Expert: Edward Bode - 8/29/2008

Question
1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Whether this is just a story or true or not why would Jesus
not destroy the Devil when he was abbised,why does he let him out to do more damage has he not done enough?

Answer
This passage from Revelation is a true literary and figurative presentation of the final victory of Jesus over evil.
After a final assault by the devil, he is vanquished [Rev 20:10].  Why Jesus allowed this final assault is part of the mystery of evil.  I would not presume to understand fully the mind of Jesus on this matter.  However, He did decide for one final and terrible trial previous to the final judgment.
For further thoughts on the subject, consult The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 668-682,available online at:
usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
The index also contains many references to Evil.
If you would like more, Rob, please feel free to write again.