Wicked Woman

¹ One of the seven angels who had poured out the seven bowls came over and spoke to me (John). “Come with me,” he said, “and I will show you the judgment (doom, sentence) that is going to come on the great prostitute (harlot, idolatress), who rules (seated) over many waters. ² The kings of the world have committed adultery (idolatry, fornication, immorality) with her, and the people who belong to this world have been made drunk by the wine of her immorality (idolatry, adultery).” ³ So the angel took me in the Spirit into the wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns, and blasphemies (names, titles) against God were written all over it. ⁴ The woman wore purple and scarlet clothing and beautiful jewelry made of gold and precious gems and pearls. In her hand, she held a gold goblet (cup) full of obscenities and the impurities of her immorality (vices, adulteries). ⁵ A mysterious (with a secret symbolic meaning) name was written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World.” ⁶ I could see that she was drunk—drunk with the blood of God’s holy people (saints) who were witnesses for Jesus. I (John) stared at her (wicked woman) in complete amazement.

⁷ “Why are you so amazed?” the angel asked. “I will tell (explain to) you the mystery (secret symbolic meaning) of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits. ⁸ The beast you saw was once alive but is not now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit (abyss, underworld) and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed (astonished) at the reappearance of this beast who had died. ⁹ “This calls for a mind with understanding (wisdom): The seven heads of the beast represent the seven hills where the woman rules (sits). They also represent seven kings. ¹⁰ Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief. ¹¹ “The scarlet beast that was, but is no longer, is the eighth king (ruler). He is like the other seven, and he, too, is headed for destruction. ¹² The ten horns of the beast are ten kings (rulers) who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment (one hour) to reign with the beast. ¹³ They will all agree to give him (beast) their power and authority. ¹⁴ Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat (triumph over, overcome) them because He is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And His called and chosen and faithful ones will be with Him.” ¹⁵ Then the angel said to me (John), “The waters where the prostitute (harlot) is ruling represent masses of people of every nation and language. ¹⁶ The scarlet beast and his ten horns all hate the prostitute (idolatrous woman). They will strip her naked, eat her flesh, and burn her remains with fire. ¹⁷ For God has put a plan into their minds (hearts), a plan that will carry out His purposes. They will agree to give their authority to the scarlet beast (antichrist), and so the words of God will be fulfilled. ¹⁸ And this woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world.” Revelation 17:1-18 (NLT)

Revelation 17 begins another section of the book. Beginning at Revelation 17:1 and ending with Revelation 20:15, John describes God and His Son Jesus the Lamb’s final victory over evil – the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet), their wicked woman, and people who follow the ways of evil. First, John reveals the destruction of the wicked woman in chapters 17 and 18. John describes this wicked and adulterous woman as “Babylon,” and she is in alliance with the evil beast.

Revelation 17 begins with one of the seven angels who had poured out the seven last plagues in chapter 16 coming over and talking with John, the human author of Revelation (Revelation 17:1). The angel told John, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters” (Revelation 17:1, NIV). Sadly, the kings and rulers of the world have committed wicked and idolatrous acts with the great prostitute, and the great prostitute has made the people of the earth drunk by the wine of her utter sin, adultery, and wickedness (Revelation 17:2; see also Revelation 14:8). Often, the Holy Scriptures interlink sexual immorality and spiritual unfaithfulness to God (see Revelation 2:20-23; see also Ezekiel 16:15-43). Here, John is speaking of spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to the true and living God.

So, the angel took John in Spirit into the wilderness (Revelation 17:3). In the wilderness, John saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:3). Blasphemous names and titles against God covered the beast’s body (Revelation 17:3). The scarlet beast is either Satan the dragon of Revelation 12:3 or the beast from the sea from Revelation 13:1. Some biblical scholars see the beast as the antichrist that supports Babylon. Together, the dragon and the beast along with the false prophet are evil powers and the supreme enemies of Jesus and His church.

This wicked woman wore purple and scarlet clothing and beautiful jewelry made of gold, precious gems, and pearls (Revelation 17:4). This wicked woman adorned in gold, jewels, pearls and fine linen is the opposite of the Bride of Christ, adorned in bright and pure white with righteous acts (see Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 21:2, 9; see also Proverbs 31:10-31). Despite her surface or outward beauty, this woman’s inner being was complete evil and violence. Moral corruption, dishonesty, adultery, destruction, and death are what this wicked woman offers (see also Proverbs 5:3–14, 20; Proverbs 6:24–32; Proverbs 7:6–27). In her hand, the woman held a golden cup full of sin, obscenities, and the filth of her adulteries (Revelation 17:4). The prostitute had a mysterious title written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and of Idol Worship Everywhere around the World” (Revelation 17:5, TLB). This wicked woman was drunk with the blood of God’ faithful people (saints) who bore witness and testimony to Jesus in the world (Revelation 17:6). John stared at the wicked woman with amazement and astonishment (Revelation 17:6).

Who is Babylon? Many people believe Babylon was a coded substitute for Rome, the city set on seven hills (Revelation 17:9). John wrote Revelation to encourage believers of Jesus to remain committed and faithful to the true and living God despite persecution from harsh Rome emperors, such as Nero. Scholars who see Babylon as Rome sometimes try to identify the kings mentioned here as specific Roman rulers. Yet, some scholars see Babylon as representative of all powerful political and economic world systems that persecute and kill faithful believers of Jesus and seduce believers into adultery against God with their allurement of material prosperity and pleasure. The modern-day nations of Iran and Iraq are the site of ancient Babylon. Nevertheless, Revelation 18 reveals John’s vision of Babylon’s destruction predicted at Revelation 14:8 and portrayed in the seventh bowl judgment at Revelation 16:18-19. In Revelation 18, God avenges the wrongs and hurts of His faithful people (saints) and prophet (Revelation 6:10; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 17:6) and all who have suffered undeserved violence on earth (Revelation 11:18).

Then, the angel said to John, “I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns” (Revelation 17:7, NIV). The angel told John, the beast, which you saw, once was alive, now is not, and the beast will come up out of the bottomless pit (abyss) and go to eternal destruction (Revelation 17:8; see also Revelation 13:12-14;  Revelation 19:17-21). The people of earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began and gave allegiance to beast, will be astonished when they see the reappearance of the beast after being dead (Revelation 17:8). These evil worshipper too will be judged by God and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). This beast is an imitation of Jesus, who dead and rose from complete death (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 2:8; see also Matthew 28:1-10). Then, the angel said to John, “This calls for a mind with wisdom” (Revelation 17:9, NIV; see also Revelation 13:18).

Next, the angel said to John the beast’s seven heads represent a certain city built on seven hills where this woman has her residence, and they also represent seven kings (Revelation 17:9-10). The angel told John that five of the kings have already fallen, the sixth king now reigns, and the seventh king is yet to come, but his reign will be brief (Revelation 17:10). The beast that died is the eighth king, having reigned before as one of the seven (Revelation 17:11). After the beast’s second reign, he too will go to his doom and eternal destruction (Revelation 17:11). The beast’s ten horns are ten kings who have not yet risen to power to receive a kingdom (Revelation 17:12). These ten kings will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast (Revelation 17:12). Also, these ten kings will all sign a treaty giving their power and authority to the beast (Revelation 17:13).

Efforts to identify in history the five fallen kings or kingdoms, the sixth (current) king, a seventh (future) king who would reign briefly and the eighth that belongs to the seven have yielded conflicting conclusions. Some scholars have proposed several Roman emperors, several world empires, or simply numerical symbols standing for all worldly kingdoms that culminate in the beast. Even if scholars cannot identify the identity of these kings or kingdoms, Revelation reveals that the dragon and the beast’s time is “short” for the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet) will come to eternal destruction (Revelation 17:9-11; see also Revelation 12:12; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10).

Together these ten kings and the beast will wage war against Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). However, Jesus the Lamb will conquer and overcome the ten kings and the beast (Revelation 17:14). Jesus the Lamb is now the reigning and ruling Lord of lords and King of kings, and His people are the called, chosen, and faithful followers (Revelation 17:14; see also Revelation 19:16). Jesus’ title “Lord of lords and King of kings” emphasizes His sovereignty and but also His union with the true and living God (see Deuteronomy 10:17; John 14:8-11).

Then, the angel said to John, the waters (oceans, lakes, and rivers) that the wicked woman sits are the masses and multitude of people of every race, language, and nation (Revelation 17:15). However, the satanic alliance of the wicked woman and the beast will collapse revealing the self-destructive power of evil! As Professor Loyd Melton once taught, “There are no friends among crooks!” The beast and his ten kings who will reign with him all hate the wicked woman (Revelation 17:16). Together the beast and the ten kings will attack the wicked woman and leave her to ruin (Revelation 17:16). God will put a plan into the beast and his ten kings’ minds and heart to carry out His purposes and plans (Revelation 17:17).

The true and living God controls the entire universe including evil (Revelation 17:17). God sovereignly uses even His enemies to carry His purposes and fulfills His Word. Revelation 18 reveals God’s destruction of this wicked woman with her seductive allurement (Revelation 18:8-9, 20). Then God reveals the Bride of Christ in her beauty and true righteousness (Revelation 19:7-8). Finally, the angel told John the wicked woman John saw in his vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18).

Significantly, the book of Revelation climaxes with a vision of two women: one, the wicked woman who seeks to seduce the world with all manner of evil (Revelation 17), and the other, the Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2, 7, 9-11).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Dr. Loyd D. Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Day of the Lord

¹ Then I (John) heard a mighty (great, loud) voice from the Temple (sanctuary) say to the seven angels, “Go your ways and pour out on the earth the seven bowls (vials) containing God’s wrath.” ² So the first angel left the Temple and poured out his bowl (vial) on the earth, and horrible, malignant sores (ulcers) broke out on everyone who had the mark of the beast and who worshipped his statue (image). ³ Then the second angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse (dead man). And everything (living) in the sea died. ⁴ Then the third angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the rivers and springs, and they became blood. ⁵ And I heard the angel who had authority (charge) over all water saying, “You are just (righteous), O Holy One, who is and who always was, because You have sent these judgments (judged). ⁶ Since they shed the blood of Your holy people (saints) and Your prophets, You have given them blood to drink. It is their just reward.” ⁷ And I heard a voice from the altar, saying, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, Your judgments are true and just.” ⁸ Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the sun, causing it to scorch (burn) everyone with its fire (heat). ⁹ Everyone was burned (scorched) by this blast of heat, and they cursed (blasphemed) the Name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give Him glory. ¹⁰ Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the throne (seat) of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects (people) ground (bite) their teeth in anguish, ¹¹ and they cursed (blasphemed) the God of Heaven for their pains and sores (ulcers). But they did not repent of their evil deeds (works) and turn to God. ¹² Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. ¹³ And I saw three evil (unclean, loathsome) spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. ¹⁴ They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. ¹⁵ “Look (said Jesus), I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for Me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” ¹⁶ And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon. ¹⁷ Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl (vial) into the air. And a mighty (great, loud) shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” ¹⁸ Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. ¹⁹ The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and He made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of His fierce wrath. ²⁰ And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. ²¹ There was a terrible (huge) hailstorm, and hailstones weighing seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed (blasphemed) God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm. Revelation 16:1-21 (NLT)

Revelation 16 is God’s third and final judgment against sinful and disobedient humanity. The end has come! On this day, the sovereign God repays evildoers and the unrighteous for their sins and injustices (Revelation 16:5-7; see also Isaiah 49:26; Galatians 6:7). God has given everyone an opportunity to repent and turn to Him with the seal judgments (Revelation 6) and then with the trumpet judgment (Revelation 8-9). Sadly, some people decided to accept the mark of the beast and worship the evil forces of this world (see Revelation 13:16-18).

Revelation 16 reveals that the Lord God Almighty is clearly in control and will take His vengeance upon evil! Similar to the trumpet judgments, the final bowl judgments draw heavily for their symbolism on the ten Egyptian plagues from the Old Testament. God’s judgments are neither vengeful nor impulsive, but an expression of His righteous and holy nature (see Psalm 119:137). God will bring judgment upon individuals and nations that violate His moral commands (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Revelation chapter 16 opens with John, the human author, hearing a mighty voice from the Temple to seven angels saying, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God” (Revelation 16:1, ESV). So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores or ulcers came upon everyone people who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image (Revelation 16:2; see also Exodus 9:9-11; Deuteronomy 28:27, 35; Revelation 13:16). The first bowl judgment is God’s justice against those who give allegiance and worship to sinfulness and evil (Revelation 16:2; see also Revelation 14:9-10). Then, the second angel poured out his bowl upon the oceans, and the oceans became like the watery blood of a dead man. Everything in all the oceans died (Revelation 16:3 see also Exodus 7:19-21). Afterwards, the third angel poured out his bowl upon the rivers and springs and they became blood (Revelation 16:4 see also Psalm 78:44).

Then, John heard the angel of the waters proclaiming: 

“Holy One, You are the One who is and who was. You are right to decide to punish these evil people. They have poured out the blood of Your holy people and Your prophets. So now You have given them blood to drink as they deserve. . . . Yes, Lord God Almighty, the way You punish evil people is right and fair.” Revelation 16:5-7 (NCV)

At that point, the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun causing the sun to scorch and burn everyone with its fire (Revelation 16:8). The Holy Scriptures often connect fire with God’s judgment (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:22; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Peter 3:7). The people burned by this blast of heat do not responded by repenting and giving glory to God. Instead, these heathens resorted to blasphemy and cursed the Name of the living God (Revelation 16:9). Then, the fifth angel poured out his bowl on beast’s throne and his kingdom was plunged into supernatural darkness (Revelation 16:10; see also Exodus 10:21-29). People bearing the beast’s mark gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of Heaven for their pain and sores. Once again, these evil followers refused to repent of all their wicked deeds revealing their depravity (Revelation 16:10-11). Instead, these heathens gave faithful allegiance to their evil master, who continually blasphemes God and His faithful followers (see Revelation 13:1, 5-6; Revelation 17:3).

After that, the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great Euphrates River and the Euphrates River dried up so that the kings from the east (rising of the sun) could march their armies westward without hindrance (Revelation 16:12). The “kings from the east” have been widely interpreted, yet no one knows with certainty the identity of these kings. More importantly, the sixth bowl prepares for the battle on “the great day of God the Almighty,” commonly called “the battle of Armageddon” (Revelation 16:14, 16). In preparation of the battle, John saw three evil or foul spirits disguised as frogs leap from the mouths of the unholy trinity – the dragon, the evil beast, and the false prophet (Revelation 16:13; see also Exodus 8:2-14). These diabolical and evil spirits performed signs and miracles (Revelation 16:14; see also Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12), and they gathered the kings of the whole world for the battle (Revelation 16:14, 16). Then Jesus declared, “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for Me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed” (Revelation 16:15, NLT; see also Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). God’s people are encouraged to be spiritually prepared and ready!

The evil forces and spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Revelation 16:16 is one of the most puzzling and difficult verse of Revelation. No one knows what the name Armageddon means. In some Greek manuscripts of Revelation Armageddon can also be translated Harmagedon which means “the Mountain of Megiddo.” Megiddo is one of history’s famous battlefields, having witnessed major conflicts by Tuthmosis III in 1468 B.C to that of Lord Allenby of Megiddo in 1917. In biblical history, Megiddo is a city with famous biblical battles such as where Deborah and Barak crushed the Canaanites and where Judah’s good King Josiah died in battle against Pharaoh Neco III (see Judges 5:19-21; 2 Kings 23:29). However, “the Mountain of Megiddo” does not exist on the world’s map. Thus, some biblical scholars have concluded that Armageddon represents the battle site on “the great day of the Lord God Almighty” where the forces of good and the forces of evil battle. Yet, the book of Revelation never describes a battle. When evil and their forces gathered a mighty army for battle against God’s people, the true and living God sent fire from heaven down on the attacking armies and consumed them. The Lord God Almighty defeated all the evil forces (Revelation 20:9-10; see also Deuteronomy 28:7; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 13:5-6). If you faithfully follow and obey God, you will experience victory!

Then, the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air and a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” (Revelation 16:17; see also Revelation 21:6). These are the same last words Jesus said on Calvary’s Cross (see John 19:30). God’s final judgment falls upon the entire earth. At that moment, God’s divine proclamation is accompanied by thunder crashing, lightning flashing, and a great earthquake of a magnitude first time in human history (Revelation 16:18; see also Exodus 19:16-18). Then, the great city of “Babylon” split into three sections, and cities around the world fell in heaps of rubble (Revelation 16:19). “Babylon” is representative of satanic power and oppression against God’s people. God remembered all of “Babylon’s” sins, and He made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of His fierce wrath (Revelation 16:19).

Afterwards, islands vanished and mountains flattened out and there was an incredible hailstorm from heaven (Revelation 16:20-21). God’s divine wrath reaches its climax with a bombardment of massive hailstones weighing a hundred pounds falls from the sky onto the people (Revelation 16:21). In the Old Testament, God repeatedly punished His enemies with hail (see e.g., Exodus 9:18; Joshua 10:11; Ezekiel 13:11-13). Hail is part of God’s arsenal of divine retaliation. However, the plague of hail produced no change of evil heathens, and they continued to curse and blaspheme the sovereign God of Heaven (Revelation 16:21).

Many people may wonder and doubt if the predictions of Revelation will happen and if Jesus will return (see 2 Peter 3:4). John wrote the book of Revelation approximately AD 90. In writing the book of Revelation, John was describing things that “must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1). However, some 2,000 years have happen and the “end” has yet to come.

The Holy Scriptures remind all people that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and question if Jesus will return (2 Peter 3:3-4). We must not forget that “a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day” (2 Peter 3:8, NLT; see also Psalm 90:4). The true and living God is not slow about His promises (2 Peter 3:8). Instead, God is being patient because He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to reach repentance and be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9, 15). As Jesus promised, the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (Revelation 16:15; see also 2 Peter 3:10). The Day of the Lord is surely coming (see 2 Peter 3:10-12)!

After the “Day of the Lord,” God promises to usher in a new heaven and a new earth with a world filled with God’s righteousness (Revelation 21:1-5, 27; see 2 Peter 3:13). As we await the Lord’s Day, believers must continue to live holy, faithful, peaceful, blameless, and godly lives (e.g., love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) (2 Peter 3:11, 14; see also Exodus 34:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Jesus’ second return can happen anytime!

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Final Warning

¹ Then I (John) saw in heaven another marvelous event (sign) of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion. ² I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. ³ And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb (Jesus): “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. ⁴ Who will not fear (reverence) You, Lord, and glorify (honor and praise) Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous (just) deeds have been revealed.”

⁵ Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God’s Tabernacle, was thrown wide open. ⁶ The seven angels who were holding the seven plagues came out of the Temple. They were clothed in spotless white linen with gold sashes across their chests. ⁷ Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bowl filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. ⁸ The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues. Revelation 15:1-8 (NLT)

Beginning with Revelation chapter 15, God has reached His climax! John, the human of author of Revelation, introduces God’s final series of judgments against unbelievers (heathens). God had previously sent seven seal judgments that destroyed one-fourth of the earth (see Revelation 6). Then, God sent seven trumpet judgments that destroyed one-third of the earth (see Revelation 8 and 9). These previous judgments were not vengeful but God’s merciful attempt to bring sinful humanity to redemption and repentance. With each passing judgments, God has given everyone an opportunity to repent and turn to Him as the true and living God. The time of God’s wrath against the unbelieving world has finally come. Revelation chapters 15 and 16 reveal God’s final wrath against the wicked and unbelieving world. The seriousness of the situation calls for words of assurance that God’s ways are “righteous and true” (Revelation 15:3, HCSB).

Revelation chapter 15 begins with John seeing another great and amazing sign in heaven (Revelation 15:1). John saw seven angels with the seven last plagues representing God’s final wrath (Revelation 15:1). The wicked and unbelieving world is about to “drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:10). Then, John saw what appeared like sea of glass mingled with fire and standing on the sea of glass where all Jesus’ faithful followers who had conquered and overcome the beast, its image, and the number of its name (Revelation 15:2). The sea of glass is the transparent pavement surrounding God’s throne (Revelation 4:6; see also Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:22, 26). These faithful followers were holding harps of God in their hands (Revelation 15:2), and they were the overcomers (see e.g., Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 21:7).

These faithful followers sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of Jesus the Lamb and they sang: “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed” (Revelation 15:3-4, ESV). This song of praise expresses confidence that all nations will worship the living God and celebrate His greatness (see also Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 45:22-23; Malachi 1:11). The living God is worthy of praise and glory because His ways are righteous and true (Revelation 15:3).

This entire scene is reminiscent of the ancient Israelites’ great Exodus from Egypt. God had miraculously delivered the ancient Israelites from Egyptian slavery by the blood of the sacrificial lamb. Then, God destroyed the Egyptian army pursuing the ancient Israelites at the Red Sea. In thankfulness to God, the ancient Israelites stood by the sea and sang “the song of Moses” (see Exodus 15:1-18; see also Deuteronomy 31:30-32:43). However, the song of Moses is fulfilled in the song of Jesus the Lamb, which tells of a greater redemption through His sacrificial blood (Revelation 5:9-10; see also Romans 3:25; Romans 5:8-9).

Afterward, John looked and saw the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in heaven was opened, also called the “the Holy of Holies” or God’s inner chambers (Revelation 15:5). Out of the Temple came seven angels with the seven final plagues (Revelation 15:6). These angels coming from the very presence of God were clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests, a preview of the Bride of Christ’s holy beauty (Revelation 15:6; see also Revelation 19:7-8). Then, one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever (Revelation 15:7). The living God is the eternal King (Revelation 4:9; see also Genesis 21:33). The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power, and no one could enter the Temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed (Revelation 15:8; see also Exodus 19:18; Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Ezekiel 44:4).

The stage is set! The seven bowls complete God’s final judgment and mark the end of human history (Revelation 16:1-21). Revelation chapter 16 begins a time of upheaval and suffering for unrepentant evildoers.

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Harvest Time

¹ Then I (John) saw the Lamb (Jesus) standing on Mount Zion, and with Him were 144,000 who had His Name and His Father’s Name written on their foreheads. ² And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. ³ This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. ⁴ They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering (first fruits) to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ They have told no lies; they are without blame (spotless, without blemish).

⁶ And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News (Gospel) to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. ⁷ “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to Him. For the time has come when He will sit as Judge. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” ⁸ Then another angel followed him through the sky, shouting, “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen—because she made all the nations of the world drink the wine of her passionate immorality (idolatry).” ⁹ Then a third angel followed them, shouting, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand ¹⁰ must drink the wine of God’s anger (fury). It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur (brimstone) in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. ¹¹ The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”

¹² This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying His commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. ¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

¹⁴ Then I saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man. He had a gold crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. ¹⁵ Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the One sitting on the cloud, “Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is (fully) ripe.” ¹⁶ So the One sitting on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the whole earth was harvested. ¹⁷ After that, another angel came from the Temple in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. ¹⁸ Then another angel, who had power to destroy with fire, came from the altar. He shouted to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sickle now to gather the clusters of grapes from the vines of the earth, for they are ripe for judgment.” ¹⁹ So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and loaded the grapes into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Revelation 14:1-19 (NLT)

Revelation 14 opens with a time of hope and triumph for God’s faithful people. John, the human author of Revelation, saw Jesus the Lamb standing victoriously on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1; see also Psalm 2:6). Standing with Jesus the Lamb were His 144,000 faithful followers who had Jesus’ Name and His Father’s Name written on their foreheads (Revelation 14:1; see also Revelation 7:3-4; Revelation 17:14). Some biblical commentaries see the 144,000 as a symbolic number representing all of Jesus’ faithful followers – His redeemed church. These faithful followers refused to worship the beast and accept his evil mark (see Revelation 13:16-18), and instead they gave complete allegiance and faithfulness to God and His Son Jesus. Everyone’s destiny is determined by his or her allegiance and faithfulness to God or to Satan.

Then, John heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder that sounded like harpists playing on their harps (Revelation 14:2). This great choir sang a new song before God’s throne (Revelation 14:3). No one could learn that glorious song except Jesus’ 144,000 faithful followers who had been redeemed from the earth (Revelation 14:3). These 144,000 were spiritually clean as pure virgins faithfully following Jesus the Lamb wherever He went and obeyed His teaching (Revelation 14:4; see also John 14:15, 21-23; John 15:10; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3; Revelation 21:9). Even more, these 144,000 had no lies or falsehood in their mouths and were blameless and spotless (Revelation 14:5; see also Zephaniah 3:12-13; Romans 1:25-31; Revelation 21:7-8; Revelation 22:14-15).

Then, John saw another angel flying directly overhead (midair), with the eternal Gospel to summon to the whole earth – every nation, tribe, language, and people to honor and worship the true and living God (Revelation 14:6-7; see also Deuteronomy 6:13-14; Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8). The angel declared with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory (honor), because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Revelation 14:7, ESV; see also Acts 17:24-28; Revelation 4:11). The true and living God has revealed Himself in nature so that all people will know His existence (see Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:19-20; Acts 14:15-17). To “fear God” mean to honor, respect, and reverence Him. The reverence and respect for God are the beginning of wisdom and understanding (see Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10).

At that time, a second and a third angel flying midair announced two additional declarations. The second angel declared: “It has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen who made all nations drink the wine of her sexual immorality, which brings wrath” (Revelation 14:8, HCSB). Revelation chapters 17 and 18 describe Babylon’s fall in detail. “Babylon” is a symbol of the spirit of godlessness and lawlessness that in every age lures people away from the worship of the true God.

After that, a third angel followed saying with a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath . . . And he will be tormented with fire and sulfur. . . . And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name” (Revelation 14:9-11, ESV; see also Revelation 19:20-21; Revelation 20:10, 14-15; Revelation 21:8). The third angel’s fierce warning is addressed to believers and unbelievers deceived to worship the beast and accept his evil mark and continually deny God’s love found in His Son, Jesus Christ.  

Then John declared, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, ESV). John wrote Revelation to encourage God’s people to endure patiently every trial and persecution (Revelation 14:12; see also Revelation 13:10). During Jesus’ public ministry, Jesus declared that those who endure to the end will be saved (see Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13). God’s eternal blessings come to those who faithfully endure and obey God’s commands for their good deeds and good fruit will follow them to heaven (Revelation 14:13; see also Titus 2:14). The Holy Scriptures declare that God saves us and gives us eternal life by His wonderful grace when we believed and accepted His love found in His Son, Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9; see also John 3:16-18; Romans 3:24; Acts 15:11). Our continual faithfulness and obedience to God and His Son Jesus are evidence of our true salvation (see Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17).

Afterwards, John looked and saw Jesus sitting on a white cloud with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand (Revelation 14:14; see also Daniel 7:1-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-31; Mark 14:61-62; Revelation 1:7, 13). Another angel came out of the Temple declaring with a loud voice to Jesus who sat on the cloud, “Take your sickle and harvest from the earth, because the time to harvest has come, and the fruit of the earth is ripe” (Revelation 14:15, NCV). Jesus swung His sickle over the earth, and He harvested the earth (Revelation 14:16; see also Matthew 13:31-43; Mark 4:26-29). Then, another angel came out of the Temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle (Revelation 14:17). Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe” (Revelation 14:18, NIV). The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes, and threw them into the great winepress of God’s eternal wrath (Revelation 14:19-20; see also Lamentation 1:15; Joel 3:12-13; Revelation 19:15).  

Revelation 14 reveals the certainty of God’s coming judgment on the unbelieving world. Some people are offended by the “fire and brimstone” judgment of those who persistently reject God and His Son, Jesus and give allegiance to the unholy trinity – Satan the dragon and his two evil beasts, the antichrist and the false prophet. Yet, the book of Revelation has revealed the ultimate consequences of those who persistently reject God’s love in Jesus and His moral commandments.

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993). 

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Unholy Trinity

¹ Then I (John) saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names (titles) that blasphemed God (blasphemy). ² This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon (Satan) gave the beast his own power and throne (seat) and great authority. ³ I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery (deadly wound)—but the fatal (deadly) wound was healed! The whole world marveled (wondered) at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. ⁴ They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” ⁵ Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. ⁶ And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering (even vilifying) His Name and His Temple (Tabernacle)—that is, those who live in heaven. ⁷ And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people (saints) and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. ⁸ And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made—the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered (sacrificially slain for sins). ⁹ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. ¹⁰ Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people (saints) must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.

¹¹ Then I saw another (second) beast come up out of the earth (land). He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke (roared) with the voice of a dragon. ¹² He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. ¹³ He did astounding miracles (signs), even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. ¹⁴ And with all the miracles (signs) he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. ¹⁵ He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die. ¹⁶ He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. ¹⁷ And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. ¹⁸ Wisdom (discernment) is needed here. Let the one with understanding (insight) solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a (certain) man. His number is 666. Revelation 13:1-18 (NLT)

Revelation chapter 12 ended with the evil fiery-red dragon standing by the seashore (Revelation 12:18) after his failure to devour and kill the woman and her male Child (Jesus) (see Revelation 12:3-6, 13-17). The fiery-red dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil or Satan—went off to make war against the rest of the woman’s offspring—those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus (Revelation 12:9, 17).

Revelation 13 opens with John, the human author of Revelation, seeing a grotesque beast rising out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, and ten crowns upon its horns (Revelation 13:1; see also Revelation 11:7). Written on each head of the beast were blasphemous and insulting names that cursed the true God of heaven and earth (Revelation 13:1). The fiery-red dragon, Satan, gave his power, his throne, and great authority to the beast (Revelation 13:2). One of the beast’s heads seemed to have a severe and deadly wound, but its wound was healed, similar to Jesus’ wound in Revelation 5 (Revelation 13:3, 12, 14; see also Revelation 5:6). Apparently, the dragon miraculously restore the beast to life in imitation of God’s resurrection of Jesus. The whole earth marveled and worshipped the evil dragon and the beast (Revelation 13:3-4).

Many commentaries call this first beast a counterfeit or the antichrist! The beast here, first mentioned in Revelation 11:7, is described in similar terms to the beasts (especially the fourth) in the vision of Daniel 7. Importantly, the beast’s power comes from Satan (the dragon).

The beast was given a mouth uttering arrogant, self-centered, and blasphemous words and the beast was allowed to exercise authority for 42 months (Revelation 13:5; see also Daniel 7:8, 11, 20, 25; Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). God allowed the beast to operate 42 months just as Satan has given the beast limited power through God's permission. Furthermore, the beast opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming His Name, His dwelling (the Temple), and those who lived in heaven (Revelation 13:6). Moreover, the beast was allowed to make war against God’s people (the saints) and given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation (Revelation 13:7). Sadly, the people of the earth (pagans) whose names were not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life worshipped the fiery-red dragon and the beast (Revelation 13:8).

Then, John saw a second beast, but this beast rose out of the land or earth (Revelation 13:11). This second beast had two horns like a lamb and the beast roared or spoke like the red-fiery dragon (Revelation 13:11). This second beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and made earth and the people to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:12). Furthermore, the second beast performed great signs and miracles, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people (Revelation 13:13). With these various signs and miracles, the second beast deceived many people of the world (heathens) (Revelation 13:14. Many commentaries call this second beast the false prophet, and he is a deceiver or trickster performing all kinds of false miracles, signs, and wonders (see also Deuteronomy 13:1; Matthew 7:15; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 16:13-14; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10).

Moreover, the second beast encouraged the people to make a statute of the first beast (Revelation 13:14). The second beast gave breath (life) to the statute of the first beast so that the statue of the first beast could even speak (Revelation 13:15). Most important, the second beast caused the people (heathens), both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked (tattooed) on their right hand or their forehead (Revelation 13:16). No one could buy or sell unless he had the mark (tattoo), that is, the name of the first beast (antichrist) or the number of its name (Revelation 13:16-17). John warned the people that this marking of the beast calls for wisdom. The beast’s marking is the number of a man, and his number is 666 (Revelation 13:18). The antichrist’s mark of 666 represents a symbol of the greatest imperfection and concentration of evil that the world has ever seen even more evil than Nero, a Hitler, or a Stalin. The “mark” of the beast is in contrast to the seal of God and the Lamb given to God’s servants (see Revelation 7:3-4; Revelation 14:1).

Who is this satanic beast representing 666? Over the centuries, a great deal of ingenuity has been expending in attempting to answer this age-old question. Some people have identified this satanic beast as Nero, Hitler, Stalin, and even Saddam Hussein. In the symbolic use of numbers, seven is the perfect number and the number of God. The number six represents man. Often in Jewish apocalyptic literature, six represents an evil number because six represents man apart from God. Thus, many biblical commentaries see 666 as the ultimate concentration of evil.

Revelation chapters 12 through 14 mark a major division in the book of Revelation by introducing three evil characters – the dragon and his two evil beasts. Some biblical commentaries call these three characters the unholy or evil trinity. These three characters are Satan the dragon, the false Christ or antichrist, and the false prophet. These three evil characters actively oppose the true God, His true Christ – Jesus, and His people (the church). John, the human author of Revelation, wanted the church to know these three evil characters—the dragon and his two evil beasts—are the REAL persecutors and enemies against the church (see e.g., John 15:20; Ephesians 6:10-13; 1 Peter 5:8-9). The dragon and his two evil beasts account for the age-long conflict between God and His people.

For centuries, Satan has raised up his leaders or counterfeit agents that persecute God’s people. Similar to the antichrist (Revelation 13:3), these counterfeit agents receive their power from Satan. Even more, Satan has sent out counterfeits or false prophets throughout history to attack God’s people by deceiving and manipulating God’s Word (see e.g., Genesis 3:1-5; Jeremiah 14:14-16; Jeremiah 23:16; Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3). Satan and his false prophets take God’s truths and produce a counterfeit version of God's work and teaching. Jesus’ warned His disciples in all three Synoptic Gospels that false prophets and false messiahs will appear who are empowered by and sent by Satan to deceive God’s people (see e.g., Matthew 24:4-5, 10-11, 23-24; Mark 13:5-6, 21-22; Luke 21:8). Jesus instructs His people not to be deceived by these false prophets, false messiahs, and other deceptions!

However, God the Father and Jesus Christ have already defeated the dragon and his two evil beasts (see e.g., John 16:33; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4-5). Moreover, God’s people have defeated the dragon and his two evil beasts by the blood of the Lamb and by the faithful word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11; see also Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21). John wrote the book of Revelation to encourage God’s people to remain wholeheartedly faithful to God and NOT TO ACCOMMODATE, COMPROMISE, AND WORSHIP with the unholy trinity—Satan the dragon, the false Christ or antichrist, and the false prophet and not accept their evil values and teaching (see Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12; Revelation 21:7-8; see also Mark 13:13; Luke 21:19)! John warned God’s people that these evil characters would appear godly with fatal wounds that have healed and performed numerous miracles and signs, but they are evil and their ways lead to eternal death (Revelation 13:1-3, 11-15; Revelation 14:9-11, 17-20; Revelation 20:10; see also 2 Timothy 3:13-16).  

References

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Revelation’s Christmas Story

¹ Then I (John) witnessed in heaven an event (sign) of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown (tiara) of twelve stars on her head. ² She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth. ³ Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event (sign). I saw a large (fiery) red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. ⁴ His tail swept away (across the sky) one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her Baby as soon as it was born. ⁵ She gave birth to a Son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod (scepter). And her Child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to His throne. ⁶ And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days (42 months, three and one-half years).

⁷ Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. ⁸ And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. ⁹ This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving (seducing) the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ (Messiah). For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. ¹¹ And they have defeated (overcome) him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. ¹² Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror (woe) will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time (short).”

¹³ When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male Child. ¹⁴ But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time (42 months, three and one-half years, or 1,260 days). ¹⁵ Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. ¹⁶ But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon. ¹⁷ And the dragon was angry (furious) at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children (descendants) all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. Revelation 12:1-17 (NLT)

Christmas is the most joyous time of the year! During this season, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior of the World, Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem of Judea (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7, 10-11).

Many biblical interpreters describe Revelation 12 as Christmas day. However, Revelation 12 differs radically from the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth found in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels. The Gospels of Mark and John contain no birth narrative of Jesus. If not for Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, God’s people would not know about Jesus’ birth and His childhood until Jesus launched His public ministry at about 30 years of age (see Luke 3:23).

Revelation’s Christmas story does not tell of the shepherds, a crazy king named Herod, nor a manger scene. Rather, Revelation gives the miraculous birth of a male Child and the murderous dragon leading a ferocious struggle in heaven to kill Him. The dragon’s attack when Jesus was born launches a series of rebellion, wars, and attacks against God’s obedient people (Revelation 12:17). However, God’s obedient people have victory over the dragon and his evil alliance through their faith and testimony in Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; see also John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; Colossians 2:13-15; 1 John 5:4-5). Jesus already defeated the dragon and his evil alliance by His atoning death and resurrection on the first Easter! At the second Easter (Jesus’ second coming), “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11, NLT).

Revelation 12 begins with a great sign appearing in heaven (Revelation 12:1). A woman clothed with the sun was pregnant and was crying out in agony of giving birth (Revelation 12:1-2). Then, Revelation 12 reveals another sign in heaven of a fiery-red dragon (Revelation 12:3). This fiery-red dragon tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth (Revelation 12:4). Then, the fiery-red dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her Child the moment the Child was born (Revelation 12:4; see also Matthew 2:16). However, the woman gave birth to a male Child – Jesus Christ (Messiah), and this male Child is to rule all the nations with an iron scepter (rod) as a military figure (Revelation 12:5; see also Numbers 24:17; Psalm 2:8-9; Matthew 2:6; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 19:11-15). The dragon’s eagerness to devour the Child explains the violent opposition that Jesus met during His earthy ministry beginning at His birth with evil Herod’s attempt to kill Him (Matthew 2:16). However, God protected the male Child by taking the woman’s Child up to His throne – the ascension of Jesus (Revelation 12:5 see also Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 16:16). Then, the woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared by God, in which she was nourished and cared for 1,260 days (Revelation 12:6).

Some have variously interpreted the woman clothed with the sun as the Virgin Mary, by others as the Christian church, and by still others as the Jewish people (the nation Israel). The Old Testament often compares Israel a woman and God as her Husband (see e.g., Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 66:7; Jeremiah. 3:6-10; Micah 5:2-3). Through the nation of Israel, Jesus Christ came into the world (see Matthew 2:1-2; John 4:22; Roman 1:3; Romans 9:4-5). Likely, the woman personified the ideal community of God’s people, first in its Jewish form, in which Mary gave birth to Jesus the Messiah (a Jew), and then in its Christian form (the church), in which it was persecuted by political powers as evil as the dragon (Revelation 12:6). Interestingly, Revelation 12 also has striking parallels to Babylonian, Persian, Egyptian, and Greek mythology. Many biblical scholars believe John may have used these ancient Near Eastern stories in writing Revelation 12.

Afterward, a war arose in heaven (Revelation 12:7). Archangel Michael and his angels fought against the fiery-red dragon and his evil angels (Revelation 12:7; see also Daniel 10:13, 21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 9). The dragon and his angels were defeated because they were not strong enough to defeat God’s angels (Revelation 12:8). The dragon and his evil angels were thrown out of heaven to earth (Revelation 12:9-10). Revelation identifies the great fiery-red dragon as the ancient serpent that is also called the devil and Satan, and he is the deceiver and accuser of the whole world (Revelation 12:9-10; see also Genesis 3:1, 14-15; Revelation 20:2-3, 10).

After that, John heard a loud voice in heaven, shouting, “Now the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers (and sisters) has been thrown down, who accuse them day and night before our God (Revelation 12:10, ESV; see also Job 1:9-11; Zechariah 3:1). Furthermore, John heard the loud voice declaring, “They have conquered him (the devil or dragon) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11, ESV; see also Luke 14:26; Revelation 7:14). God’s people have victory over the evil dragon and his alliance through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus). Our faith in Jesus’ precious and sacrificial blood brings our victory and redemption from sin (see Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:9-10). However, John heard the loud voice declaring terror to the earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because “he knows that his time is short” (Revelation 12:12; see also Isaiah 44:23; Isaiah 49:13).

At that time, the evil dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth and he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male Child (Revelation 12:13). However, the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly away from the evil serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she was nourished and cared for forty-two months or three and one-half years (Revelation 12:14; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7). Then, the evil serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood (Revelation 12:15). However, the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowed the river that the evil dragon had poured from his mouth (Revelation 12:16). Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring (descendants) who faithfully keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus (Revelation 12:17; see also John 16:33). The woman’s offspring or descendants are faithful followers of Jesus – the church or the new Israel (Jews and Gentiles) – who obeys God’s commandment and testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 12:17 reveals the dragon’s persistent hostility and persecution against God’s people because he knows his time is short (see also Revelation 12:12; Revelation 13:7). Jesus warned His disciples, “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). Today, God’s people are involved in a similar conflict with the evil dragon and his evil alliance (see Ephesians 6:10-13). Satan and his evil alliance are out to persecute and destroy the church (1 Peter 5:8). However, God’s people in any age or situation can rejoice, no matter how difficult their experiences. We have victory over Satan and his evil alliance through our faithfulness to God’s commands and faithfulness to Jesus Christ (Revelation 13:10; Revelation 14:12; see also Revelation 14:15-17). As Jesus informed His disciples before His death and crucifixion, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NLT; see also Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 21:7).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

The Witnessing Church

¹ Then I (John) was given a measuring stick (rod), and I was told, “Go and measure the Temple (Sanctuary) of God and the altar, and count the number of worshippers. ² But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations (heathens). They will trample the holy city for 42 months (three and one-half years). ³ And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days (42 months or three and one-half years).” ⁴ These two prophets (witnesses) are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth. ⁵ If anyone tries to harm (injure) them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die. ⁶ They (two witnesses) have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. ⁷ When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit (Abyss or underworld) will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them. ⁸ And their (dead) bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city that is figuratively called “Sodom” and “Egypt,” the city where their Lord was crucified. ⁹ And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare (gaze) at their (dead) bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. ¹⁰ All the people who belong to this world will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them. ¹¹ But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. ¹² Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, “Come up here!” And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched. ¹³ At the same time there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people died in that earthquake, and everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. ¹⁴ The second terror is past, but look, the third terror is coming quickly. ¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” ¹⁶ The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their faces to the ground and worshiped Him. ¹⁷ And they said, “We give thanks to You, Lord God, the Almighty (Omnipotent), the One who is and who always was, for now You have assumed Your great power and have begun to reign. ¹⁸ The nations (heathen) were filled with wrath, but now the time of Your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward Your servants the prophets, as well as Your holy people, and all who fear (respect, revere) Your Name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.” ¹⁹ Then, in heaven, the Temple (Sanctuary) of God was opened and the Ark of His covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm. Revelation 11:1-19 (NLT)

In Revelation 11, John has another strange and difficult vision. Many biblical scholars acknowledge chapter 11 as one of the most perplexing sections of the entire book of Revelation.

In this vision, God gives John a measuring stick or rod to measure the Temple of God, including the inner court where the altar stands, and to count the number of worshippers (Revelation 11:1). However, God tells John not to measure the outer court because God has given the outer courts to the nations (Revelation 11:2). Many biblical interpreters relate John’s vision of measuring the Temple to Ezekiel chapters 40 and 41 and Zechariah 2:1-5 from the Old Testament. John used much of Ezekiel and Zechariah’s prophecies from the Old Testament for his writing of Revelation. Measuring property symbolizes ownership and preservation. Thus, many biblical interpreters see the measuring the Temple as similar to the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation 7:1-8. Similar to the sealing of God’s people in Revelation chapter 7, God continually preserves, provides, and protects His people who faithfully trusts in Him (Revelation 11:1-14; see also Nahum 1:7).

Interestingly, the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70. Many biblical commentaries believe John’s references to the Temple means the church headed by Jesus Christ (see e.g., Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). In the New Testament, the church is described as God's Temple where God dwells. The Apostle Paul, for example, tells the Corinthian believers, “Do you not know that you are God’s Temple?” (see 1 Corinthians 3:16). Later, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians, “We are the Temple of the living God” (see 2 Corinthians 6:16). Furthermore, according to Apostle Peter, Christians are living stones, built into a spiritual house (see 1 Peter 2:5). Thus, the whole church is growing “into a holy Temple in the Lord” (see Ephesians 2:21). God dwells in the lives and hearts of His people (Jews and Gentiles) who faithfully love and obey Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:11, 19-22).

Then, God tells John that He will give power to His two witnesses to prophesy 1,260 days (approximately 42 months or three and one-half years) (Revelation 11:3). The Holy Scriptures call these two witnesses “prophets” (see Revelation 11:3, 6). Many scholars believe God will send His two witnesses before the end of the age. Not only do these two witnesses declare God’s Words, but they also do God’s works and perform miracles of judgment, reminding us of both Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament (Revelation 11:6; see also Exodus 7:14-18; 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:1-12). God gives His two witnesses power to shut the skies so that no rain will fall during the three and one-half years like the Prophet Elijah (Revelation 11:6; see also 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:10). Also, these two witnesses have power to turn rivers and oceans into blood and to send every kind of plague upon the earth as often as they wish similar to Moses (Revelation 11:6; see also Exodus 7:14-18; Exodus 8:12).

Many biblical commentaries describe these two witnesses as possibly Moses and Elijah, Elijah and Enoch, or Enoch and Moses. There was a tradition in Judaism and Jewish apocalyptic literature that Moses, Elijah, or Enoch will appear on earth just before the Messiah’s arrival (see Malachi 4:5-6). From the Old Testament, neither Enoch, Moses, nor Elijah experienced death (see Genesis 5:21-24; Deuteronomy 34:5-8; 2 Kings 2:10-11; Hebrews 11:5).

When the witnesses complete their testimony, a beast or monster will come out of the bottomless pit (Revelation 11:7). The beast from the underworld or Abyss will declare war against on God’s faithful witnesses and then kill them (Revelation 11:7). Essentially, the witnesses are unbeatable until they have finished God’s mission (see Revelation 11:7-10). For three and a half days, the two faithful witnesses bodies will lay exposed and unburied in the streets of Jerusalem — the very place where the Lord Jesus was crucified (Revelation 11:8-9). Sadly, the people of the earth rejoice and celebrate a “satanic Christmas” by exchanging gifts to one another (Revelation 11:10). After three and a half days, God’s Spirit will revive and give His faithful witnesses life (Revelation 11:11). God takes His two faithful witnesses to heaven while the world watches (Revelation 11:12). The world’s satanic celebration suddenly becomes great fear! Then, God sends a terrible earthquake that levels a tenth of the city, leaving 7,000 dead and the people of the earth will temporarily give God glory (Revelation 11:13).

Significantly, the main point of these witnesses is the symbolism. Many biblical commentaries believe these two witnesses remind God’s people what to do during times of tribulation and suffering. Just as the two witnesses, God’s people must faithfully preach and proclaim God’s message to the world and not withdraw in hiding and separation (see also Matthew 28:18-20). God’s people (the church) must continually give faithful testimony to the world despite persecution and rejection. 

Interestingly, when the seventh angel blew the trumpet, there were loud voices shouting down from heaven, “The Kingdom of this world now belongs to our Lord, and to His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15, TLB). Although Jesus the Son is subjected to His Father (1 Corinthians 15:28), Jesus also shares the eternal rule of God. The singular (“He will reign”) emphasizes the unity and joint sovereignty of God the Father with His Son Jesus.

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).