Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Satan’s Warfare Against the Church

A Woman Clothed With the Sun

Under what figure was the Christian church represented to the apostle John? BR-ASI9 185.6

“And there appeared a great wonder [margin, “sign”] in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” Revelation 12:1. BR-ASI9 185.7

Note.—Frequently in the Scriptures a woman is used to represent the church. (See Jeremiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2.) The sun represents the light of the gospel with which the church was clothed at the first advent (1 John 2:8); the moon under her feet, the waning light of the former dispensation; and the twelve stars, the twelve apostles. BR-ASI9 185.8

How is the church at the first advent described? BR-ASI9 186.1

“And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” Revelation 12:2. BR-ASI9 186.2

Note.—The church is in labor and pain while she brings forth Christ and her children, in the midst of afflictions and persecutions. (See Romans 8:19, 22; 1 John 3:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:12.) BR-ASI9 186.3

How are the birth, work, and ascension of Christ briefly described? BR-ASI9 186.4

“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.” Revelation 12:5. BR-ASI9 186.5

Note.—Specifically this must refer to Christ (see Psalm 2:7-9). BR-ASI9 186.6