Revelation 12:1

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - Revelation 12:1-17

Revelation 12:1 . There appeared a great wonder in heaven; that is, in the church or kingdom of heaven below; for the church has long been called a woman, and a fruitful mother, the bride, and the Lamb’s wife; a lovely metaphor to designate her graces, her glory and beauty. Revelation 12:2 . And she being with child cried out through pain, and was labouring to be delivered. Revelation 12:3 . Behold, a great red dragon. Dr. Peter Allix, a learned biblical writer, has some valuable... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Revelation 12:1-2

Revelation 12:1-2A great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun.The sign of the woman in heavenLet us consider the scene. There is a woman clothed with the sun, crowned with stars, and having the moon under her feet. A woman has ever been the chief symbol of the Church. The relation between the Lord and the Church is most correctly represented by the relation between a true husband and a faithful wife. The husband is delighted to supply his wife with every comfort; his counsel guides,... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Revelation 12:1

1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: Ver. 1. And there appeared ] This and the two next following chapters are an exposition of the former vision. A great wonder ] As shadowing out and showing great wonders. In heaven ] That is, in the Church, or (according to some) in the visible heaven, where sun, moon, and stars are. A woman ] Alma mater Ecclesia. The Church is called a... read more

Samuel Bagster

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Revelation 12:1

there: Revelation 12:3, Revelation 11:19, Revelation 15:1, 2 Chronicles 32:31, Mark 13:25, Acts 2:19 wonder: or, sign, Matthew 12:38, Matthew 24:30, Luke 21:11, Luke 21:25 a woman: Isaiah 49:14-:, Isaiah 54:5-Judges :, Isaiah 60:1-Numbers :, Hosea 2:19, Hosea 2:20, John 3:29, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:25-Daniel :, Ephesians 5:32 clothed: Revelation 21:23, Psalms 84:11, Isaiah 60:19, Isaiah 60:20, Isaiah 61:10, Malachi 4:2, Romans 3:22, Romans 13:14, Galatians 3:27 and the: Galatians... read more

John Wesley

Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Revelation 12:1

And a great sign was seen in heaven - Not only by St. John, but many heavenly spectators represented in the vision. A sign means something that has an uncommon appearance, and from which we infer that some unusual thing will follow. A woman - The emblem of the church of Christ, as she is originally of Israel, though built and enlarged on all sides by the addition of heathen converts; and as she will hereafter appear, when all her "natural branches are again "grafted in." She is at present on... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 12:1

PERSONALITIES OF THE ANTICHRISTIC WAR, Revelation 12:1 to Revelation 13:18. Satanic dragon and man child Christ, Revelation 12:1-6. 1. And In the opening of this chapter three representative beings appear on the scene. The man child, Christ; the mother; and the dragon, ready to devour the child. The grouping at once suggests the source whence the symbolism is drawn. We at once think of the virgin mother, the infant Jesus, and the murderous Herod. Yet the subsequent wilderness history... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 12:1-17

IV. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS, Revelation 7:1 to Revelation 20:10. Of the trumpets, the first four are mundane, or earthly; each of the four blasts draws down a judgment upon some creational point, as earth, sea, fountains and rivers; firmamental luminaries. It is the sins of men that draw down these bolts of wrath, rendering every point of creation hostile to our peace. “Cursed is the ground for thy sake,” (Genesis 3:17,) is the key-note. This sad status of humanity has existed through all past... read more