Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

References to the devil's activity on earth are found in multiple places in the Old Testament, starting almost immediately after creation with the serpent through whom Satan spoke in Genesis 3. Satan himself mentions specifically in Job 1:7 that he has been "going to and fro on the earth, and...walking up and down on it." He has been performing this activity ever since he and the angels who followed him were initially cast out of heaven by God following their rebellion. They have been trying to deceive humanity, and to lead people away from God and the salvation that He offers in Christ.

By the time of the events prophesied in Revelation (which, whenever they may occur, will certainly be imminent signs of Christ's return and His judgment of humanity at the close of the present age), Satan will be aware (as Christians also will, because of the warnings of Jesus -- as in Matthew 24, for example -- and the text of Revelation itself) that his (Satan's) final consignment to eternal punishment (Revelation 20:10) is very near (in comparison to the vast expanse since the beginning of time).

He will therefore be all the more desperate in his attempts to thwart or prevent God's final triumph. But, despite these efforts on Satan's part, his ultimate defeat has been assured ever since the victory over him that Jesus gained through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection.

December 09 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

Was the devil on earth before the birth of Jesus?

Yes, the devil was active on earth long before Jesus’ birth. Genesis 3 records Satan’s deception through the serpent; Job 1:7 describes him as going “to and fro on the earth”; and 1 Chronicles 21:1 records his temptation of David. Revelation 12:12 does not mean Satan first arrived on earth after Christ’s birth. Revelation 12:12 says, "Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"

According to Revelation 12:12, 15, "the devil's time on earth being short" signifies that Satan's reign of evil and influence on the world is nearing its end, and he will soon be defeated by God, causing him to act with increased fury and desperation during this limited time he has left before his ultimate downfall; essentially, he knows his power is waning and will soon be completely vanquished.

In this whole section of the book of Revelation, Rev. 12:7-17, about "Satan Thrown Down to Earth," we find Rev. 12:15: "The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood." I like that because it shows Satan's futile effort at defeating God because God opens up the earth to swallow the river!

To sum up, Satan’s flood-like attack against the woman fails because God preserves His people. The dragon is fierce, but never equal to God. He attacks the church; he does not overthrow Christ’s church.

Satan was on earth before Christ’s birth, but through Christ’s finished work he was decisively cast down as the accuser of God’s people. His present activity is furious because it is temporary. Christ has won; Satan’s final punishment awaits (Revelation 20:10). AI assist with half of this.

December 28 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Daniel Veler Supporter

Your question: What does it mean that the devil's time on earth will be short in Revelation 12:12?

This concept originates from Jesus’s statement about shortening time for the sake of the elect.

Matthew 24:22: “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”

How much time is shortened for the sake of the elect? This is explained in Revelation. 

At the sounding of the fourth trumpet we see the following.

Revelation 8:12: “And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.”

This means the duration of a day is reduced to eighteen hours instead of the usual twenty-four.

After the shortening of time, Jesus prophesied the coming of the false Christ.

Matthew 24:23: “Then if any man shall say unto you, 'Lo, here is Christ,' or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

Hope this answers your question.

September 04 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report