When Lucifer / Satan fell, did one third of the angels fall with him?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

When Lucifer fell, it is believed that one third of the angels fell with him, as suggested by Revelation 12:4, which describes a third of the stars being cast down to earth. The angels that fell became demons. The vast number of angels means that this rebellion resulted in a significant demonic presence, as seen in various New Testament accounts where Jesus confronts and exorcises many demons. Despite their power, Christians need not fear these fallen angels, as God has ultimate authority over them and will judge them in the end. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers can resist evil and overcome the temptations and attacks of these demonic forces.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Angels have existed since the beginning of creation (Job 38:7).
• Sometime prior to Genesis 3, Satan (then a leading angel) rebelled against God and was judged (Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14). If the passage in Revelation is referring to a past time, then it appears that other angels fell with him at the time of his rebellion.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The idea of one third of the angels falling from heaven comes from Revelation 12:4: "His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth." This passage is often interpreted to mean Satan and a third of angels were removed from heaven to earth. Interpreters differ whether this refers to a past event (referring to Satan's original rebellion against God), a future time during the tribulation period when Satan and his angels will be sent to operate on earth, or involves aspects of both (one third fell in the past, yet will not be not sent to operate on earth as Revelation 12 states until the future).
• Since the number of angels is "innumerable" (Hebrews 12:22), one third includes a vast number of demons who rebelled against God.
• Demons are fallen angels. In Mark 5 Jesus met a man possessed by so many demons that they called themselves "Legion." Jesus allowed the demons to enter pigs when they left the man; the herd of about two thousand pigs rushed off the steep bank and drowned in the sea (Mark 5:9–13). Mary Magdalene was freed from seven spirits (Luke 8:2). Jesus also mentioned another account of seven spirits together at one time (Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:26).
• Ephesians 6:12 acknowledges demonic powers and the difficulties they can present: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Believers are called to "wear" the full armor of God to protect against these forces of evil.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Though demons are powerful, believers need not fear them. As Peter notes, "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment" (2 Peter 2:4). This verse, part of a larger argument about God's ability to rescue, shows that every fallen angel will one day be judged along with Satan. Their power and time are limited.

Christians have the power of God's Spirit living within them today. Though evil spirits may seek to tempt or attack a believer, they are no match for the Holy Spirit. First John 4:4 teaches, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

UNDERSTAND

• Revelation 12:4 indicates that Lucifer's rebellion led to his fall and the casting out of a third of the angels.
• The fallen angels became demons.
• Christians need not fear these demons, as God has ultimate authority over them.

REFLECT

• How does the reality of fallen angels influence your understanding of spiritual warfare?
• How can you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to resist temptations and spiritual attacks you encounter?
• How do you perceive the presence of evil in the world? How does that perception shape your faith and actions as a Christian?

ENGAGE

• What does Revelation 12:4 reveal about the nature of Satan's rebellion and its implications for understanding spiritual authority?
• How can we prepare ourselves to "wear the full armor of God" in the context of confronting demonic influences in our lives today?
• What can we understand about God’s character from the authority He has over the fallen angels and Satan?