Chapter 17:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGee
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Jude Genesis
Revelation 17
Concise Complete
One of the angels who had the vials, explains the
meaning of the former vision of the antichristian beast that was to reign 1260
years, and then to be destroyed. (1-6) And interprets the mystery of the woman,
and the beast that had seven heads and ten horns. (7-18)
Verses 1-6
Rome clearly appears to be meant in this Chapter. Pagan Rome subdued and ruled
with military power, not by art and flatteries. She left the nations in general
to their ancient usages and worship. But it is well known that by crafty and
politic management, with all kinds of deceit of unrighteousness, papal Rome has
obtained and kept her rule over kings and nations. Here were allurements of
worldly honour and riches, pomp and pride, suited to sensual and worldly minds.
Prosperity, pomp, and splendour, feed the pride and lusts of the human heart,
but are no security against the Divine vengeance. The golden cup represents the
allurements, and delusions, by which this mystical Babylon has obtained and kept
her influence, and seduced others to join her abominations. She is named, from
her infamous practices, a mother of harlots; training them up to idolatry and
all sorts of wickedness. She filled herself with the blood of the saints and
martyrs of Jesus. She intoxicated herself with it; and it was so pleasant to
her, that she never was satisfied. We cannot but wonder at the oceans of
Christian blood shed by men called Christians; yet when we consider these
prophecies, these awful deeds testify to the truth of the gospel. And let all
beware of a splendid, gainful, or fashionable religion. Let us avoid the
mysteries of iniquity, and study diligently the great mystery of godliness, that
we may learn humility and gratitude from the example of Christ. The more we seek
to resemble him, the less we shall be liable to be deceived by antichrist.
Verses 7-14
The beast on which the woman sat was, and is not, and yet is. It was a seat of
idolatry and persecution, and is not; not in the ancient form, which was pagan:
yet it is; it is truly the seat of idolatry and tyranny, though of another sort
and form. It would deceive into stupid and blind submission all the inhabitants
of the earth within its influence, except the remnant of the elect. This beast
was seven heads, seven mountains, the seven hills on which Rome stands; and
seven kings, seven sorts of government. Five were gone by when this prophecy was
written; one was then in being; the other was yet to come. This beast, directed
by the papacy, makes an eighth governor, and sets up idolatry again. It had ten
horns, which are said to be ten kings who had as yet no kingdoms; they should
not rise up till the Roman empire was broken; but should for a time be very
zealous in her interest. Christ must reign till all enemies be put under his
feet. The reason of the victory is, that he is the King of kings, and Lord of
lords. He has supreme dominion and power over all things; all the powers of
earth and hell are subject to his control. His followers are called to this
warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it.
Verses 15-18
God so ruled the hearts of these kings, by his power over them, and by his
providence, that they did those things, without intending it, which he purposed
and foretold. They shall see their folly, and how they have been bewitched and
enslaved by the harlot, and be made instruments in her destruction. She was that
great city which reigned over the kings of the earth, when John had this vision;
and every one knows Rome to be that city. Believers will be received to the
glory of the Lord, when wicked men will be destroyed in a most awful manner;
their joining together in sin, will be turned to hatred and rage, and they will
eagerly assist in tormenting each other. But the Lord's portion is his people;
his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure, to his glory, and the
happiness of all his servants.
Chapter 17:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGee
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Jude Genesis
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
