12. preaching the gospel

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In the Book of Revelation (chapter 12), the serpent from ancient times is described as a dragon. In the image, Christ stands ready to crush the Dragon/Snake's head. The dragon and the knight as an allegory for the fight against evil is common in art history. In the words of St. Paul, Christ is here clothed in the armor of God, bearing the sword of the Spirit, the armor of righteousness, the helmet of salvation and the red cloak of Christ. The serpent/dragon is now to be crushed, but Jesus dies on the cross. In the afterlife, he preached for three days before his resurrection. According to the apostle Peter, he conveyed the message of his and all people's resurrection and judgment. Peter writes in his first letter: "For therefore the gospel was preached also to those who are now dead: that though as men they were judged bodily, yet they should live spiritually like God" Through the Serpent came sin and death; through Christ forgiveness and love. The painting is painted in deep red.