Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 12:10

"And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night." — Revelation 12:10 (ASV)

This anonymous hymn, which interprets the great battle of the preceding verses, has three stanzas: the first (v.10) focuses on the victorious inauguration of God’s kingdom and Christ’s kingly authority; the second (v.11) calls attention to the earthly victory of the saints as they confirm the victory of Christ by their own identification with Jesus in his witness and death; the third (v.12) announces the martyrs’ victory and the final woe to the earth because of the devil’s ejection and impending demise. In the first stanza (v.10), the triumph of Christ is described as the arrival of three divine realities in history: God’s “salvation” or victory (7:10; 19:1), God’s “power,” and God’s “kingdom.” This last reality is further identified as Christ’s assumption of his “authority.” The historic event of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection has challenged the dominion of Satan and provoked the crisis of history. At the time of Christ’s death on earth, Satan was being defeated in heaven by Michael. In times past, Satan’s chief role as adversary was directed toward accusing God’s people of disobedience to God. The justice of these accusations was recognized by God, and therefore Satan’s presence in heaven was tolerated. But now the presence of the crucified Savior in God’s presence provides the required satisfaction of God’s justice regarding our sins (4:10). Thus, Satan’s accusations are no longer valid and he is cast out. What strong consolation this provides for God’s faltering people!