Category: Babylon

Babylon, New Jerusalem

TALE OF TWO CITIES

David R Maas

An underlying theme in Revelation is the contrast and conflict between two “cities,” New Jerusalem and Babylon.

The Book of Revelation often uses several terms and images to portray the same reality. For example, the people of God are called the “servants of God,” the “saints,” and the “brethren.” Churches are pictured as “lampstands,” priests, and the “two witnesses.” And the overarching cosmic conflict is presented by contrasting two very different “cities.”

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Babylon, Seven Churches

CHURCH AT THYATIRA

David R Maas

The prophetess “Jezebel” deceived many at Thyatira into accommodating the idolatrous practices of pagan society – Revelation 2:18-29. 

The city of Thyatira was situated fifty-five kilometers southeast of Pergamos and eighty kilometers from the Aegean Sea. Its proximity to Pergamos explains why the doctrines of the Nicolaitans had also infiltrated this congregation. Christianity reached Thyatira at an early stage, but the details of its establishment are unknown. Most likely, it was an area reached by Paul’s earlier missionary activities from Ephesus.

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Babylon, Bride

HEAVEN CELEBRATES BABYLON’S FALL

David R Maas

The celebration of heaven over the “wedding” of the “Lamb” follows the destruction of “Babylon, the Great Harlot” – Revelation 19:1-10.

Next, Revelation presents the celebration of “heaven” over the demise of the “Great City, Babylon.” A “great voice” of many people rings out in praise to God because He judged the “Great Harlot” that had seduced the “nations” and persecuted the “saints,” the “servants” of God. It is also the hour for the “marriage” of the “Lamb” to his bride, “New Jerusalem.”

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Babylon, Jezebel

BABYLON IS FALLEN

David R Maas

The fall of mystery Babylon is pronounced, and her ritual impurity exposed and denounced by an angel – Revelation 18:1-8.

Next, John saw an angel descending from heaven, one who had “great authority” with which he pronounced the “fall of Babylon” and described her ritual pollution by demonic spirits. This was followed by a voice summoning the saints to separate themselves from the “Harlot,” otherwise, they would participate in her “plagues.”

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Babylon, Lamb

LAMB OVERCOMES BABYLON

David R Maas

The Lamb overcomes the Beast and Babylon because he is the “Lord of lords, and King of kings” – Revelation 17:14-18.

Next, John was provided with the interpretation of what he saw – “Babylon” is the “great city” that sways the political powers of the earth in alliance with the “beast,” and her persecution of the “saints” is an extension of the Dragon’s “war” against them. But Jesus overcomes the “beast” and “Babylon,” though he does so in unexpected and paradoxical ways.

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