The previous section had recounted the final demise of the ancient serpent, Satan (and before that the demise of his assistants, Revelation 19:20). Through his work on the cross Jesus Christ had bound the evil one (see Colossians 2:15) so that throughout the new dispensation the gospel could go forth into all God’s world (Matthew 28:19–20). In perfect justice, the Lord would release Satan briefly so that he can (again) show his true colours (“deceive”) and in turn demonstrate that God’s sentence on Satan is fully justified. With Satan then cast into the lake of fire and sulfur for his eternal damnation, the deck is clear to report on the judgment of those who chose to embrace Satan’s deception.