When you think about empire, you might picture ancient kingdoms — but Revelation 17-20 makes it clear: the empire is alive and well in every generation. Babylon isn’t just an ancient city; it’s a symbol for Rome, and for every power that mixes military might, wealth, and oppression. Today’s reading is a wake-up call for Western Christianity: beware the empire, and don’t get in bed with it. If you’re reading the Bible in one year, following a daily Bible reading plan, or diving deep into Bible study, this episode will help you discern faithfulness in the middle of compromise.
✈️ Overview:
• Revelation 17-20 introduces the great prostitute (Babylon), symbolizing empire and oppression.
• John calls believers to come out of Babylon — to resist being seduced by power, wealth, and nationalism.
• Empire is marked by two things: military conquest and economic exploitation.
• Scenes of Armageddon, the millennial reign, and final judgment show Christ’s ultimate victory.
• Every empire eventually falls, but the Kingdom of God will stand forever.
🔎 Context Clues:
• Babylon is an Old Testament image repurposed to describe Rome — and any oppressive empire.
• The empire’s seduction is hard to escape, just like leaving a physical act mid-climax (Rev. 18:4).
• The Flavian temple in Ephesus was seen as the “beast from the earth,” tied to emperor worship.
• Military power and merchant wealth are the twin engines of empire (Rev. 18:11-13).
• John calls the church to be in the world but not of it — faithful witnesses in the face of compromise.
🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:
• John draws imagery from Isaiah (13, 23, 34, 47), Jeremiah (50-51), and Ezekiel (26-27).
• Domitian’s rapid building projects in Ephesus were referred to as “the beast rising from the sea.”
• Merchants mourn the fall of Babylon because their wealth depended on empire.
• Three key scenes in Rev. 19-20 (Armageddon, the millennial reign, final judgment) have led to centuries of theological debate (pre-, post-, and amillennialism).
✅ Timeless Truths:
• Every believer must decide how to engage with empire — whether to be sealed by God or marked by the beast.
• Faithfulness costs comfort. Refuse to compromise with empire, even when it promises security and wealth.
• You are a citizen of heaven first, and that shapes your entire worldview.
• The empire will fall. Christ’s kingdom will reign. Choose your allegiance wisely.
At the heart of Revelation 17-20 is a challenge for every believer: will you align with empire or remain faithful to Christ? The empire promises wealth, security, and power — but it always comes at the cost of compromise. Babylon will fall. Every empire will fall. The Kingdom of God alone stands forever.
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