In the biblical narrative, the figure of the dragon is primarily associated with Satan, the adversary of God and His people. The dragon's authority is a theme that emerges prominently in the apocalyptic literature of the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation. This entry explores the nature, scope, and implications of the dragon's authority as depicted in Scripture.

Revelation and the Dragon

The Book of Revelation provides the most vivid depiction of the dragon's authority. In Revelation 12:9, the dragon is explicitly identified: "And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him" . This passage establishes the dragon as a symbol of Satan, emphasizing his role in deceiving the nations.

The dragon's authority is further elaborated in Revelation 13, where it is described as giving power to the beast: "The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority" (Revelation 13:2). This transfer of authority signifies the dragon's influence over earthly kingdoms and rulers, enabling them to act in opposition to God's purposes.

Nature of the Dragon's Authority

The dragon's authority is characterized by deception, persecution, and blasphemy. Revelation 13:4-5 states, "They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?' The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for forty-two months" . Here, the dragon's authority manifests in the beast's ability to deceive the world and blaspheme against God.

This authority is not absolute but is permitted by God for a limited time. The forty-two months mentioned in Revelation 13:5 symbolize a period of testing and tribulation, during which the dragon's influence is allowed to challenge the faithfulness of God's people.

Scope of the Dragon's Authority

The dragon's authority extends over the earth, influencing nations and peoples to rebel against God. Revelation 12:17 describes the dragon's enmity towards the followers of Christ: "Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring—those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus" . This enmity underscores the dragon's intent to undermine the faith and perseverance of believers.

Despite the dragon's widespread influence, his authority is ultimately subordinate to God's sovereign will. Revelation 20:2-3 foretells the dragon's eventual defeat: "He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete" . This binding signifies the limitation and eventual cessation of the dragon's authority.

Implications for Believers

The dragon's authority presents a formidable challenge to believers, calling for vigilance, faithfulness, and reliance on God's power. Ephesians 6:11-12 exhorts Christians to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . This passage highlights the spiritual nature of the battle against the dragon's authority and the need for divine strength and protection.

In summary, the dragon's authority, as depicted in Scripture, is a temporary and limited power that serves to test the faithfulness of God's people. While formidable, it is ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan and will be decisively overcome in the eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom.