

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10:17-18 A.V.

Does that not link in with Revelation 12:7-17 when, after the symbolic woman births the male child, Satan's attempt to destroy this one (Jesus Christ, surely?) fails due to the archangel Michael casting Satan, "who deceives the whole earth" (vs.9) down to Earth. Verse 12 adds that Satan knows he then has "but a short time", and wages war against the remnant of the woman's seed (vs. 17). Satan is greatly restricted and confined, yet is able to orchestrate persecution against those who "keep the commandments of God" on Earth. This happens before the final Day of Judgment with its resurrection of all the dead.

This also links in with Revelation 20:1-3. They are not separate events and different times, for the Revelation keeps repeating the sequence of events starting with Christ returning in glory to heaven, to be enthroned there, till the Day of Judgment. Chapter 12 begins the 4th repeating sequence of this (adding more details to what was stated before), and chapter 20 starts the 7th repeating sequence. This enables a build-up of understanding, more details being added to what has already been revealed. This is explained in this book:

"The seventh and last opening brings the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to a perfect consummation. Beginning at chapter 22, this breathtaking series of visions - each in itself astounding - as a whole overwhelms the reader. There passes before the eye the prophetic sequence of the judgment of the dragon; the first resurrection; the Last Judgment, the passing away of the earth and of the heaven; the second death; the bringing in of a new heaven and a new earth; the revelation of the holy city; and the vision of the everlasting glory...

The first two verses show the commencement of the thousand years; verses 3-6 narrate the continuation of the thousand years; and verses 7-10 declare the conclusion of the thousand years. The final verses, 11-15, depict the Last Judgment at the end of the world." The Revelation of Jesus Christ, pp/535-6, John Metcalfe (published 1998) http://www.johnmetcalfepublishingtrust.co.uk/contact_us.htm for details of the 2022 reprint.

Then it explains why the thousand years cannot be taken as a literal number; it is symbolic of the whole time from Christ's glorious ascension to heaven until his return. That fits in with what Jesus said in the verses quoted above.

"...are we asked to believe by those who take such numbers literally, in realms and dispensations beyond known time, invented by premillennialists and dispensationalists for the purpose of rationalizing the irrational, that the thousand years of Revelation 20:2 is a cold, factual measure of time? But we had been told by the Holy Ghost 'that there should be time no longer.' Chapter 10:6. If so, how can a period subsequent to the cessation of time be measured by a period dependent upon its existence.

Not to say that in the old testament the only intimation of a thousand years belongs within the compass of time, Psalm 90:4, and in the new, other than Revelation 20, the sole reference to a thousand years of time is applied by the apostle Peter [2 Peter 3:8] prior to the second coming of Christ and the dissolution of the heavens and the earth." (Ibid. p537)

Revelation 20:1-2 is taken to mean the commencement of the (non-literal) thousand years, chapter 12 being examined to show that the dragon was defeated, and cast out of heaven following the birth and ascension of Jesus Christ:

"This was at the present age, after Christ, made of a woman, made under the law, came to 'redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons', Galatians 4:4,5. This was when Christ blotted out 'the hand-writing of ordinances that was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers', that is, by casting them out of heaven - 'he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it' - namely, in the cross - see Colossians 2:13-15.

This answers to that which is written, 'Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage', Hebrews 2:14,15. This destruction of the devil, casting him powerless out of heaven - as it were, bound - took place because through death Christ delivered his people from the law and its curse, robbing the accuser of the brethren not only of the strength of his legal case, but also of any lawful right to make a case at all. Why? Because deliverance from the law took the accused out of the courtroom for ever. Thus Christ fought against the accuser, prevailed over him, cast him out of heaven, and brought him down to earth. This was the position in which the dragon was seen at the close of Chapter 12." (Ibid.) p.539

This lengthy sequence of quotes has been necessary to clear up the second part of the OPs question. Conclusion: Satan is confined, bound, from Christ's ascension until a short time before Christ returns, so that Satan then has another go at deceiving the nations. But as Revelation 20:10-15 shows, Satan and his minions are cast into the eternally burning lake of fire and brimstone, followed by the Last Judgment, where his earthly followers are judged and join them. After that comes the new heaven and the new earth (21:1 on).

Answer 2

My take on Satan's role in Revelation is that he acts as the promoter of persecution.

This is explained in ch12 and ch13.He has been functioning as the Accuser of men's sins (see Job ch1, see Zechariah ch3 v1). But in Revelation ch12 he has been "thrown down" as an accuser (v10), and this has been accomplished by the atonement on the Cross and by the gospel message of forgiveness (v11). He feels wrath (v12) at the loss of his accusing function, and he tries to get his revenge by accusing Christians in front of human authorities instead. The tribulation (ch13) is Satan trying to compensate himself for the loss of his other accusing function (ch12).

That is why, in ch2 v13, "the place where Satan dwells" is the place where the martyr Antipas was killed. I suggest that it is the reason why the Jews of Smyrna are called a "synagogue of Satan" (they were doing some of the accusing).

How is this relevant to your question? I propose that when Satan is bound he is bound as a persecutor. Never mind the other functions which tradition has attached to Satan. It is his function as the organiser of wholesale persecution that is being suspended.

Even more controversially, I suggest that he was bound in that sense by Constantine, who finally brought to an end the persecutions of the pagan Roman empire; and that we are even now living in the interval between that event and the eventual renewal of wholesale persecution.

Answer 3

The Book of Revelation may actually be in chronological order, though there does seem to be a flashback and flash forward in chs 11 and 17.

But, ch 16 (Bowl Judgments) do not entirely destroy the earth, especially since there is an earth for Jesus to reign on in ch 20. The ch 16 Bowl Judgments are specifically punitive measures taken against "the beast and his kingdom".

Revelation 16:10 (NASB)

Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain,

This is consistent with an idea that the events of Revelation 13 (where the Beast's kingdom is well described) is not a comprehensive, fully sovereign world government. Daniel describes two kings, a king of the north and king of the south in Daniel 11.

About the 1,000 years, yes, this number does seem unique to Revelation. So, there is little to keep us from saying that it could not be 1,000,000 years or longer. But, the idea of a long time of Messiah reigning with peace on earth is indeed found elsewhere. Isaiah is one of the most concise...

From Isiah 11 (NASB)

⁶ And the wolf will dwell with the lamb,

And the leopard will lie down with the young goat,

And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;

And a little boy will lead them.

⁷ Also the cow and the bear will graze,

Their young will lie down together,

And the lion will eat straw like the ox.

⁸ The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra,

And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den.

⁹ They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain,

For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

As the waters cover the sea.

¹⁰ Then in that day

The nations will resort to the root of Jesse,

Who will stand as a signal for the peoples;

And His resting place will be glorious.

That seems to match with what earth might look like under a reign of Messiah described in Revelation 20, right after v3 where Satan is bound, likely being a contributing factor...

Revelation 20:4-6 (NASB)

⁴ Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

So, with the entire earth not destroyed, and with the Beast's kingdom being part of a war between many kings on earth, it might become more understandable why Satan is imprisoned while Jesus reigns for a long period of time.

Answer 4

Hermeneutic Principles Usually most difficulties about interpreting scriptures can be resolved by referring back to hermeneutical principles. An error most often committed is "reading only part of a verse, or part of a sentence...and stopping! Here, in dealing with the binding of Satan, this practice is often done.

Note that the verse does not simply say, "Satan shall be bound." It goes on and states , so that he would not deceive the nations any longer.

The Apostles spoke of the times of ignorance God overlooked, but now requires that all men repent. They are referring to the history of mankind (Old Testament era) in which ONLY the Israelites had true knowledge of Jehovah God and redemptive salvation (the blood sacrifice for a substitutionary punishment for sins). The other nations were in darkness and ignorance.

But you are a chosen people. a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

...the mystery of God which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the Gospel the nations (Gentiles) are heirs together with Israel... (Ephesians 3:5-6)

...grace was given me to preach to the nations (Gentiles) the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery which for ages past was kept hidden in God who created all things. (Ephesians 3:8-9)

But in the New Testament era, the Light of the world has shined in darkness, and the Gospel is preached to ALL THE NATIONS. Satan, is therefore now been kept from deceiving all the nations like he once did. The world is no longer shrouded in redemptive darkness.

Satan Bound That this truth (that the Gospel in now for all nations) is linked to the "binding of Satan's influence in the world", we merely read the scriptures in Matthew to Jude about this restricting of Satan in a devastating way:

If Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first binds up the strong man. (Mark 3:26-28)

Christ forgave us all our sins...And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:13-15)

Since the children have flesh and blood, he (Christ) too shared in their humanity so that by His death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your Name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven! I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy..." (Luke 10:17-19)

The ministry of Jesus completely undid the power of Satan. Its influence and power over the nations was broken! Once this was done, there is no indication in the scriptures that Satan arose up again in power, and needs to "be bound again." So the reference in Revelation is symbolic of what Christ has already done in human redemptive history.

Thousand Years As in all the rest of this book of Revelation, symbolism reigns supreme. And the 1,000 years is symbolic of this New Testament era (Church age = Kingdom of God age).

To keep interpreters from going on an excursion of fantastic expectations, and fanciful descriptions of alleged life in a physical millennium...the next few verses gave a description of these 1,000 years. It was to be a period where martyred souls reigned with Christ in His royal kingdom. There is nothing more stated...no resurrected King David...no Jewish supremacy...no conquering nations...no extravagant life-style...Nothing!

The rest of the N.T. shows Christ ascended and reigning NOW. His is a spiritual kingdom, and to make Him resort to a physical kingdom with a headquarters on some real estate in the Mideast in the future would be a giant step down! The martyrs are reigning with Christ in heaven now spiritually.

The Gospel has been, and is, going throughout the world showing the Light of salvation on all who believe. Satan can't stop its spread...in this sense he is bound.

Answer 5

Based on my years of biblical eschatological study, it seems fairly clear that not EVERY SINGLE PERSON on earth will be dead at the end of the tribulation period. Jesus spoke of those in Israel who will need to flee when they see the Antichrist and run to the hills. Many biblical scholars believe they will shelter in Petra, the ancient city. Point is that while many people will, indeed, die during the tribulation period, not everyone will. Beyond those Jews who survive the rage of the Antichrist, there will be Gentiles who do as well. Jesus, Himself, said that unless those days were shortened, no flesh would survive. So there WILL be tribulation period survivors.

The Antichrist and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire at the end of the tribulation period when Jesus and His followers return to the earth at that time. That is when Satan is bound and imprisoned for 1000 years. During this Millennial Reign of Jesus on earth, Satan is locked away. And those people who survived the tribulation period enter this 1000 year period still in fleshly bodies, still able to procreate. They will continue to produce children, and those children will have children, and so on and so on throughout the 1000 years. With Satan locked away and sin vastly repressed, life will undoubtedly be much better (though not yet perfect), and over 1000 years, this could amount to a vast number of new individuals who have never lived in a world where sin was rampant. None of those individuals will have yet been resurrected into incorruptible bodies. Also, they will not as yet have made an actual commitment to Christ---they were simply born into a world where goodness predominated. With Satan locked away, his powerful evil influence is no longer present---but those people are still flesh and blood people just like all of us are in this current age. It seems pretty clear that Satan is loosed at the end of the 1000 years so that every single human being will have to choose who to align themselves with and serve---God or Satan. Clearly, a good number choose Satan and follow him to surround the Holy City, Jerusalem, where Jesus' kingdom is centered (Rev. 20). At that point, God sends down fire from heaven to destroy them all and casts Satan into the lake of fire. The last thing is the final judgment wherein all the unsaved dead stand before God to be judged. After that, eternity in God's kingdom for all the righteous begins.

So, in short, the 1000-year imprisonment of Satan and his subsequent (though short) release is to give every single human being who has ever lived the opportunity to choose God---or choose against Him. When judgment finally occurs, there will be NO ONE with an excuse for the choice he/she made.

Answer 6

This is an important question that has a fairly simple answer (once you see it), and the Lord wants us to understand. So, I’ll take the time to share what I have learned. 🙏

Revelation 20:1–6 We see that this 1000 years Takes place between the first and second resurrections – when Christ believers will be Raining with him in heaven after his return, and before the final destruction of Satan and recreation of the new earth. I’ll try to break it down.

• The Millennium begins after Jesus second coming with loud trumpets (1 Thess. 4:16), Fulfilling Jesus’ promise to his disciples That He would bring his bride to his father’s house where he Ascended to (John 14:3).
• “mille”=“thousand,”annus, year.
• Bottomless pit = “Abyssos”, The Hebrew term “tehowm”, Which is used for the word “deep” in Genesis 1:2. This word is used used to describe the surface of the earth before creation, when it was without form and void. — Also used in Luke 8:31, when Demons are begging Jesus to come back from the abyss (also 2 Peter 2:4). It seems to refer to a place the fallen angels were assigned to, and where they’d rather not go back. They’d rather possess people or even creatures, As in the pigs story.

In order for God‘s people to be taken to heaven, these things must happen: the first resurrection of the righteous, righteous living, are changed in the twinkling of an eye, given immortal bodies (over which the second death has no power – Rev.20:6), and the righteous dead end living rise up to go with Jesus to heaven. Revelation 19:21 says that the wicked who are alive will die at Jesus coming (also Isa. 11:4, Ezek.1:27,28; 2 Thess. 1:7) And remain dead with the wicked dead until after the millennium (Rev.20:5)

Revelation is very clear that the Earth will become completely empty and Covered with wreckage and dead bodies. Every mountain/island removed.(Rev.6:14), Rev. 16:18-21. With every living thing destroyed, the Earth will Again, be without form and void. The Pre-creation abyss of Genesis.

Bound (Confined) to the Earth in this state, Satan will endure the Torturous Thoughts Of the horrible, disgusting deeds As a result of his futile rebellion against God. Nothing to do and no one to Manipulate or hurt for 1000 years. He will forced to see that God‘s laws truly are righteous, protecting us from self-destruction.

What happens in heaven during the millennium?

Revelation 20:6 -The righteous will be priest of God and will reign with him. Rev.20:4 -They will be given authority to sit on thrones and judge with Christ. John 14:2-3 - we will enjoy the mansions he has prepared for us.

The Bible helps us unpack this further.

• We know there is a heavenly sanctuary with the throne of God and of Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2, Matt. 25:31, rev. 3:21)
• The redeemed will be before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple…(Rev.7:15).
• The Godhead (father and Jesus) Will be the rightful sovereign of the universe (Rev.11:5)
• The Kingdom and Dominion is given to the Saints (Daniel 7:27, 18; Rev.2:26), As co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
• Being co-with Christ, explains why Peter refers to the believers as a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2;9). He’s affirming their identity based on their dual role in God‘s kingdom. Crazy!
• The Saints will judge the world and fallen angels (1 Cor.6:2-3)… God wants the universe to have full confidence in his leadership. So the millennium will Be the time to answer all questions. The righteous may have concerning the wicked who will be lost. We will go through the records of his dealings with the lost throughout their lives.
• This review will clear any doubt about the fairness of God’s ways. Everyone will be eternally satisfied with the patients and justice of God. And they will discover why some seemingly good people became lost, maybe because of a cherished sin that made them reject God‘s leadership.

The end of the Millinium (Rev. 20:3):

• The new Jerusalem will descend on the earth, - Satan will be released for a little while,To deceive the nations Rev.20:8-9) and - The wicked dead will be resurrected for their final judgment (vs.5; John 5:29).

Jesus with his Bride, the believers, Return to end the controversy between Christ and Satan. He will execute judgment that has been reviewed and confirmed by the Saints during the millennium in heaven. Before the destruction, we are told that all creatures, even the wicked will bow down and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil.2:10,11; Isa.45:22,23; Rev.11:13)

Then they will hear their sentence and” Fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour” Them. The entire Earth and atmosphere outside the city will melt, And the Earth surface will become a vast lake of fire. (Rev.20:9-15; Matt. 7:23). … This is when the wicked will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:9; Malachi 4:1-3). The end of sin, sinners, Satan, evil angels, and even death itself (Rev. 20:14; 21:8).

Then Jesus will purify and remake the earth to establish God‘s eternal kingdom on it. With this accomplished, “the Lord shall be king over all the earth (Zachariah 14:9).”

I hope this is helpful and bring some clarity.