Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Persecution on Earth

Why was woe at this same time proclaimed to the world? BR-ASI9 187.4

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12, last part. BR-ASI9 187.5

Note.—This not only shows that, since the crucifixion of Christ, Satan knows that his doom is sealed, and that he has but a limited time in which to work; also that his efforts are largely confined to this world, and concentrated upon its inhabitants. BR-ASI9 187.6

What did the dragon do when cast to the earth? BR-ASI9 187.7

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.” Revelation 12:13. BR-ASI9 187.8

Note.—The persecution of Christians began under pagan Rome, but was carried on far more extensively under papal Rome. (Matthew 24:21, 22.) BR-ASI9 187.9

What definite period of time was allotted to this great persecution of God’s people under papal Rome? BR-ASI9 187.10

“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” Revelation 12:14. BR-ASI9 187.11

Note.—This is the same period as that mentioned in Daniel 7:25, and, like the ten horns, identifies the dragon with the fourth beast of Daniel 7, and its later work with the work of the little horn of that same beast. In Revelation 13:5 this period is referred to as “forty-two months,” and in Revelation 12:6 as 1260 days, each representing 1260 literal years, the period allotted to the supremacy of papal Rome. Beginning in A.D. 538, it ended in 1798, when the pope was taken prisoner by the French. (See note on pages 85, 86.) The woman fleeing into the wilderness fittingly describes the condition of the church during those times of bitter persecution. BR-ASI9 187.12

What was Satan’s design in persecuting the church? BR-ASI9 188.1

“And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:15. BR-ASI9 188.2

How was the flood stayed, and Satan’s design defeated? BR-ASI9 188.3

“And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.” Revelation 12:16. BR-ASI9 188.4

Note.—The mountain fastnesses, quiet retreats, and secluded valleys of Europe for centuries shielded many who refused allegiance to the Papacy. Here, too, may be seen the results of the work of the Reformation of the sixteenth century, when some of the governments of Europe came to the help of various reform groups, by staying the hand of persecution and protecting the lives of those who dared to take their stand against the Papacy. The discovery of America, and the opening up of this country as an asylum for the oppressed of Europe at this time may also be included in the “help” here referred to. BR-ASI9 188.5

What did Christ say would be the result if the days of persecution were not shortened? BR-ASI9 188.6

“Except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:22. BR-ASI9 188.7

How does Satan manifest his enmity against the remnant church? BR-ASI9 188.8

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. BR-ASI9 188.9