In the preface I called attention to the contrast between the Satan as he is depicted in the book of Revelation and the Satan of the Hebrew scriptures. The Satan of Revelation is the deceiver of the whole world, the accuser of the comrades, the ancient serpent, and the leader of the forces of evil. The earliest texts that speak of superhuman satan figures, on the other hand, present these figures as functionaries of God who punish evildoers. Up to this point
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