On Satan Being Bound

In Revelation 20:1-2, the inspired writer John speaks of Satan being bound. However, 1 Peter 5:8 speaks of Satan walking about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

So, how can Satan be “bound” when he is able to “walk” about as a roaring lion?

Answer: Satan is "bound" in much the same way as a dog chained to a wire between two trees. The dog can manipulate only within the limited distance between the trees and to the length of the chain from side to side.

Similarly, Satan is "bound" in the sense that he cannot tempt men above that which they are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Note that God also provides a way of escape from any temptation, but we have to be willing to take the way of escape (see Joseph in Genesis 39:7-12).

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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