Fallen (Evil) Angels

Revelation 12:4 is the only mention of how fallen angels came to be. Even so, the figurative language of this passage makes it difficult to draw concrete conclusions. As best as one can, based on the context of the passage, this is what can be understood:

1. Revelation 12:9 identifies the red dragon as Satan.

2. The "stars of heaven" (Rev 12:4), as figurative language, can be used to describe angels (Rev 1:20).

3. The phrase "his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth" (Rev 12:4) can be understood as angels, following Satan, left their heavenly abode as allies of Satan (Rev 12:7).

If the above interpretation is correct, this sequence of events can be seen:

1. Before the birth of Jesus ("a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron" - Rev 12:5), Satan and his fallen angels came to earth to assail Him.

2. After Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, Satan and his fallen angels were disbarred from heaven and confined to earth ("the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down" - Rev 12:10)

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