BIBLE PROPHECY

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH—REV 17:1-19:5 Part-2

    Rev 17:1 - 19:5 consists of several items on the same subject. Most should not be difficult to understand; however, it is a challenge to convey the different items under the various subjects, as many pertain to other subjects as well. 
    This may be the most difficult chapter in the Revelation to explain on paper.
    There are certain main topics (or headings) that need to be understood in advance to aid one in their study. Some of these should be listed next.
    1. The "great whore" is the Roman Catholic Church.  During at least the first part of the Tribulation, the entire world apparently becomes allied with this church, except those that repent and follow Jesus.
    2. The "woman" is the city of Rome.
    3. The "beast" may refer to the Antichrist or to the empire of the Antichrist, which includes ten kings.
    4. Miscellaneous. The woman (the city of Rome) and the great whore (the Roman Catholic Church) are depicted as being allied together or closely united, even as one. The city of Rome has on its forehead the name denoting the church. In the hand of the woman (which is the city) is the golden cup full of abominations.
    5. Babylon, as used in Rev 17:5; 18:2,10,21, may refer to the "great whore" or to the "woman."

    Another angel-18:1
    Another voice-18:4
    The great whore-17:1
    John-ref 17:3
    The woman-17:3,4,6,7
        She persecuted-many verses
        The woman's final judgment-many verses
        A mighty angel-18:21
        Kings-18:9,10
        Merchants-18:11,15-17
        Those of the sea-18:17-19
    The beast-17:7
        Ten horns-17:7
    Seven kings-17:10
    The people-ref 17:8
    The Lamb-17:14
    The saints-ref 17:14
    The apostles-18:20
    The prophets-18:20
    Heaven-18:20
    A great voice of much people-19:1
    The four and twenty elders-19:4
    The four beasts-19:4
    God-19:4
    A voice…out of the throne-19:5

    17:1. AND THERE CAME ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH HAD THE SEVEN VIALS (or bowls), AND TALKED WITH ME, SAYING UNTO ME, COME HITHER. John is instructed to come. Then he is told,
    I WILL SHOW UNTO THEE THE JUDGMENT (or punishment)
    OF THE GREAT WHORE (or prostitute).  Rev 19:3 says, HER SMOKE ROSE UP FOR EVER AND EVER.
    The "great whore" is the wicked, religious system (false church) during the Tribulation. This religious system is portrayed as a woman or bride: the followers of Jesus are also portrayed as a woman. Jesus is the Bridegroom. The saints are the bride-ref Rev 19:7-9.
    This great whore is shown to be an unfaithful woman. She has become a whore and prostituted herself with another, mainly the devil. She has left the true teachings of Christ and turned aside to many false doctrines. She is not only portrayed as a whore, but a "great" whore
    THAT SITTETH UPON (or by)
    MANY WATERS. As has already been pointed out, the great whore is the Roman Catholic Church. At some point during the Tribulation, she will be judged and destroyed. She will be burnt with fire-ref Rev 17:16.
    The many waters ARE PEOPLES, AND MULTITUDES, AND NATIONS, AND TONGUES-Rev 17:15. The Roman Catholic Church encompasses many peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. This shows it has tremendous influence upon people.
    The message of Jesus to the church of Thyatira was clear. Those that do not repent of this deceptive, intoxicating teaching of the Roman Catholic Church will most certainly be CAST… INTO GREAT TRIBULATION-Rev 2:22. The Roman Catholic Church itself will not repent, but will continue her false teachings. Once the true church is removed in the Rapture, she will even experience revival and flourish for a time. The people of the world will flock to this false religion.

    17:2. (And) WITH WHOM THE KINGS OF THE EARTH HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION (or adultery, or went whoring with her). The kings of the earth have allied themselves with this "great whore." They have committed spiritual fornication with her. They have rejected Jesus Christ.
    AND (also)
    THE INHABITANTS (or people)
    OF THE EARTH HAVE BEEN MADE DRUNK (or were intoxicated)
    WITH THE WINE OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries, or whoring). Not only have the kings of the earth rejected Jesus in favor of the
"great whore," the inhabitants of the earth have done the same. They have become drunk or intoxicated with her enticing, sinful, pleasurable, and deceitful teachings and ways. They have become intoxicated with sin. As a man can be enticed by a beautiful whore that offers him pleasure through fornication, so the "great whore" entices people. They become as a drunkard, fully intoxicated with wicked spiritual fornication. The whole earth becomes corrupted by this whore-ref Rev 19:2.
    Consider a person who begins to drink. As he drinks more and more, he becomes numb to reality and truth. So it is with those who drink of the deceptions of this "great whore." Their minds are taken captive with the whore's deceptive doctrines.

    17:3. SO HE CARRIED ME AWAY IN THE SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS (or desert):
    AND I SAW A WOMAN. The woman represents a great city-ref Rev 17:18. That great city is clearly shown to be "Rome." John saw this woman (or city)
    SIT UPON A SCARLET COLOURED BEAST. The "beast" has two meanings. The "beast" by itself is another name for the Antichrist. However, the term "beast" is also used to describe the empire of the Antichrist, which includes ten kings. During the second part of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will rule the entire world for 1260 days. The woman (city of Rome) is shown sitting upon the "beast." It is
    FULL OF NAMES OF BLASPHEMY. The city is full of cursing and blasphemy against God.
    As the Scriptures continue, the city of Rome, the Roman Catholic Church, the Antichrist, and his empire, are all portrayed as being united or part of each other, during the first part of the Tribulation.
    The beast is shown as
    HAVING SEVEN HEADS.
    Note in the following verses that the red dragon and the beast have seven heads.
    A GREAT (or enormous) RED DRAGON, HAVING SEVEN HEADS-Rev 12:3.
    A BEAST RISE (or come) UP OUT OF THE SEA, HAVING SEVEN HEADS-Rev 13:1.
    AND HERE IS THE MIND WHICH HATH WISDOM (or this calls for a mind with wisdom). THE SEVEN HEADS ARE SEVEN MOUNTAINS (or hills), ON WHICH THE WOMAN (or city) SITTETH-Rev 17:9. It is a well-known fact that the city of Rome sits on seven hills.
    AND THERE ARE SEVEN KINGS: FIVE ARE FALLEN, AND ONE IS (living now), AND THE OTHER IS NOT YET COME-Rev 17:10.
    The seven heads are seven mountains, and there are seven kings.
    The beast (which is the Antichrist and his empire) is pictured with
    TEN HORNS. The ten horns represent TEN KINGS-Rev 17:12. These ten kings are believed to come from the EEC. Which ten kings, nations, or divisions are being portrayed here is not clear at this time.

    17:4. AND THE WOMAN WAS ARRAYED (or dressed)
    IN PURPLE AND SCARLET COLOR, AND DECKED (or glittered)
    WITH GOLD AND PRECIOUS STONES AND PEARLS. The Scriptures are relating a rich and beautiful city. Again, clearly, Rome is being depicted.
    The city is shown as
    HAVING A GOLDEN CUP IN HER HAND. In verse 5, the Bible shows that the city and the religious whore are as one. The city of Rome is, indeed, one with the Vatican. The golden cup should be well-known to all Roman Catholics. Here the golden cup is shown being held in the hand of the city, another vivid example of the city of Rome with the Roman Catholic Church.
    Consider a golden cup. On the outside, it is beautiful and glamorous. It seems to illustrate something pure and elegant. The outside of the cup seems to reflect godliness and spirituality. However, this golden cup of the Catholic Church, which is being held in the hand of the city of Rome, is not beautiful on the inside. It is full of death and poison. It is
    FULL OF ABOMINATIONS (or abominable things)
    AND FILTHINESS (or obscene and filthy things)
    OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries, or produced by her whoring). The inside of the beautiful, golden cup is filth. There is fornication and spiritual whoredom against Jesus Christ. The outward beauty is really a deception that covers or conceals the filthiness within.
    The world accepts the golden cup as beautiful and true, in Rev 17:1; however, God shows it is full of abominations, obscenities, and filthy things.

    17:5. AND UPON HER FOREHEAD WAS A NAME WRITTEN. Upon the forehead of the city of Rome, a name was written—that name is not Jesus. The name written "upon the forehead" signifies what the city follows. For example, the 144,000 Jews have their Father's name written in or on their foreheads-ref Rev 14:1. The unsaved have the mark of the beast in or on their right hand or forehead-ref Rev 13:16,17. The woman (the city of Rome) has written on her forehead, MYSTERY (or with a hidden meaning),
    BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS (or prostitutes, or whores)
    AND (of the)
    ABOMINATIONS (or obscenities)
    OF THE EARTH. The name of the "great whore" (which is the Roman Catholic Church) is written upon Rome's forehead. Rome follows this church. They seem inseparable.
    "MYSTERY" denotes something secretive. Outwardly, it appears to be one thing, but inwardly, it is altogether different. This indicates that the masses do not know what this church really is, as only a select few would be entitled to know the mystery.
    "BABYLON THE GREAT" conveys that this church is actually a manifestation of the old Babylonian cult. The Babylonian religion continues to flourish through this church, yet remains a mystery to the masses. They have been deceived into thinking that this religion was ordained from the God of heaven; when, in truth, they are following the deceiver. (Note part 3C, "The Great Whore and City" and "What is the Connection Between the Roman Catholic Church and the Great Whore?") Even though this is shown through the Scriptures, the world will continue to reject the truth, just as they reject the testimony of the two witnesses of God.
    "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS" expresses that this religion is the mother of all whores (or false ways). This false religion dates way back to Babel or Babylon. It appears that during the Tribulation it will swallow up all false religions. All, whose names are not written in the book of life, may become allied with or part of this vast, one-world system of religion. It can be expected that all Protestant churches, cults, agnostics, atheists, and all other churches left behind in the Rapture will become part of the "great whore" of Rome.
    "THE MOTHER OF...ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" again relates that this Babylonian cult is the mother or originator of all that is vile and obscene in the earth.
    This sect is now incorporated into the Roman Catholic Church, but the hundreds of millions of people that are part of this church do not know or understand it, neither will they believe it. As this mother of abominations killed multitudes of God's people, during the dark ages, she is expected to do the same during the Tribulation.
    This false religion dominates Rome.
    The Catholic Church is the inheritor of the Babylonian cult, the evil religious system of Babylon.

    17:6. AND I SAW THE WOMAN (the city)
    DRUNKEN WITH (or from)
    THE BLOOD OF THE SAINTS (or God's people),
    AND WITH THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS (or witnesses)
    OF JESUS (or who bore testimony to Jesus-NIV):
    AND WHEN I SAW HER, I WONDERED WITH GREAT ADMIRATION (or was altogether astounded). Rome is pictured as being drunk with the blood of God's people. History has recorded that countless numbers of saints were slaughtered in Rome. Reportedly, many were fed to the lions. During the Tribulation, the slaughter of Christians can be expected to continue.
    John is astounded at what he saw.

    17:7. AND THE ANGEL SAID UNTO ME, WHEREFORE DIDST THOU MARVEL (or why are you astounded)?
    I WILL TELL (or explain to)
    THEE THE MYSTERY (or hidden meaning)
    OF THE WOMAN (which is the city),
    AND OF THE BEAST (which is the Antichrist and his empire)
    THAT CARRIETH HER (or she rides),
    WHICH HATH THE SEVEN HEADS (or seven hills on which the city of Rome sits-ref Rev 17:9)
    AND TEN HORNS (which are ten kings-ref Rev 17:12).

    17:8. THE BEAST (which, in this case, is the Antichrist)
    THAT THOU SAWEST (once)
    WAS, AND (now)
    IS NOT; AND SHALL ASCEND (or come up)
    OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or Abyss),
    AND GO INTO PERDITION (or it is on its way to destruction-JNT¹⁷⁷). Apparently, at the midst of the Tribulation, when the Antichrist’s deadly wound is healed, a spirit will come out of the bottomless pit to occupy his body. This spirit "was" once alive before the Revelation was written (before approximately 96 or 97 A.D.); it "is not" alive, meaning when the Revelation was written; however, it shall come up out of the bottomless pit" at some future date. Nevertheless, the Antichrist will ultimately go into "perdition or destruction"-ref Rev 17:11.
    AND THEY (the inhabitants)
    THAT  DWELL ON THE EARTH SHALL WONDER,  WHOSE  NAMES WERE NOT WRITTEN  IN  THE BOOK OF LIFE  FROM THE FOUNDATION (or founding, or creation)
    OF THE WORLD (will be astonished),
    WHEN THEY BEHOLD (or see)
    THE BEAST THAT (once)
    WAS, AND (now)
    IS NOT, AND YET IS (to appear or will come). The people of the world that will perish to hell, "whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world," will be astonished when they see this person that was alive prior to 96 A.D., but was not alive around 96 A.D., but now is alive during the Tribulation—the Antichrist.
    There is much speculation as to who this person might be. He appears to have lived either during the time of Christ or before. Some believe it might be Nebuchadnezzar or Antiochus Epiphanes. Others think, perhaps, Judas. This is because the Antichrist is called the "son of perdition," in 2 Thes 2:3, and Judas was also called the "son of perdition," in Jn 17:12. At this point, we do not know who it will be. Some believe it might even be Satan.

    17:9. AND HERE IS THE MIND WHICH HATH WISDOM (or this calls for a mind with wisdom-NIV).
    THE SEVEN HEADS (which were mentioned in Rev 17:3)
    ARE SEVEN MOUNTAINS (or hills),
    ON WHICH THE WOMAN (or city)
    SITTETH. Rome sits on seven hills or mountains. It is reported that ancient Babylon sat on a plain not on mountains.

    17:10. AND THERE ARE SEVEN KINGS: FIVE ARE FALLEN, AND ONE IS (living now),
    AND THE OTHER IS NOT YET COME; AND WHEN HE COMETH, HE MUST CONTINUE A SHORT SPACE (or a little while). Seven kings are mentioned here. The date that the Revelation was written was around 96 or 97 A.D. This verse states five kings are fallen. These five kings (or possibly kingdoms) fell prior to the Revelation being written. "One is," is referring to a king that existed when this was written. The other that "is not yet come" is referring to the Antichrist. The Antichrist must continue a short space (or a short time) after he comes. He will reign, in Jerusalem, for 3 ½ years.
    The following are the seven kings (or kingdoms).
    Five are fallen:
    1. Egypt
    2. Assyria
    3. Babylon
    4. Medo-Persia
    5. Greece
    One is:
    6. Roman Empire
    Is yet to come:
    7. Revived Roman Empire, the EEC (the Antichrist)
    8. The Antichrist is the eighth and is of the seven
    Some believe that the seven represent seven emperors of the Roman Empire. Five were dead, one existed at the time this was written, and another was yet to come. Others believe that the seven represent seven forms of government in the Roman Empire.

    17:11. AND THE BEAST THAT (once)
    WAS, AND (now)
    IS NOT. This was explained under Rev 17:8.
    EVEN HE IS THE EIGHTH (king),
    AND IS OF (or comes from)
    THE SEVEN.   The Antichrist is the eighth king, but  he comes from one of the seven.   The Antichrist shall ultimately go
    INTO PERDITION (or is on its way, or going to his destruction). Dan 9:26 shows that the Antichrist shall be of the people that would come and destroy Jerusalem, which happened approximately 70 A.D. Those that came were of the Roman Empire.

    17:12. AND THE TEN HORNS (mentioned in Rev 17:7,3)
    WHICH THOU SAWEST ARE TEN KINGS (the ten horns represent ten kings),
    WHICH HAVE RECEIVED NO KINGDOM AS YET (or have not yet begun to rule-JNT¹⁷⁸);
    BUT RECEIVE POWER (or authority)
    AS KINGS (for)
    ONE HOUR (along)
    WITH THE BEAST (or the Antichrist). These ten horns (or kings) are believed to represent ten nations of the EEC or ten regions.

    17:13. THESE HAVE ONE MIND (or one purpose),
    AND SHALL GIVE THEIR POWER (or hand over their power)
    AND STRENGTH (or authority)
    UNTO THE BEAST (or Antichrist).
    The Rapture occurs. Immediately after, it is believed that the Antichrist takes over the EEC. He confirms a covenant with Israel and other nations. At about this time, ten kings apparently give their power and strength to the Antichrist. It is quite possible that when the Antichrist rules the world, it will be divided up into ten parts (or regions).

    17:14. THESE (ten kings)
    SHALL MAKE (or go to)
    WAR WITH (or against)
    THE LAMB (which is Jesus),
    AND THE LAMB (Jesus)
    SHALL OVERCOME (or defeat)
    THEM.     When  Jesus returns at the Battle of  Armageddon,  these ten kings shall go to war against Him,  but they shall be defeated,
    FOR HE (Jesus)
    IS. Next are more descriptions of Jesus.
    LORD OF LORDS, AND
    KING OF KINGS. The name of Jesus is above every name-ref Phili 2:9.  (Note Rev 19:16.)
    AND THEY THAT ARE WITH HIM  (or will be His).   The saints are with Jesus when  He returns to this earth at  Armageddon.   The saints
    ARE CALLED,  AND CHOSEN,  AND FAITHFUL  (followers)  (and...will overcome along with Him-JNT¹⁷⁹).   The term  "Lord of lords"  is  another description of Jesus. The term "King of kings" is yet another. This list began at Rev 1:5 and continued to Rev 5:14. After that, the next descriptions were found in Rev 11:17; 15:3; and 17:14. 

    The saints are first "called." When God calls them to trust in Him and Him alone for their salvation, they respond and say yes.
    The saints are "chosen." It is written, MANY BE CALLED, BUT FEW CHOSEN-Mt 20:16; ref Mt 22:14. Once a person is called and responds positively to the call of Jesus, he will go through many tests. Most will never bear any good fruit. They will not allow Jesus to rule over them. They will not deny themselves. They say yes to Jesus, but then refuse to surrender themselves to Him. They will not allow Jesus (the Word) to be the Lord of their life. Thus, they are not chosen. Their faith was not genuine. Some begin to bear good fruit, but Satan deceives them, and they shrink back.
    The saints are "faithful." The true saints of God are called, chosen, and faithful. They obey God's Word. They are faithful when Jesus calls them to go here or there, or to do this or that. Their love is reflected by their faithful obedience to His commandments. They bring forth good fruit.
    The saints that return with Jesus, at Armageddon, are all of these things.

    17:15. AND HE SAITH UNTO ME, THE WATERS WHICH THOU SAWEST (ref Rev 17:1),
    WHERE THE WHORE (or prostitute)
    SITTETH, ARE PEOPLES, AND MULTITUDES (or crowds),
    AND NATIONS, AND TONGUES (or languages).  The Scriptures reveal clearly that the religion (or whore) in the city of Rome is a worldwide religion, encompassing peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and languages.

    17:16. AND THE TEN HORNS (or the ten kings)
    WHICH THOU SAWEST UPON (or and)
    THE BEAST (or Antichrist). The ten kings that are united with the Antichrist and give their power to him,
    THESE SHALL HATE THE WHORE (or prostitute). The ten kings shall hate the Roman Catholic Church.
    AND (they)
    SHALL MAKE HER DESOLATE (or bring her to ruin)
    AND (leave her)
    NAKED, AND SHALL EAT HER FLESH, AND BURN (or consume)
    HER WITH FIRE.
    The ten kings shall utterly destroy the Roman Catholic Church. Some believe the Roman Catholic Church will try to compete with the Antichrist. Consequently, when the Antichrist moves into the temple in Jerusalem and proclaims himself to be God, at that time, the "great whore" shall be destroyed. Others believe that it will occur at the time of the seventh vial—the approximate time that Jesus returns.
    Exactly when the whore is destroyed is not clear in the Scriptures. It seems to be during the midst or second part of the Tribulation.  (Note Rev 18:2, for additional information.)  The wording of other translations seems to indicate the ten kings and the Antichrist hate the whore and shall destroy her.

    17:17. FOR GOD HATH PUT IN THEIR HEARTS TO FULFILL HIS WILL (or do what will fulfill His purpose-JNT¹⁸⁰),
    AND (or that is)
    TO AGREE (or be of one mind),
    AND GIVE THEIR KINGDOM (or power to rule)
    UNTO THE BEAST (or Antichrist),
    UNTIL THE WORDS OF GOD SHALL BE FULFILLED (or have accomplished their intent).
    It has been said that there are 10,385 prophecies in the Bible. Up to this point, every single one has come true without exception. How can this be? God has the power to put in people's hearts to do exactly what He wants accomplished. He has the power to cause people to agree to whatever He decrees. He is God.
    What is written in the Bible will come to pass. God put in the hearts of the ten kings to agree to give their kingdom to the Antichrist. Nothing can change God's Word. When God opens a door, no man can shut it. When God closes a door, no man can open it-ref Rev 3:8.

    17:18. AND THE WOMAN WHICH THOU SAWEST IS THAT GREAT CITY, WHICH REIGNETH (or rules) OVER THE KINGS OF 
     THE EARTH.  The woman is mentioned in Rev 17:3,4,6,7.  This verse confirms that the "woman" represents that great city, "Rome." During at  least part of the Tribulation, Rome shall rule over the kings of the earth.

    18:1. AND AFTER THESE THINGS I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, HAVING GREAT POWER (or authority);
    AND THE EARTH WAS LIGHTENED (or illuminated)
    WITH HIS GLORY (or splendor). Some believe this angel could be Jesus; however, the angel is not identified. This angel has great power; the earth is illuminated by his presence. The exact time that this occurs is also unclear.

    18:2. AND HE CRIED (or shouted)
    MIGHTILY WITH A STRONG VOICE, SAYING, BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN. The word "Babylon" is first used, in the Revelation, in 14:8. It is also used in Rev 16:19; 17:5; 18:2,10,21. In Rev 18:10,21, Babylon is clearly shown to be the city of Rome. In Rev 17:5, it represents the "mother of harlots" or the "great whore." The two are shown to be inseparable.
    We can surmise from this that when the term "Babylon is fallen" is used, it is talking about the "great whore." When the term "is fallen" is used the second time, it denotes the city. Thus, it may be said, The great whore is fallen, and the city of Rome is fallen. Some believe that one "fallen" could be referring to "old" Babylon, and the other "fallen" to the Roman Catholic Church or Rome. Some maintain that the fulfillment of the Old Testament verses on the destruction and desolation of "old" Babylon have yet to be fulfilled. They believe old Babylon will be rebuilt. One might wonder what will remain of Iraq and Iran after the destruction of the forces that come against Jerusalem and Israel, in the first part of the Tribulation. Old Babylon was located in, what today is called, Iraq. Some have also suggested that the Antichrist may change the name of Rome to Babylon during the Tribulation.

    The destruction of the whore is covered in Rev 17:16; 19:2,3.
    No wailing or mourning of the people is mentioned.
    The length of time for her destruction is not specifically given.
    She is destroyed by the ten kings and possibly the beast-ref Rev 17:16.
    Her judgment is by the Lord-ref Rev 19:2.
    She is destroyed by fire-ref Rev 17:16.
    The whore may be destroyed about the time the Antichrist declares himself to be God; however, this is unclear in the Scriptures.

    The destruction of the woman is covered in Rev 18:2,8-10,17-21.
    There is great mourning-Rev 18:8.
    Her judgment comes in one hour-ref Rev 18:10.
    The Lord God judges her-ref Rev 18:8.
    She shall be burned with fire-ref Rev 18:8.
    She shall be thrown down with violence-ref Rev 18:21.
    The destruction of the whore and the city are similar, but there are certain differences. It is possible that these are two separate events, occurring at different times. There is no mention of the ten kings destroying Rome as they do the great whore. Should the great whore be destroyed around the beginning of the second part of the Tribulation, it seems that the ten kings would be present in Rome to do so. The Antichrist, however, should be at the temple in Jerusalem. (Note Rev 18:8.)
    The destruction of Rome may not come until later in the Tribulation or near the end of the Tribulation. It seems certain that it will not be at the time of Armageddon, because the merchants and shipmasters are crying over her. If it were at the time of Armageddon, they should be fleeing for their lives and saying TO THE MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS, FALL ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB-Rev 6:16. Again, the Scriptures are not clear, regarding the exact time that Rome shall be destroyed; it could possibly be near the end of the Tribulation.
    Nevertheless, the ten kings appear to be present at Armageddon-ref Rev 17:14.

    Rev 18:2 continues,
    AND (she)
    IS BECOME THE HABITATION (or home)
    OF DEVILS (or demons),
    AND THE HOLD (or haunt, or prison)
    OF EVERY FOUL (or evil, or unclean)
    SPIRIT, AND A CAGE (or haunt, or prison)
    OF EVERY UNCLEAN AND HATEFUL (or hated, or detestable)
    BIRD. The judgment of Babylon (or Rome) is revealed in Rev 17:16 and 18:8. In one hour, she shall be burnt with fire by the ten kings. The results of the destruction of Rome are, she becomes the home of devils, and the prison of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rev 18:21 shows that the city will not be found anymore.
    Note the words:
    "Home" of devils.
    "Haunt or prison" of every unclean spirit.
    "Cage, or haunt, or prison" for every unclean and hateful bird.

    18:3. FOR ALL NATIONS HAVE DRUNK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH (or of God's fury)
    OF (or caused by)
    HER FORNICATION (or whoring). The nations of the world have received the wine of God’s wrath, which was caused by Rome's fornication or whoring.
    AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION (or went whoring)
    WITH HER. The kings of the earth have committed fornication with Rome.
    Fornication is mentioned seven times, from Rev 17:1 through Rev 19:5. Three times it is mentioned in connection with the great whore. Twice it is mentioned in connection with the city. Twice it is mentioned in connection with the name of Babylon.
    Rev 17:2-twice in connection with the whore.
    Rev 17:4-in connection with the city.
    Rev 18:3-twice in connection with the name of Babylon.
    Rev 18:9-in connection with the city.
    Rev 19:2-in connection with the whore.
    AND THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH (or world's businessmen)
    ARE WAXED (or have grown)
  RICH THROUGH THE ABUNDANCE OF HER DELICACIES  (or love of luxury).  Rome is a very influential and prosperous city, attracting 
   the world’s businessmen and political leaders. It has enabled them to become rich through things that people desire.  It is located near the Mediterranean Sea. 
    The woman is also being identified as a very influential and prosperous center of international commerce.

    18:4. AND I HEARD ANOTHER VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING. Except for the interruption in v.21, this "another voice" speaks from verses 4-24.
    This voice said,
    COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE, THAT YE BE NOT PARTAKERS (or share)
    OF HER SINS, AND THAT YE RECEIVE NOT (or will not be infected)
    OF (any of)
    HER PLAGUES.  God's people are being given a commandment, even a very stern warning — come out of Babylon.  Then God gives the reasons: by remaining in Babylon (Rome), they will be partakers of or share in her sins and will be destroyed right along with the city of Rome and the Roman Catholic Church.
    This is sin by association. If a person is with others that commit a crime, he is also considered guilty of that crime. It is written, IF THERE COME ANY UNTO YOU, AND BRING NOT THIS DOCTRINE, RECEIVE HIM NOT INTO YOUR HOUSE, NEITHER BID HIM GOD SPEED: FOR HE THAT BIDDETH HIM GOD SPEED IS PARTAKER OF HIS EVIL DEEDS-2 Jn 10,11. The Bible commands, BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS-2 Cor 6:14. God told Lot to get out of Sodom-ref Gen 19:12-17. God tells His saints to get out of Babylon.
    By remaining in Rome, the saints will be partakers of her sins and evil deeds, which are many.

    18:5. FOR HER SINS HAVE REACHED (or are a sticky mass piled up-JNT¹⁸¹)
    UNTO HEAVEN, AND GOD HATH REMEMBERED HER INIQUITIES (or crimes). This is not to say that God had ever forgotten her sins, but rather that the time for her judgment (because of her sins) is at hand. These are the sins of the woman (or Rome). God has remembered her blasphemy, her fornication, her sorceries, her self-glory and confidence. He has remembered her persecution and drunkenness with the blood of the saints. In her was found the blood of saints, prophets, and apostles.

    18:6. REWARD (or give back to)
    HER EVEN AS SHE REWARDED (or rendered to)
    YOU, AND DOUBLE (or pay back)
    UNTO HER DOUBLE ACCORDING TO HER WORKS (or what she has done):
    IN THE CUP WHICH SHE HATH FILLED (or use the cup in which she has brewed-JNT¹⁸²)
    FILL TO HER  DOUBLE  (sized drink or double portion).  The woman's sins have accumulated over a very long period of time.  God will see
 that she is paid back double for all that she has done.  Rome is destroyed.

    18:7. HOW MUCH SHE (the city)
    HATH GLORIFIED HERSELF (or glory and luxury she gave herself-NIV),
    AND LIVED DELICIOUSLY, SO MUCH TORMENT (or torture)
    AND SORROW (or grief)
    GIVE HER: FOR SHE SAITH IN HER HEART (or boasts),
    I SIT A QUEEN, AND (I)
    AM NO WIDOW, AND (I)
    SHALL SEE NO SORROW (or will never mourn).
    Rome has glorified herself and lived deliciously. She says in her heart that she sits as a queen, she is no widow, and she'll see no sorrow.

    18:8. THEREFORE SHALL HER PLAGUES COME IN ONE (single)
    DAY, DEATH, AND MOURNING (or sorrow),
    AND FAMINE; AND SHE SHALL BE UTTERLY BURNED (or consumed)
    WITH FIRE: FOR STRONG (or mighty)
    IS. Next is another description of Jesus.
    #31-THE LORD GOD WHO JUDGETH HER.
    Several things appear to be different here with the destruction of the city of Rome, as compared with the annihilation of the Roman Catholic Church.
    Rome is destroyed in one day. The length of time for the destruction of the whore is not given.
    Rome's destruction includes death, mourning, famine, and being utterly burned with fire. Regarding the whore's destruction, only being burnt with fire is mentioned.
    Rome's destruction is the Lord Who judges her. The destruction of the whore is by the ten kings to fulfill the will of God. (Note Rev 18:2.) The whore’s judgment is by the Lord-ref Rev 19:2.

    18:9. Two subjects are included here: what the kings have done and their reaction to the woman's destruction—she is burned with fire.
    AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH, WHO HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION (or went whoring, or committed adultery with her) AND 
    LIVED DELICIOUSLY (or shared her luxury)
    WITH HER, SHALL BEWAIL HER, AND LAMENT (or sob) (or weep and mourn)
    FOR HER, WHEN THEY SHALL SEE THE SMOKE OF HER BURNING (as she burns). Do not confuse these kings with the ten kings. They are not the same.

    18:10. The kings of the earth are
    STANDING AFAR OFF (or at a distance)
    FOR THE FEAR (or terrified)
    OF HER TORMENT, SAYING, ALAS, ALAS (or Oh no!) (or Woe! Woe),
    THAT GREAT CITY BABYLON (which clearly is Rome)
    THAT MIGHTY CITY (or city of power)!
    FOR IN ONE (single)
    HOUR IS THY JUDGMENT (or doom)
    COME.  This is showing how fast things can change.  This was a thriving city; people were living in pleasure and comfort.  It seemed as though she would never see any sorrow or destruction. One hour later, this great city of commerce is destroyed—never to be rebuilt.  In the eyes of the world, perhaps, billions of dollars of precious merchandise had gone up in fire and smoke.
    The kings are standing off in the distance (apparently on land). They are afraid. Again, note the words, a great city and a mighty city, referring to the woman (which is called Babylon).
    In Rev 18:8, the destruction of the woman was mentioned as occurring in one day. In this verse, it narrows it to one hour.
    The fact that the kings, merchants, ship captains, and sailors are seen in the distance might suggest there was some kind of warning that this great destruction was about to happen. Yet, if this is so, the warning must have been very brief, as the great wealth of merchandise seems to have remained in the city; as it is written, in v.11-NO MAN BUYETH THEIR MERCHANDISE (or cargoes) ANY MORE. Also, it is written, IN ONE HOUR SO GREAT RICHES IS COME TO NOUGHT-Rev 18:17.
    Apparently, when this takes place, many people are killed, as the word "death" is mentioned in Rev 18:8.

    18:11. In this verse, the subject changes from the kings of the earth to the merchants of the earth.
    AND THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH (or world's businessmen)
    SHALL WEEP AND MOURN OVER HER; FOR NO MAN BUYETH THEIR MERCHANDISE (or cargoes) ANY MORE.  Clearly, this city is a great commercial center, affecting business around the world. In verses 12, 13, and 16, approximately 28 commodities are mentioned.

    18:12. THE MERCHANDISE (or stocks, or cargoes)
    OF GOLD, AND SILVER, AND PRECIOUS STONES (or gems),
    AND OF PEARLS, AND FINE LINEN, AND PURPLE, AND SILK, AND SCARLET (cloth),
    AND ALL THYINE (or citron, or rare)
    WOOD, AND ALL MANNER VESSELS (or articles)
    OF IVORY, AND ALL MANNER VESSELS OF MOST PRECIOUS (or scented, or costly)
    WOOD, AND OF BRASS (or bronze),
    AND IRON, AND MARBLE,

    18:13. AND CINNAMON (and spice or cardamom),
    AND ODOURS (or incense),
    AND OINTMENTS (or myrrh),
    AND FRANKINCENSE, AND WINE, AND OIL, AND FINE FLOUR, AND WHEAT (or grain),
    AND BEASTS (or cattle),
    AND SHEEP, AND HORSES, AND CHARIOTS, AND SLAVES (or bodies),
    AND SOULS OF MEN.
    These prophecies give some insight into the generation in which we are now living. Of particular interest is "ivory" in v.12. This would indicate that the slaughter of elephants will continue. "Chariots" would indicate vehicles, perhaps automobiles, trucks, and buses. In v.13, the word "slaves" is used. This may also mean "bodies." One might wonder if this simply means "slaves" or body parts marketed for transplantation, experimentation, or other uses. Also the words, "souls of men" are mentioned.
    The list of items begins with gold and ends with souls of men. Consider, the multitude of souls, over the centuries, that have been destroyed by Rome. Apparently, the driving force behind it all may be summed up in a few words—money, lusts, desires, luxury, and greed. Do not these words also characterize this generation in which we live?
    Consider, the world seems to be going more and more in the direction of a global economy.
    Such terms as "the Internet or information superhighway, global economy, cashless society, a one-world system, world trade agreements, various world organizations, and the new world order" were seldom, if ever, heard back in 1980. Part of Europe is already going in the direction of a unified currency, the elimination of borders in regard to trade, unified passports, and other items not mentioned.
    Near the beginning of the Tribulation (perhaps immediately after the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel is over), the European Economic Community is expected to emerge as the leading world economy and promoter of this one-world system. This is the direction that the world is heading and will continue to go in this generation.  The central core of these verses may be summed up in three words, "the European Economic Community."

    18:14. The voice from v.4 continues,
    AND THE FRUITS THAT THY SOUL LUSTED (or longed)
    AFTER ARE DEPARTED (or gone) FROM THEE, AND ALL THINGS
    WHICH WERE DAINTY AND GOODLY (or the luxury and flashiness, or your riches and splendor)
    ARE DEPARTED (or vanished)
    FROM THEE (or have been destroyed),
    AND THOU SHALT FIND THEM NO MORE AT ALL.
    With the destruction of the woman (called Babylon, which is Rome), it may be more difficult for the kings, merchants, and those that make their living from the sea to find some of the things they lusted after.

    18:15. The merchants were introduced in v.11 and continue in this verse.
    THE MERCHANTS (or sellers)
    OF THESE THINGS, WHICH WERE MADE RICH (or gained their wealth)
    BY HER. In 18:11, it mentions the merchants of the earth. Here, it says, "the merchants of these things." The merchants of these things have become rich through their dealings with Rome. They
    SHALL STAND AFAR OFF (or at a distance)
    FOR THE FEAR (or terrified)
    OF HER TORMENT, WEEPING AND WAILING  (or mourning). Apparently, the livelihood of these merchants that were made rich through Rome has come to an end. They are found crying.
    The kings, merchants, and those that make their living from the sea are all described as standing at a distance. None seem to be trying to save any of the merchandise. None seem to be trying to get close to the burning city. Perhaps, the burning is so intense that it is not possible to get very close. It appears they are afraid.

    18:16. The merchants say,
    ALAS, ALAS (or Oh no!) (or Woe! Woe),
    THAT GREAT CITY (which is Rome),
    THAT WAS CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, AND PURPLE, AND SCARLET, AND DECKED (or glittered)
    WITH GOLD, AND PRECIOUS STONES, AND PEARLS! Another description is given of the splendor and wealth of this great city.

    18:17. FOR IN ONE HOUR SO GREAT RICHES (or such great wealth)
    IS COME (or brought)
    TO NOUGHT (or ruined). Verse 10 said that in one hour the great city's judgment came.  In this verse, one hour is repeated; then, it is stated that "so great riches is come to nought or ruined." The fact that a city, as large as Rome, could be so utterly burned in such a short time, leaves one wondering—how this is possible? The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah comes to mind.
    In the midst of verse 17, those that have to do with the sea are mentioned.
    AND EVERY SHIPMASTER (or sea captain),
    AND ALL THE COMPANY (or who travel)
    IN SHIPS, AND (the)
    SAILORS, AND AS MANY AS TRADE (or earn their living)
    BY (the)
    SEA, STOOD AFAR OFF (or at a distance).

    18:18. AND CRIED (or exclaim)
    WHEN THEY SAW THE SMOKE OF HER BURNING,  SAYING,  WHAT CITY IS LIKE UNTO THIS GREAT CITY!   They seem to be indicating that no city in the world is like Rome.

    18:19. AND THEY CAST (or threw)
    DUST ON THEIR HEADS, AND CRIED, WEEPING AND WAILING, 
   SAYING, ALAS, ALAS (or Oh no!) (or Woe! Woe),
    THAT GREAT CITY (which is Rome),
    WHEREIN WERE MADE RICH ALL THAT HAD SHIPS IN THE SEA BY REASON OF HER COSTLINESS  (or the abundance of her  wealth-JNT¹⁸³)! Verse 15 mentions the merchants were made rich. In this verse, the statement is made that all that had ships were made rich. They were made rich, because of the abundance of the wealth of Rome.
    In v.10, the kings had said, "In one hour is thy judgment come."
    In v.17, the merchants had said, "In one hour so great riches is come to nought."
    In this verse, passengers and those whose living had to do with the sea, said,
    FOR IN ONE (single)
    HOUR IS SHE MADE (or brought)
    DESOLATE (or ruined). This also indicates that this city is near the sea.

    18:20. REJOICE OVER HER, THOU HEAVEN, AND YE (people of God or saints)
    HOLY APOSTLES (or emissaries)
    AND PROPHETS; FOR GOD HATH AVENGED (or vindicated)
    YOU ON HER (for the way she treated you-NIV). Rome had brutally persecuted and killed both apostles and prophets. But now these are being told to rejoice, because God had avenged His people against Rome. (Note, apostles did not exist during the days of old Babylon.)
    In Rev 17:16, the ten kings burnt the great whore with fire.
    In this verse, God is shown to have been responsible for the destruction of Rome. Death, mourning, famine, and fire shall come against Rome. In one hour, she shall be destroyed and made desolate. How God accomplishes the destruction of Rome is not revealed. Does He use the ten kings, or the Antichrist, or a volcanic eruption, or a great object falling from the sky, or some other means unknown to us? Exactly when the destruction of the woman takes place is also not revealed; however, many surmise that it will take place somewhere near the end of the Tribulation.

    18:21. AND A MIGHTY ANGEL TOOK UP A STONE (or boulder) LIKE A GREAT MILLSTONE, 
    AND CAST (or hurled) IT INTO THE SEA, 
    SAYING, THUS WITH VIOLENCE SHALL THAT GREAT CITY BABYLON (or the woman, or Rome)
    BE THROWN (or hurled) DOWN,  
    AND SHALL BE FOUND NO MORE AT ALL. The city shall not be found; however, it becomes a place of devils, foul spirits, unclean and hateful birds-ref Rev 18:2.

    Is fallen-18:2; found no more at all-18:21
    In one day-18:8
    In one hour-18:10,17,19
    Death-18:8
    Mourning, famine-18:8
    Utterly burned with fire-18:8; ref 18:9,18
    The smoke of her burning-18:9,18
    Thrown down with violence-ref 18:21
    Illustrated by a giant millstone thrown into the sea-ref 18:21
    Judged by the Lord God-ref 18:8

    18:22. AND THE VOICE (or sound)
    OF HARPERS, AND MUSICIANS, AND OF PIPERS (or flute players),
    AND TRUMPETERS, SHALL BE HEARD NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE; 
    AND NO CRAFTSMAN (or worker of any trade),
    OF WHATSOEVER CRAFT HE BE, SHALL BE FOUND ANY MORE IN THEE; 
    AND THE SOUND OF A MILLSTONE (or mill)
    SHALL BE HEARD NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE. Verse 22 appears to include two groups: those that play instruments (or entertainers) and workers of any occupation.

     18:23. AND THE LIGHT OF A CANDLE (or lamp)
    SHALL SHINE NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE; AND THE VOICE OF THE BRIDEGROOM AND OF THE BRIDE SHALL BE HEARD NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE. No light shall be found in the destroyed city, neither any marriages. Rome is completely destroyed. It has no future. It shall never be rebuilt.
    FOR THY MERCHANTS (or businessmen)
    WERE THE GREAT MEN (or most powerful)
    OF THE EARTH. The extent of the riches of Rome can be illustrated by the greatness of its merchants.
    FOR BY THY SORCERIES (or magic spell)
    WERE ALL NATIONS DECEIVED (or led astray). Rome captivated people. She seemed to have a hold on them. The nations of the world were deceived by her.
    The word "sorceries" (pharmakeia) can carry the meaning of medication, pharmacy, magic, sorcery, or witchcraft. Does this suggest illegal drug use?

    18:24. AND IN HER (the woman, the city of Rome)
    WAS FOUND THE BLOOD OF PROPHETS, AND OF SAINTS (or God's people),
    AND OF ALL THAT WERE SLAIN (or slaughtered, or killed)
    UPON THE EARTH. In the city of Rome, was found the blood of prophets and saints. Rome has been responsible for killing multitudes of God's people.
    Compare the second part of this verse "of all that were slain upon the earth," with Mt 23:35-THAT UPON YOU MAY COME ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BLOOD SHED UPON THE EARTH, FROM THE BLOOD OF RIGHTEOUS ABEL UNTO THE BLOOD OF ZACHARIAH SON OF BARACHIAS, WHOM YE SLEW BETWEEN THE TEMPLE AND THE ALTAR.
    The "another voice," which began in 18:4, appears to end with v.24.

    The word "alleluia" (or, it may be said, a form of rejoicing or praise ye the Lord) appears only four times in the New Testament. It is in Rev 19:1,3,4, and 6.
    In v. 1, alleluia - by much people, for God has judged the great whore.
    In v. 3, alleluia - by much people, the smoke of the whore rose up for ever and ever.
    In v. 4, alleluia - by the 24 elders and 4 living beings.
    In v. 6, alleluia - by a great multitude, because the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

    19:1. AND AFTER THESE THINGS. After the city of Rome has been destroyed, as well as the whore,
    I (John)
    HEARD A GREAT VOICE (or roar)
    OF MUCH PEOPLE (or a huge crowd)
    IN HEAVEN, SAYING (or shouting). The scene now changes to heaven. There is a huge crowd. This great voice that was coming forth from them was saying,
    ALLELUIA; SALVATION (the victory),
    AND GLORY, AND HONOR, AND POWER, UNTO THE LORD (or belong to)
    OUR GOD. 

    19:2. The huge crowd is worshiping and glorifying God, and saying,
    FOR TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS (or just)
    ARE HIS JUDGMENTS: FOR HE HATH JUDGED (or condemned)
    THE GREAT WHORE (or prostitute). God's judgments are true and righteous, for He judged the Roman Catholic Church.  This vast heavenly crowd goes on to say of this "great whore," WHICH DID CORRUPT THE EARTH WITH HER FORNICATION (or whoring, or adulteries, or immorality).

    THE WHORE:
    (She) did corrupt the earth with her fornication-ref Rev 19:2.
    The kings of the earth have committed fornication (with her)-ref Rev 17:2.
    The inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication-Rev 17:2.
    THE CITY:
    She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication-Rev 14:8.
    The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her-Rev 18:3.
    And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication...with her-Rev 18:9.
    For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication-Rev 18:3.

    The verse continues,
    AND HATH AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS SERVANTS AT HER HAND.    God has avenged His servants against the great whore. Ultimately, the unrepentant will be judged. Those that have come against God’s servants will, eventually, receive the punishment due them.

    19:3. AND AGAIN THEY SAID, ALLELUIA. AND HER SMOKE ROSE UP (or goes up)
    FOR EVER AND EVER. The final end and everlasting result of the great whore’s sins is that her smoke will rise up for ever and ever.
    However, no such prophecy is given for the city, but rather she shall be found no more-ref Rev 18:21; devils, foul spirits, unclean and hateful birds will dwell there-ref Rev 18:2. The smoke rising up from the great whore may bring to remembrance the souls that perished for ever and ever.

    19:4. AND THE FOUR AND TWENTY ELDERS (or 24 elders)
    AND THE FOUR BEASTS (or living beings, or creatures)
    FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED GOD THAT SAT ON THE THRONE,  SAYING,  AMEN;  ALLELUIA.  The huge crowd has been worshiping and giving glory to God.  Now the 24 elders and the four beasts say, "Amen, Hallelujah!"

    19:5. AND A VOICE CAME OUT OF THE THRONE, SAYING, PRAISE OUR GOD, ALL YE HIS SERVANTS, AND YE THAT FEAR HIM, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT.
    A command comes forth for all of God's servants, who fear Him, to give Him praise.