Revelation 12:5-6 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up to God… 1. The godly of the Christian Church brought forth by the pains of the apostles and their successors, are called but one man child: which teaches, that all the true members of Christ's Church should be in a holy unity but as one man (Acts 4:32); and of masculine courage for the truth (Jeremiah 9:3) against all opposition. 2. Whereas that which is primely proper to Christ is in a secondary respect attributed to His Church, to rule all nations with a rod of iron; we learn the strict union that is between Christ and His Church (Acts 9:4). 3. Whereas it is said that the man child was caught up to God and to His throne, we see — (1) Satan's disappointment in all his attempts against Christ's Church (Psalm 2:4). (2) What happiness and high preferment abides God's children at last, however they be troubled or despised here. (3) How joyful may death be to them, who is justly called the king of terrors to others. (Wm. Guild, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. |