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Revelation 17:14
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and, faithful - The ten powers of the beast must compose the secular kingdom of antichrist, for they make war with the Lamb, who is Christ Jesus. This is perfectly true of all popish states, for they have constantly opposed, as long as they have had any secular power, the progress of pure Christianity. They make war with the Lamb by persecuting his followers; but the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings - all lords have their authority from him, and no king can reign without him; therefore the ten Latin kings are God's ministers to execute his vengeance upon the idolatrous nations. But when these antichristian monarchies have executed the Divine purpose, those that are with the Lamb - the called, the chosen, and the faithful, those who have kept The Truth in the love of it, shall prevail against all their adversaries, because their battles are fought by the Lamb, who is their God and Deliverer. See Rev 19:19, Rev 19:20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These shall . . . war with the Lamb--in league with the beast. This is a summary anticipation of Rev 19:19. This shall not be till after they have first executed judgment on the harlot (Rev 17:15-16). Lord of lords, &c.--anticipating Rev 19:16. are--not in the Greek. Therefore translate, "And they that are with Him, called chosen, and faithful (shall overcome them, namely, the beast and his allied kings)." These have been with Christ in heaven unseen, but now appear with Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These shall make war with the Lamb,.... The Lord Jesus Christ, so often spoken of in this book under this character, Rev 5:6. And this war is not to be understood of a war with him personally, or of that last and decisive, battle at Armageddon, in which will be the kings of the earth; but of a war with his members, of their persecuting of the saints, and faithful witnesses of Christ in all ages, within their jurisdictions, being instigated to it by the beast, under whose influence they are: and the Lamb shall overcome them: partly through the constancy of his people, who will not love their lives to the death, but freely lay them down for him; nor can anything separate them from the love of Christ, or prevail upon them to desert him, his truths and ordinances, cause and interest, but are more than conquerors through him, and so he overcomes in them; and partly through a reformation which he effects, as in some of those kingdoms already, as Sweden, Denmark, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and others, and will do in others hereafter; see Rev 17:16 for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; he is so by nature, as God and Creator, to whom the kingdom of nature and providence belongs; and by office, as Mediator, being made higher than the kings of the earth; hence he is more than a match for them, they cannot stand before him; this is a reason why he overcomes them, and it cannot be thought it should be otherwise: this Lamb is the lion of the tribe of Judah, and when he rouses himself, and stirs up his wrath, and exerts his power, kings and great men flee from him; see Rev 6:15. This is a proof of Christ's proper deity, the same titles being given to him, the Word and Son of God, as to God himself, Rev 19:16. And they that are with him: his servants and his soldiers, that fight under him, and abide by him, are called, and chosen, and faithful; they are chosen in Christ from all eternity, to grace here, and glory hereafter, and so stand opposed to the admirers of the beast, whose names are not written in the book of life, Rev 17:8 for this is to be understood of their eternal election, and not of their separation by the effectual calling in time, for that is expressed by their being "called"; and though their calling is here set before election, as in Pe2 1:10 yet it does not precede it; the Arabic version reads, "chosen, called, faithful"; first "chosen" by God the Father, then "called", not with the bare external call by the ministry of the word, for, so, many are called, and not chosen; but by special grace to special benefits, and with an holy and heavenly calling, and which is irresistible, and without repentance; and being called they remain "faithful": the meaning is, either that they have faith, or are believers in Christ; which faith they have bestowed on them in the effectual calling, as a fruit of electing grace; and by this they overcome the world: or else, that they are persons of integrity and uprightness, that are on the side of Christ; they are the faithful in the Lord, and are made so by him; and they are faithful to him, and abide by his Gospel and ordinances, and in his cause and interest, even unto death; and so this character is expressive of the perseverance of those who are chosen and called, even unto the end.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have some account of the downfall of Babylon, to be more fully described in the following chapter. I. Here is a war begun between the beast and his followers, and the Lamb and his followers. The beast and his army, to an eye of sense, appear much stronger than the Lamb and his army: one would think an army with a lamb at the head of them could not stand before the great red dragon. But, II. Here is a victory gained by the Lamb: The Lamb shall overcome. Christ must reign till all enemies be put under his feet; he will be sure to meet with many enemies, and much opposition, but he will also be sure to gain the victory. III. Here is the ground or reason of the victory assigned; and this is taken, 1. From the character of the Lamb: He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He has, both by nature and by office, supreme dominion and power over all things; all the powers of earth and hell are subject to his check and control. 2. From the character of his followers: They are called, and chosen, and faithful. They are called out by commission to this warfare; they are chosen and fitted for it, and they will be faithful in it. Such an army, under such a commander, will at length carry all the world before them. IV. The victory is justly aggrandized. 1. By the vast multitude who paid obedience and subjection to the beast and to the whore. She sat upon (that is, presided over) many waters; and these waters were so many multitudes of people, and nations, of all languages; yea, she reigned not only over kingdoms, but over the kings, and they were her tributaries and vassals, Rev 17:15, Rev 17:18. 2. By the powerful influence which God hereby showed he had over the minds of great men. Their hearts were in his hand, and he turned them as he pleased; for, (1.) It was of God, and to fulfil his will, that these kings agreed to give their kingdom unto the beast; they were judicially blinded and hardened to do so. And, (2.) It was of God that afterwards their hearts were turned against the whore, to hate her, and to make her desolate and naked, and to eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; they shall at length see their folly, and how they have been bewitched and enslaved by the papacy, and, out of a just resentment, shall not only fall off from Rome, but shall be made the instruments of God's providence in her destruction.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:14 Whatever power they amass, the beast and ten kings (17:11-12) have no hope of winning because Jesus is Lord of all lords (see 19:11-16). Those God has called and chosen and who remain faithful to him will stand with him as victors.
Revelation 17:14
The Victory of the Lamb
13These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.14They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
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Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Albert Zehr With George Warnock and Russell Stendal - the Family (Tape 2)
By George Warnock2.1K42:41SeminarMAT 6:33JHN 12:1REV 5:5REV 5:9REV 17:14In 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 performance or entertainment, but to truly encounter and serve Jesus. The speaker also addresses the question of how to conduct meetings in a way that honors Christ, stating that there is no specific recipe or pattern, but rather windows in scripture that reveal what the church should be like. He emphasizes the need for the power of the Holy Spirit, brokenness, and reliance on God rather than relying on our own efforts.
(Revelation) Part 2 the Doom of the Scarlet Woman
By Willie Mullan1.7K57:57Scarlet WomanLUK 8:26REV 17:1REV 17:8REV 17:14REV 17:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the seven-headed beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that five of the heads have already fallen, one is currently in power, and one is yet to come. The preacher emphasizes that this beast is not to be taken lightly, as it is empowered by God to fulfill His will. He also highlights the importance of believers separating themselves from this system, as it represents sin and corruption. The preacher suggests that the beast will eventually be assassinated or pretend to be, leading to a resurrection and further deception.
Depart From Me, I Never Knew You - Part 1
By Ralph Mahoney1.2K54:36Knowing GodEZK 44:15MAT 28:19ACT 13:1REV 17:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses a man who was locked up due to an unjust past wound and hurt. The speaker emphasizes that God judged the men who attacked this man severely. However, the man himself gave up his inheritance in God because of his deep wounds. The speaker encourages the audience to not settle for doing less than what the word of the Lord commands and to stay open to the Holy Spirit's leading. The sermon also touches on the importance of unity and the need to be with God.
Are You One of the Chosen Ones?
By Paris Reidhead28156:43ChosenMAT 6:33REV 17:1REV 17:6REV 17:8REV 17:14REV 18:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of ideas and philosophy in shaping our society. He points out that in today's generation, there is a strong obsession with amusement and pleasure. The preacher urges the audience to turn away from idols and serve the living God, promising forgiveness and transformation. He also highlights the seductive power of worldly influences and encourages those who feel enticed to seek God and raise their hand in acknowledgment of their need for freedom.
Overview of the Book of Revelation
By Mike Bickle1759:33The Day of the LordEnd TimesJOL 2:11MAT 24:21REV 1:1REV 6:17REV 12:11REV 17:14REV 19:11REV 21:1REV 22:16Mike Bickle provides an overview of the Book of Revelation, emphasizing the dual nature of the 'Day of the Lord' as both great and terrible. He explains that only those in God's favor can endure the coming tribulations, which will be marked by severe judgments and the rise of the Antichrist. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding the straightforward symbols and chronological structure of Revelation, assuring that the book is meant to be comprehensible to all believers. He encourages the church to prepare for the greatest revival and the challenges of the end times, reminding them of God's protection and the ultimate victory of Christ.
The World War and What Followed
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0PSA 33:12PRO 14:34ISA 2:4ISA 9:6DAN 2:21MAT 24:6ROM 13:11TH 5:32TI 3:1REV 17:14Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned by the prophet Daniel. The sermon delves into the prediction of nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom, ultimately leading to the unleashing of the dogs of war. Gaebelein discusses the intricate timeline of events in July 1914 that sparked the European tragedy, emphasizing the unseen power behind the human hatred. The sermon also touches on the significant role of various nations, the failure of peace negotiations, the rise of Japan, the League of Nations, and the aftermath of the war, including the Prohibition amendment and its unintended consequences.
Epistle 207
By George Fox0Spiritual WarfareFaithPSA 18:29JER 23:29JHN 14:6ROM 1:16EPH 6:14HEB 4:12REV 14:3REV 17:14George Fox encourages believers to focus on the eternal seed of God, Christ Jesus, which transcends all earthly sufferings and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of living in the power and wisdom of God, urging the faithful to stand firm against spiritual adversaries and to claim their inheritance in Christ. Fox reassures that through faith and the armor of God, believers can overcome all opposition and remain steadfast in their divine calling. He calls for a rejection of false practices and a commitment to righteousness, reminding the faithful of their victory through the Lord's power.
Epistle 227
By George Fox0Faith in AdversityThe Victory of ChristEXO 10:21SNG 2:2ISA 35:1JER 9:3ZEC 2:10JHN 14:6GAL 3:161TH 5:51PE 2:22REV 17:14George Fox encourages believers to rejoice and sing, emphasizing that despite the darkness surrounding them, the Lord is actively working and truth is flourishing. He reminds them that Christ reigns over all challenges, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and valiant for the truth, even in difficult circumstances. Fox reassures that the seed of Christ brings life and peace, guiding them through the trials of life and the ways of the fallen world. He emphasizes the importance of following Christ, who ultimately has the victory over all adversities.
That Worthy Name
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0PSA 148:13ISA 9:6JHN 10:11EPH 1:21PHP 3:8COL 1:151JN 3:2REV 17:14REV 19:12REV 22:4Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the incomparable worth and glory of the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that His Name is far above every other name and is worthy of all honor and praise. The Holy Spirit reveals glimpses of Christ's beauty and loveliness to believers, with the aim of drawing them closer to Him. Gaebelein challenges listeners to have a burning desire for a deeper knowledge of Christ, to weep over their lack of devotion, and to make Christ the absorbing object of their hearts and lives. He highlights the importance of knowing the various titles, attributes, and names of Jesus, expressing that a better understanding of Christ is the true spiritual progress that brings joy, rest, and true Christian happiness.
June 4. 1678. the Overthrow of the Kingdom of the Beast.
By Jane Lead02CO 10:4EPH 6:111PE 5:8REV 17:14REV 19:11Jane Lead preaches about the imminent restoration of creation by the Lamb of God, who will overthrow the power of the Beast and lead a great war against all nations. Those who align with the Lamb will be equipped with spiritual armor to defeat the Kingdom of the Beast and establish the reign of the Word of God in righteousness. She urges the listeners to be wise and prepare for the coming spiritual battle against the forces of darkness.
Epistle 400
By George Fox0GEN 3:15PRO 23:23ISA 32:18JER 9:3JHN 8:321CO 13:72TI 2:24JAS 3:171PE 1:231JN 4:16REV 3:10REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages living in heavenly wisdom, maintaining a gentle and lamb-like nature, and valiantly upholding God's truth without compromise. Fox reminds believers that the truth sets them free and leads to a peaceable habitation, ultimately bringing glory to God in all aspects of their lives.
That Which Is Set Up by the Sword
By George Fox0MAT 5:9EPH 6:12HEB 4:12REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the power of spiritual weapons over carnal weapons, emphasizing that what is established by the sword is sustained by the sword, while what is established by spiritual weapons is upheld by spiritual means. He encourages believers to be peacemakers, holding dominion over those who disrupt peace through the power of God. Fox prophesies a new and living way emerging from the north, transforming nations like waters, and urges against harming those who recognize the earth belongs to the Lord. He speaks of the days of virtue, love, and peace dawning, with the Lamb overcoming earthly kings with the sword of the spirit, ensuring victory.
The Quality of Divine Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 21:43LUK 6:13JHN 1:4JHN 10:10JHN 20:31JHN 21:25ACT 2:361CO 15:4COL 1:27REV 17:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the distinction between being a disciple as a student versus an apprentice, highlighting Jesus' practical training of His disciples for His work. He delves into the three phases of discipleship in the New Testament: the general call, being chosen, and being put into His business with the great commission. The sermon explores how Jesus chose disciples for the work of His Kingdom, symbolized by the number twelve, representing the Kingdom. It also discusses the basis of the new spiritual Kingdom, which is heavenly and divine life, focusing on the quality and characteristics of this life.
Epistle 92
By George Fox0Perseverance in SufferingFaithfulness to TruthISA 23:9ISA 29:21JER 9:3MIC 3:5JHN 8:32REV 2:10REV 17:14George Fox encourages all believers who are imprisoned for their faith to surrender to the truth, which will ultimately set them free. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Lord to overcome persecution and to maintain peace and unity with God and one another. Fox calls for faithfulness in the face of suffering, reminding them that their trials can lead to greater good and that they should focus on God's power rather than their hardships. He draws parallels between the sufferings of early Christians and those of his contemporaries, urging them to remain steadfast against false teachings and practices. Ultimately, he assures them that their faithfulness will lead to eternal rewards and victory in Christ.
"Seed for the Sower"
By George Warnock0ROM 4:162CO 1:7HEB 2:2HEB 3:14HEB 6:192PE 1:102PE 1:19JUD 1:1REV 17:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'bebaios,' describing it as something fixed, stable, and reliable, unwavering and persistent, known with certainty, and valid over time. This term signifies a sense of certainty and trustworthiness, akin to being firm, steadfast, and unalterable. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a firm foundation in faith, highlighting how the promises of God, shared sufferings, and the Word of God are all 'bebaios' and can be relied upon. It stresses the need for believers to hold fast to their assurance, build their hope on Christ, and diligently confirm their calling and election through a holy life.
Epistle 252
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityPSA 129:6ISA 40:4ISA 42:6JER 3:9ROM 10:8ROM 13:121CO 1:241CO 9:172CO 5:19EPH 6:12COL 4:61TH 2:191TI 4:12HEB 12:231JN 5:9REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious speech, remaining faithful to God's calling. Fox warns against division and encourages unity among believers, highlighting the need to demonstrate the new life in Christ to those still in darkness. He calls for ministers to be valiant for the truth and to preach the light of Christ to all nations, equipping themselves with the armor of God to stand against unrighteousness. Ultimately, he reminds them that the Lamb will have the victory, and they should be each other's joy in the Lord.
Epistle 239
By George Fox0Faith and PerseveranceVictory in ChristGEN 4:3JER 17:5DAN 3:1ACT 4:12ROM 8:381CO 9:24PHP 3:21HEB 11:8HEB 12:1REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of patience and faith in Christ, the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world, as the source of victory over trials and tribulations. He recounts the sufferings of biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and Daniel, who remained steadfast in their faith despite persecution, illustrating that true believers will face opposition from those who are not in the spirit. Fox encourages his listeners to stand firm in God's power, which transcends worldly struggles and false worship, and to rejoice in the coming triumph of God's kingdom. He reminds them that the true church will rise, while false prophets and institutions will fall, urging them to remain united in the name of Jesus for salvation. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the power of God that brings freedom and victory over darkness.
Epistle 101
By George Fox0Victory in ChristSpiritual BirthGEN 1:27GEN 25:23JER 9:3GAL 4:29EPH 4:30JAS 3:17REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the everlasting seed of God, which embodies wisdom, life, and dominion over the fallen nature. He encourages believers to offer themselves to God through the suffering seed, aligning with the nature of the Lamb who must achieve victory over the rough nature that arose from the fall. Fox highlights the distinction between the two births: the flesh and the spirit, urging the faithful to embrace the spiritual birth that leads to eternal life. He calls for vigilance against grieving the Spirit and encourages believers to be a blessing and a good savor in the world by standing firm in truth.
Let the House Be Builded - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 65:9MAT 22:14JHN 6:44ROM 8:33ROM 9:16COL 3:122TI 2:10HEB 5:141PE 1:1REV 17:14The sermon 'Chosen' delves into the profound concept of election, focusing on the biblical meaning of 'eklektos' as the 'called out ones' or 'chosen out ones' by God. It explores the idea that God's election is based on His love and mercy, not on human merit, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing this doctrine. The preacher highlights various Bible verses and quotes from theologians to provide a comprehensive view of election, encouraging believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's sovereign plan in salvation.
Epistle 43
By George Fox0GEN 27:28ISA 30:7LAM 3:26MAL 3:2MAT 11:30LUK 16:81CO 13:5GAL 5:12TI 4:2JAS 4:41PE 3:191JN 5:1JUD 1:6REV 17:14George Fox preaches to the brethren, encouraging them to stand together in God's power and not be discouraged by external enemies. He emphasizes the importance of holding onto freedom in Christ, being armed with wisdom against worldly influences, and waiting in purity to comprehend God's wisdom. Fox urges believers to abide trials, stand firm in their freedom from worldly bondage, and wait for redemption. He also calls for unity among friends, exhorting them to speak words of eternal life, reprove evil, and meet together in the spirit to experience God's presence. The sermon concludes with blessings of God's love, guidance, and protection for the faithful who overcome the world through their faith.
Somewhat Spoken to a Weighty Question Concerning the Magistrate's Protection of the Innocent
By Isaac Penington0PSA 46:10ISA 2:4HOS 2:18MAT 5:9ROM 14:4HEB 10:30REV 17:14REV 19:11Isaac Penington preaches about the importance of righteousness, peace, and the defense of the innocent by magistrates, emphasizing the need for nations to embrace a state of peace and righteousness in the latter days. He discusses the role of the magistrate in protecting those who are peaceable and unable to fight, highlighting the need for a shift from fighting to meekness and peaceableness. Penington also addresses the desire of the Quakers for universal liberty in worship, the need for just laws based on equity and righteousness, and the importance of avoiding enmity and opposition in government. He encourages those who have felt the power of God's endless life to trust in the Lord's strength and righteousness, urging them to wait for the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
The Lamb
By T. Austin-Sparks0Following the LambThe Cross and God's PurposeACT 2:23EPH 1:4HEB 9:12HEB 9:23REV 5:4REV 13:8REV 14:4REV 17:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of following the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who was foreordained as the sacrificial Lamb from the foundation of the world. He explains that this following is not merely about salvation but involves a deep commitment to God's eternal purpose, which requires a profound transformation through the Cross. The sermon highlights the paradox of the Lamb's meekness and strength, illustrating how true power is found in submission and yieldedness to God's will. Ultimately, Sparks calls for believers to embrace the Cross as the means to fulfill God's purpose and achieve unity among His people, as exemplified by the one hundred and forty-four thousand who follow the Lamb in unison.
The Confederacies of Men and the Judgments of God
By John Gifford Bellett0GEN 11:1MAT 16:1REV 17:14John Gifford Bellett preaches about the contemplation of hostile associations among men and nations as depicted in various Scriptures, warning about the spirit, purpose, and working of civil or worldly associations that can influence the character and history of the world. Bellett highlights the dangers of confederacies formed against God, drawing parallels from the confederacy at Babel and the opposition faced by Jesus from diverse groups. He emphasizes the importance of separation from worldly alliances and the need to remain faithful to the truth of Jesus amidst the alluring advancements of the world, symbolized by the unclean spirit returning with seven others to a swept house. Bellett urges believers to maintain holiness through separation, akin to the apostle Paul's example, and to be vigilant against the deceptive schemes of the world that seek to corrupt the church's purity and divert from the cross of Christ.
October 31. 1678. the Seed of Lebanon
By Jane Lead0ISA 40:6HAG 2:62CO 6:17COL 3:2REV 17:14Jane Lead preaches about the beginning of the great and notable Day of the Lord, warning that all nations will rise against Christ but will ultimately wear away like grass. She urges the preservation of the Seed of the New LEBANON-State, cautioning against mixing with those who will face destruction. Believers are encouraged to focus on preserving the Resurrection-Seed to manifest the glory of LEBANON and not fear even if the earth is shaken. Having the Mind of Christ is likened to a growing treasure, revealing the wisdom needed for significant endeavors that will prosper greatly.
Epistle 208
By George Fox0ISA 50:6DAN 8:25MAT 26:67LUK 23:34JHN 8:441CO 3:71CO 9:242CO 10:4EPH 2:16EPH 4:1EPH 6:10COL 1:13COL 2:8COL 2:23HEB 12:11PE 3:18REV 11:8REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming the challenges and temptations of the world, emphasizing the need to follow the example of Christ in suffering unjustly and forgiving others. He encourages believers to put on courage, loyalty to their King, and faith in the power of God that conquers all things, leading them out of tribulation and into peace. By dwelling in the power of God, living in unity, and being at peace with one another, believers can experience the strength and victory that comes from God's dominion and life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and, faithful - The ten powers of the beast must compose the secular kingdom of antichrist, for they make war with the Lamb, who is Christ Jesus. This is perfectly true of all popish states, for they have constantly opposed, as long as they have had any secular power, the progress of pure Christianity. They make war with the Lamb by persecuting his followers; but the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings - all lords have their authority from him, and no king can reign without him; therefore the ten Latin kings are God's ministers to execute his vengeance upon the idolatrous nations. But when these antichristian monarchies have executed the Divine purpose, those that are with the Lamb - the called, the chosen, and the faithful, those who have kept The Truth in the love of it, shall prevail against all their adversaries, because their battles are fought by the Lamb, who is their God and Deliverer. See Rev 19:19, Rev 19:20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These shall . . . war with the Lamb--in league with the beast. This is a summary anticipation of Rev 19:19. This shall not be till after they have first executed judgment on the harlot (Rev 17:15-16). Lord of lords, &c.--anticipating Rev 19:16. are--not in the Greek. Therefore translate, "And they that are with Him, called chosen, and faithful (shall overcome them, namely, the beast and his allied kings)." These have been with Christ in heaven unseen, but now appear with Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These shall make war with the Lamb,.... The Lord Jesus Christ, so often spoken of in this book under this character, Rev 5:6. And this war is not to be understood of a war with him personally, or of that last and decisive, battle at Armageddon, in which will be the kings of the earth; but of a war with his members, of their persecuting of the saints, and faithful witnesses of Christ in all ages, within their jurisdictions, being instigated to it by the beast, under whose influence they are: and the Lamb shall overcome them: partly through the constancy of his people, who will not love their lives to the death, but freely lay them down for him; nor can anything separate them from the love of Christ, or prevail upon them to desert him, his truths and ordinances, cause and interest, but are more than conquerors through him, and so he overcomes in them; and partly through a reformation which he effects, as in some of those kingdoms already, as Sweden, Denmark, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and others, and will do in others hereafter; see Rev 17:16 for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; he is so by nature, as God and Creator, to whom the kingdom of nature and providence belongs; and by office, as Mediator, being made higher than the kings of the earth; hence he is more than a match for them, they cannot stand before him; this is a reason why he overcomes them, and it cannot be thought it should be otherwise: this Lamb is the lion of the tribe of Judah, and when he rouses himself, and stirs up his wrath, and exerts his power, kings and great men flee from him; see Rev 6:15. This is a proof of Christ's proper deity, the same titles being given to him, the Word and Son of God, as to God himself, Rev 19:16. And they that are with him: his servants and his soldiers, that fight under him, and abide by him, are called, and chosen, and faithful; they are chosen in Christ from all eternity, to grace here, and glory hereafter, and so stand opposed to the admirers of the beast, whose names are not written in the book of life, Rev 17:8 for this is to be understood of their eternal election, and not of their separation by the effectual calling in time, for that is expressed by their being "called"; and though their calling is here set before election, as in Pe2 1:10 yet it does not precede it; the Arabic version reads, "chosen, called, faithful"; first "chosen" by God the Father, then "called", not with the bare external call by the ministry of the word, for, so, many are called, and not chosen; but by special grace to special benefits, and with an holy and heavenly calling, and which is irresistible, and without repentance; and being called they remain "faithful": the meaning is, either that they have faith, or are believers in Christ; which faith they have bestowed on them in the effectual calling, as a fruit of electing grace; and by this they overcome the world: or else, that they are persons of integrity and uprightness, that are on the side of Christ; they are the faithful in the Lord, and are made so by him; and they are faithful to him, and abide by his Gospel and ordinances, and in his cause and interest, even unto death; and so this character is expressive of the perseverance of those who are chosen and called, even unto the end.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have some account of the downfall of Babylon, to be more fully described in the following chapter. I. Here is a war begun between the beast and his followers, and the Lamb and his followers. The beast and his army, to an eye of sense, appear much stronger than the Lamb and his army: one would think an army with a lamb at the head of them could not stand before the great red dragon. But, II. Here is a victory gained by the Lamb: The Lamb shall overcome. Christ must reign till all enemies be put under his feet; he will be sure to meet with many enemies, and much opposition, but he will also be sure to gain the victory. III. Here is the ground or reason of the victory assigned; and this is taken, 1. From the character of the Lamb: He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He has, both by nature and by office, supreme dominion and power over all things; all the powers of earth and hell are subject to his check and control. 2. From the character of his followers: They are called, and chosen, and faithful. They are called out by commission to this warfare; they are chosen and fitted for it, and they will be faithful in it. Such an army, under such a commander, will at length carry all the world before them. IV. The victory is justly aggrandized. 1. By the vast multitude who paid obedience and subjection to the beast and to the whore. She sat upon (that is, presided over) many waters; and these waters were so many multitudes of people, and nations, of all languages; yea, she reigned not only over kingdoms, but over the kings, and they were her tributaries and vassals, Rev 17:15, Rev 17:18. 2. By the powerful influence which God hereby showed he had over the minds of great men. Their hearts were in his hand, and he turned them as he pleased; for, (1.) It was of God, and to fulfil his will, that these kings agreed to give their kingdom unto the beast; they were judicially blinded and hardened to do so. And, (2.) It was of God that afterwards their hearts were turned against the whore, to hate her, and to make her desolate and naked, and to eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; they shall at length see their folly, and how they have been bewitched and enslaved by the papacy, and, out of a just resentment, shall not only fall off from Rome, but shall be made the instruments of God's providence in her destruction.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:14 Whatever power they amass, the beast and ten kings (17:11-12) have no hope of winning because Jesus is Lord of all lords (see 19:11-16). Those God has called and chosen and who remain faithful to him will stand with him as victors.