The Book of Revelation contains sections that appear to recap past events, particularly in Revelation 12, which describes a vision of a woman, a child, and a dragon. This passage presents symbolic imagery that many interpret as referring to past events while also connecting them to future prophetic fulfillment.

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Revelation 12:1-5 (A Recap of Past Events)

1. The Woman Clothed with the Sun – Often interpreted as Israel or the faithful people of God.

2. The Child (Jesus) – The male child who is "to rule all nations with a rod of iron" (Revelation 12:5) is widely understood as Jesus Christ.

3. The Dragon (Satan) is described as trying to devour the child, linking to Herod's attempt to kill Jesus at His birth (Matthew 2:16).

4. The Child Caught Up to God – Represents Jesus' ascension after His resurrection.

This part of Revelation recounts key moments in salvation history—Jesus' birth, Satan’s opposition, and Christ’s victory—before shifting into future events.

Revelation 12:7-9 (The War in Heaven)

• The vision then describes Satan being cast out of heaven, a possible reference to either:

  • A past event (Isaiah 14:12, Luke 10:18: "I saw Satan fall like lightning"), OR

  • A future event linked to the end times, when Satan is fully expelled from access to heaven.

Why Does Revelation Include a Recap?

• To give context for the ongoing battle between good and evil.

• To establish Jesus’ victory over Satan, showing that future judgments are part of a greater divine plan.

• To connect past events with prophetic fulfillment, demonstrating how history repeats in spiritual warfare.

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General breakdown of the structure of the Book of Revelation:

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1. Introduction & Christ’s Message to the Churches (Revelation 1-3)

• Chapter 1: John’s vision of Christ and His divine authority. Jesus appears in glory, giving John the command to write.

• Chapters 2-3: Letters to the Seven Churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea). These messages provide warnings, encouragement, and rebuke.
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2. The Heavenly Throne and the Opening of the Scroll (Revelation 4-5)

• Chapter 4: A vision of God’s throne, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures.

• Chapter 5: The scroll with seven seals appears, which only the Lamb (Jesus) is worthy to open.
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3. The Seven Seals: Judgments Begin (Revelation 6-8:5)

• Chapter 6: The first six seals are opened, unleashing war, famine, death, and cosmic disturbances.

• Chapter 7: The sealing of 144,000 servants of God and a great multitude in heaven.

• Chapter 8:1-5: The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven and introducing the trumpets.
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4. The Seven Trumpets: More Intense Judgments (Revelation 8:6-11)

• Chapters 8-9: The first six trumpets bring destruction on the earth, sea, rivers, sun, and release demonic forces.

• Chapter 10: A mystery revealed in a small scroll.

• Chapter 11: The Two Witnesses, their ministry, death, and resurrection.

  • The seventh trumpet is sounded, announcing the coming kingdom of Christ.
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5. The War Between Good and Evil (Revelation 12-14)

• Chapter 12: The vision of the woman, the child (Jesus), and the dragon (Satan)—a mix of past events and future prophecy.

• Chapter 13: The Two Beasts (one from the sea, one from the earth) rise, symbolizing the Antichrist and false prophet.

• Chapter 14: The Lamb on Mount Zion and the final warnings of judgment.
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6. The Seven Bowls: Final Wrath (Revelation 15-16)

• Chapters 15-16: Seven angels pour out seven bowls of wrath, leading to plagues, darkness, and the battle of Armageddon.

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7. The Fall of Babylon and the Victory of Christ (Revelation 17-19)

• Chapters 17-18: The judgment of Babylon the Great (symbolizing a corrupt system or empire).

• Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Jesus’ return, defeating the Beast and false prophet.

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8. The Millennial Reign and Final Judgment (Revelation 20)

• Satan is bound for 1,000 years.

• The Millennial Kingdom (Christ’s reign).

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• Satan’s final rebellion, then his defeat.

• The Great White Throne Judgment, where the dead are judged.
   

9. The New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

• Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem descends, God dwells with His people.

• Chapter 22: The final vision of eternal life and Jesus’ promise to return.