THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH—REV 17:1-19:5 Part-2
Rev
17:1 - 19:5 consists of several items on the same subject. Most should not be
difficult to understand; however, it is a challenge to convey the different
items under the various subjects, as many pertain to other subjects as well.
This may be the most difficult chapter in the Revelation
to explain on paper.
There are certain main topics (or headings) that need to
be understood in advance to aid one in their study. Some of these should be
listed next.
1. The "great whore" is the Roman Catholic Church.
During at least the first part of the Tribulation, the entire world apparently
becomes allied with this church, except those that repent and follow Jesus.
2. The "woman" is the city of Rome.
3. The "beast" may refer to the Antichrist or to
the empire of the Antichrist, which includes ten kings.
4. Miscellaneous. The woman (the city of Rome) and the great
whore (the Roman Catholic Church) are depicted as being allied together or closely
united, even as one. The city of Rome has on its forehead the name denoting
the church. In the hand of the woman (which is the city) is the golden cup full
of abominations.
5. Babylon, as used in Rev 17:5; 18:2,10,21, may refer to
the "great whore" or to the "woman."
Another
angel-18:1
Another voice-18:4
The great whore-17:1
John-ref 17:3
The woman-17:3,4,6,7
She persecuted-many verses
The woman's final judgment-many verses
A mighty angel-18:21
Kings-18:9,10
Merchants-18:11,15-17
Those of the sea-18:17-19
The beast-17:7
Ten horns-17:7
Seven kings-17:10
The people-ref 17:8
The Lamb-17:14
The saints-ref 17:14
The apostles-18:20
The prophets-18:20
Heaven-18:20
A great voice of much people-19:1
The four and twenty elders-19:4
The four beasts-19:4
God-19:4
A voice…out of the throne-19:5
17:1.
AND THERE CAME ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH HAD THE SEVEN VIALS (or
bowls), AND TALKED WITH ME, SAYING UNTO ME, COME HITHER. John is instructed
to come. Then he is told,
I WILL SHOW UNTO THEE THE JUDGMENT (or punishment)
OF THE GREAT WHORE (or prostitute). Rev 19:3
says, HER SMOKE ROSE UP FOR EVER AND EVER.
The "great whore" is the wicked, religious system
(false church) during the Tribulation. This religious system is portrayed as
a woman or bride: the followers of Jesus are also portrayed as a woman. Jesus
is the Bridegroom. The saints are the bride-ref Rev 19:7-9.
This great whore is shown to be an unfaithful woman. She
has become a whore and prostituted herself with another, mainly the devil. She
has left the true teachings of Christ and turned aside to many false doctrines.
She is not only portrayed as a whore, but a "great" whore
THAT SITTETH UPON (or by)
MANY WATERS. As has already been pointed out, the
great whore is the Roman Catholic Church. At some point during the Tribulation,
she will be judged and destroyed. She will be burnt with fire-ref Rev 17:16.
The many waters ARE PEOPLES, AND MULTITUDES, AND NATIONS,
AND TONGUES-Rev 17:15. The Roman Catholic Church encompasses many peoples, multitudes,
nations, and languages. This shows it has tremendous influence upon people.
The message of Jesus to the church of Thyatira was clear.
Those that do not repent of this deceptive, intoxicating teaching of the Roman
Catholic Church will most certainly be CAST… INTO GREAT TRIBULATION-Rev 2:22.
The Roman Catholic Church itself will not repent, but will continue her false
teachings. Once the true church is removed in the Rapture, she will even experience
revival and flourish for a time. The people of the world will flock to this
false religion.
17:2.
(And) WITH WHOM THE KINGS OF THE EARTH HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION (or
adultery, or went whoring with her). The kings of the earth have allied themselves
with this "great whore." They have committed spiritual fornication
with her. They have rejected Jesus Christ.
AND (also)
THE INHABITANTS (or people)
OF THE EARTH HAVE BEEN MADE DRUNK (or were intoxicated)
WITH THE WINE OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries, or
whoring). Not only have the kings of the earth rejected Jesus in favor of the
"great whore," the inhabitants of the earth have done the same. They
have become drunk or intoxicated with her enticing, sinful, pleasurable, and
deceitful teachings and ways. They have become intoxicated with sin. As a man
can be enticed by a beautiful whore that offers him pleasure through fornication,
so the "great whore" entices people. They become as a drunkard, fully
intoxicated with wicked spiritual fornication. The whole earth becomes corrupted
by this whore-ref Rev 19:2.
Consider a person who begins to drink. As he drinks more
and more, he becomes numb to reality and truth. So it is with those who drink
of the deceptions of this "great whore." Their minds are taken captive
with the whore's deceptive doctrines.
17:3.
SO HE CARRIED ME AWAY IN THE SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS (or desert):
AND I SAW A WOMAN. The woman represents a great city-ref
Rev 17:18. That great city is clearly shown to be "Rome." John saw
this woman (or city)
SIT UPON A SCARLET COLOURED BEAST. The "beast"
has two meanings. The "beast" by itself is another name for the Antichrist.
However, the term "beast" is also used to describe the empire of the
Antichrist, which includes ten kings. During the second part of the Tribulation,
the Antichrist will rule the entire world for 1260 days. The woman (city of
Rome) is shown sitting upon the "beast." It is
FULL OF NAMES OF BLASPHEMY. The city is full of cursing
and blasphemy against God.
As the Scriptures continue, the city of Rome, the Roman Catholic
Church, the Antichrist, and his empire, are all portrayed as being united or
part of each other, during the first part of the Tribulation.
The beast is shown as
HAVING SEVEN HEADS.
Note in the following verses that the red dragon and the
beast have seven heads.
A GREAT (or enormous) RED DRAGON, HAVING SEVEN HEADS-Rev
12:3.
A BEAST RISE (or come) UP OUT OF THE SEA, HAVING SEVEN
HEADS-Rev 13:1.
AND HERE IS THE MIND WHICH HATH WISDOM (or this calls for
a mind with wisdom). THE SEVEN HEADS ARE SEVEN MOUNTAINS (or hills),
ON WHICH THE WOMAN (or city) SITTETH-Rev 17:9. It is a well-known fact that
the city of Rome sits on seven hills.
AND THERE ARE SEVEN KINGS: FIVE ARE FALLEN, AND ONE
IS (living now), AND THE OTHER IS NOT YET COME-Rev 17:10.
The seven heads are seven mountains, and there are seven
kings.
The beast (which is the Antichrist and his empire) is pictured
with
TEN HORNS. The ten horns represent TEN KINGS-Rev 17:12.
These ten kings are believed to come from the EEC. Which ten kings, nations,
or divisions are being portrayed here is not clear at this time.
17:4. AND THE WOMAN
WAS ARRAYED (or dressed)
IN PURPLE AND SCARLET COLOR, AND DECKED (or glittered)
WITH GOLD AND PRECIOUS STONES AND PEARLS. The Scriptures
are relating a rich and beautiful city. Again, clearly, Rome is being depicted.
The city is shown as
HAVING A GOLDEN CUP IN HER HAND. In verse 5, the Bible
shows that the city and the religious whore are as one. The city of Rome is,
indeed, one with the Vatican. The golden cup should be well-known to all Roman
Catholics. Here the golden cup is shown being held in the hand of the city,
another vivid example of the city of Rome with the Roman Catholic Church.
Consider a golden cup. On the outside, it is beautiful and
glamorous. It seems to illustrate something pure and elegant. The outside of
the cup seems to reflect godliness and spirituality. However, this golden cup
of the Catholic Church, which is being held in the hand of the city of Rome,
is not beautiful on the inside. It is full of death and poison. It is
FULL OF ABOMINATIONS (or abominable things)
AND FILTHINESS (or obscene and filthy things)
OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries, or produced by
her whoring). The inside of the beautiful, golden cup is filth. There is fornication
and spiritual whoredom against Jesus Christ. The outward beauty is really a
deception that covers or conceals the filthiness within.
The world accepts the golden cup as beautiful and true, in
Rev 17:1; however, God shows it is full of abominations, obscenities, and filthy
things.
17:5.
AND UPON HER FOREHEAD WAS A NAME WRITTEN. Upon the forehead of
the city of Rome, a name was written—that name is not Jesus. The name
written "upon the forehead" signifies what the city follows. For example,
the 144,000 Jews have their Father's name written in or on their foreheads-ref
Rev 14:1. The unsaved have the mark of the beast in or on their right hand or
forehead-ref Rev 13:16,17. The woman (the city of Rome) has written on her forehead,
MYSTERY (or with a hidden meaning),
BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
(or prostitutes, or whores)
AND (of the)
ABOMINATIONS (or obscenities)
OF THE EARTH. The name of the "great whore"
(which is the Roman Catholic Church) is written upon Rome's forehead. Rome follows
this church. They seem inseparable.
"MYSTERY" denotes something secretive. Outwardly,
it appears to be one thing, but inwardly, it is altogether different. This indicates
that the masses do not know what this church really is, as only a select few
would be entitled to know the mystery.
"BABYLON THE GREAT" conveys that this church is
actually a manifestation of the old Babylonian cult. The Babylonian religion
continues to flourish through this church, yet remains a mystery to the masses.
They have been deceived into thinking that this religion was ordained from the
God of heaven; when, in truth, they are following the deceiver. (Note part 3C,
"The Great Whore and City" and "What is the Connection Between
the Roman Catholic Church and the Great Whore?") Even though this is shown
through the Scriptures, the world will continue to reject the truth, just as
they reject the testimony of the two witnesses of God.
"THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS" expresses that this religion
is the mother of all whores (or false ways). This false religion dates way back
to Babel or Babylon. It appears that during the Tribulation it will swallow
up all false religions. All, whose names are not written in the book of life,
may become allied with or part of this vast, one-world system of religion. It
can be expected that all Protestant churches, cults, agnostics, atheists, and
all other churches left behind in the Rapture will become part of the "great
whore" of Rome.
"THE MOTHER OF...ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" again
relates that this Babylonian cult is the mother or originator of all that is
vile and obscene in the earth.
This sect is now incorporated into the Roman Catholic Church,
but the hundreds of millions of people that are part of this church do not know
or understand it, neither will they believe it. As this mother of abominations
killed multitudes of God's people, during the dark ages, she is expected to
do the same during the Tribulation.
This false religion dominates Rome.
The Catholic Church is the inheritor of the Babylonian cult,
the evil religious system of Babylon.
17:6.
AND I SAW THE WOMAN (the city)
DRUNKEN WITH (or from)
THE BLOOD OF THE SAINTS (or God's people),
AND WITH THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS (or witnesses)
OF JESUS (or who bore testimony to Jesus-NIV):
AND WHEN I SAW HER, I WONDERED WITH GREAT ADMIRATION
(or was altogether astounded). Rome is pictured as being drunk with the blood
of God's people. History has recorded that countless numbers of saints were
slaughtered in Rome. Reportedly, many were fed to the lions. During the Tribulation,
the slaughter of Christians can be expected to continue.
John is astounded at what he saw.
17:7.
AND THE ANGEL SAID UNTO ME, WHEREFORE DIDST THOU MARVEL (or why
are you astounded)?
I WILL TELL (or explain to)
THEE THE MYSTERY (or hidden meaning)
OF THE WOMAN (which is the city),
AND OF THE BEAST (which is the Antichrist and his
empire)
THAT CARRIETH HER (or she rides),
WHICH HATH THE SEVEN HEADS (or seven hills on which
the city of Rome sits-ref Rev 17:9)
AND TEN HORNS (which are ten kings-ref Rev 17:12).
17:8.
THE BEAST (which, in this case, is the Antichrist)
THAT THOU SAWEST (once)
WAS, AND (now)
IS NOT; AND SHALL ASCEND (or come up)
OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or Abyss),
AND GO INTO PERDITION (or it is on its way to destruction-JNT177).
Apparently, at the midst of the Tribulation, when the Antichrist’s deadly wound
is healed, a spirit will come out of the bottomless pit to occupy his body.
This spirit "was" once alive before the Revelation was written
(before approximately 96 or 97 A.D.); it "is not" alive, meaning when
the Revelation was written; however, it shall come up out of the bottomless
pit" at some future date. Nevertheless, the Antichrist will ultimately
go into "perdition or destruction"-ref Rev 17:11.
AND THEY (the inhabitants)
THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH SHALL WONDER, WHOSE
NAMES WERE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE FROM THE
FOUNDATION (or founding, or creation)
OF THE WORLD (will be astonished),
WHEN THEY BEHOLD (or see)
THE BEAST THAT (once)
WAS, AND (now)
IS NOT, AND YET IS (to appear or will come).
The people of the world that will perish to hell, "whose names were not
written in the book of life from the foundation of the world," will be
astonished when they see this person that was alive prior to 96 A.D., but was
not alive around 96 A.D., but now is alive during the Tribulation—the Antichrist.
There is much speculation as to who this person might be.
He appears to have lived either during the time of Christ or before. Some believe
it might be Nebuchadnezzar or Antiochus Epiphanes. Others think, perhaps, Judas.
This is because the Antichrist is called the "son of perdition," in
2 Thes 2:3, and Judas was also called the "son of perdition," in Jn
17:12. At this point, we do not know who it will be. Some believe it might even
be Satan.
17:9.
AND HERE IS THE MIND WHICH HATH WISDOM (or this calls for a mind
with wisdom-NIV).
THE SEVEN HEADS (which were mentioned in Rev
17:3)
ARE SEVEN MOUNTAINS (or hills),
ON WHICH THE WOMAN (or city)
SITTETH. Rome sits on seven hills or mountains. It
is reported that ancient Babylon sat on a plain not on mountains.
17:10.
AND THERE ARE SEVEN KINGS: FIVE ARE FALLEN, AND ONE IS (living now),
AND THE OTHER IS NOT YET COME; AND WHEN HE COMETH, HE
MUST CONTINUE A SHORT SPACE (or a little while). Seven kings are
mentioned here. The date that the Revelation was written was around 96 or 97
A.D. This verse states five kings are fallen. These five kings (or possibly
kingdoms) fell prior to the Revelation being written. "One is," is
referring to a king that existed when this was written. The other that "is
not yet come" is referring to the Antichrist. The Antichrist must continue
a short space (or a short time) after he comes. He will reign, in Jerusalem,
for 3 ½ years.
The following are the seven kings (or kingdoms).
Five are fallen:
1. Egypt
2. Assyria
3. Babylon
4. Medo-Persia
5. Greece
One is:
6. Roman Empire
Is yet to come:
7. Revived Roman Empire, the EEC (the Antichrist)
8. The Antichrist is the eighth and is of the seven
Some believe that the seven represent seven emperors of the
Roman Empire. Five were dead, one existed at the time this was written, and
another was yet to come. Others believe that the seven represent seven forms
of government in the Roman Empire.
17:11. AND THE BEAST THAT
(once)
WAS, AND (now)
IS NOT. This was explained under Rev 17:8.
EVEN HE IS THE EIGHTH (king),
AND IS OF (or comes from)
THE SEVEN. The Antichrist is the eighth
king, but he comes from one of the seven. The Antichrist shall
ultimately go
INTO PERDITION (or is on its way, or going to his
destruction). Dan 9:26 shows that the Antichrist shall be of the people that
would come and destroy Jerusalem, which happened approximately 70 A.D. Those
that came were of the Roman Empire.
17:12.
AND THE TEN HORNS (mentioned in Rev 17:7,3)
WHICH THOU SAWEST ARE TEN KINGS (the ten horns
represent ten kings),
WHICH HAVE RECEIVED NO KINGDOM AS YET (or have not
yet begun to rule-JNT178);
BUT RECEIVE POWER (or authority)
AS KINGS (for)
ONE HOUR (along)
WITH THE BEAST (or the Antichrist). These ten horns
(or kings) are believed to represent ten nations of the EEC or ten regions.
17:13.
THESE HAVE ONE MIND (or one purpose),
AND SHALL GIVE THEIR POWER (or hand over their
power)
AND STRENGTH (or authority)
UNTO THE BEAST (or Antichrist).
The Rapture occurs. Immediately after, it is believed that
the Antichrist takes over the EEC. He confirms a covenant with Israel and other
nations. At about this time, ten kings apparently give their power and strength
to the Antichrist. It is quite possible that when the Antichrist rules the world,
it will be divided up into ten parts (or regions).
17:14.
THESE (ten kings)
SHALL MAKE (or go to)
WAR WITH (or against)
THE LAMB (which is Jesus),
AND THE LAMB (Jesus)
SHALL OVERCOME (or defeat)
THEM. When Jesus returns
at the Battle of Armageddon, these ten kings shall go to war against
Him, but they shall be defeated,
FOR HE (Jesus)
IS. Next are more descriptions of Jesus.
LORD OF LORDS, AND
KING OF KINGS. The name of Jesus is above every
name-ref Phili 2:9. (Note Rev 19:16.)
AND THEY THAT ARE WITH HIM (or will be His).
The saints are with Jesus when He returns to this earth at Armageddon.
The saints
ARE CALLED, AND CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL
(followers) (and...will overcome along with Him-JNT179).
The term "Lord of lords" is another description
of Jesus. The term "King of kings" is yet another. This list began
at Rev 1:5 and continued to Rev 5:14. After that, the next descriptions were
found in Rev 11:17; 15:3; and 17:14.
The
saints are first "called." When God calls them to trust in Him and
Him alone for their salvation, they respond and say yes.
The saints are "chosen." It is written, MANY BE
CALLED, BUT FEW CHOSEN-Mt 20:16; ref Mt 22:14. Once a person is called and responds
positively to the call of Jesus, he will go through many tests. Most will never
bear any good fruit. They will not allow Jesus to rule over them. They will
not deny themselves. They say yes to Jesus, but then refuse to surrender themselves
to Him. They will not allow Jesus (the Word) to be the Lord of their life. Thus,
they are not chosen. Their faith was not genuine. Some begin to bear good fruit,
but Satan deceives them, and they shrink back.
The saints are "faithful." The true saints of God
are called, chosen, and faithful. They obey God's Word. They are faithful when
Jesus calls them to go here or there, or to do this or that. Their love is reflected
by their faithful obedience to His commandments. They bring forth good fruit.
The saints that return with Jesus, at Armageddon, are all
of these things.
17:15.
AND HE SAITH UNTO ME, THE WATERS WHICH THOU SAWEST (ref Rev 17:1),
WHERE THE WHORE (or prostitute)
SITTETH, ARE PEOPLES, AND MULTITUDES (or crowds),
AND NATIONS, AND TONGUES (or languages). The
Scriptures reveal clearly that the religion (or whore) in the city of Rome is
a worldwide religion, encompassing peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and
languages.
17:16.
AND THE TEN HORNS (or the ten kings)
WHICH THOU SAWEST UPON (or and)
THE BEAST (or Antichrist). The ten kings that are
united with the Antichrist and give their power to him,
THESE SHALL HATE THE WHORE (or prostitute). The ten
kings shall hate the Roman Catholic Church.
AND (they)
SHALL MAKE HER DESOLATE (or bring her to ruin)
AND (leave her)
NAKED, AND SHALL EAT HER FLESH, AND BURN (or consume)
HER WITH FIRE.
The ten kings shall utterly destroy the Roman Catholic Church.
Some believe the Roman Catholic Church will try to compete with the Antichrist.
Consequently, when the Antichrist moves into the temple in Jerusalem and proclaims
himself to be God, at that time, the "great whore" shall be destroyed.
Others believe that it will occur at the time of the seventh vial—the approximate
time that Jesus returns.
Exactly when the whore is destroyed is not clear in the Scriptures.
It seems to be during the midst or second part of the Tribulation. (Note
Rev 18:2, for additional information.) The wording of other translations
seems to indicate the ten kings and the Antichrist hate the whore and shall
destroy her.
17:17.
FOR GOD HATH PUT IN THEIR HEARTS TO FULFILL HIS WILL (or do what
will fulfill His purpose-JNT180),
AND (or that is)
TO AGREE (or be of one mind),
AND GIVE THEIR KINGDOM (or power to rule)
UNTO THE BEAST (or Antichrist),
UNTIL THE WORDS OF GOD SHALL BE FULFILLED (or
have accomplished their intent).
It has been said that there are 10,385 prophecies in the
Bible. Up to this point, every single one has come true without exception. How
can this be? God has the power to put in people's hearts to do exactly what
He wants accomplished. He has the power to cause people to agree to whatever
He decrees. He is God.
What is written in the Bible will come to pass. God put in
the hearts of the ten kings to agree to give their kingdom to the Antichrist.
Nothing can change God's Word. When God opens a door, no man can shut it. When
God closes a door, no man can open it-ref Rev 3:8.
17:18.
AND THE WOMAN WHICH THOU SAWEST IS THAT GREAT CITY, WHICH REIGNETH
(or rules) OVER THE KINGS OF
THE EARTH. The woman is mentioned in Rev
17:3,4,6,7. This verse confirms that the "woman" represents
that great city, "Rome." During at least part of the Tribulation,
Rome shall rule over the kings of the earth.
18:1.
AND AFTER THESE THINGS I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN,
HAVING GREAT POWER (or authority);
AND THE EARTH WAS LIGHTENED (or illuminated)
WITH HIS GLORY (or splendor). Some believe this angel
could be Jesus; however, the angel is not identified. This angel has great power;
the earth is illuminated by his presence. The exact time that this occurs is
also unclear.
18:2.
AND HE CRIED (or shouted)
MIGHTILY WITH A STRONG VOICE, SAYING, BABYLON THE GREAT
IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN. The word "Babylon" is first used,
in the Revelation, in 14:8. It is also used in Rev 16:19; 17:5; 18:2,10,21.
In Rev 18:10,21, Babylon is clearly shown to be the city of Rome. In Rev 17:5,
it represents the "mother of harlots" or the "great whore."
The two are shown to be inseparable.
We can surmise from this that when the term "Babylon
is fallen" is used, it is talking about the "great whore." When
the term "is fallen" is used the second time, it denotes the city.
Thus, it may be said, The great whore is fallen, and the city of Rome is fallen.
Some believe that one "fallen" could be referring to "old"
Babylon, and the other "fallen" to the Roman Catholic Church or Rome.
Some maintain that the fulfillment of the Old Testament verses on the destruction
and desolation of "old" Babylon have yet to be fulfilled. They believe
old Babylon will be rebuilt. One might wonder what will remain of Iraq and Iran
after the destruction of the forces that come against Jerusalem and Israel,
in the first part of the Tribulation. Old Babylon was located in, what today
is called, Iraq. Some have also suggested that the Antichrist may change the
name of Rome to Babylon during the Tribulation.
The destruction
of the whore is covered in Rev 17:16; 19:2,3.
No wailing or mourning of the people is mentioned.
The length of time for her destruction is not specifically
given.
She is destroyed by the ten kings and possibly the beast-ref
Rev 17:16.
Her judgment is by the Lord-ref Rev 19:2.
She is destroyed by fire-ref Rev 17:16.
The whore may be destroyed about the time the Antichrist
declares himself to be God; however, this is unclear in the Scriptures.
The
destruction of the woman is covered in Rev 18:2,8-10,17-21.
There is great mourning-Rev 18:8.
Her judgment comes in one hour-ref Rev 18:10.
The Lord God judges her-ref Rev 18:8.
She shall be burned with fire-ref Rev 18:8.
She shall be thrown down with violence-ref Rev 18:21.
The destruction of the whore and the city are similar, but
there are certain differences. It is possible that these are two separate events,
occurring at different times. There is no mention of the ten kings destroying
Rome as they do the great whore. Should the great whore be destroyed around
the beginning of the second part of the Tribulation, it seems that the ten kings
would be present in Rome to do so. The Antichrist, however, should be at the
temple in Jerusalem. (Note Rev 18:8.)
The destruction of Rome may not come until later in the Tribulation
or near the end of the Tribulation. It seems certain that it will not be at
the time of Armageddon, because the merchants and shipmasters are crying over
her. If it were at the time of Armageddon, they should be fleeing for their
lives and saying TO THE MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS, FALL ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE
FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB-Rev 6:16.
Again, the Scriptures are not clear, regarding the exact time that Rome shall
be destroyed; it could possibly be near the end of the Tribulation.
Nevertheless, the ten kings appear to be present at Armageddon-ref
Rev 17:14.
Rev
18:2 continues,
AND (she)
IS BECOME THE HABITATION (or home)
OF DEVILS (or demons),
AND THE HOLD (or haunt, or prison)
OF EVERY FOUL (or evil, or unclean)
SPIRIT, AND A CAGE (or haunt, or prison)
OF EVERY UNCLEAN AND HATEFUL (or hated, or detestable)
BIRD. The judgment of Babylon (or Rome) is revealed
in Rev 17:16 and 18:8. In one hour, she shall be burnt with fire by the ten
kings. The results of the destruction of Rome are, she becomes the home of devils,
and the prison of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful
bird. Rev 18:21 shows that the city will not be found anymore.
Note the words:
"Home" of devils.
"Haunt or prison" of every unclean spirit.
"Cage, or haunt, or prison" for every unclean and
hateful bird.
18:3. FOR ALL NATIONS HAVE DRUNK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH
(or of God's fury)
OF (or caused by)
HER FORNICATION (or whoring). The nations of
the world have received the wine of God’s wrath, which was caused by Rome's
fornication or whoring.
AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION
(or went whoring)
WITH HER. The kings of the earth have committed fornication
with Rome.
Fornication is mentioned seven times, from Rev 17:1 through
Rev 19:5. Three times it is mentioned in connection with the great whore. Twice
it is mentioned in connection with the city. Twice it is mentioned in connection
with the name of Babylon.
Rev 17:2-twice in connection with the whore.
Rev 17:4-in connection with the city.
Rev 18:3-twice in connection with the name of Babylon.
Rev 18:9-in connection with the city.
Rev 19:2-in connection with the whore.
AND THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH (or world's businessmen)
ARE WAXED (or have grown)
RICH THROUGH THE ABUNDANCE OF HER DELICACIES
(or love of luxury). Rome is a very influential and prosperous city, attracting
the world’s businessmen and political leaders. It has enabled them
to become rich through things that people desire. It is located near the
Mediterranean Sea.
The woman is also being identified as a very influential
and prosperous center of international commerce.
18:4.
AND I HEARD ANOTHER VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING. Except for the interruption
in v.21, this "another voice" speaks from verses 4-24.
This voice said,
COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE, THAT YE BE NOT PARTAKERS
(or share)
OF HER SINS, AND THAT YE RECEIVE NOT (or will not
be infected)
OF (any of)
HER PLAGUES. God's people are being given a
commandment, even a very stern warning — come out of Babylon. Then God
gives the reasons: by remaining in Babylon (Rome), they will be partakers of
or share in her sins and will be destroyed right along with the city of Rome
and the Roman Catholic Church.
This is sin by association. If a person is
with others that commit a crime, he is also considered guilty of that crime.
It is written, IF THERE COME ANY UNTO YOU, AND BRING NOT THIS DOCTRINE, RECEIVE
HIM NOT INTO YOUR HOUSE, NEITHER BID HIM GOD SPEED: FOR HE THAT BIDDETH HIM
GOD SPEED IS PARTAKER OF HIS EVIL DEEDS-2 Jn 10,11. The Bible commands, BE YE
NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS-2 Cor 6:14. God told Lot to get
out of Sodom-ref Gen 19:12-17. God tells His saints to get out of Babylon.
By remaining in Rome, the saints will be partakers of her
sins and evil deeds, which are many.
18:5.
FOR HER SINS HAVE REACHED (or are a sticky mass piled up-JNT181)
UNTO HEAVEN, AND GOD HATH REMEMBERED HER INIQUITIES
(or crimes). This is not to say that God had ever forgotten her sins, but rather
that the time for her judgment (because of her sins) is at hand. These are the
sins of the woman (or Rome). God has remembered her blasphemy, her fornication,
her sorceries, her self-glory and confidence. He has remembered her persecution
and drunkenness with the blood of the saints. In her was found the blood of
saints, prophets, and apostles.
18:6.
REWARD (or give back to)
HER EVEN AS SHE REWARDED (or rendered to)
YOU, AND DOUBLE (or pay back)
UNTO HER DOUBLE ACCORDING TO HER WORKS (or what she
has done):
IN THE CUP WHICH SHE HATH FILLED (or use the
cup in which she has brewed-JNT182)
FILL TO HER DOUBLE (sized drink or double
portion). The woman's sins have accumulated over a very long period of
time. God will see
that she is paid back double for all that she has done. Rome is
destroyed.
18:7.
HOW MUCH SHE (the city)
HATH GLORIFIED HERSELF (or glory and luxury she gave
herself-NIV),
AND LIVED DELICIOUSLY, SO MUCH TORMENT (or torture)
AND SORROW (or grief)
GIVE HER: FOR SHE SAITH IN HER HEART (or boasts),
I SIT A QUEEN, AND (I)
AM NO WIDOW, AND (I)
SHALL SEE NO SORROW (or will never mourn).
Rome has glorified herself and lived deliciously. She says
in her heart that she sits as a queen, she is no widow, and she'll see no sorrow.
18:8.
THEREFORE SHALL HER PLAGUES COME IN ONE (single)
DAY, DEATH, AND MOURNING (or sorrow),
AND FAMINE; AND SHE SHALL BE UTTERLY BURNED (or consumed)
WITH FIRE: FOR STRONG (or mighty)
IS. Next is another description of Jesus.
#31-THE LORD GOD WHO JUDGETH HER.
Several things appear to be different here with the destruction
of the city of Rome, as compared with the annihilation of the Roman Catholic
Church.
Rome is destroyed in one day. The length of time for the
destruction of the whore is not given.
Rome's destruction includes death, mourning, famine, and
being utterly burned with fire. Regarding the whore's destruction, only being
burnt with fire is mentioned.
Rome's destruction is the Lord Who judges her. The destruction
of the whore is by the ten kings to fulfill the will of God. (Note Rev 18:2.)
The whore’s judgment is by the Lord-ref Rev 19:2.
18:9.
Two subjects are included here: what the kings have done and their reaction
to the woman's destruction—she is burned with fire.
AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH, WHO HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION
(or went whoring, or committed adultery with her) AND
LIVED DELICIOUSLY (or shared her luxury)
WITH HER, SHALL BEWAIL HER, AND LAMENT (or sob) (or
weep and mourn)
FOR HER, WHEN THEY SHALL SEE THE SMOKE OF HER BURNING
(as she burns). Do not confuse these kings with the ten kings. They are not
the same.
18:10.
The kings of the earth are
STANDING AFAR OFF (or at a distance)
FOR THE FEAR (or terrified)
OF HER TORMENT, SAYING, ALAS, ALAS (or Oh no!) (or
Woe! Woe),
THAT GREAT CITY BABYLON (which clearly is Rome)
THAT MIGHTY CITY (or city of power)!
FOR IN ONE (single)
HOUR IS THY JUDGMENT (or doom)
COME. This is showing how fast things can change.
This was a thriving city; people were living in pleasure and comfort.
It seemed as though she would never see any sorrow or destruction. One hour
later, this great city of commerce is destroyed—never to be rebuilt. In
the eyes of the world, perhaps, billions of dollars of precious merchandise
had gone up in fire and smoke.
The kings are standing off in the distance (apparently on
land). They are afraid. Again, note the words, a great city and a mighty city,
referring to the woman (which is called Babylon).
In Rev 18:8, the destruction of the woman was mentioned as
occurring in one day. In this verse, it narrows it to one hour.
The fact that the kings, merchants, ship captains, and sailors
are seen in the distance might suggest there was some kind of warning that this
great destruction was about to happen. Yet, if this is so, the warning must
have been very brief, as the great wealth of merchandise seems to have remained
in the city; as it is written, in v.11-NO MAN BUYETH THEIR MERCHANDISE (or cargoes)
ANY MORE. Also, it is written, IN ONE HOUR SO GREAT RICHES IS COME TO NOUGHT-Rev
18:17.
Apparently, when this takes place, many people are killed,
as the word "death" is mentioned in Rev 18:8.
18:11.
In this verse, the subject changes from the kings of the earth to the merchants
of the earth.
AND THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH (or world's businessmen)
SHALL WEEP AND MOURN OVER HER; FOR NO MAN BUYETH
THEIR MERCHANDISE (or cargoes) ANY MORE. Clearly, this city
is a great commercial center, affecting business around the world. In verses
12, 13, and 16, approximately 28 commodities are mentioned.
18:12.
THE MERCHANDISE (or stocks, or cargoes)
OF GOLD, AND SILVER, AND PRECIOUS STONES (or
gems),
AND OF PEARLS, AND FINE LINEN, AND PURPLE, AND SILK,
AND SCARLET (cloth),
AND ALL THYINE (or citron, or rare)
WOOD, AND ALL MANNER VESSELS (or articles)
OF IVORY, AND ALL MANNER VESSELS OF MOST
PRECIOUS (or scented, or costly)
WOOD, AND OF BRASS (or bronze),
AND IRON, AND MARBLE,
18:13.
AND CINNAMON (and spice or cardamom),
AND ODOURS (or incense),
AND OINTMENTS (or myrrh),
AND FRANKINCENSE, AND WINE, AND OIL, AND FINE FLOUR,
AND WHEAT (or grain),
AND BEASTS (or cattle),
AND SHEEP, AND HORSES, AND CHARIOTS, AND SLAVES (or
bodies),
AND SOULS OF MEN.
These prophecies give some insight into the generation in
which we are now living. Of particular interest is "ivory" in v.12.
This would indicate that the slaughter of elephants will continue. "Chariots"
would indicate vehicles, perhaps automobiles, trucks, and buses. In v.13, the
word "slaves" is used. This may also mean "bodies." One
might wonder if this simply means "slaves" or body parts marketed
for transplantation, experimentation, or other uses. Also the words, "souls
of men" are mentioned.
The list of items begins with gold and ends with souls of
men. Consider, the multitude of souls, over the centuries, that have been destroyed
by Rome. Apparently, the driving force behind it all may be summed up in a few
words—money, lusts, desires, luxury, and greed. Do not these words also characterize
this generation in which we live?
Consider, the world seems to be going more and more in the
direction of a global economy.
Such terms as "the Internet or information superhighway,
global economy, cashless society, a one-world system, world trade agreements,
various world organizations, and the new world order" were seldom, if ever,
heard back in 1980. Part of Europe is already going in the direction of a unified
currency, the elimination of borders in regard to trade, unified passports,
and other items not mentioned.
Near the beginning of the Tribulation (perhaps immediately
after the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel is over), the European Economic
Community is expected to emerge as the leading world economy and promoter
of this one-world system. This is the direction that the world is heading and
will continue to go in this generation. The central core
of these verses may be summed up in three words, "the European Economic
Community."
18:14.
The voice from v.4 continues,
AND THE FRUITS THAT THY SOUL LUSTED (or longed)
AFTER ARE DEPARTED (or gone) FROM THEE, AND ALL
THINGS
WHICH WERE DAINTY AND GOODLY (or the
luxury and flashiness, or your riches and splendor)
ARE DEPARTED (or vanished)
FROM THEE (or have been destroyed),
AND THOU SHALT FIND THEM NO MORE AT ALL.
With the destruction of the woman (called Babylon, which
is Rome), it may be more difficult for the kings, merchants, and those that
make their living from the sea to find some of the things they lusted after.
18:15.
The merchants were introduced in v.11 and continue in this verse.
THE MERCHANTS (or sellers)
OF THESE THINGS, WHICH WERE MADE RICH (or gained their
wealth)
BY HER. In 18:11, it mentions the merchants of the
earth. Here, it says, "the merchants of these things." The merchants
of these things have become rich through their dealings with Rome. They
SHALL STAND AFAR OFF (or at a distance)
FOR THE FEAR (or terrified)
OF HER TORMENT, WEEPING AND WAILING (or mourning).
Apparently, the livelihood of these merchants that were made rich through Rome
has come to an end. They are found crying.
The kings, merchants, and those that make their living from
the sea are all described as standing at a distance. None seem to be trying
to save any of the merchandise. None seem to be trying to get close to the burning
city. Perhaps, the burning is so intense that it is not possible to get very
close. It appears they are afraid.
18:16.
The merchants say,
ALAS, ALAS (or Oh no!) (or Woe! Woe),
THAT GREAT CITY (which is Rome),
THAT WAS CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, AND PURPLE, AND SCARLET,
AND DECKED (or glittered)
WITH GOLD, AND PRECIOUS STONES, AND PEARLS! Another
description is given of the splendor and wealth of this great city.
18:17.
FOR IN ONE HOUR SO GREAT RICHES (or such great wealth)
IS COME (or brought)
TO NOUGHT (or ruined). Verse 10 said that in one hour
the great city's judgment came. In this verse, one hour is repeated; then,
it is stated that "so great riches is come to nought or ruined." The
fact that a city, as large as Rome, could be so utterly burned in such a short
time, leaves one wondering—how this is possible? The destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah comes to mind.
In the midst of verse 17, those that have to do with the
sea are mentioned.
AND EVERY SHIPMASTER (or sea captain),
AND ALL THE COMPANY (or who travel)
IN SHIPS, AND (the)
SAILORS, AND AS MANY AS TRADE (or earn their living)
BY (the)
SEA, STOOD AFAR OFF (or at a distance).
18:18.
AND CRIED (or exclaim)
WHEN THEY SAW THE SMOKE OF HER BURNING, SAYING,
WHAT CITY IS LIKE UNTO THIS GREAT CITY! They seem to
be indicating that no city in the world is like Rome.
18:19. AND THEY CAST (or threw)
DUST ON THEIR HEADS, AND CRIED, WEEPING AND WAILING,
SAYING, ALAS, ALAS (or Oh no!)
(or Woe! Woe),
THAT GREAT CITY (which is Rome),
WHEREIN WERE MADE RICH ALL THAT HAD SHIPS IN THE SEA
BY REASON OF HER COSTLINESS (or the abundance of her
wealth-JNT183)! Verse 15 mentions the merchants were made rich. In
this verse, the statement is made that all that had ships were made rich. They
were made rich, because of the abundance of the wealth of Rome.
In v.10, the kings had said, "In one hour is thy judgment
come."
In v.17, the merchants had said, "In one hour so great
riches is come to nought."
In this verse, passengers and those whose living had to do
with the sea, said,
FOR IN ONE (single)
HOUR IS SHE MADE (or brought)
DESOLATE (or ruined). This also indicates that this
city is near the sea.
18:20.
REJOICE OVER HER, THOU HEAVEN, AND YE (people of God or saints)
HOLY APOSTLES (or emissaries)
AND PROPHETS; FOR GOD HATH AVENGED (or vindicated)
YOU ON HER (for the way she treated you-NIV). Rome
had brutally persecuted and killed both apostles and prophets. But now these
are being told to rejoice, because God had avenged His people against Rome.
(Note, apostles did not exist during the days of old Babylon.)
In Rev 17:16, the ten kings burnt the great whore with fire.
In this verse, God is shown to have been responsible for
the destruction of Rome. Death, mourning, famine, and fire shall come against
Rome. In one hour, she shall be destroyed and made desolate. How God accomplishes
the destruction of Rome is not revealed. Does He use the ten kings, or the Antichrist,
or a volcanic eruption, or a great object falling from the sky, or some other
means unknown to us? Exactly when the destruction of the woman takes place is
also not revealed; however, many surmise that it will take place somewhere near
the end of the Tribulation.
18:21.
AND A MIGHTY ANGEL TOOK UP A STONE (or boulder) LIKE A GREAT MILLSTONE,
AND CAST (or hurled) IT INTO THE SEA,
SAYING, THUS WITH VIOLENCE SHALL THAT GREAT CITY
BABYLON (or the woman, or Rome)
BE THROWN (or hurled) DOWN,
AND SHALL BE FOUND NO MORE AT ALL. The city shall
not be found; however, it becomes a place of devils, foul spirits, unclean and
hateful birds-ref Rev 18:2.
Is
fallen-18:2; found no more at all-18:21
In one day-18:8
In one hour-18:10,17,19
Death-18:8
Mourning, famine-18:8
Utterly burned with fire-18:8; ref 18:9,18
The smoke of her burning-18:9,18
Thrown down with violence-ref 18:21
Illustrated by a giant millstone thrown into the sea-ref
18:21
Judged by the Lord God-ref 18:8
18:22.
AND THE VOICE (or sound)
OF HARPERS, AND MUSICIANS, AND OF PIPERS (or
flute players),
AND TRUMPETERS, SHALL BE HEARD NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE;
AND NO CRAFTSMAN (or worker of any trade),
OF WHATSOEVER CRAFT HE BE, SHALL BE FOUND ANY MORE
IN THEE;
AND THE SOUND OF A MILLSTONE (or mill)
SHALL BE HEARD NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE. Verse 22 appears
to include two groups: those that play instruments (or entertainers) and workers
of any occupation.
18:23. AND THE LIGHT OF A CANDLE (or lamp)
SHALL SHINE NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE; AND THE VOICE
OF THE BRIDEGROOM AND OF THE BRIDE SHALL BE HEARD NO MORE AT ALL
IN THEE. No light shall be found in the destroyed city, neither any marriages.
Rome is completely destroyed. It has no future. It shall never be rebuilt.
FOR THY MERCHANTS (or businessmen)
WERE THE GREAT MEN (or most powerful)
OF THE EARTH. The extent of the riches of Rome
can be illustrated by the greatness of its merchants.
FOR BY THY SORCERIES (or magic spell)
WERE ALL NATIONS DECEIVED (or led astray).
Rome captivated people. She seemed to have a hold on them. The nations of the
world were deceived by her.
The word "sorceries" (pharmakeia) can carry the
meaning of medication, pharmacy, magic, sorcery, or witchcraft. Does this suggest
illegal drug use?
18:24.
AND IN HER (the woman, the city of Rome)
WAS FOUND THE BLOOD OF PROPHETS, AND OF
SAINTS (or God's people),
AND OF ALL THAT WERE SLAIN (or slaughtered, or killed)
UPON THE EARTH. In the city of Rome, was found the
blood of prophets and saints. Rome has been responsible for killing multitudes
of God's people.
Compare the second part of this verse "of all that were
slain upon the earth," with Mt 23:35-THAT UPON YOU MAY COME ALL THE RIGHTEOUS
BLOOD SHED UPON THE EARTH, FROM THE BLOOD OF RIGHTEOUS ABEL UNTO THE BLOOD OF
ZACHARIAH SON OF BARACHIAS, WHOM YE SLEW BETWEEN THE TEMPLE AND THE ALTAR.
The "another voice," which began in 18:4, appears
to end with v.24.
The
word "alleluia" (or, it may be said, a form of rejoicing or praise
ye the Lord) appears only four times in the New Testament. It is in Rev 19:1,3,4,
and 6.
In v. 1, alleluia - by much people, for God has judged the
great whore.
In v. 3, alleluia - by much people, the smoke of the whore
rose up for ever and ever.
In v. 4, alleluia - by the 24 elders and 4 living beings.
In v. 6, alleluia - by a great multitude, because the Lord
God omnipotent reigneth.
19:1.
AND AFTER THESE THINGS. After the city of Rome has been destroyed, as
well as the whore,
I (John)
HEARD A GREAT VOICE (or roar)
OF MUCH PEOPLE (or a huge crowd)
IN HEAVEN, SAYING (or shouting). The scene now changes
to heaven. There is a huge crowd. This great voice that was coming forth from
them was saying,
ALLELUIA; SALVATION (the victory),
AND GLORY, AND HONOR, AND POWER, UNTO THE
LORD (or belong to)
OUR GOD.
19:2.
The huge crowd is worshiping and glorifying God, and saying,
FOR TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS (or just)
ARE HIS JUDGMENTS: FOR HE HATH JUDGED (or condemned)
THE GREAT WHORE (or prostitute). God's judgments
are true and righteous, for He judged the Roman Catholic Church. This
vast heavenly crowd goes on to say of this "great whore," WHICH
DID CORRUPT THE EARTH WITH HER FORNICATION (or whoring, or
adulteries, or immorality).
THE WHORE:
(She) did
corrupt the earth with her fornication-ref Rev 19:2.
The kings of the earth have committed fornication (with her)-ref
Rev 17:2.
The inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the
wine of her fornication-Rev 17:2.
THE CITY:
She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of
her fornication-Rev 14:8.
The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her-Rev
18:3.
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication...with
her-Rev 18:9.
For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication-Rev 18:3.
The
verse continues,
AND HATH AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS SERVANTS AT HER
HAND. God has avenged His servants against the great
whore. Ultimately, the unrepentant will be judged. Those that have come against
God’s servants will, eventually, receive the punishment due them.
19:3.
AND AGAIN THEY SAID, ALLELUIA. AND HER SMOKE ROSE UP (or goes up)
FOR EVER AND EVER. The final end and everlasting result
of the great whore’s sins is that her smoke will rise up for ever and ever.
However, no such prophecy is given for the city, but rather
she shall be found no more-ref Rev 18:21; devils, foul spirits, unclean and
hateful birds will dwell there-ref Rev 18:2. The smoke rising up from the great
whore may bring to remembrance the souls that perished for ever and ever.
19:4.
AND THE FOUR AND TWENTY ELDERS (or 24 elders)
AND THE FOUR BEASTS (or living beings, or creatures)
FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED GOD THAT SAT ON THE THRONE,
SAYING, AMEN; ALLELUIA. The huge crowd has been worshiping
and giving glory to God. Now the 24 elders and the four beasts say, "Amen,
Hallelujah!"
19:5.
AND A VOICE CAME OUT OF THE THRONE, SAYING, PRAISE OUR GOD, ALL YE HIS
SERVANTS, AND YE THAT FEAR HIM, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT.
A command comes forth for all of God's servants, who fear
Him, to give Him praise.
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