Tyndale Open Study NotesRevelation 17

The main drama in this section shows the powers that stand against God and cause the persecution and suffering of God’s people. Rome’s power attracted and impressed many people (Revelation 17:6). John clearly describes Rome's sins and shares God's judgment (Revelation 17:3–18) before he describes Rome’s fall (18:1–24) and heaven’s response to that fall (19:1–10).

One of the angels who carry out God’s judgment speaks to John and calls him to a new scene. In this scene, John sees the coming judgment of the great prostitute, who rules over many waters.

Rome, which stood on the Tiber River, controlled major centers of power and the water trade routes across the Mediterranean world. Its influence reached from the British Isles to the Euphrates River.

• immoral with her: This is a biblical image for worshiping other gods (see, for example, Exodus 34:12–16; Judges 2:17; Hosea 2).

• intoxicated with … her immorality: In Scripture, drunkenness often represents nations that engage in reckless and immoral behavior (see Revelation 18:3, 9; Jeremiah 25:27; 51:7; Lamentations 4:21; Ezekiel 23:33).

• John is taken in the spirit into the wilderness, which he uses to describe a visionary experience (see Revelation 1:10; 4:2). He sees a representation of Rome's moral decay and extreme luxury (see Revelation 18:12–13, 16). This shows how such wealth can be offensive to God.

• The beast here resembles the second figure in the evil trinity (see Revelation 13:1–4).

• blasphemous names: See Revelation 13:5–6.

• purple and scarlet: Clothing in these colors signified royalty and immorality, respectively.

• a golden cup: See Jeremiah 51:7.

In symbolic language, John likely referred to Rome (see Revelation 17:9) as BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES. Babylon symbolized the world's idolatries and evil acts. As the MOTHER, she produced followers who imitated her behavior. Rome, like Babylon, worshipped false gods and led other nations into unfaithfulness and idol worship.

God’s holy people were witnesses for Jesus, even shedding their blood (see Revelation 16:6; Hebrews 12:4). During John's time, Rome caused this persecution.

The angel helps John understand the mystery in response to his amazement (Revelation 17:8–14).

This vision's destruction contrasts with the future of God's people in the new heaven and earth (see Revelation 21:1–4).

• The beast … it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up: When Domitian was emperor, from AD 81 to 96, he was as evil as Nero. Both fiercely persecuted the church. Many believed Domitian embodied Nero’s spirit or was Nero himself. This is similar to how people thought John the Baptist embodied Elijah’s spirit (see Malachi 4:5; Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17; John 1:21).

• you saw: The past tense shows the angel explained this after John’s vision.

• it was, and now is no more: This contrasts with God, who is and was and is to come (Revelation 1:4, 8).

• the Abyss: See study note on Revelation 9:1–12.

• Unlike God’s people, the people of this world are not in the Book of Life (see Revelation 20:11–15). They will be amazed by the beast’s apparent resurrection (see study note on Revelation 17:10–11; see also 13:13–17).

• The seven heads of the beast symbolize the seven hills where Rome was built (refer to study note on Revelation 16:10–11).

• the woman: See Revelation 17:3–6.

• Five have fallen: If these kings represent Roman emperors, and we start counting from the change from a republic to an empire with Augustus, who ruled from 29 BC to AD 14, then the fifth would be Nero, who ruled from AD 54 to 68, the sixth would be Vespasian, and the seventh would be Titus. The eighth king would be Domitian.

• that was, and now is not: Early commentators argued that Domitian embodied Nero’s spirit (see study note on Revelation 17:8). 

• the other seven: This seemingly unbeatable ruler was also destined for destruction.

The ten horns, which symbolize world kingdoms following the beast, rule together under his guidance. These verses have led to speculation about a ten-nation alliance. People have guessed it could be the client kingdoms of Rome, the states against the Holy Roman Empire, or the European Union. However, these guesses miss the main point: all nations opposing God will be defeated (Revelation 17:14).

No matter how much power the beast and ten kings gather (Revelation 17:11–12), they cannot win because Jesus is the Lord of all lords (see 19:11–16). Those whom God has called and chosen, and who stay faithful, will stand with him as victors.

Although the prostitute controls the masses, she does not win. Instead, the beast hates and kills her. Satan harms even those he uses for evil.

John reminds us that God is in control. God places a plan in the enemy's mind to fulfill his divine purposes (for example, Exodus 7:3; 35:31–35; Ezra 7:27; Romans 9:18, 21).