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Commentary on Revelation 20 verses 1–10
We have here, I. A prophecy of the binding of Satan for a certain term of time, in which he should have much less power and the church much more peace than before. The power of Satan was broken in part by the setting up of the gospel kingdom in the world; it was further reduced by the empire's becoming Christian; it was yet further broken by the downfall of the mystical Babylon; but still this serpent had many heads, and, when one is wounded, another has life remaining in it. Here we have a further limitation and diminution of his power. Observe, 1. To whom this work of binding Satan is committed - to an angel from heaven. It is very probable that this angel is no other than the Lord Jesus Christ; the description of him will hardly agree with any other. He is one who has power to bind the strong man armed, to cast him out, and to spoil his goods; and therefore must be stronger than he. 2. The means he makes use of in this work: he has a chain and a key, a great chain to bind Satan, and the key of the prison in which he was to be confined. Christ never wants proper powers and instruments to break the power of Satan, for he has the powers of heaven and the keys of hell. 3. The execution of this work, Rev 20:2, Rev 20:3. (1.) He laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan. Neither the strength of the dragon, nor the subtlety of the serpent, was sufficient to rescue him out of the hands of Christ; he caught hold, and kept his hold. And, (2.) He cast him into the bottomless pit, cast him down with force, and with a just vengeance, to his own place and prison, from which he had been permitted to break out, and disturb the churches, and deceive the nations; now he is brought back to that prison, and there laid in chains. (3.) He is shut up, and a seal set upon him. Christ shuts, and none can open; he shuts by his power, seals by his authority; and his lock and seal even the devils themselves cannot break open. (4.) We have the term of this confinement of Satan - a thousand years, after which he was to be loosed again for a little season. The church should have a considerable time of peace and prosperity, but all her trials were not yet over.
II. An account of the reign of the saints for the same space of time in which Satan continued bound (Rev 20:4-6), and here observe,
1.Who those were that received such honour - those who had suffered for Christ, and all who had faithfully adhered to him, not receiving the mark of the beast, nor worshipping his image; all who had kept themselves clear of pagan and papal idolatry.
2.The honour bestowed upon them. (1.) They were raised from the dead, and restored to life. This may be taken either literally or figuratively; they were in a civil and political sense dead, and had a political resurrection; their liberties and privileges were revived and restored. (2.) Thrones, and power of judgment, were given to them; they were possessed of great honour, and interest, and authority, I suppose rather of a spiritual than of a secular nature. (3.) They reigned with Christ a thousand years. Those who suffer with Christ shall reign with Christ; they shall reign with him in his spiritual and heavenly kingdom, in a glorious conformity to him in wisdom, righteousness, and holiness, beyond what had been known before in the world. This is called the first resurrection, which none but those who have served Christ and suffered for him shall be favoured with. As for the wicked, they shall not be raised up and restored to their power again, till Satan be let loose; this may be called a resurrection, as the conversion of the Jews is said to be life from the dead.
3.The happiness of these servants of God is declared. (1.) They are blessed and holy, Rev 20:6. None can be blessed but those that are holy; and all that are holy shall be blessed. These were holy as a sort of first-fruits to God in this spiritual resurrection, and as such blessed by him. (2.) They are secured from the power of the second death. We know something of what the first death is, and it is awful; but we know not what this second death is. It must be much more dreadful; it is the death of the soul, eternal separation from God. The Lord grant we may never know what it is by experience. Those who have had experience of a spiritual resurrection are saved from the power of the second death.
III. An account of the return of the church's troubles, and another mighty conflict, very sharp, but short and decisive. Observe, 1. The restraints laid for a long time on Satan are at length taken off. While this world lasts, Satan's power in it will not be wholly destroyed; it may be limited and lessened, but he will have something still to do for the disturbance of the people of God. 2. No sooner is Satan let loose than he falls to his old work, deceiving the nations, and so stirring them up to make a war with the saints and servants of God, which they would never do if he had not first deceived them. They are deceived both as to the cause they engage in (they believe it to be a good cause when it is indeed a very bad one), and as to the issue: they expect to be successful, but are sure to lose the day. 3. His last efforts seem to be the greatest. The power now permitted to him seems to be more unlimited than before. He had now liberty to beat up for his volunteers in all the four quarters of the earth, and he raised a mighty army, the number of which was as the sand of the sea, Rev 20:8. 4. We have the names of the principal commanders in this army under the dragon - Gog and Magog. We need not be too inquisitive as to what particular powers are meant by these names, since the army was gathered from all parts of the world. These names are found in other parts of scripture. Magog we read of in Gen 10:2. He was one of the sons of Japheth, and peopled the country called Syria, from which his descendants spread into many other parts. Of Gog and Magog together we only read in Eze 38:2, a prophecy whence this in Revelation borrows many of its images. 5. We have the march and military disposition of this formidable army (Rev 20:9.): They went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city, that is, the spiritual Jerusalem, in which the most precious interests of the people of God are lodged, and therefore to them a beloved city. The army of the saints is described as drawn forth out of the city, and lying under the walls of it, to defend it; they were encamped about Jerusalem: but the army of the enemy was so much superior to that of the church that they compassed them and their city about. 6. You have an account of the battle, and the issue of this war: Fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured the enemy. Thus the ruin of Gog and Magog is foretold (Eze 38:22), I will rain upon him and upon his bands an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, and fire and brimstone. God would, in an extraordinary and more immediate manner, fight this last and decisive battle for his people, that the victory might be complete and the glory redound to himself. 7. The doom and punishment of the grand enemy, the devil: he is now cast into hell, with his two great officers, the beast and the false prophet, tyranny and idolatry, and that not for any term of time, but to be there tormented night and day, for ever and ever.
"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a chain in his hand. And he held the dragon, that old serpent, which is called the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed a little season." Those years wherein Satan is bound are in the first advent of Christ, even to the end of the age; and they are called a thousand, according to that mode of speaking, wherein a part is signified by the whole, just as is that passage, "the word which He commanded for a thousand generations," although they are not a thousand. Moreover that he says, "and he cast him into the abyss," he says this, because the devil, excluded from the hearts of believers, began to take possession of the wicked, in whose hearts, blinded day by day, he is shut up as if in a profound abyss. And he shut him up, says he, and put a seal upon him, that he should not deceive the nations until the thousand years should be finished. "He shut the door upon him," it is said, that is, he forbade and restrained his seducing those who belong to Christ. Moreover, he put a seal upon him, because it is hidden who belong to the side of the devil, and who to that of Christ. For we know not of those who seem to stand whether they shall not fall, and of those who are down it is uncertain whether they may rise. Moreover, that he says that he is bound and shut up, that he may not seduce the nations, the nations signify the Church, seeing that of them it itself is formed, and which being seduced, he previously held until, he says, the thousand years should be completed, that is, what is left of the sixth day, to wit, of the sixth age, which subsists for a thousand years; after this he must be loosed for a little season. The little season signifies three years and six months, in which with all his power the devil will avenge himself trader Antichrist against the Church. Finally, he says, after that the devil shall be loosed, and will seduce the nations in the whole world, and will entice war against the Church, the number of whose foes shall be as the sand of the sea.
bottomless pit. this is meant the countless multitude of the wicked whose hearts are unfathomably deep in malignity against the Church of God; (City of God 20.7)
We understand the angel coming down from heaven to be our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is called the angel of great counsel. He visited the region of those who are mortal, for as one who is stronger he wished to bind the strong one, so that he might make vessels of mercy out of those who had earlier been vessels of wrath. And he accomplished this through that work that he had promised before when he said, “No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his wares, unless he first binds the strong man,” that is, the devil. The key of the bottomless pit is the depth of the divine judgments, for “the judgments of God are a great deep.” Indeed, to him alone is it known who from the mass of sinners are to be called out into the full number of the elect.
We must entreat the Lord more earnestly here, lest we consent in error concerning the number of the thousand years or through our own excess nurture error. Rather, [let us entreat the Lord] that he who is called “Faithful” and “True” might keep our faith safe. The Lord himself said at the beginning of this book, “I am the first and the last, and the living one although I was dead; and I have the keys of death and of hades.” By the key it speaks of him who bears the office of ministry, so that he might open the pit of the abyss. The great chain is the unbreakable bond of the divine commandment. It is in his hand, which means that he exercises it by work and deed.
an angel. An angel administers such a sentence,it says, in order to show that the devil is both weaker than thèse ministering powers in terms of power and that from the beginning in vain he boldly ruled over all.
Here he narrates the destruction of the devil which had taken place during the Master's passion, in which he who appeared to be strong, having bound us as his spoils, one stronger than he, Christ our God, redeemed us from his hands, condemning him to the abyss. This is shown by the demons calling upon him not to be cast into the abyss.(lk 8:31) chain. He (John) called the restraint of his evil activity chain for our clarification.
This passage expresses the destruction of the devil that occurred through the passion of our Lord. For through his passion the one who is stronger than [the devil], namely, Christ our God, bound him who seemed to be strong and freed us, who were his spoils, from his hands and condemned him by throwing him into the pit. This is shown by those demons who pleaded that he not send them into the pit. The demonstration that the devil is bound is the disappearance of idol worship, the destruction of pagan temples, the abandonment of the defilement of altars and the knowledge of the will of God throughout the world.
And I saw an angel ... having the key to the abyss, etc. Recapitulating from the beginning, he more fully explains how he previously said: The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend from the abyss and go into destruction (Rev. 17). Therefore, the Lord, endowed with paternal power, descended in the flesh to wage war against the prince of the world, and, having bound him, to snatch away his vessels.
QUESTION: And I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain in his hand. ANSWER: So, the Lord, equipped with the Father's power, came down in the flesh to wage war against the prince of the world, bind him, and take the latter's containers back. (20:2) THERE FOLLOWS: And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan. ANSWER: Devil translates to “flowing downwards,” and in Greek it means “slanderer;” Satan means “adversary” or “prevaricator.” So, he is called a dragon because of his evilness in doing harm, a serpent because of his craft in deceiving, devil because of his fall from his status, and Satan because of his obstinacy in opposing the Lord. (20:4) THERE FOLLOWS: And the souls of them that were beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God. ANSWER: Here is implied what he was going to say afterwards: reigned with Christ a thousand years. So, the Church reigns with Christ over the living and the dead, for, as the apostle says, to this end Christ died, that he might be Lord of the living and of the dead. [Rom. 14:9] Now, he mentioned only the souls of the martyrs because those who reign more than others after death are those who have fought unto death for the truth; because it is not those who merely start, but those who persevere who are promised eternal blessedness.
key to the bottomless pit. this is because he has in his power the hearts of those whom he hardens, and of those whom he opens to believing. The bottomeless pit is the great number of the faithful peoples, because just as it is incomprehensible, so also is the great number of peoples.
an angel. That angel is the Lord Jesus Christ, an angel of great prudence, who decended from heaven through the mystery of the Incarnation.
chain. By this is the great quantity of his power represented.
I saw another angel descending from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a chain, and having seized he says the Devil was bound and cast into the abyss. As on a painted canvas the things that were spiritually affected by the Lord against the Devil are shown to the evangelist. For since the things that are spiritual could not be seen by a man, John being a human, the events are portrayed to him bodily: an angel having a chain and bonds binding the Devil and casting him into the abyss; for therefore also the book of Job, fashioning in a material sense the attempt of the Devil and the patience of God, made Job the one tested by God, and set down God as offering suitable words for request and giving along with the things that happened.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 20:1 introduces a pivotal moment in eschatological prophecy, depicting a powerful angelic figure descending from the heavenly realm. This angel is divinely commissioned with the authority and means—symbolized by the key to the abyss and a massive chain—to apprehend and restrain Satan, the ancient serpent. This act of binding is a necessary prelude to the establishment of the millennial reign of Christ, signifying God's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual powers and the ultimate defeat of evil's primary instigator.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the climactic events of Revelation 19, where the Rider on the white horse (Christ) decisively defeats the beast and the false prophet, casting them into the lake of fire. With these human and demonic agents of rebellion removed from the earthly sphere, the narrative logically shifts to the ultimate source of spiritual evil: Satan himself. Revelation 20:1 thus initiates the process of binding Satan, setting the stage for the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, as detailed in the subsequent verses of Revelation 20. This sequence underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the methodical unfolding of His redemptive plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery of an angel descending with a key and chain would have resonated with ancient audiences familiar with concepts of divine messengers and the imprisonment of supernatural beings. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, there were often references to angels who held authority over various realms, including prisons for fallen spiritual entities. The "bottomless pit" (Greek: ábyssos) had Old Testament parallels (e.g., Genesis 1:2 in the Septuagint, referring to the primeval deep) and was understood in intertestamental Judaism as a place of temporary restraint for demons or rebellious angels, distinct from Gehenna or the lake of fire. The "key" symbolized ultimate authority, often associated with kings or those granted divine power, while "chains" were a common means of securing prisoners, conveying an undeniable, physical restraint. This imagery would have been understood as a clear demonstration of absolute power and control over even the most formidable spiritual adversary.
Key Themes: Revelation 20:1 contributes significantly to several major themes within Revelation and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Control over Evil. The angel's possession of the key and chain powerfully illustrates that even Satan, the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), is utterly subject to God's will and can be bound at His command. This act signifies the Decisive Defeat of Satan, albeit a temporary one before his final release and ultimate judgment (Revelation 20:7-10). It also introduces the theme of the Millennial Kingdom, as Satan's binding is a prerequisite for a period of peace and righteousness on earth, free from his deception and instigation of rebellion, fulfilling the longing for a time when God's reign is fully manifest.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 20:1 is rich with Symbolism and vivid Imagery. The "angel" itself symbolizes divine intervention and the execution of God's will, representing a force beyond human capability. The "key of the bottomless pit" is a powerful symbol of Authority and control, specifically over the spiritual realm of evil and confinement. It signifies that God, through His agent, has absolute power to imprison even the most formidable spiritual adversary. The "great chain" is a direct symbol of Restraint and Confinement, emphasizing the physical and undeniable nature of Satan's impending imprisonment. The visual imagery of an angel descending from heaven with these instruments creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene, underscoring the cosmic significance of the event. The verse also employs Anticipation, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the Millennium by establishing the necessary prerequisite of Satan's binding.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:1 profoundly underscores God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty over all creation, including the forces of evil. It provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, revealing that Satan's power, though currently active in the world, is entirely circumscribed by divine decree and will ultimately be brought to a decisive end. This temporary binding of Satan is a crucial step in God's redemptive plan, paving the way for a period of unparalleled peace and righteousness under Christ's direct reign, demonstrating that divine justice will prevail and all rebellion will be subdued. The vision assures us that God's purposes cannot be thwarted and that His kingdom will indeed come.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 20:1 offers profound comfort and a powerful reminder of God's absolute control in a world often seemingly overwhelmed by evil. For believers, this verse instills hope, assuring us that the spiritual battle we face is not endless, nor is Satan's power ultimate. Though he "walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8), his demise is certain and his future confinement is guaranteed by divine decree. This truth should embolden us to resist his schemes, knowing that our struggle is against a defeated foe whose time is limited. It encourages perseverance in faith, prayer, and righteous living, as we anticipate the glorious reign of Christ and the complete eradication of evil. The temporary binding of Satan is a testament to God's meticulous plan, moving history toward its divinely appointed climax, where justice and peace will reign supreme.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is this angel, and why is he the one to bind Satan?
Answer: The text does not explicitly name the angel, which is common in apocalyptic literature where the focus is often on the action and its divine source rather than the specific identity of the messenger. The angel serves as an agent of God's will, demonstrating that God can use any of His created beings, even an unnamed angel, to execute His most significant judgments. The emphasis is on the divine authority delegated to this angel, underscoring that the binding of Satan is a direct act of God's power and sovereignty. This angel is equipped with the "key of the bottomless pit" and a "great chain," signifying the absolute authority and means granted to him for this specific, monumental task.
What is the "bottomless pit," and how is it different from the lake of fire?
Answer: The "bottomless pit" (Greek: ábyssos) is depicted as a deep, immeasurable chasm, often understood as a temporary prison for demonic spirits or a place of restraint for Satan. In the New Testament, it is distinct from "Gehenna" or the "lake of fire." The lake of fire, first mentioned in Revelation 19:20, is the ultimate, eternal destination of the beast, the false prophet, and eventually Satan himself (Revelation 20:10). The bottomless pit is a place of temporary confinement, from which Satan will be released for a short time before his final judgment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:1, while focusing on an angel's action, ultimately points to the supreme authority and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is Christ's victory on the cross and His subsequent resurrection that fundamentally disarmed the powers of darkness. Colossians 2:15 declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Similarly, Hebrews 2:14 states that through His death, Jesus "might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil." Therefore, the angel's binding of Satan in Revelation 20:1 is not an independent act, but the culmination and execution of the authority Christ Himself already possesses. Christ holds "the keys of Death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18), signifying His ultimate dominion over all realms of existence, including the abyss. The binding of Satan is a direct manifestation of Christ's sovereign power and the inevitable triumph of His kingdom, establishing the conditions for His millennial reign and ultimately, the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).