Apollyon: Angel of the Bottomless Pit
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Introduction:
Apollyon, a figure of significant eschatological importance, is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. The name "Apollyon" is derived from the Greek word "Apollyon" (Ἀπολλύων), meaning "Destroyer." This entity is often associated with the forces of darkness and chaos, playing a pivotal role in the apocalyptic visions described by the Apostle John.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to Apollyon is found in Revelation 9:11, where he is identified as the angel of the bottomless pit: "They have as king over them the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon" . This verse highlights the dual linguistic identity of Apollyon, linking him to both Hebrew and Greek traditions.

Role in Revelation:
Apollyon is depicted as the leader of the locusts that emerge from the abyss during the sounding of the fifth trumpet. These locusts are described as having the power to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads (Revelation 9:4-5). The imagery of the abyss and the locusts underscores the themes of judgment and divine retribution that permeate the apocalyptic narrative.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
In the context of Revelation, Apollyon symbolizes destruction and divine judgment. The abyss, or bottomless pit, is often interpreted as a place of confinement for evil spirits, and Apollyon's role as its angelic overseer suggests a position of authority over these malevolent forces. The dual name, Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, emphasizes his universal role as a destroyer across different cultural and linguistic contexts.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, Apollyon represents the ultimate defeat of evil and the sovereignty of God over all creation. His emergence during the end times serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that underlies the human experience and the eventual triumph of good over evil. The torment inflicted by the locusts under Apollyon's command is a manifestation of divine justice, meted out to those who reject God's authority.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The concept of a destroyer angel is not unique to the Christian tradition. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, Abaddon is often associated with Sheol, the realm of the dead. The integration of this figure into the Christian eschatological framework reflects the continuity and adaptation of earlier religious motifs. Apollyon's depiction in Revelation draws on a rich tapestry of symbolic imagery, resonating with contemporary audiences familiar with the themes of cosmic conflict and divine intervention.

Conclusion:
Apollyon, as the angel of the bottomless pit, occupies a crucial role in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. His presence underscores the themes of judgment, destruction, and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. Through the lens of biblical prophecy, Apollyon serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual realities that transcend the material world.
Nave's Topical Index
Revelation 9:11
And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue has his name Apollyon.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Angel of the Bottomless Pit
... a king over them, which is the Angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew
tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon" (Rev.9 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/25 the angel of the.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... name Apollyon." This title serves to establish beyond a shadow of doubt the identity
of this "King" of the infernal locusts, this Angel of the Bottomless Pit. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Of the Thousand Years in which the Dragon or Satan is bound, with ...
... of Abaddon is applied, and the Greek of Apollyon, and whom ... one else to whom those
titles of the angel of the ... not bound at that time; the bottomless pit (as it ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism iv of the thousand.htm

Of Evil Angels
... of eminence; " "Apollyon," or the destroyer; " "the old serpent," from his beguiling
Eve under that form; " and, "the angel of the bottomless pit." We ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 72 of evil angels.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... And they have over them a king, the angel of the ... and in the Greek he hath his name
Apollyon.] It is a ... described as coming up "out of the bottomless pit" (ix.7 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... "And the fifth angel sounded, and I ... is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue he hath the
name Apollyon. ... The bottomless pit, is where Satan is subsequently cast (20:3 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... any further. We also heard, over and above, how he met with the lions,
Apollyon, the Shadow of Death, and many other things. Nor ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... together the tares, the chaff, and stubble, and cast them into the burning lake"
(Matt.3:12; 13:30; Mal.4:1). And with that, the bottomless pit opened, just ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... burning lake"; and with that the bottomless pit opened just ... he fell into an exceeding
deep pit, as he ... This was that terrible battle with Apollyon, depicted in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Resources
What is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the End Times (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the Abyss? | GotQuestions.org

Apollyon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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