Tyndale Open Study NotesRevelation 14

The people of God are pictured as a woman who gives birth to the Messiah. Even though the devil has already been defeated, he continues to attack her and her children (Revelation 12:1–17). With his two followers, the beast and the false prophet, Satan tries to keep controlling the world (Revelation 13:1–18) before the final battle with the Lord (14:1–20).

The true lamb and his followers are very different from the evil trinity.

• standing: See Revelation 5:6; study note on Revelation 12:18.

• 144,000: God’s righteous remnant (see study note on Revelation 7:4–8).

• The mark on their foreheads (contrast Revelation 13:16–17) is the name of both the lamb and his father, showing the unity of Jesus and the Father (see John 5:20–23; 14:5–10; 17:22).

This great choir sang a new song that only those redeemed from the earth could learn. These people had died and were already with the Lord. This might explain why John did not include the content of their refrain for readers still facing life's challenges (compare 2 Corinthians 12:4).

• These warriors were ceremonially pure (not … defiled) and morally blameless.

• for they are virgins: Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God’s people. The image might refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25–27). It also suggests that the church members are like soldiers in a holy war who must abstain from sexual intercourse (see Deuteronomy 23:9–10; 1 Samuel 21:5).

• These faithful people are a special offering, literally called firstfruits (see Exodus 13:14–16; 23:19; Leviticus 23:9–14; Numbers 3:40–51; 18:15–20; Luke 2:22–24), who have been purchased for God.

• no lie was found in their mouths: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15; see also John 8:44). The followers of Jesus speak and live the truth (see also John 8:32; 14:6).

Three angels fly through the sky carrying messages from God.

The first angel announces the eternal good news. This includes the message that God will judge soon. It is a final call to repent.

Babylon likely symbolizes Rome (see Revelation 16:19; 17:5–9). It represents earthly power and corruption. God's arrival as judge (Revelation 14:7) signifies the end of earthly powers.

• The third angel announces God's judgment (Revelation 14:7) on the false worship of the beast and his statue (see Revelation 13:12–18; 19:20; 20:4). God responds to the rebellion against his rule with anger, shown as a cup of bitter wine (see Revelation 16; 19:15).

• fire and sulfur … smoke: This description of judgment (see also Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14–15) reminds us of God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16–19:28).

• Those condemned to a fiery end will suffer in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb (compare Luke 16:22–24).

Christians who first read this letter faced real threats of persecution and death. John urges God's people to obey and stay faithful (see Revelation 2:10; 3:10; 12:17; 13:10).

• A powerful voice from heaven tells John to write again (see Revelation 1:11, 19; 21:5; compare 10:4).

• Blessed are … those who die in the Lord: God wants those who suffer persecution to be with him and enjoy his blessings and rest.

• Mentioning hard work and good deeds with eternal reward hints at rewards given based on actions (Revelation 20:12).

Two short scenes show God's judgment.

• the Son of Man: Or like a son of man; see study note on Revelation 1:13.

• A gold crown symbolizes status or power, clearly distinguishing Jesus from the angels (see Revelation 4:4; 6:2; 9:7; 12:3; 13:1).

• The sharp sickle symbolizes God's harvest of judgment (see Revelation 14:17–18; see also Jeremiah 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Micah 4:12–13).

The temple and the altar symbolize God's presence (see Revelation 9:13; 11:19; 16:7).

• The ripe grapes (see Amos 8:2) trampled in the winepress highlight God's power to judge (see Revelation 19:15; Joel 3:13).

• People built winepresses outside cities and towns; here, the city is Jerusalem. The bloody river of death stretched about 290 kilometers (180 miles). This shows that God’s enemies have no chance when the Son of Man comes in judgment. This destruction is closely linked with the final battle in Revelation 19:17–21. God is just and fair in giving people exactly what they deserve (see Revelation 16:5–7).