New Apostolic Church
International

Zurich. The District Apostle Meeting of the New Apostolic Church in Karlsruhe ratified a new interpretation of the Church’s understanding of the “woman clothed with the sun” mentioned in chapter 12 of the Revelation of John. As of now the New Apostolic Church regards the “woman clothed with the sun” to be the fellowship of believers who have entered into a special relationship of proximity to Jesus Christ, who believe in Him, and who profess Him.

The amended interpretation of this Bible passage does not claim to be conclusive, but corresponds to the current understanding of the New Apostolic Church. It is part of the preparatory work in the development of a New Apostolic catechism.

There are seven doctrinal statements associated with this image from Revelation:

1. The “woman clothed with the sun” is understood to be the fellowship of the
   believers who have entered into a special relationship of proximity to
   Jesus Christ, who believe in Him, and who profess Him.
2. The “woman clothed with the sun” is not to be interpreted as the New Apostolic Church.
3. The crown of twelve stars is to be understood as a symbol of the divine
   enlightenment of the fellowship of the faithful, and as a symbol of the
   coming reign of the firstlings and martyrs as priests of God and of
   Christ. The image of the twelve stars is thus not to be interpreted as
   the apostle ministry.
4. The image of the “male child” is to be understood as the portion of the
   congregation of Christ who will be caught up to heaven (the firstlings, the hundred forty-four thousand).
5. In the time of the great tribulation the “woman clothed with the sun” will
   be nourished by God. From this it may be concluded that the Holy Spirit
   will also be active during that time. The Holy Scripture does not
   describe the manner in which this will take place.
6. The Biblical account of the battle between Michael and the dragon is not to
   be associated with the archangel Michael, but rather refers to Christ,
   who conquers Satan.
7. In the context of corresponding statements from Revelation, it is clear
   that the “rest of her offspring” are to be equated with the martyrs
   from the great tribulation.

A detailed documentation of these new doctrinal statements will be developed for all members, and will appear in the “Word of life” for the ministers of the Church, as well as in the Church magazine "Our Family". Previous interpretations of this image from Revelation are thus no longer valid.