Connect Revelation 9:11 with other scriptures about Satan's influence and authority. The Setting in Revelation 9:11 “They have as king over them the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon.” (Revelation 9:11) • Fifth‐trumpet judgment: demonic “locusts” pour out of the abyss. • Their “king” is called Abaddon/Apollyon—both names mean “Destroyer.” Who Is Abaddon / Apollyon? • The title “Destroyer” fits the one Jesus calls “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). • Revelation later identifies the dragon, serpent, and devil as the same being (Revelation 12:9). • Satan commands fallen spirits; here he rules the horde that torments rebellious humanity. Satan’s Borrowed Authority • Luke 4:5-6: “The devil led Him up... and said, ‘I will give You all this authority… for it has been entrusted to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish.’” • 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” • Ephesians 2:2: “The prince of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Satan’s power is real yet derivative—permitted for a season under God’s sovereign hand. The Abyss: Headquarters of Dark Forces • Luke 8:31: Demons begged Jesus “not to order them into the abyss.” • Revelation 20:1-3: An angel will bind Satan “and threw him into the abyss… until the thousand years were finished.” • Abaddon rules those already imprisoned there, but even that realm is opened only at God’s command (Revelation 9:1). How Satan Influences People Today • 1 Peter 5:8: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” • 1 John 5:19: “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” • 2 Timothy 2:26: Many are “held captive by him to do his will.” • John 13:2: Satan “had already put into the heart of Judas” to betray Jesus. He blinds, deceives, tempts, and accuses—always aiming to destroy. Divine Limits on the Destroyer • Job 1:12; 2:6: God draws clear lines Satan cannot cross. • Revelation 9:4: The locusts “were told not to harm the grass… but only those people who did not have the seal of God.” • 1 Corinthians 10:13: “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” Every demonic assault answers ultimately to the throne of heaven. The Inevitable End of Satan’s Reign • Revelation 12:12: “He knows that his time is short.” • Romans 16:20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” • Revelation 20:10: “The devil… was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur… and will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” The Destroyer himself will be destroyed; his borrowed authority ends in everlasting judgment. |
    |