Scripture Text: Revelation 17:1-18
[4] The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.
[5] And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.”
[18] And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation 17:4-5 & 18 (ESV)
Filmmakers don’t tell stories with words, though dialogue and narration are often included. Film is a visual medium, and one common visual device used by cinematographers is the zoom shot, which offers the viewer a different perspective.
The chapters we will study today and of the next give us a zoom shot that sheds more light on the judgment described in the previous chapter. In today’s chapter, John’s camera zooms out to help us grasp the wickedness of those who opposed the Lamb, describing Babylon the Great as a spiritual enemy. The next chapter examines Babylon as a cultural enemy.
The reference to Babylon is probably symbolic rather than geographic. Babylon had long opposed God’s people. In 586 B.C., the Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried its inhabitants into captivity. Babylon was also a nickname that some believers in the New Testament era used to refer to the city of Rome.
The Bible describes Babylon as a prostitute in a vision that talks about its downfall. An angel had already mentioned this fall (14:8), and it was shown again in the seventh bowl (16:18–19). In the vision, Babylon is depicted as a woman, explained by an angel (17:1–18).
Some scholars conclude that Babylon the Great will be both a worldwide religious system and a political empire similar to that of Rome. Historically, some thought it symbolized the Roman Catholic Church, but that view is less common now. As a religious system, Babylon the Great will blend spiritual adultery with worldly power. It will persecute those who follow Christ and put them to death. The chapters we have already studied show that all this will be carried out with the help of satanic miracles. For this reason, we can link the Babylon of Revelation 17 to all the false teaching and false religion that preceded it. It will be the culmination of Satan’s enduring effort to deceive humanity and destroy God’s people. Many antichrists have already come, indicating the ongoing opposition to the Lord. In the same way, Babylon is already here.
Reflect
1. How does the idea of Babylon as a spiritual enemy in the passage make you think about the challenges to your faith in Christ in today's world?
2. In what ways do you see worldly powers and false teachings influencing your beliefs and actions?
3. Reflecting on the ongoing spiritual battle, how can you strengthen your faith and remain true to your beliefs in Christ in the face of opposition?
Remember
During the Tribulation, there will be a large false religious system led by a powerful religious figure. It will attract many deceived worshippers who unknowingly worship the devil and the beast. This global system will come to a terrifying end, and everyone involved with it will face the same fate.
Read
Mark 19:18-23; 1 Peter 5:13; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:18
Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
As I think about Babylon as a spiritual and cultural enemy in Revelation, I pray to You. Help me understand the challenges to my faith in today's world and make me strong to stand firm against spiritual deception and worldly influences.
I know that worldly powers and false teachings can lead me astray. Guide me to see what's true and to stay close to Your Word.
Lord, protect and guide me as I move through the ongoing spiritual battle. Help me resist things that pull me away from You and stay faithful, even when it's hard.
Thank You for loving me and giving me strength, acknowledging that this is so only because of Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. In this I pray in His name. Amen.
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