An analysis of chapter 17 can be a daunting task. There have been so many disagreements among commentators as to the identity of the beast, the harlot, and even the sixth king. It has even given rise to a ridiculous myth about Nero being resurrected as the eighth king! The most convincing arguments I have read declare the beast as Rome.

Whatever you take away from this book, remember our blog that included the first verse of chapter eight: “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” We agree with Coffman’s assessment that this means that this marks the day of judgment, and that we are not told what comes thereafter – as John said in 1 John 3:2:

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

With that in mind, everything that follows that section of chapter 8 must occur before that time. Couple that with what we are told at the beginning of the book – that the Revelation is of “the things that must soon take place” – and it is clear that John is writing of things the seven churches are familiar with and that some of them can reasonably expect to see take place.

For the modern Christian, as well as the recipients of John’s epistle, the bottom line is the same. Despite the trials and tribulation of the day and of times to come, “the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

/Bob’s boy

Bible Reading Schedule for this month
Click links below to read or listen to audio of one of this week’s chapters in Colossians and Luke

Rev 13, Rev 14, Rev 15, Rev 16, Rev 17

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All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.