Thanks for your response! Let's delve into the symbolism in Revelation 12-13 and see how it aligns with our discussion.

1. Revelation 12: The Pregnant Woman:

   • Your interpretation of the pregnant woman as representing the New Covenant and spirit-filled believers is insightful. Traditionally, many interpret the woman as Israel or the faithful remnant of God's people, who give birth to the Messiah (Revelation 12:1-2). This aligns with the imagery of the sun, moon, and stars, pointing to Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9-11.
   • The dragon (Satan) trying to devour the child represents the efforts to destroy Jesus and, by extension, the early Christian movement (Revelation 12:4-5). Rome, under Herod, attempted to kill Jesus at birth (Matthew 2:13-16), and later, Roman persecution targeted Christians.

2. The Dragon's Pursuit (Revelation 12:13-17):

   • The dragon pursuing the woman and her offspring symbolizes ongoing persecution of the faithful. The flood from the serpent’s mouth (Revelation 12:15) can indeed be interpreted as false teachings or widespread deception aimed at diluting true faith.

3. Revelation 13: The Beasts:

   • The first beast from the sea represents the Roman Empire with its seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 13:1), symbolizing its power and authority. The distinction between pagan Rome and later Christianized Rome can be noted here.
   • The second beast from the earth, which looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon (Revelation 13:11), is often interpreted as the false prophet or the corrupt religious system that compels worship of the first beast. This could align with the idea of the Holy Roman Empire enforcing religious uniformity and persecution.

4. Wound and Healing (Revelation 13:3, 13:12):

   • The deadly wound of the first beast being healed could symbolize the resurgence of oppressive power. Some see this as the revival of Roman imperial power through the Holy Roman Empire or other forms of authoritarian control.

5. Faithful vs. Unfaithful Israel:

   • You’re right to consider the distinction between the faithful remnant of Israel and unfaithful Israel. Paul’s statement, "Not all Israel are of Israel" (Romans 9:6), highlights this division. In Revelation, this theme continues with the portrayal of faithful believers versus those who have turned away.

To sum up, while there are various interpretations, my view aligns with seeing the woman in Revelation 12 as representing Israel (based on the direct reference to Joseph’s dreams), the faithful remnant, or the early Christian community. The harlot in Revelation 17 could then symbolize Jerusalem in its state of apostasy, drawing from Old Testament references to Jerusalem as a harlot (Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 2:20; Ezekiel 16:1-43).

Your insights into the historical and symbolic aspects of Rome and its influence are valuable. I appreciate the dialogue and the opportunity to explore these profound texts together. Let’s keep discussing and see where our interpretations converge or diverge!