Bible Commentaries
Revelation 20

Verses 1-10

The Millennial Reign of Christ Jesus - When Satan tempted man in the Garden of Eden, man relinquished his legal right to Satan dominion this earth. This loss of authority brought man into bondage to sin for six thousand years. The Mosaic Law states that the year of Jubilee, which follows the seventh Sabbath year, the fiftieth year of the land, is a time of deliverance from all bondage, at which time all property is restored to those who sold themselves into bondage, and all land is restored to its rightful owners (Leviticus 25:8-17). In a similar manner, Satan will have to give up his legal rights on this earth for the Sabbath millennium.

Revelation 20:1 Comments Note that this angel was not Michael, or the text most likely would have mentioned so. This was an angel in Heaven, given the task of binding Satan in the bottomless pit, a task reveals the utter weakness and total defeat of Satan.

Revelation 20:2 “that old serpent” Comments This phrase immediately takes us back to the story of the Fall of man in Genesis 3:1-19. We must realize that the book of Genesis is giving us literal facts. This is not an allegorical story designed to explain mysterious events. Therefore, we believe that Satan actually manifested himself in the form of a serpent for the purpose of succeeding in his deception. We have confirmation that this serpent was in fact Satan when he is called that “old serpent” in the book of Revelation.

Verses 11-15

The Great White Throne Judgment Revelation 20:11-15 gives us details of the Great White Throne Judgment that will take place at the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ. This judgment focuses upon the dead, which are those sinners who did not accept Christ Jesus as their Saviour.

Revelation 20:11 “And I saw a great white throne” Comments This is the only place in Scripture where the throne of God is describes as “white.”

Revelation 20:11 “from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away” Comments This is a figurative way of saying that at this time God will destroy the present heavens and the earth. It will take place during the process of the Great White Throne Judgment. For after this event, Revelation 21:1 tells us that John saw a new heavens and a new earth.

2 Peter 3:12-14, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

Revelation 20:12 “and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life” - Comments The Scriptures reveal that there are several books in Heaven. One book records man's works, and another book lists those saints who have accepted Christ as their Saviour.

Revelation 20:12 Comments For a description of the judgment of the saints, we can go to the epistle of First Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Revelation 20:13 “and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them” Comments - A sinner first experiences death, then goes to hell.