Revelation Study - Session 17

Revelation Study – Session 17

Dr. Larry Reynolds

The sixth act in this seven act great drama of redemption begins in Revelation 17.  As we work through this book, it is helpful to keep in mind the over-all structure.  Revelation can be outlined as follows:

Introduction introducing the writer/director/audience (chapters 1:1 – 3:22)

Act 1 – Vision of God on His throne and the Lamb of God (chapters 4:1 – 5:14)

Act 2 – The breaking of the seven seals revealing the judgments of God (chapters 6:1 – 8:5)

Act 3 – The sounding of the seven trumpets showing additional features of the judgments of God (chapters 8:6 – 11:19)

Act 4 – The revelation of seven significant signs revealing the identity of the

combatants in the conflict between good and evil (chapters 12:1 – 14:20)

Act 5 – The pouring out of the seven bowls of wrath revealing the totality of God’s judgment (15:1 – 16:21)

Act 6 – The revealing of seven scenes of celebration of God’s victory over evil (chapters 17:1 – 20:10)

Act 7 – The revealing of the destiny of unbelievers and believers, of unredeemed and redeemed (chapters 20:11-22:5)

Conclusion (chapter 22:6-21)

It is always customary for the victor to celebrate when the battle is over.  In Act 5, the pouring out of the seven bowls of wrath depicting the utter devastation of the forces of evil takes place.  Now, as Act 6 the smoke of battle has cleared away, and we are ready to see something of the completeness of the victory for the saints of God and the  celebration which followed.  As in most of the acts of this drama, Act 6 is made up of seven symbols with an interlude between the sixth and the seventh.  In this act, as in the case of Act 5 describing the opposing forces in the battle array, the divisions are not clearly numbered, but are obvious to the careful reader.  There are seven scenes of celebration with a special feature of the celebration described in the interlude between the 6^th and 7^th scenes.  Everything within this section of the Revelation bears the mark of celebration, which is a logical sequence to the climax of the battle.

Overview the seven scenes of celebration:

1.      17:1-18 – Introductory scene designed to identify clearly the conquered enemy

2.      18:1-24 – Scene showing utter devastation of Rome

3.      19:1-6 – Heavenly choir giving praise to God

4.      19:7-10 – Heavenly wedding between the Lamb and His bride

5.      19:11-18 – Triumphal processional in heaven

6.      19:19-21 – Formal sentencing of the evil earthly leaders of Rome

Interlude (20:1-6) showing special recognition given to those who have been martyred for their faith in Christ.

7.      20:1-9 – The final defeat of Satan

SCENE 1 (17:1-18) – Identity of the conquered enemy

            One of the angels who had one of the seven bowls of wrath is about to take John on a tour of the enemy territory so that he might rejoice in the completeness of the victory, but first he must identify this enemy and his territory.  So he carried John away in the spirit into the wilderness.  There he was shown a woman on a scarlet-colored beast, “full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns” (v.. 3).  The woman herself was arrayed in scarlet-colored garments and decked with gold and precious stones.  She had a golden cup in her hand “full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication” (v. 4).  Upon her forehead a name was written:  “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (v. 5).  She had been made drunk with the blood of the saints, the martyrs of Jesus. 

            This description alone would have been enough to identify the woman as a symbol of the wicked city of Rome, the headquarters of those persecuting God’s people.  We have run across the name Babylon before and have observed that, for the first-century Christian, it no doubt referred to Rome.  Because of the tight censorship John could not have used the word Rome; but just in case his readers did not pick up that clue, John goes on to give other clues that would surely remove all doubt or uncertainty.

            This woman sits upon a beast that has seven heads and ten horns.  At this point John urges his readers to use all of the wisdom that God has given them in order to decipher this code.  It has to be couched in mystery in order to keep the Roman censors from intercepting it, but if they will use their heads wisely they can get the message.  This is the same symbol we saw in Revelation 13 describing the beast from the sea that represented Rome in general and Domitian, the current emperor in particular.

            From one point of view, John explains, the seven heads of the beast represent the seven mountains on which the woman sits.  All who are familiar with Rome know that it is situated on seven hills.  This was merely a means of identity.  As if this were not enough, John goes on to explain that, looking at it from another point of view, the seven heads represent seven kings: “Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while.  And the beast which was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction.” (vv. 10-11).  This at first appears to be a senseless riddle, but it is not at all senseless when interpreted in the light of the known facts of history.

            As we saw in our study of chapter 13, at the time John wrote, the eighth emperor was ruling over the mighty but wicked Roman Empire.  In chronological order they were: 

• Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD)
• Tiberius (14-37 AD)
• Caligula (37-41 AD)
• Claudius (41-54 AD)
• Nero (54-68 AD) – After the death of Nero three men claimed the throne in rapid succession, but none of the three lived long enough to establish himself on the throne; therefore, they are not counted in the succession of the emperors, and thy were never considered by the people as emperors.  They were Galba (six months), Otho (four months), and Vitellius (six months).
• Vespasian (69-79 AD)
• Titus (79-81 AD)
• Domitian (81-96 AD)             

None of the eight mentioned above could be classified as outstandingly good, but two of them were notoriously bad:  Nero and Domitian.  There grew up a popular legend among the people that Nero did not really die and would return to the throne again; or, if he had died, he would be reincarnated.  When Domitian came along, he was so much like Nero in disposition that many of the people really believed that Domitian was the reincarnation of Nero.  Of course, John and his fellow Christians did not believe this legend; but John did make use of it to identify the enemy. 

Interestingly, John positions himself in the reign of Vespasian.  That could be another move designed to elude the censors.  However, if Domitian was the reincarnation of Nero, then he was in a sense the immediate successor of Nero, even though historically this was Vespasian.  John does explain that the eighth king was also one of the seven.  At any rate, there is little reason to believe that these first-century Christians did not understand what John was driving at in the riddle.

            Verse 12 tells us the “ten horns” represent “ten kings.”  This probably refers to the rulers of Rome’s provinces who receive their authority from Rome.  They would rule for only a short time.  Initially they would get their orders from Rome and do Rome’s bidding.  But as Rome began to disintegrate, they turned on the empire and hastened its demise. (vv. 16ff)

            There are, of course, other interpretations of this riddle.  For instance, Dr. W. A. Criswell, in his commentary of the Revelation, interprets these five fallen kings to refer to five ancient empires:  Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, and Greek.  The one that is refers to Rome, and the one that is yet to come is the “great, final, political dominion presided over by this anti-Christ, which is world government in its ultimate form”.  He goes on to explain that this final world government “will be divided into nations, into ten kingdoms”; and the ten kings of these ten kingdoms will give their power and strength to the Antichrist. 

            To me,the interpretation that identifies these kings with the emperors of Rome, culminating with Domitian, seems to make much better sense.  As we have said so many times throughout this study, for John and his first-century friends, the arch-enemy of God and God’s redeemed people was the wicked and blasphemous empire of Rome.  For those of us who live in the 21st, the principle may be applied to any similar godless regime.  What John seeks to show here is that these blasphemous leaders and their wicked kingdoms will be utterly destroyed by the great power of the wrath of God in judgment.  Just how complete this destruction is we shall see in the next scene.

SCENE 2 (18:1-24) – The utter devastation of Rome

            Having clearly identified the enemy, John is ready to show us the utter devastation of the enemy territory-the great and wicked city, the center and citadel of wickedness.  John saw a mighty angel swoop down out of heaven whose brilliance lighted the whole battlefield so that all could see. 

            The fate of Rome  (vv.1-8)

            Verse 2 – A picture of total desolation.  The angel cried with a loud voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!  And she has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.”(18:2). 

            Verse 3 – Reminder of the corruption that caused Rome’s devastation...

            Verse 4-6 – Warning to God’s people not to get caught up in the sins and consequently the judgment of Rome...

            Verse 7 – Picture of Rome’s complacency...

      Reactions to Rome’s fall  (18:9-20)

            vv.9-19 – Allies lament...

            v.20 – God’s people rejoice...

      Rome’s total oblivion  (18:21-24)

            v.22 – No more partying

            v.22b – No more prosperity

            v.23 – No more home life

            One writer summarizes Revelation 18 this way:  “… in a vivid picture of contrast he shows the vast difference between the city’s former glory and the dismal darkness of its present state.  In her heyday Rome was lighted with brilliance.  In her was glamour, glitter, excitement, ostentation, and uninhibited licentiousness.  She reigned like a queen, and all the nations gathered around her to offer homage and praise.  People came from afar to profit by her worldwide trade marts and to enjoy her famous places of merriment.

            But now look at her.  She is desolate and forsaken.  The men who lived deliciously by her stand afar off and mourn her downfall.  It is as if a mighty angel has taken her in his hand as one would take a pebble from the beach and thumped it into the sea.  There is a brief ripple in the water and then disappearance into oblivion.  Thus has God dealt with the wicked city.  There is no more lucrative trade within her, no more vivacious activities, no more glamour.  All is dull and dark.  The utter devastation is described by John in this dramatic chapter.  Thus are we able to see how complete is God’s work of destruction of the satanic kingdom.  This picture of doom will find fulfillment in every great city of this earth where satanic might has brought on moral and spiritual corruption.”

Revelation Study - Session 16

Revelation Study – Session 16

Southmont Baptist Church – Dr. Larry Reynolds

Overview of the seven signs in 12:1 – 15:4:

1.      A woman and her son (12:1-2, 56)

2.      A great red dragon (12:3-4)

3.      A beast from the sea (13:1-10)

4.      A beast from the earth (13:11-18)

5.      The Lamb with 144,000 people with His name on their foreheads (14:1-5)

6.      A vision of angels (14:6-20)

7.      Seven angels with seven plagues (15:1-4) – Transition to the next series of seven, the 7 bowls of wrath

The 7^th Sign – Seven angels with seven plagues (15:1-8)

            Various interludes in Revelation have been mentioned.  Chapter 15 contains the final one before the total judgment as seen in the seven bowls.  It presents the praise and thanksgiving of the saints in heaven, and introduces the seven bowls of God’s judgment upon the wicked on earth. 

      Verse 1 - “...the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.” - These plagues were God’s final expression of judgment as seen in Rome’s fall and the complete defeat of Satan and his angels.

      Verse 2 - “...a sea of glass mixed with fire.”  -     Before telling about the plagues, John was given a vision of the glorified saints in heaven (v.2).  They have become victorious over the beast, his image, and the number of his name (666).  In Revelation 4:6, the sea before God’s throne was white like crystal.  Some have suggested that the red color (fire) of the sea represents the blood of God’s people spilled on earth.

Verse 2 - “the harps of God.” - They sing praises to God:  the song of Moses and of the Lamb (v.3).  As Moses had led Israel across the Red Sea, the Lamb led the martyred saints as they crossed a red sea of the blood of persecution.  Thus they sang songs of deliverance, redemption, and victory (v.4).

      Verse 5- “the temple of the tabernacle”  - This was the heavenly counterpart of the tabernacle in the wilderness which was called “the tabernacle of testimony” (Num. 9:15) and “witness” (Num. 17:7; 18:2).  This Temple scene reminds the reader that  God is one of both mercy and judgment.  He is a God of mercy to those who believe in him, and a God of judgment to those who reject him.

      Verse 6- “clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their breasts with golden girdles” – Dressed in vestments of priests, but their mission was judgment.

      Verse 7 - “seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God” – Completeness of God’s wrath on those who persecute His people...

      Verse 8 - “temple filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power...” – Storm clouds of final, complete judgment on Rome gathering...

ACT V - SEVEN BOWLS OF WRATH (16:1-21) – Previous judgments depicted in Revelation were partial.  In the judgments connected with the seals and trumpets, only portions of the earth were affected.  With the bowl judgments, there is total destruction.  In the trumpet judgments, not until the fifth judgment was man affected.  With the bowls, man is afflicted from the beginning.

The similarity between the Egyptian plagues and the bowl judgments should be noted.  Thus we may say that God judges anyone or any group in history that opposed him.  But specifically, the scene in Revelation probably should be viewed as God’s complete judgment on Rome and a preview of God’s judgment at the end of the age.  When men refuse to repent at the partial judgments in history, as seen in the seals and trumpets, final and complete judgment comes.  These judgments, however, should not be confused with the final judgment as seen in Revelation 20; they lead up to it. 

The first bowl (6:1-2) - When the first angel poured out the contents of his bowl on earth “it became a loathsome and malignant sore upon the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.”   These worshipers of Domitian had afflicted God’s people; now God afflicted them.  Having shown no mercy they received none.  This figure was probably drawn from Exodus 9:10-11 (plague of boils).

The second bowl (6:3) - The second bowl was emptied into the sea (v.3). Therefore, the sea became as the blood of a dead man, coagulated blood.  Thus it was fatal to animal life and to all marine life.  This also could include seafaring people.  Since the sea was a major source of food, this would be a terrible judgment upon the empire as a whole.

The third bowl (6:4-7) - Following the order of the trumpet judgments, the third bowl was poured out into fresh water.  All water, not a part, became blood (v.4).  Thus all drinking water was lost.  This was a just judgment (v.5).  Pagans had shed the blood of God’s people; they seemed to like blood so much that God gave it to them to drink (v.6).  

The fourth bowl (6:8-9) – The fourth angel emptied his bowl upon the sun.  Thus the sun was enabled to scorch with fire.  This source of life became a source of death.  But instead of repenting, the scorched men blasphemed God’s name.  This meant that they spoke insultingly to and of him.  They blamed him, not themselves, for their suffering.  Having lost the power to repent, they were subjected to complete judgment. 

The fifth bowl (6:10-11) - This emptying struck at the seat of the beast’s authority - the city of Rome.  When this judgment was poured upon the throne of the beast, his kingdom was covered with darkness (see Ex. 10:22-23).  The darkness in Egypt lasted for three days but no mention is made of the end of this darkness. It was completely dark.  But again no repentance.  Rather the people “kept on gnawing” their tongues out of pain and distress.  With their tongues they blasphemed, not their pagan gods, but “the God of heaven” (V. 11).  During this general period of persecution, the Romans blamed every calamity on the Christians.  Nero blamed them for the burning of the city of Rome, when he actually did it.  They went on worshiping Domitian and their idols.  This suggested the utter rottenness of the Empire.

Darkness suggested confusion and total evil in the Empire.  While Rome was in darkness, heaven was bright with God’s glory.  So, God’s enemies were left to their own evil devices.  They were actually devouring and destroying themselves!  This picture is true of any age.  God permits unrepentant evil to do its worst to itself.

The sixth bowl (6:12) - This bowl was poured out upon the Euphrates river (v.12).  Thus the water of the river was dried up, opening the way for Rome’s enemies to invade her Empire. This suggested the complete releasing of the Parthian hordes.  In the overall picture, these would fight for God, though unknowingly, in destroying the Roman Empire, God used even those who did not recognize Him.

Interlude between 6^th and 7^th bowls

In the brief interlude between the sixth and seventh bowls of wrath, John gives us an interesting sidelight concerning the reaction of the godless empire to these mighty judgments.  Just when it appears that the wicked kingdom is about to succumb to these might blast from God’s atomic arsenal, we see three slick, slimy frogs come forth out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet (the second beast).  These three frogs go forth up and down the land, seeking recruits for a great battle that about to occur.  The place of the battle is called in Hebrew “Har-Magedon” or “Armageddon.”

Much has been said about this battle of Armageddon.  The futurists especially have made much of it.  They interpret it as being a literal struggle with the customary instruments of warfare at some future date in a particular spot in the land of Palestine.  To be consistent, if one takes the reference to Armageddon literally, then he ought also to take the reference to the tree slick, slimy frogs literally.  Both references appear in the same passage; yet no one ever suggests that there will be three frogs literally going about over the earth seeking recruits for this battle.  In order to follow the path of consistency, it makes more sense to view this reference to Armagedon as symbolic imagery.

Armageddon is actually a word which John coined.  It literally means: “the mount of Medgiddo.”   The term Megiddo does appear in the Old Testament.  It refers to a narrow strip of plain just south of Nazareth in Palestine.   There is a mount overlooking this valley, which was also called the plain of Esdraelon.  On this little mound can be seen the ruins of the ancient city of Megiddo.   Many of the most decisive battles of Israel’s history were fought on the plain of Megiddo.  For example on that plain:

• Deborah and Barak routed the forces of Sisera
• Saul and Jonathan fought their last battles with the Philistines
• Jehu staged his bloody revolution
• Good king Josiah lost his life in a conflict with Pharaoh of Egypt. 

Thus through the years, this plain of Megiddo became in the minds of the Jews a symbol of conflict or decisive battle.  John no doubt used the word as a symbol of a place of decisive battle.  He was not thinking of a literal battle to be fought with the earthly weapons of warfare at a literal place in the land of Palestine. 

The true significance of this sign must be something like this:  When God comes to unload the full fury of his wrath upon the satanic kingdom, Satan will do what any nation would do in the course of a battle.  (World War II illustration of allies invading Europe, turning the tide of the war, and Hitler responding with last ditch effort that come to be known as the Battle of the Bulge.) 

     Just as the enemy always does when he sees the end in sight, the devil will make that one all-out, last-ditch stand, hoping to turn the tide of the battle.  This is the picture which John paints in this interlude.  Satan and his cohorts were reeling under the might blows of these blasts from God’s bowls of wrath, but the devil sent out his emissaries to recruit every possible soldier for one last stand.  This is the battle of Armageddon.

            The question invariably arises-when will this battle take place?  As far as John and these first-century Christians were concerned, it took place when the mighty and blasphemous Roman Empire fell.  For them this empire was the epitome of satanic power and wickedness.  In this sense the battle of Armageddon was to them yet future; to us it is history.  However, we must not stop here if we are to understand the full significance of this apocalyptic picture.  This battle of Armageddon has been fought many times throughout history.  It happens when any satanic power is defeated by the forces of God. 

Also, it is not inappropriate to say that Armageddon happens to every individual in a personal sense.  Every man’s heart is an Armageddon, a battlefield in which the forces of evil and the forces of righteousness struggle against each other.  And always when the devil sees that he is about to lose the battle, he makes that last big fling, hoping to turn the tide.  Albert H. Baldinger rightly observes that “there is a sense in which every man’s life is a miniature Armageddon.” 

 

The Seventh Bowl (6:17-21) - This bowl was poured out “upon the air” (v.17) Since all living creatures breathe air, this was the worst of all.  “It is done” (v.17) means that the plagues were fully completed.  In verse 18, John used apocalyptic language to depict the great and terrible judgments of God.  The city was divided into three parts (v. 19).  “Three” suggested divine, complete judgment.  This judgment included all cities allied with Rome.  The saints felt that God had forgotten, but Babylon (or Rome) had not been forgotten.  Rome had caused nations to drink the wine of idolatry .  Now she was made to drink the wine of God’s boiling rage (fierceness, thumos) of God’s abiding wrath (orge) against evil.

In apocalyptic language, John continued to describe this judgment (vv. 20-21).  Islands and mountains were used as military strongholds.  Due to the earthquake, the islands disappeared and the mountains were leveled.  Thus, Rome’s military power was destroyed.  Also, hail stones weighing more than a hundred pounds battered the earth.  Obviously, these would destroy Rome and kill her people.  The total corruption of the Empire is seen in men’s blasphemy against God because of the hail.

In these bowl judgments, we must look beyond the moment to the ultimate meaning.  As the total judgment came upon Rome and her power, so is it to be for all in any age who set themselves against God and Christ.  This knowledge encouraged the suffering Christians in the 1^st century and Christians of all ages who suffer in the name of Christ.

Revelation Study - Session 15

Revelation Study – Session 15

Dr. Larry Reynolds

Overview of the seven signs in 12:1 – 15:4...these signs continue the theme which has dominated Revelation, the theme of conflict between good/evil...God/Satan...God’s people/enemies of God’s people...and they serve the purpose of moving us toward the final resolution of this great conflict which is the climax of Revelation...in this section reminded that while God’s people have formidable enemy in Satan and his allies, have much greater ally in the Redeeming Lamb of God...quickly overview the seven signs an then look at 3^rd and 4^th signs in chapter 13 tonight...

1.      A woman and her son (12:1-2, 56) – Saw woman represents the true people of God or the spiritual/true Israel through whom the Messiah, God incarnate, came to our world...the son represents Jesus...

2.      A great red dragon (12:3-4) – Represents Satan...v.9 interprets this sign for us....the chapter overviews the great battle between the Lamb of God and His people and Satan...

·        Attacked Christ during earthly ministry (vv.1-6)

·        Stormed gates of heaven after resurrection in vain attempt to destroy Christ there (vv. 7-12)

·        Attacked God’s people—the church ( vv.13-17)

3.      A beast from the sea (13:1-10)  - Represents the dragon’s chief ally, the Roman Empire led by the evil emperor Domitian...he was insisting that Christians say “Caesar is Lord” rather than the church’s most basic confession which is “Jesus is Lord”...

4.      A beast from the earth (13:11-18) – Represents the Concilia, the council set up to enforce emperor worship...the “mark of the beast” probably represents the certificates given to those who completed their emperor worship duty...this certificate allowed those who had paid homage to the emperor the privilege of buying and selling in the market place...the infamous number “666” may be a veiled reference to Nero, the Roman emperor who first began persecuting Christians...many thought Domitian was Nero re-incarnated...

5.      The Lamb with 144,000 people with His name on their foreheads (14:1-5)

6.      A vision of angels (14:6-20)

7.      Seven angels with seven plagues (15:1-4) – Transition to the next series of seven, the 7 bowls of wrath

Having introduced in chapter 13 the allies of the great dragon (Satan) who is waging war on God’s people, in chapter 14 John introduces the allies of the people of God.  This  chapter contains the 5^th and 6^th signs in this series of 7 significant signs.

THE FIFTH SIGN -  THE LAMB AND THE 144,000 (14:1-5)

“the Lamb” – Obviously reference to the triumphant Christ...introduced in this form in ch.5 when steps forward as only one worthy to open the sealed book in the hand of God...that scene backdrop to entire drama...as book opened the scenes revealed in this book unfold...

“Mt. Zion” - Mount Zion is one of the hills upon which Jerusalem is built, and it is a term that is associated with King David and the triumph of his kingdom:  “Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King./Within her citadels God has shown himself a sure defense” (Ps. 48:2-3).  The phrase came to represent a place of refuge, protection for God’s people.  Some say John referring to the literal mountain in Jerusalem.  Not the case.  Used as writer of Hebrews used phrase in Hebrews 12::22ff...(read)

“144,000” - First heard in 7:4.  Some interpret this as a literal number.  Runs contrary to how numbers are used in apocalyptic literature.  Numbers are not designed to be taken literally…they symbolize something.  Most interpreters, regardless of their approach to Revelation, take 144,000 in symbolic sense.  It is the number of organized religion (12 ... tribes of Israel ... apostles) square multiplied by the number for fullness or completeness (10) to the third power...in that sense represents a fully

completed religious group...

The number is symbolic of the vast and complete number of God’s people.  It refers to all of the redeemed of God-those who have been faithful to Christ through their trial and testing.

“...His name and name of His Father written on their foreheads” – As opposed to Caesar’s seal (13:16-17) had been marked by Christ’s name (cf. Rev. 3:12)...

“...a new song...” – This is a scene calculated to bring joy to God’s suffering people on earth...Ray Summers puts it this way:  “Their Redeemer-Lamb as their champion is marshalling a complete army of righteousness about the crest of Mount Zion.  Those with the Lamb sing a song, a new victory song, the meaning of which can be known only by the redeemed with the Lamb.”...the word “learn” in v.3 carries the idea of “hearing deeply” or “hearing with understanding.”

“...not defiled with women...” - This does not refer to celibates, as some maintain. But probably to moral purity and fidelity to Christ (compare 2 Cor. 11:2) In prophetic literature, apostasy and rebellion are often expressed by the figure of adultery or unfaithfulness (compare Jer. 5:7; Hos. 2:1 ff.)...

“...purchased from among men as the first fruits to God and to the Lamb...” – Purchased by the blood of the Lamb...the first fruits are seen as the best of the crop and so John uses this term to symbolize the holiness and dedication which characterizes the redeemed. 

“...no lie was found in their mouth...” – Did not say “Caesar is Lord” and thus deny Christ...

“...they are blameless...” – Sometimes word used to describe state of redeemed  before God...cf. Colossians 1:22...could be idea here...when used that way refers to what God does for us, not what we have done...in this case it is more likely continuing thought of “...no lie was found in their mouth...” and saying blameless in that they didn’t succumb to the pressure to deny Christ...

One point of application:  Not alone in the battle with evil.  Have great throng with us.  Christians in Asia Minor seemed far outnumbered and greatly overwhelmed by those in culture who did worship Caesars...was norm for their day...reminded them that while may not have been readily apparent, they are part of great throng as well...

THE SIXTH SIGN - THE VISION OF ANGELS (14:6-20) – This sign, which is really a composite of several things, is tied together by the theme of angels being allies of the people of God...a number of angels are shown delivering messages which are designed to provide comfort to God’s people and terror to the enemies of God...

Verses 6-7 – An angel “having an eternal gospel” – Only place word “gospel” used in Revelation...good tidings or good news...normally use word to describe good news of the Christ event – birth, life, death, and resurrection...in this case good news seems to be that judgment upon the enemies of God is at hand...announcing victory before the battle begins...

Verse 8 – An angel announces fall of “Babylon” - It is unlikely that John intends his readers to think the remote and distant territory of Babylon on the Euphrates River.  The word “Babylon” is obviously used to refer to a more immediate danger that confronts the first-century Christians.   John is not the only New Testament writer to make use of Babylon with a symbolic intention.  The first letter of Peter contains a very interesting sentence in this regard. “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings...” (1Peter 5:12).  It is clear that Peter intended a symbolic reference.  Babylon is used as a cryptic reference to Rome.

Verses 9-12 – An angel announces the eternal destruction of those who have chosen to worship Caesar over Christ – While Christians may be burned at the stake, as many were, that fire was only temporary...the fire that awaits those who have denied Christ is eternal (“...forever and ever...”)...

Quote from John Newport, The Lion and the Lamb - The reference to “torment” (v.10; compare 9:5, 11:10; 12:2; 20:10) has troubled some commentators since the torment takes place “in the presence of the Lamb.”  While the view that some unrepentant individuals will suffer eternal hell seem repugnant to Christian sensitivity, it is clear that it is not only John’s understanding but that of Jesus and of other New Testament writers as well (Matt. 25:46; Rom. 2:3-9; Thess. 1:6-9).

      The worshipers of the beast will be unable to rest day or night (v.11).  Notice the contrast with the saints who will “rest” from their labor (v.13).  The beast worshipers have their time to rest while the saints are persecuted and martyred.  However, in the final time of judgment God will reverse their roles (7:15 ff.; compare 2 Thess. 1:6-7).

      C.S. Lewis (see Problem of Pain) acknowledges that hell is a detestable doctrine that he would be willing to remove from Christianity if it were in his power.  But Lewis states that the question is not whether it is detestable but whether it is true.  We must recognize that the reality of hell had the full support of Scripture and of Christ’s teaching.  Indeed, it has the full support of Scripture and of Christians and has the support of reason.

Verse 13 – Brief interlude designed to comfort Christians and contrast death of believer with non-believer...

·        “rest from their labors” – Rest means shall be refreshed...labors means toil under great adversity...”Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

·        “for their deeds follow them...” - In two ways: (1) their witness leaves a positive example for the saints on earth, and (2) their deeds will be a witness to their faithfulness to Christ at the last judgment (1 Cor. 15:58; 3:14; Rev. 20:13).

Verses 14-16 – An angel crying out to “son of man” to use his sickle – Sickle is instrument of divine judgment.  Used elsewhere in Scripture in that way (cf. Joel 3:13) There can be no question as to the identity of the divine figure seated on the cloud.  It refers to Jesus.  Appears a king (crown) and judge (sickle).  Christ is pictured as executing the judgment of God. 

Verses 17-20 – An angel crying out to another angel to use a sickle - Another angel, a fifth, comes out of the temple of heaven with a sharp sickle (v. 17).  Then a sixth angel comes forth “from the altar” to aid the Son of man in the harvest (v. 18; compare 6:9-11; 8:1-5; 9:13; 16:7).  This angel had power over fire.  He is perhaps Gabriel, whom Jewish tradition assigned this task.  The symbol used in verses 18-20 to convey the wrath of God is the familiar figure of the treading of the winepress of God’s wrath found in Isaiah 63:3 and Joel 3:13.

      Revelation 14:20 is gruesome in its description of blood flowing up to the horses’ bridles for a distance of about two hundred miles.  This length may suggest the length of Palestine.  The source of the imagery is Isaiah 63:1-6, heightened by John’s hyperbole.

   The judgment is not the task of human vengeance but belongs exclusively to the Son of man and His angelic reapers (compare Rom. 12:19-21).  The symbolism is that of a head-on-battle, a great defeat of the enemy and a sea of spilled blood.  To go beyond this and attempt to link the scene to some geographic location (compare 16: 4-6) is pure speculation.  The city mentioned in verse 20 probably refers to the community of the saints.

Chapter 14 summary:  Two great allies for God’s people—

·        A multitude of believers accompanied by the Lamb...

·        Many angels being directed by God...

Revelation Study - Session 14

Revelation Study – Session 14

Dr. Larry Reynolds

Overview of the seven signs in 12:1 – 15:4...these signs continue the theme which has dominated Revelation, the theme of conflict between good/evil...God/Satan...God’s people/enemies of God’s people...and they serve the purpose of moving us toward the final resolution of this great conflict which is the climax of Revelation...in this section reminded that while God’s people have formidable enemy in Satan and his allies, have much greater ally in the Redeeming Lamb of God...quickly overview the seven signs an then look at 3^rd and 4^th signs in chapter 13 tonight...

1.      A woman and her son (12:1-2, 56) – Saw woman represents the true people of God or the spiritual/true Israel through whom the Messiah, God incarnate, came to our world...the son represents Jesus...

2.      A great red dragon (12:3-4) – Represents Satan...v.9 interprets this sign for us....the chapter overviews the great battle between the Lamb of God and His people and Satan...

·        Attacked Christ during earthly ministry (vv.1-6)

·        Stormed gates of heaven after resurrection in vain attempt to destroy Christ there (vv. 7-12)

·        Attacked God’s people—the church ( vv.13-17)

3.      A beast from the sea (13:1-10)

4.      A beast from the earth (13:11-18)

5.      The Lamb with 144,000 people with His name on their foreheads (14:1-5)

6.      A vision of angels (14:6-20)

7.      Seven angels with seven plagues (15:1-4) – Transition to the next series of seven, the 7 bowls of wrath

Tonight look at chapter 13 which describes two beasts who are allies of the great dragon introduced in chapter 12...beast from sea (13:1-10) and beast from earth (13:11-17)... this is probably most debated chapter in Revelation...has in it some of the most dramatized (or, in my opinion absurdly over-dramatized) symbols in the book – the mark of the beast and the number of the beast which is 666...want to follow same pattern in looking at each of these two signs...first explore what the sign means and then explore some applications to our lives today...

God’s people are in a great spiritual war with Satan and this chapter reveals to John’s readers and to us some of the allies that Satan uses in this war...

The third sign – A beast from the sea (13:1-10)

           

In interest of time want to overview the two predominant ways to identifying this beast from the sea...one is held by those who approach Revelation from the futurist point of view and the other held by those who approach Revelation from a historical background perspective...

1.      Futurist perspective - Generally identify the beast from the sea with a figure called “the antichrist”...use that term because appears as a rival deity to Christ...futurist expect an extremely wicked world ruler to come to power just before the return of Christ...(third return at end of tribulation period)...term antichrist not used at all in Revelation...is used by John in I John 2....only John uses word “antichrist” in Scripture...in I John 2 seems indicate will be a personal embodiment of evil (“that antichrist”) at some point in time, but also indicates many antichrists are already in world...in II Thess.2 Paul refers to a “man of lawlessness” which futurist tend to identify with the antichrist and the beast from the sea...

Some futurist, notably Hal Lindsey of The Late Great Planet Earth fame does not view this first beast as the antichrist...he sees this beast as a political system which makes the antichrist’s rise to power possible...will rule world during 7 year tribulation period...he identified the ten horns as ten nations making up the European Common Market...share that just to highlight some of the rather imaginative ways that some people approach passage like these in Revelation...

2.      Historical Background perspective –Views the beast as representing the Roman Empire specifically represented by, Domitian, the current emperor of Rome...

·        Description

o       “beast” – Means wild, ferocious jungle creature...in Jewish apocalyptic literature such a beast often symbolized a ruler or his government...

o       “out of the sea” – Rome’s power came out of Italy and to Asia Minor by way of the sea...

o       “ten horns and seven heads” – Some say horns refer to power and heads to wisdom...some look for more detail in this symbol...

§         point out that when John was writing there had been a total of 8 Roman emperors—Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian...contend the 7 heads represent these emperors... how since numbers don’t match?...well known legend in 1^st century about Nero...died would come back to life...while obviously wouldn’t believe such a thing, some say John using that legend to identify Rome as this beast...many in 1^st century believed Domitian was Nero incarnate...so while would have been 8 bodies, only 7 emperors...

§         Also point out that following death of Nero was period of chaos when three different men held imperial power for brief periods of time—Galba, Otho, and Vitellius...weren’t considered genuine emperors but were part of Rome’s rulers, at least for very brief periods...say the 10 horns represent the 7 (8) emperors and 3 temporary emperors...

o       “ten diadems” – represent political rule...

o       “blasphemous names” - refers to emperor’s claims to deity...all the emperors were said to be divine and some, like Caligula, took that claim quite seriously...ordered his statue to be placed in the Jewish Temple...Domitian required his subjects to kiss his feet and pledge “Caesar is Lord and God”…Nero on his coins called himself “The Savior of the World”…

o       “...leopard...bear...lion...” – Imagery drawn from Daniel 2...speaks of seemingly unstoppable power of Rome...one writer put it this way:  “The empire has the catlike vigilance, the craft and the cruelty of the leopard, ever ready to spring on its pray.  The empire has the crushing power of the bear, which with its destroying hug can squeeze the life out of its victim.  The empire is like the lion whose roar terrifies the flock and speaks death and destruction.  The symbolism suits Rome in its attack upon the Christian church.”

o       “...one of the heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed...” – Think refers to the legend that Nero who reportedly killed himself would be revived...

·        Similarities to Domitian

o       Verse 6 – Domitian demanded that he be addressed as god...would not even receive correspondence not addressed to “Supreme Lord and God”...obviously blasphemy...

o       Verse 7 – Romans believed that Roman world was the inhabited earth...named their sea “The middle of the earth” or Mediterranean... thus Domitian, at least in their eyes, ruled the whole earth...

o       Verse 8 – Domitian was worshipped by everyone except for Christians...

o       Verse 14 – Images were set up to make worship of Domitian more convenient...

o       Verse 17 – Those who refused to worship Domitian were refused the privilege of buying or selling in the market places...

         While the subject is certainly open to debate, it is my belief that the beast in 13:1-10 represents Domitian and the evil empire he led...

·        Application

1.      Satan always looking for instruments to use in world—Much good about Rome…brought order out world in chaos...Roman peace allowed people to live without fear of external invasion...Roman roads tied world together and promoted economic growth, which benefited many people...but Satan moved in to take something that had tremendous potential for good and turned it into something evil...as way of doing that today…every person and every nation must constantly choose between being used as instrument of God or instrument of Satan…no way to remain neutral…must choose one or the other…

2.      God’s ways differ radically from the world’s ways -   Verse 10 very interesting…warning to Rome…they would eventually die by very power they abused…but warning to Christians as well...our way must never be world’s way…not win by force or even by ballot box…win by perseverance and faith…

The fourth sign – A beast from the earth (13:11-18)

Those who take the futurists perspective identify this beast as an associate of the antichrist (perhaps a religious figure) or, in some cases, the antichrist, himself.  Those of the historical background perspective view this beast as the official body, known as the Concilia, set-up in Asia Minor to enforce emperor worship.  Herschel Hobbs, who takes this view, says first beast represents imperial Rome while second beast, an extension of the first, represents provincial Rome.  Explore three questions:

What is the purpose/function of this second beast?

·        V.12 is key to this question…”he exercises all the authority of the first beast…and he makes the earth and those dwell in it to worship the first beast...”   To spread  emperor worship throughout empire, Rome set up elaborate organization to enforce the worship of Caesar…every province was organized with officials whose duty it was to certify that citizens had duly paid tribute to Caesar…

·        These committees often used trickery into making superstitious people                    think the false god’s and statues were real…

o       the “great signs” of v. 13 probably refers to magicians tricks…

o       ”making fire come down from heaven” perhaps was trick to imitate Elijah’s miracle in II Kings 1:10…

o       some have suggested that v.15 may refer to ventriloquism which was used to give images an appearance of life…

It was function of second beast to get people to pay homage to the first beast by whatever means possible…

What is the mark of the beast?  (vv.16-17)

·        Probably John took imagery from a prominent Jewish custom which is still prevalent among orthodox Jews to this day...when Jews prayed wore phylacteries, little leather boxes with scripture verses rolled up inside, on left hand and forehead…was sign that person devout Jew...mark of the beast sign the person was committed to emperor…

·        Word used for mark is “charagma”…several usages…

o       Sometimes slaves were branded with such a mark to denote ownership…

o       Sometimes soldiers marked themselves with the name of general under whom they served if especially devoted to him…

o       On every contract there attached there was mark giving name of emperor and date of contract…

o       All coins had mark of emperor in form of cameo of head and inscription stamped on them…

·        Probably refers to custom of giving people certificates showing had done mandatory emperor worship for the year…when had made their act of worship requested annual certificate giving evidence had done so… the request read:  “to those who have been appointed to preside over the sacrifices…we have sacrificed and offered libations, and tasted the sacred things...and we ask you to give us a certification that we have done so.”…response was:  “We, the representatives of the emperor…have seen you sacrificing.”

·        Possessing such a certificate saved a person from death and gave person right to trade and to buy and sell...mark of beast probably refers to certificate which Christian could obtain only by denying his faith and proclaiming that “Caesar is lord.”

What   does    666   signify (Most intriguing of all the questions)

·        Some suggest key to understanding 666 is in looking at the symbolism of the numbers themselves and not trying to find in the numbers any reference to particular person…several ideas suggested…

o       Number 6 falls one short of the perfect number 7…in Oriental mind 6 awakened sense of dread…it represented evil…3 (the number of deity) 6’s could be seen as evil raised to the position of deity or emperor worship…

o       Some have noted that a few early Christian writings used the symbol 888 for Christ indicating He goes beyond the perfect number 777…on other hand, beast falls as short of the perfect number 777 as Christ is above it…idea may by the evil emperor who claimed deity and the evil system which supported him can come nowhere near the level of Christ, no matter what claims he makes for himself…

·        Others suggest 666 refers to a specific person and the key to understanding the meaning of the number is determining to whom the number is referring…v.18 seems to support this assertion…”…the number is that of a man…”…wasn’t unusual in first century...neither Romans or Greeks or Hebrews had figures for numbers…the letters in their alphabets also had accepted numeric value…wasn’t uncommon practice to attempt to disguise someone’s name by using numeric equivalent…on walls of Pompeii was found the inscription, “I love her whose number is 545.” ...that statement both identified and concealed his loved one!…

o       As you might imagine there have been some fantastic speculations concerning this number…using various mathematical calculations the 666 has been seen as referring to…POPE…JOHN KNOX MARTIN LUTHER…NAPOLEAN…HITLER…HENRY KISSINGER…

o       I believe throughout chapter clues are given about identity of name behind number…several references made to head that was wounded and then restored…v.3…v.12…v.14…mentioned well known and widely believed legend in first century that the evil/insane emperor Nero would be revived or reincarnated…many thought Domitian, because he had many same characteristics as Nero and persecuted Christians as fiercely as Nero, was actually Nero revived…

o       The numeric value of the Latin letters of NERON, the proper way of saying name, equal 666…if N is dropped number equals of 616 and many ancient mss have that number instead of 666…also, the Hebrew number equivalent of NERO CAESAR is 666…

o       Not a stretch to see this number standing for Nero which was veiled way of referring to Domitian, the emperor of Rome at time John wrote this book…

Two points of application  -  Whether you agree with my interpretation of symbols in this chapter irrelevant…key thing is, “What does this chapter say about life in world today?”,,,two things want to mention…

·        Temptation generally comes to us in very subtle forms…

o       Beast from land said to have “…two horns like a lamb…”...came in seeming innocence, but was very destructive and dangerous…“…spoke as a dragon…”

o       Could have easily said, “Look at all Rome has done for you…look at peace and prosperity you enjoy…have you ever known a greater benefactor than the emperor?  Surely in simple gratitude you can give him this formal act or worship.  What would it hurt?”

o        That’s the way temptation always is…so subtle...so seemingly innocent...doesn’t seem bad or dangerous at all...

·        How serpent approached Eve in garden…”You won’t die…fruit is good and lovely and if you eat it you will become wise…”

·        How Satan approached Jesus as well…none of things Satan asked Jesus do in wilderness temptations seems all that bad in light of proposed pay-off…bread for hunger…jump for recognition…worship for kingdoms…but succumbing to any would have been disastrous for His ministry…

·        Must constantly be on guard against the subtle nature of the temptations Satan sends our way…

·        God calls us to radical commitment to way of Christ…

o       Cost the readers of Revelation something to be true to Christ…cost them the ability to buy/sell…be involved in market place…cost some their businesses or means of livelihood…often cost more than that…cost their lives if refused to say “Caesar is Lord”…

Chapter 13 really should not be read alone...it needs to be read in conjunction with chapter 14…in 13 the terrible allies of Satan are introduced…John’s readers were in great struggle with these evil forces…knew too well about the abusive power of Rome….in one sense it seemed Christians were totally defenseless in the face of such powerful opposition…but chapter 13 doesn’t tell the whole story…as Paul Harvey would say, “The rest of the story” is told in chapter 14…even though doesn’t seem so from human point of view, the forces of God are always more powerful than forces of Satan…