Revelation 17

Chapter Summary

Revelation chapter 17 presents a vivid picture of the fall of Babylon, a harlot who has corrupted the nations with her immorality and idolatry. The chapter begins with an introduction to the harlot, who is seated on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. The beast represents the Antichrist, while the harlot represents the world's sinful systems. The chapter also describes the judgment of the harlot, as God pours out His wrath upon her. The fall of Babylon is a call to God's people to come out of her, lest they participate in her sins and suffer her judgment. As Revelation 17:1-6 states, the harlot's fall is a result of her corruption and idolatry, and God's people are warned to separate themselves from her.

Context for the Chapter

Revelation chapter 17 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the world's sinful systems. The chapter follows the description of the seven bowls of God's wrath in Revelation 16 and precedes the description of the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18. As seen in Revelation 17:1-18, the chapter highlights God's judgment on the world's sinful systems and the ultimate triumph of His people.

Heart Application

This chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems and to trust in Christ's ultimate triumph over evil. As seen in Revelation 17:1-18, the chapter highlights the importance of living a holy life, separate from the world's corruption and idolatry, and trusting in God's sovereignty and justice.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Revelation chapter 17 describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of the world's sinful systems and idolatrous practices. The chapter highlights God's judgment on these systems and the ultimate triumph of His people. As seen in Revelation 17:1-18, the chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's corruption and to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice.

Voices from the Church

“The fall of Babylon is a call to God's people to come out of her, lest they participate in her sins and suffer her judgment. As seen in Revelation 17:1-6, the harlot's fall is a result of her corruption and idolatry.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The beast represents the Antichrist, who will be defeated by Christ and His people. Revelation 17:8-14 highlights the beast's role in the world's sinful systems and its ultimate downfall.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Harlot (17:1-6) — The harlot is introduced as a symbol of the world's sinful systems and idolatrous practices, which will be judged by God. Revelation 17:1-6 describes the harlot's corruption and God's judgment on her.
2. The Beast and the Harlot (17:7-14) — The beast represents the Antichrist, who will be defeated by Christ and His people. Revelation 17:8-14 highlights the beast's role in the world's sinful systems and its ultimate downfall.
3. The Judgment of the Harlot (17:15-18) — The judgment of the harlot represents God's wrath on the world's sinful systems and His ultimate triumph over evil. As seen in Revelation 17:15-18, the chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's corruption and to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice.
4. The Call to God's People (17:1-18) — The chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems and to trust in Christ's ultimate triumph over evil. Revelation 17:1-18 highlights the importance of living a holy life, separate from the world's corruption and idolatry.
5. Conclusion (17:1-18) — The chapter concludes with a call to God's people to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice, and to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems. As seen in Revelation 17:1-18, the chapter highlights the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the world's sinful systems.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and justice, as He judges the world's sinful systems and ultimately triumphs over evil. Revelation 17:1-18 demonstrates God's control over all things, including the fall of Babylon.

The Depravity of Humanity

The chapter reveals the depravity of humanity, as the world's sinful systems and idolatrous practices are described. Revelation 17:1-6 highlights the harlot's corruption and God's judgment on her.

The Triumph of Christ

The chapter highlights Christ's ultimate triumph over evil, as He defeats the Antichrist and the harlot. Revelation 17:8-14 demonstrates Christ's power and authority over all things.

The Importance of Separation

The chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems and to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice. Revelation 17:1-18 highlights the importance of living a holy life, separate from the world's corruption and idolatry.

Lessons from Revelation 17

1. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of separating oneself from the world's sinful systems. Revelation 17:1-6 describes the harlot's corruption and God's judgment on her.
2. The Importance of Living a Holy Life — The chapter calls God's people to live a holy life, separate from the world's corruption and idolatry. Revelation 17:1-18 highlights the importance of trusting in Christ's sovereignty and justice.
3. The Ultimate Triumph of Christ — The chapter highlights Christ's ultimate triumph over evil, as He defeats the Antichrist and the harlot. Revelation 17:8-14 demonstrates Christ's power and authority over all things.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and justice, as He judges the world's sinful systems and ultimately triumphs over evil. Revelation 17:1-18 demonstrates God's control over all things, including the fall of Babylon.
5. The Call to Separation — The chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems and to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice. Revelation 17:1-18 highlights the importance of living a holy life, separate from the world's corruption and idolatry.

Themes from Revelation 17

1. The Fall of Babylon — The chapter describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of the world's sinful systems and idolatrous practices. Revelation 17:1-18 highlights God's judgment on these systems and the ultimate triumph of His people.
2. The Triumph of Christ — The chapter highlights Christ's ultimate triumph over evil, as He defeats the Antichrist and the harlot. Revelation 17:8-14 demonstrates Christ's power and authority over all things.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and justice, as He judges the world's sinful systems and ultimately triumphs over evil. Revelation 17:1-18 demonstrates God's control over all things, including the fall of Babylon.
4. The Importance of Separation — The chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems and to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice. Revelation 17:1-18 highlights the importance of living a holy life, separate from the world's corruption and idolatry.
5. The Ultimate Judgment — The chapter describes the ultimate judgment of God on the world's sinful systems, highlighting the importance of trusting in Christ's sovereignty and justice. Revelation 17:1-18 demonstrates God's control over all things, including the fall of Babylon.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the harlot represent in Revelation 17, and how does this relate to the world's sinful systems?
2. How does the beast represent the Antichrist, and what is the significance of its role in the world's sinful systems?
3. What is the significance of God's judgment on the harlot, and how does this relate to the ultimate triumph of Christ?
4. How does the chapter call God's people to separate themselves from the world's sinful systems, and what is the importance of living a holy life?
5. What is the ultimate message of Revelation 17, and how does it relate to the larger narrative of the book of Revelation?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Revelation 17

	Sermon	Description
	Your First Love by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various topics related to sin and the need for repentance. He mentions a man named Moses Byrd who used to make and sell pornographic cassettes
	Things God Wants Us to Know - Part 1 by Brother Andrew	In this sermon, Brother Andrew shares four things that God wants us to know. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and the impact it can have, as demonstrated by the story of a ma
	Ecumenical Movement by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being conscious of Christ's presence in our lives. He encourages the congregation to become Christ-conscious and church-lo
	Things God Wants Us to Know - Part 2 by Brother Andrew	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young man who dedicated his life to Jesus after hearing an invitation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making a
	The History of Free Masonry - Part 1 by John Daniel	In this sermon, Dr. Stan discusses the battle for the survival of Western civilization and emphasizes the importance of reality over illusion or delusion. He introduces his guest,
	Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Albert Zehr With George Warnock and Russell Stendal - the Family (Tape 2) by George Warnock	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus being the central focus in our meetings and gatherings. He encourages believers to come to meetings not for performan
	(Through the Bible) Revelation 17-18 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the false religious system, referred to as Babylon, which has deceived many people. The speaker mentions Jesus' warning about
	The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as portrayed in the Bible. He emphasizes that man's disobedience led to the withholding of a completing factor, resulting
	(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s
	Church History - Session 5 (History and Old Testament Prophecy) by Edgar F. Parkyns	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the visions of Daniel in the Bible. He starts by referencing Alexander the Great and how his kingdom eventually broke up into four, which was

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 17

Revelation chapter 17 describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of the world's sinful systems and idolatrous practices. The chapter highlights God's judgment on these systems and the ultimate triumph of His people. As seen in Revelation 17:1-18, the chapter calls God's people to separate themselves from the world's corruption and to trust in Christ's sovereignty and justice. The fall of Babylon is a call to God's people to come out of her, lest they participate in her sins and suffer her judgment. The chapter is a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, as He judges the world's sinful systems and ultimately triumphs over evil. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?