Spiritual warfare has its origin in a rebellion of many angels against God. Satan is seen as the prince of this world, leading an array of forces opposed to God. Although disarmed by Jesus Christ on the cross, they remain a powerful threat to the church and to individual believers.

2 Peter 2:4

Satan and his angels fall

See also

Isaiah 14:12-15
Ezekiel 28:12-19
1 Timothy 3:6
Jude 1:6

Some believe the kings of Babylon and Tyre to be types of Satan

Ephesians 6:12

Satan and his angels comprise a well-organised army

See also

Colossians 1:13
Colossians 2:15

Satan and his angels will ultimately be fully disarmed by Jesus Christ

Revelation 12:7-9

See also

Mark 3:27
Luke 10:18
John 12:31

pp Mt 12:29

Hebrews 2:14
1 John 3:8
Revelation 12:13

Satan persecutes the church

See also

Revelation 2:10; 13:7

The woman is here thought to be symbolic of the church.

The dragon is here thought to be symbolic of the world's persecution (empowered by Satan) of the church.

2 Corinthians 4:4

Satan opposes the gospel

See also

Matthew 13:19
Matthew 13:38-39

pp Mk 4:15

1 Thessalonians 2:2,18

pp Lk 8:12

Acts 6:8-14; 7:54-58

Examples of opposition to the first Christians

Acts 8:1-3

Stephen stoned to death

Acts 13:6-12,44-45; 17:13; 18:6,12

Saul causes havoc in Jerusalem.

Opposition to Paul and his companions:

Acts 9:23; 14:5,19; 16:16-24; 17:5-6; 19:23-29; 20:3; 21:27-36

Violent hostility to Paul and his companions:

Acts 23:12-15; 25:3

Jewish plots against Paul in Jerusalem:

Revelation 12:17

Satan attacks individual believers

See also

Job 2:7
Luke 22:31-32
2 Timothy 3:12
1 Peter 5:8

See also

2372 Christ, victory
4112 angels, messengers
4116 angels, opposed to God
4120 Satan
5603 wages
5976 visiting
7510 Gentiles
8739 evil, examples of
8773 jealousy
8790 oppression
8794 persecution
8834 unbelief