Constantine the Great Changed the Sabbath to Sunday
On March 7, A.D. 321, Constantine the Great issued the first civil Sunday law, compelling all the people in the Roman Empire, except farmers, to rest on Sunday. This, with five other civil laws decreed by Constantine concerning Sunday, set the legal precedent for all civil Sunday legislation from that time to the present.
In the 4th century, the Council of Laodicea urged Christians to honor Sunday by abstaining from work on that day if at all possible, and prohibited them from abstaining from work on the Sabbath.
Despite the fact that human will has tried to change God’s holy day of rest and substitute human days and laws, God has powerfully protected the real Sabbath day throughout history. Because of that divine protection, we still have the opportunity to worship Him on the day He blessed and made holy at the dawn of the creation of this world. (Source: bibletopics.com)
16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And the dragon was wroth (angry) with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:16-17 depicts God’s protection of His people and Satan’s continued persecution of those who remain faithful.
Verse 16: Earth Helps the Woman
In Revelation 12:16, the text says, “But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth” (Revelation 12:16). This imagery symbolizes divine intervention through earthly powers to protect God’s people from persecution. The “river” represents the flood of opposition, violence, or heresy that Satan unleashes against the Church. The earth swallowing the flood illustrates that no human or demonic opposition can permanently destroy God’s people, as God can use even unlikely or secular powers to safeguard His Church. Historically, commentators have linked this to events such as the invasions of the Goths and Vandals, which, despite initial threats, ultimately allowed the Church to survive and flourish under God’s providence (Revelation 12:16 explained by BibleHub) .
Verse 17: The Dragon’s Fury Against the Offspring
Revelation 12:17 states, “Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” After being cast down from heaven, Satan’s focus shifts from the heavenly realm to the earth. The “offspring of the woman” represents faithful believers, both Jews and Gentiles, who follow God’s commandments and maintain allegiance to Jesus. This verse emphasizes that Satan’s persecution continues, targeting those who remain obedient and faithful, particularly during times of tribulation (Enduring Word Commentary) . The passage also connects to prophetic timelines, such as the “time, times, and half a time” mentioned in Daniel and Revelation, highlighting periods of intense trial for God’s people (Revelation 12:14) .
Theological Significance
Together, these verses illustrate a cosmic struggle between good and evil. God’s providence ensures protection and sustenance for His people, even amid persecution, while Satan’s rage demonstrates his ongoing opposition to God’s plan. The imagery reinforces the ultimate message of Revelation: God’s kingdom will prevail, and His faithful followers will endure despite trials and opposition (Revelation 12:1-17) .
In summary, Revelation 12:16-17 portrays both divine protection and Satanic opposition, showing that while God shields His people through providential means, the faithful must remain steadfast in obedience and testimony to Jesus.
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