Revelation 17-18 - The Whore of Babylon

With the threat of judgment on Babylon (Rome) now complete at the end of Revelation 16, one of the seven angels who had dealt those crucial blows upon the empire now shows the prophet John further visions which continue to elucidate the message of the apocalypse.  Let's jump into Revelation 17.

Revelation 17 - The Judgement of the Whore and the Beast

By the 1st century of the common era, the Roman Empire considered the Mediterranean Sea to be its own private lake, as the reference to the great whore who is seated upon many waters (17:1) indicates.  Not only did this great whore (the city/empire of Rome) control the whole of southern Europe, Asia Minor, Palestine, and North Africa, it had also convinced many of the native leaders of these regions to wholeheartedly enter into subservient alliances with it.  John is carried away in an ecstatic vision to the wilderness where he sees the nasty old prostitute riding a seven-headed and ten-horned scarlet beast graffitied with blasphemous names.  The woman is dressed in the finest of clothes while being adorned with the most expensive bling, all acquired through her slutty whoredom.  Instead of "Loser" written on her forehead, John reads "Babylon the great, mother of whores and of earth's abominations."  In other words, if you can picture the nastiest slut imaginable and ramp up her disgusting debauchery by a factor of 10, then you have an idea of how the book of Revelation pictures the city of Rome in the late first century. 

The worst thing about this loose lady is that she is highly intoxicated, not on wine, but on the blood of those faithful to Jesus.  Rome is addicted to silencing and destroying all those who stand in her way or who refuse to give into her de-humanizing idolatry.  We next learn that the beast (at this point the two beasts of John's previous visions seem to have amalgamated into one, representing Rome as whole - both its imperial/military might and its insistence on Emperor worship) has a past, is lacking in the present, and has no long-lasting future.  Though many people have been mesmerized by the beast, they would be shocked if they really knew the house of cards that the beast's empire is built upon.  In verse 9, the clearest indication that the beast(s) of Revelation refer to Rome is stated plainly.  Rome was the city on seven hills, here the woman is said to situate herself on seven mountains.  Verses 10-11 have puzzled commentators for centuries.  Exactly who are these seven (or eight) kings?  John may have had an idea, but most likely they are not meant to refer to specific kings but symbolically represent any number of Roman kings (past, present, and future) who oppose the Lamb and his followers.  The ten kings of verse 12 represent the client kings scattered throughout the Roman Empire who have given their allegiance to Rome and who participate in the oppression of God's people.  However, they will go head-to-head with the Lamb, and they will be found wanting.  

Imagine the different peoples scattered across the Roman Empire in the late first century.  From modern day Morocco to today's Azerbaijan.  From what is today, Ukraine to jolly old England.  The Roman Empire ruled over a plethora of nations, languages, and peoples.  Though initially wooed by the seductive spell of the harlot (see verse 18 - "the woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth), these various nations would one day be set free from their Roman captivity.  

Revelation 18 - The Fall of and Lament for Babylon (Rome)

It may seem strange that in the midst of the condemnation of Rome, there is also a lament for Rome.  But Rome, is in a sense like most of humanity for most of human history.  The goodness of God's creation has been harnessed by Rome, but God the creator is not only ignored by those in power, but his place in creation has also been usurped by those in charge.  So, as another angel appears on the scene he calls out with a mighty voice, announcing the fall of Rome and the sorrow felt by those far and wide who had aligned themselves with the Empire.

A voice from heaven then declares "Come out of her, my people...".  This reminds us that one of the major messages of Revelation is that it is imperative for the 7 churches of Asia to separate themselves from Rome and its idolatry.  Rome will have to face the consequences of her actions, but God's people can avoid Rome's fate.

The kings of the earth who had colluded with the beast for power and prestige and the merchants of the earth who had sold out to sell their wares all lament Rome's downfall as their power and their bottom line are affected irreversibly.  The most egregious of the items trafficked by these traders are people - slaves - human lives.  But ultimate liberation will come!  In addition to the merchants, the shipmasters, seafarers, and sailors also lament the smoke of the burning of Rome and all it represents.   

God has judged Rome and found her lacking, so all of God's people can rejoice as justice will be served.  John then sees a mighty angel take a stone, similar in size to a great millstone, and he throws it down into the sea with destructive force and violence.  The result is that Babylon (Rome) will cease to produce musicians, artisans, bakers, wedding celebrations, and various other kinds of trades and products.  Why?  Because prophets and saints were slaughtered by the deceptive and dehumanizing scumbags at the heart of the empire.

 Revelation 17-18 is both a lament for Rome and a celebration that its destructive endeavors will come to an end.  Where in our world do we see "Roman" tendencies?  Where in our own hearts and minds are we tempted to compromise? - Shay 

Revelation 15:1-16:21 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath

The foundation story for the people of Israel, who later became known as the Jews was YHWH's liberation of their people from Egyptian slavery in the Exodus.  In the Exodus narrative, YHWH went head-to-head with the gods of Egypt, most crucially with Pharaoh himself who styled himself as a god, the son of Ra.  That's what the 10 plagues in the story are all about.  A millennium and a half later, and Israel's God, now understood as Father, Son, and Spirit engages in another beatdown of rival pretender gods, this time of the Roman Empire - especially of the emperor who fashions himself as the divine son.  So, it's only fitting that as the prophet John receives his revelation, he describes his visions in language and imagery that clearly echoes the Exodus story.

Revelation 15 - Setting the Scene 

John sees 7 angels who will deliver the 7 plagues, but he also sees in heaven a sea of glass mixed with fire.  In Israel's storytelling, the sea often represents chaos and danger, but as in the Exodus story, the sea can also serve as an instrument of deliverance as the Hebrews of Moses' age passed safely through the waters, while their oppressors were drowned in the deluge.  Here John sees God's people, seemingly having passed through the fiery watery chaos standing safely beside the waters playing harps and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.  The message is clear - through the trials to come, the followers of Jesus will conquer, while the beast and those who worship its image (Rome and its emperor) will face the 7 plagues, just as Egypt and Pharaoh suffered through the 10 plagues in Exodus. 

Revelation 16 - The 7 Bowls of Wrath 

It's telling that so many of the bowls of wrath echo the Exodus plagues.  And while earlier, the impending judgments in Revelation resulted in something like 1/3 of the world's destruction, here they are unlimited.  Though the 7 seals, the 7 trumpets, and the 7 bowls of wrath are not describing different events or a progression of events in the narrative, we are receiving greater intensity in the descriptions of judgment in this latter group of 7.  

The first bowl results in a disgusting and painful sore for those who have the mark of the beast and worshipped its image (remember the importance of emperor worship for the trade guilds).  But those who refuse to worship the imperial gods are spared this judgment, just as the Hebrews were spared some of the plagues in Exodus.  The second bowl results in the sea becoming blood just like the Nile in the time of Moses.  And just like the Nile in the Exodus story, the rivers and springs of water throughout the world turn to blood with the third bowl of wrath.  According to the angel of the waters, this is justice served because the Romans had shed the blood of saints and prophets and so now, they deserve to drink blood rather than life giving water.

The fourth angel pours his bowl, not on the earth, but on the sun and it scorches the people with a fearsome heat.  However, rather than repent, those opposed to God curse him and refuse to repent, just as the Pharaoh of the Exodus had so many centuries before.  After the fifth bowl is poured out, resulting not in intense heat from the sun but its absence resulting in darkness, the people continue in their hardness of heart, cursing God for their pain, rather than turning to him in repentance.

In the Exodus narrative, the Hebrews passed safely through the waters of the dried-up sea, while here in Revelation we are told that the Euphrates River will be dried up by the sixth bowl of wrath so that the enemies of Rome, the Parthians will have clear access to the Empire and its destruction.  In the Exodus plagues, Egypt was troubled by a relentless deluge of frogs in the second plague, whereas in Revelation we learn that three foul spirits like frogs come from the mouth of the dragon (the Satan), the mouth of the beast (Rome), and the mouth of the false prophet (those who promote the worship of Rome's emperor).  The petty client kings of the Roman Empire have embraced Rome's propaganda and so will suffer Rome's fate when it collapses.  Symbolically, John describes this fall with the echoes of great battles fought in the past in the region of Megiddo.

With the seventh bowl of wrath, a loud voice from the temple and throne declares that it is done!  This is it.  The judgments of God are complete.  And just as YHWH visited his people on Mount Sinai in Exodus, so John sees flashes of lightening, rumblings, and peals of thunder accompanied by a dramatic earthquake.  The result of this divine theophany is that the city of Rome is split into three parts, and the other cities of the nations also fall.  God remembers Rome - her idolatry and persecution of his people - and so he pours out the grapes of wrath upon her!  If in Exodus, Egypt had to endure the wrath of God, how much more must Rome in John's visions in Revelation!  

We still have 6 chapters of the apocalypse to explore, but for now we are secure in the knowledge that John sees two different destinies for the people of God and the people who give into Rome's disastrous idolatry.  And on top of that, we will be privileged to get a glimpse of God's final destiny for his creation and for those who submit to the Lordship of his Son, Jesus Christ. - Shay 

Revelation 14:6-20 - The Good News of Jesus Christ

Before John moves on to his third and final set of 7s (7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls) he finishes up this interlude reminding his readers (the 7 churches of Asia) of what's at stake.  Ultimately, Revelation is about the good news of Jesus Christ.  Christ is to come in judgment (hence the many warnings in the book), but even more crucially, Jesus will return to bring salvation to his people.  And he desires that the number of his people will grow far and wide to the very ends of the earth.  The good news of Jesus Christ is for any and all who would receive him.

Revelation 14:6-13 - An Eternal Gospel  

John sees an angel flying in the middle of the sky, shouting out to all - every nation, tribe, language, and people that God's offer of rescue is universal.  One will only face God's judgment if they reject his offer of salvation.  Another angel then proclaims that Babylon (Rome) is fallen.  Rome is the power who had forced its conquered nations into idolatry and immorality, and it will pay the price for its wickedness.  Then a third angel declares that those who worship Rome (and her emperor) will also face judgement.  John then pauses to remind his readers that they must continue to endure so that they won't get swept away in Rome's condemnation.  All will face death, a voice from heaven (The Spirit) declares, but those who die in the Lord are blessed and will enter into God's rest as their faithful service to God will make an impact, even in the age to come.  

Revelation 14:14-20 - The Harvest and the Vintage 

John next sees one like the Son of Man sitting on a cloud with a sickle in his hand, a clear echo of Daniel 7:13-14 where the Son of Man ascends to God the Father and receives an eternal, universal kingdom.  Here, the Son of Man (Jesus) reaps the harvest of the earth with his sickle.  The text doesn't say if this is reaping for salvation or judgment, but it could be either or both.  

Following this, another angel uses a sharp sickle to gather the vintage, and the grapes are thrown into the wine press of the wrath of God.  This reaping certainly seems to be for judgement, as blood flows as high as a horse's bridle for 200 miles.  It's clear these two images are metaphors for the final judgment when Christ will receive those who have accepted him and reject those who have rejected him.

Revelation's Message Taking Shape 

We are two-thirds through Revelation and the book's message is clearly taking shape.  John, writing to the 7 churches of Asia Minor is encouraging his readers to remain faithful and press on despite the increasing pressure of the culture around them to conform to the pagan idolatry of the Roman Empire.  If they remain faithful unto death, they will be welcomed into Christ's eternal kingdom in the renewed creation.  But if they abandon Jesus, they, like those who have aligned themselves with the beasts of Rome and the dragon (the Satan) will suffer judgment.  And the good news of Jesus Christ assures them that God's offer of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation is open not only to them, but to all from every tribe, people, language, and nation.  John still has more to say about Rome and about God's final plan for the universe, it's basically the same message that we've already received, but with far greater detail, so read on! - Shay 

Revelation 12:1-14:5 - The Dragon and the Two Beasts

The Kennedy assassination, the moon landing, the origin of diseases like AIDS and Covid 19, the death of Princess Diana, and the tragedy of 9/11.  What do all of these events have in common?  In one way or another, they all have spawned numerous conspiracy theories.  Why?  As humans, we naturally seek meaning and explanation.  The idea that some things just happen - that there is a randomness in our world is sometimes hard to swallow.  Now, obviously, there is a cause and effect to all the events listed above.  And whether or not the evidence actually supports the various conspiracy theories that have arisen on the backs of these events, we all know that there are powers and forces at work in our world that are deeper and more far reaching than we might be aware of.  

As the prophet John receives his visions and reports them to the 7 churches of Asia, John is given insight into the powers and forces that are at work in the Roman Empire.  The difficulties that the believers of Asia Minor are facing have their origin in a force that is far older and far more menacing than they might be aware.  John lifts the veil on this reality in Revelation 12:1-14:5.  

The Apollo - Python Myth and the Dragon

To understand Revelation 12, it is helpful to be aware of the Apollo - Python Myth.  In this Greek story, Leto is made pregnant by Zeus and as she is about to give birth, a great dragon named Python seeks to kill her and her unborn child as the dragon discovers that the child is destined to kill it.  Leto flees to Poseidon who places her on a remote island, protected by the sea where she gives birth.  When the infant Apollo is born, he immediately gains full strength and then goes to Mt. Parnassus where he kills the dragon.  With this story in the background, let's explore chapter 12.

John sees a pregnant woman on the verge of giving birth just as a great red dragon appears who seeks to devour the child as soon as its born. But God snatches the child from the grip of the dragon and as the woman flees into the wilderness, she is nourished for 3 & 1/2 years (the number 7 is symbolic, usually referring to completeness and Revelation often uses half of 7 as a symbolic number as well, usually indicating a short or limited time).  

As we read on, a war breaks out in heaven, and the angel Michael fights against the dragon and his motley crew of fallen angels.  The dragon and his minions are cast out of heaven, and they land on earth where they will deceive the world.  We discover that this dragon is none other than the Satan (the accuser).  But the dragon is conquered on earth by the followers of the Messiah through the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and their willingness to suffer all the way to death if necessary.  

Though his defeat is imminent, the dragon pursues the woman who had given birth to the male child, but she is given two wings and flies away to a place where she is again nourished for a short time.  The serpent (as the dragon is here referred to) pours a river of water from his mouth to drown the woman, yet the earth comes to her rescue swallowing up the river.  But the dragon is still not done.  He goes off to continue to make war on the followers of Jesus.  

Through the creative use of the Apollo-Python myth, John is communicating to the churches of Asia that they are not merely being persecuted by Rome, but that behind Rome's actions are the demonic powers of the Devil, the Satan.  The woman in the story represents the historic people of God (Israel) through whom the male child (Jesus) is born.  Just as the woman is pursued, but ultimately protected, so final victory is assured for Jesus' followers in the churches.  But there is still a time of testing that these believers will confront.  John will introduce a couple of other nasty creatures which will give further definition to the present trying circumstances these disciples face.

The First Beast 

In the book of Daniel, ghastly, grotesque beasts are symbols representing the political realities of the ancient Near East from the time of the Persians through the reign of the Greeks in and after the time of Alexander the Great.  Having been immersed in this literature, the prophet John sees a similar beast rising out of the sea.  Instead of representing Persia or Greece, this beast represents Rome and is an amalgamation of the four beasts from Daniel 7.  

In the year 69 AD after the Emperor Nero's death, it appeared that the Roman Empire might crumble going through three emperors in quick succession (Galba, Otho, and Vitellius) before regaining stability under Vespasian.  With Vespasian's reign, the second Roman dynasty was established.  Vespasian ruled from 69-79, his son Titus' reign lasted from 79-81, when Vespasian's son Domitian began his rule (81-96 AD).  A couple of decades before the writing of Revelation, it looked as if Rome was doomed ("One of its heads seemed to have received a death-blow, but its mortal wound had been healed." Rev 13:3a).  But by the time John receives his vision Rome is as strong as ever ("In amazement the whole earth followed the beast." Rev 13:3b).

But Rome is not simply requiring political acquiescence from its subjects. No, Rome demands worship.  "They worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?'" Rev 13:4. Did you notice that it is the dragon (the Satan) who stands behind the beast (Rome)?  So, worship of the Emperor or the Empire is in fact, Satanic worship.

And what is the fate of those who refuse to give their worship to Rome?  Rome will make war on them and conquer them.  But the followers of Jesus are called to persevere, not through physical violence, but through patient, peaceful endurance.  

The Second Beast 

Throughout the Roman Empire, but especially in the eastern regions, like Asia Minor where the 7 churches of Revelation were located, whole cults of priests were dedicated to promoting and enforcing the worship of the emperor.  The Roman political and military machine was supported by a religious arm who placed statues of the Roman emperors in temples throughout the empire where people demonstrated their citizenship by offering incense and obeisance at the foot of these idols.  Many trade guilds required their members to fulfil their civic duty by offering not only allegiance to Rome and its rulers, but even worship.  This is the reality behind the second beast that John sees in his vision in Revelation 13:11-17.  

666 

For centuries people have been puzzled by the figure represented by the number 666 who is associated with the second beast.  First of all, Satan is not associated with 666, he is symbolized by the dragon.  Second, to grasp this reference one needs to be familiar with the ancient art of gematria whereby letters are assigned numbers.  In Hebrew, if one takes the name Caesar Neron (Neron is a form of Nero) through gematria you arrive at 666.  There is also a variant in some of the ancient manuscripts of Revelation which claim the number in 13:18 is 616.  If you take the name Caesar Nero, you get 616.  It's clear that the person behind this famous number is Nero, one of the early persecutors of Christians and the church.  At the time of Revelation's writing, there was a rumor circulating throughout the Empire that Nero had not died and that he was plotting to lead an army of Parthians to reclaim the Roman throne.  At any rate, Nero represents all that is beastly about Rome's pagan idolatry and its oppression of Christ's people.

 God's Reality 

John has spent many verses in this section of Revelation describing the Satanic background of Rome's persecution of Christians, so it is fitting that he now pauses to describe a different reality and an eternal kingdom coming.  He looks and sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 people (the symbolic number for the people of God) who have given their allegiance not to Rome, but to Jesus Christ and his Father.  They sing a new song that the text hints will spread far and wide beyond their present numbers to the rest of the world.  They are the redeemed - the first fruits of the age to come.  But how will the Kingdom eventually come?  And what is the fate of Rome?  We're getting there... - Shay 

Revelation 8:6-11:19: The Seven Trumpets

Of the many significant events described in the Old Testament, the Exodus from Egypt probably looms largest.  To this day, even among secular people, the 10 plagues continue to evoke a strong resonance.  For instance, when the weather turns particularly nasty, someone might describe the events in "Biblical" proportions.  What they are usually referring to are the 10 plagues visited on Egypt as Pharoah hardened his heart and refused to let God's people go.  Equally, they may also be inadvertently referencing the plagues of Revelation, as John's apocalypse takes ideas from the Exodus plagues and blows them up like Hollywood cinematics.  The 7 trumpets that the angels are about to blow take the reader back to the same basic message that the 7 seals described, only now we see things from a different angle and with far greater intensity (Revelation 8:6-11:19).

The First Four Trumpets 

Hail, fire, blood, volcanic eruptions, landmasses crumbling into the sea, falling stars, eclipses - these ecological disasters are all described as the first four angels blow their trumpets.  The result of these natural calamities is that 1/3 of the trees and grasslands are burned up, 1/3 of the sea becomes toxic and dangerous to ships, and 1/3 of the potable water becomes undrinkable.  In addition to this, 1/3 of the luminaries in the heavens fail to shine their light.  This fourth trumpet should clue us into the fact that none of these descriptions are literal, rather Jesus through John is reminding the 7 churches of Asia that it is God who created and controls the natural world.  Just as Pharaoh had to learn the hard way that YHWH was in control, so Rome may too be faced with such a brutal lesson.  And just like in the time of the Pharaoh of Exodus, if Rome persists in its hardness of heart, the plagues will only intensify!

The Fifth Trumpet 

When the fifth angel blows his trumpet, we are treated to a vision that even AI might be hard pressed to better.  Up from a bottomless pit (again - this should clue us into the fact that these visions are symbolic, not literal - there are no such things as bottomless pits) comes a hoard of locusts.  But these aren't your grandaddy's grasshoppers!  This plague of locusts will not target the plant growth like most locusts; no, they will attack human beings.  In fact, they won't just attack humans, but they will torture them for 5 months with stings like that of a scorpion (5 months is the average lifespan of a locust I am told).  The description of the locusts is almost beyond description.  Horses, mixed with human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, rhino-like scales, scorpion tales, and wings that create enough noise to drown out a jumbo jet.  Their king is called "Destroyer", and it is evident that these cruel creatures are set on nothing but destruction.  We are told that the first woe has passed.  Phew.  But there are still two woes to come! 

The Sixth Trumpet 

Just as 1/3 of the natural world was destroyed with the first 4 trumpets, so 1/3 of humanity will be killed as the 6th trumpet is blown.  Who or what will be behind this mass slaughter?  Instead of 4 horsemen that we were introduced to in the 7 seals, here we are confronted with 200 million cavalry troops!  No army whether past or present has ever been this large.  It's safe to say that again, we are dealing with hyperbole.  And the horses that these cavalrymen are mounting are not your typical battle equines.   These horses have the heads of lions, breathing fire, smoke, and sulfur.  Their tails are serpents which bite and harm.  

Just as in Egypt, in the Exodus, the threat of these plagues is meant to drive people to repentance.  However, just as Pharoah hardened his heart, we discover that plagues alone will not move those spared these devastations to turn to Christ.  No, they continue to revel in their idolatry and to engage in grotesque sin.

The Angel and the Scroll

As we have seen, the book of Revelation starts by gradually revealing God's plan to the 7 churches via John, and as the writing progresses, more and more is revealed, though the overall message remains the same.  In chapter 10, we read about a mighty angel appearing to John and giving him a scroll that he is to eat (the prophet Ezekiel was also told to do the same).  In other words, John is to take in the message and internalize it so that he might fully grasp the information and faithfully communicate it to the churches.  The prophet is told that the scroll will be sweet to the taste, but bitter as he digests it.  There is good news for God's people, but trials are still to come.  It's bittersweet.

The Temple and the Two Witnesses  

There has been considerable literature written on the temple imagery and the two witnesses in Revelation 11, so let me simply summarize the overall message as I understand it.  For John, the temple is no longer a physical building, but rather the people of God.  His description of measuring the temple affirms that God's people will be persecuted (see verse 2) but ultimately will be protected in the end.

The two witnesses (symbolized by olive trees and lampstands) represent the churches.  These two figures echo Moses and the prophet Elijah and they witness on behalf of Christ before the pagan nations.  Though these witnesses will by martyred, they will ultimately be vindicated through resurrection, just as Jesus was raised from the dead. The result of their witness unto death, is that unlike the plagues and the threat of judgment, most of the people are moved to repent by the faithfulness of these two martyrs.  This is a message for the 7 churches of Asia.  It is through faithful witness that those outside Christ will ultimately be won, not through the threat of plagues and judgment.

The Seventh Trumpet 

When the 7th trumpet is blasted, John is privy to a vision of the end when "The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever." (Rev 11:15b).  God is described in this passage as the Lord Almighty "who are and who were", not the God who was, is, and is to come.  Why?  At this point of the vision, the end has arrived and God has fully established his kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven.  

We have thus far seen that the 7 churches of Asia are facing great persecution and like the pagan nations around them, some are tempted to either abandon their faith in Christ, or to compromise with idolatry.  Though the Emperor Domitian claims to be the Lord of world, it is Jesus Christ who reigns in heaven and will eventually bring his reign to earth.  Kingdoms like Rome rise and fall, but only the Kingdom of God is an eternal kingdom.  We are halfway through the Apocalypse, and we can grasp the overall message.  But just as the angel in chapter 10 explained to John, there is still further detail to explore.  We'll do that in chapters 12-22.  If you have noticed, two woes have now passed, but there's still one woe to come.  It's gonna get rough before it gets better! - Shay    

Revelation 6:1-8:5: The Seven Seals

Have you ever watched a movie that told the same story from several different angles?  Or have you read a novel that didn't progress in a normal linear fashion?  It may have flashed forward and backward over and over again.  The book of Revelation is a bit like both of these.  It tells the same basic story three times, but from slightly different angles and with multiplied amplification each time.  It also flashes forward and backwards from time to time.  As we progress in our exploration of this fantastic literary piece, we need to be aware of this so that we don't misunderstand John's message.  The following outline should help keep us on track.  

In Revelation 6:1-8:5 we will be introduced to the main message of the apocalypse through 7 seals.  After that, we will receive the same basic message but with more graphic detail as we hear the 7 trumpets in 8:6-11:19.  We then encounter a kind of interlude in Revelation 12:1-15:8, which serves to give further definition to the struggle that the book describes, before we are given access to the main message of Revelation this time driven home through the 7 bowls of wrath in chapter 16.  Each of the three sets of 7 are describing the same things, but from different angles and with increasing intensity.  Chapters 17-22 adds flesh to the skeletal structure provided in chapters 6-16.  So, let's jump into the first set of 7 - the 7 seals beginning with the first 4 seals.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 

To understand the first 4 seals, it helps to be familiar with the state of the Roman Empire toward the end of the 1st century.  Though the empire controlled all of the land masses touching the Mediterranean Sea, it had not conquered the lands east of the fertile crescent.  In what is today, Iran, a group of people called the Parthians had not bowed their knees in allegiance to Rome.  These Parthians were excellent horsemen (similar to the Comanche Indians of the mid 19th century) and were considered a legitimate threat on the eastern flank of the empire.  So, when John sees 4 horsemen as the first 4 seals are opened, it is unmistakable that though Rome promotes itself as being untouchable and undefeatable, it is much more vulnerable than it pretends.  The first horseman rides a white stallion and carries a bow, with the mission to conquer.  The second horseman sits atop a red horse carrying a sword in order to take away peace (the Pax Romana is not as secure as thought).  The third rider is on a black mount, holding scales - his impact will be economic.  Finally, the last horseman rides a "puke" green horse, representing death and Hades.  He will execute justice through warfare, famine, and pestilence.  What John sees in these visions is that Rome is not nearly as safe, sound, and secure as the imperial propaganda might make out.

The Fifth Seal - "How Long Must We Sing this Song?"

Though Rome is not untouchable, they have touched the lives of God's people.  Already, some within the 7 churches of Asia have lost their lives for their faith.  When the 5th seal is opened, John sees saints who have been beheaded crying out to God, "How long will it be until we are avenged?"  These martyrs are not given an exact timetable but receive white robes (representing purity) and are told to rest a little longer.  The good news is that one day justice will be served, but the bad news is that there are still more to be killed for their faith.  

The Sixth Seal - The Day of the Lord has Arrived 

As the 6th seal is opened, the day of the Lord has arrived.  Throughout the Biblical narrative, the phrase "the day of the Lord" signaled a time when the world or at least the world of God's people would be turned upside down.  Usually, this entailed the people of God being vindicated and their enemies being defeated.  However, sometimes it was God's own people who might face an uncertain future and/or judgement when the day of the Lord arrived.  After the resurrection of Jesus, Christians began to see the day of the Lord as the time when Jesus would return and right all wrongs.  He would judge both the living and the dead.  Those willing to bend their knee and confess his Lordship would be saved and welcomed into the renewed creation.  Those who refused him and his offer of eternal life, would forfeit their lives and their place in the age to come.  

Though Revelation 6:12-17 doesn't expressly use the phrase, "the day of the Lord", it is clear that this is what the vision of the 6th seal is describing.  We should not press the descriptions too far in a literal direction, but it is clear that the world will never be the same after the events of the 6th seal.  It appears that many will have refused to kneel before Jesus and will thus forfeit their place in the age to come.  But what of those who have given their allegiance to the Lamb?  Read on...

Sealed for Salvation 

Once the 6 seals have been opened it is clear that God's judgements are coming on the idolatrous/pagan Roman Empire.  But what of those who have remained faithful to Jesus and to his vision of kingdom?  Revelation 7:1-8 states that God's people (both historic Israel and now the Church) are sealed with a mark on their foreheads and will not suffer the judgments to come.  The number 144,000 is clearly symbolic (12 X 12,000).  But they are not the only ones who will be saved into God's new creation.

As John does a double take, he is confronted with an uncountable number of persons from every tribe, nation, language, and people who worship God the Father, and the Lamb.  Though not described in detail, somehow even those previously unreached with the gospel of Christ have come to acknowledge Jesus as Lord.  They, along with the historic people of God will enjoy eternal life in the age to come.  But there is still one seal to be opened.

The 7th Seal 

When the 7th seal is opened instead of threats and judgment, we get silence.  After a half an hour, John sees 7 angels standing before God preparing to blow seven trumpets.  The 7th seal serves as a launching pad for the 7 trumpets.  But rather than receiving new revelation with the 7 trumpets, we will discover that the 7 trumpets are a mere recapitulation of the 7 seals, but with added force and detail.  

In 7:3-5 we also learn that the prayers of the saints on earth are being heard by God, and they are also being answered.  This sidenote is important.  It may seem as though the plagues unveiled in Revelation are inevitable.  But the message of Revelation is as much an invitation to repent, as it is a warning of judgment.  The prayers of the saints make a difference.  Not everything has been set in stone.

The overarching message of Revelation 6:1-8:5 is that though it seems that Rome is in control, its control is much less secure than it believes.  In fact, Rome and those who align themselves with its idolatry will suffer judgment, if not in this life, at least in the age to come.  But for those who commit their ways to Jesus, they will be vindicated and receive abundant life in God's new world.  And there's even hope for those who may not yet have come to know Christ, but more on that as the book develops.  In the meantime, read on and continue to pray - it makes a difference! - Shay  

Revelation 4-5 - What's Going on in Heaven?

 A little over 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah had a vision whereby he saw the glory of YHWH, descending from heaven and filling the temple in Jerusalem.  Isaiah's vision was so magnificent and so awe inspiring that it would make the most pyrotechnic/audio-visually stimulating rock concert feel like an acoustic set in a coffee shop.  All Isaiah could do in response was to utter, "Woe is me...I'm lost...I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips."  You can read about this experience in Isaiah 6.

Over a hundred years later, another prophet, this time in exile, had a similar vision of the glory of God.  In both visions, a direct unobstructed view of God is not possible, but what is seen is nearly indescribable.  Surrounding YWHW are heavenly creatures that resemble and yet transcend animals and people on earth in their splendor and majesty.  Their sole job seems to be to perpetually worship the God of all creation, displaying his glory and honor for those lucky few who are given access to this incredible vision.  Like Isaiah, Ezekiel is at a loss and simply falls on his face in response.

In the 90s of our common era, another prophet with Judean roots experiences something similar when he is given a glimpse of what is presently taking place in heaven, while he and his fellow disciples of Christ are struggling to remain faithful to the Lord in a hostile pagan environment on earth.  Let's pick up John's narrative description of his ecstatic vision from Revelation 4.

Revelation 4 - The Glory of God the Father 

John immediately sees the throne of God in heaven, but he cannot see God himself.  He tries to describe it by saying that the one seated on the throne looks like precious gems and surrounding the throne is a rainbow, that looks like emerald.  This doesn't do justice to the visual, but it is an attempt of describing the indescribable.  

Like in Isaiah's and Ezekiel's vision, surrounding God are others whose sole purpose is to perpetually proclaim the majestic greatness of the Father.  Around the throne are 24 elders, probably representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles (see later Rev 21:12-14).  Also surrounding the throne are 4 living creatures, which are a kind of amalgamation of Isaiah's and Ezekiel's visions.  These strange creatures sing day and night, "Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come."  In response to this worship, like Ezekiel, the 24 elders fall before God's throne, casting their crowns before him (they acknowledge that all authority belongs to God).  They too sing, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

In Rev 4, God the creator is worshiped.  In Rev 5, God the redeemer will also receive the worship due his name.

Revelation 5 - The Worthiness of God the Son  

Though God's appearance is not completely accessible to John, he sees the right hand of God the Father, holding a scroll, sealed with 7 seals.  A mighty angel asks the question, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"  As we discover later in Revelation, the scroll contains the message to be revealed - the things that are and the things that must soon take place.  However, there seems to be no one who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals.  Will this message remain forever hidden?  John believes so and begins to weep.  But one of the elders informs him that there is in fact a person who is worthy to reveal the contents of the scroll - it is Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the descendant of King David and because he has conquered, he can perform the task at hand.  

But as John looks to see the Lion of Judah, instead, he sees a little Lamb who bears the signs of having been slaughtered.  This is an oxymoronic vision.  The Lion who has conquered, is simultaneously the Lamb who has been slain.  We discover that this is ultimately how God wins his victory - he conquers through submission and surrender.  And this one whose death has opened up a way of life takes the scroll from the right hand of God the Father.  Immediately, the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders burst into praise, not for God's work in creation, but for his work in redemption.  They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth." 

Revelation 5 continues with the worship of the Lamb as the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders are joined by thousands upon thousands of angels singing in full voice!  What a choir!  What a scene.  The elders can only respond just as Isaiah and Ezekiel had - they fall down and they worship!  

Revelation 4 and 5 Sets the Scene for the Remainder of the Book

The 7 churches described in Revelation 2-3 need to hear and see what John hears and sees in Revelation 4-5.  They are bombarded with the message that Domitian is lord of the world.  They are being told that he is the one who sits on the throne and that only he is worthy of their worship.  But the message of Revelation 4-5 is that God is both creator and redeemer and he is in fact the only being in all of creation who is worthy to praised.  It may seem that Domitian reigns on the earth, but as Revelation 5:10 states, it will be those faithful to Christ who will one day reign on earth, as they will be invited by God the Father and God the Son to sit upon the throne and to share in God's reign over the renewed creation.  The rest of Revelation will describe how that will come about.  Read on... - Shay