6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

A. The church grew rapidly. Christians had great power on the earth.

B. For the first several centuries, the church had great power on the political, social and economic situations in the world.

C. Christians has the power to make it rain or make it stop raining. They could call upon God to come to their aid.

D. The figures used here represent the power exercised by God’s people through prayer. Not only can Christians pray for good things to happen (healing, comfort, and forgiveness) but we can also seek God’s intervention in our troubles.

E. God can inflict punishment on the wicked. This is a prelude to chapters 15 and 16 where God pours out His wrath on the earth.

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Old Testament