VideoBible

Give Now

VideoBible

Give Now

Revelation 17: Expository Preaching and Study Guide

Overview

Revelation 17 unveils a symbolic vision of “Babylon the Great,” portrayed as a harlot riding a scarlet beast. This chapter provides a detailed portrayal of the apostate, immoral world system that opposes God, seduces nations, and aligns itself with the beast (Antichrist). The imagery is graphic and intense, emphasizing the deep corruption and blasphemy that characterizes the end-times rebellion against God. The woman is later revealed to be a city with global influence, representing both a religious and political system in rebellion against God.

Key events include:

  • John’s vision of a woman (the great prostitute) sitting on a beast.

  • Descriptions of her wealth, influence, and immorality.

  • The angel’s interpretation of the woman, the beast, and the seven heads and ten horns.

  • God’s sovereign purpose in allowing this rebellion for a time before final judgment.

Theological significance:

  • God’s sovereignty over world history and judgment.

  • The final exposure and destruction of false religion and idolatrous systems.

  • The certainty of divine justice against rebellion.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Revelation was written during the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81–96), a time of severe persecution against Christians. The imagery of Babylon was understood by first-century believers as referring symbolically to Rome, the empire that persecuted the saints and embodied opposition to God.

However, from a conservative evangelical eschatological view, Revelation 17 is not just historical but prophetic, describing a yet-future global system (often referred to as “Mystery Babylon”) that combines political power and religious apostasy under the leadership of the Antichrist.

Literary Features

The chapter is highly symbolic, using Old Testament prophetic language (especially from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). The woman is portrayed as a harlot, echoing the imagery of unfaithful Israel (cf. Hosea, Ezekiel 16). The beast she rides mirrors the one described in Revelation 13, representing political power animated by Satan.

The angel explains the vision, making it clear that the symbolic elements have real-world referents (e.g., kings, kingdoms, cities).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Judgment of False Religion

The woman represents a corrupt religious system that is wealthy, seductive, and influential but is opposed to God and His people. She leads nations astray with spiritual fornication—false worship and idolatry.

Doctrinal emphasis: True worship is exclusive to God. Any system that supplants or distorts biblical truth is under God’s judgment (Exodus 20:3-5; John 4:23-24).

2. The Sovereignty of God

Despite the grotesque and chaotic imagery, the text shows that God remains in control. The beast and the ten horns hate the prostitute and will destroy her—this occurs by God’s decree (v.17). Even Satan’s agents are unwitting instruments of God’s purpose.

Doctrinal emphasis: God’s sovereignty extends even over evil powers; His purposes will be accomplished (Isaiah 46:9-10; Romans 8:28).

3. The Futility and Self-Destruction of Evil

The woman is destroyed by the very powers with whom she committed spiritual adultery. Evil, when fully matured, turns on itself. This is part of divine justice.

Doctrinal emphasis: Sin is self-destructive, and alliances outside God’s will eventually collapse (Proverbs 14:12; Galatians 6:7).

4. The Reliability of Prophecy

The angel tells John that the vision “calls for a mind with wisdom” (v.9). This indicates that God’s Word is trustworthy but requires spiritual discernment. Prophecy is not to mystify, but to reveal truth to the faithful.

Doctrinal emphasis: The Bible is inerrant and sufficient, and prophecy is part of God’s revelation meant to instruct and equip the church (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

5. The Mystery of Babylon

Babylon represents a revived version of man’s ancient rebellion against God (Genesis 11). It is religious, political, and commercial. Revelation shows its final form will be destroyed before Christ returns.

Doctrinal emphasis: God’s people must separate from spiritual compromise and worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis (NIV)

Revelation 17:1-2

“One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.’”

Explanation:
 The “great prostitute” symbolizes a religious-political system that draws people away from the true God. “Sits by many waters” refers to her worldwide influence (cf. v.15). Spiritual adultery refers to idolatry and compromise (Jeremiah 3:6-9; James 4:4).

Cross-References:

Application:
 Believers must resist the pull of worldly compromise and remain faithful to Christ alone.

Revelation 17:3-5

“Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast… The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”

Explanation:
 The wilderness reflects moral and spiritual desolation. The beast symbolizes Antichristian power (cf. Revelation 13). The woman’s identity reveals her as the root of all false religions and corrupt alliances opposed to God.

Doctrinal Insight:
 This imagery supports the doctrine of the total depravity of man and the pervasive influence of sin in human systems.

Cross-References:

Application:
 Christians must discern religious deception and avoid syncretism.

Revelation 17:6

“I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.”

Explanation:
 This religious system persecutes true believers. False religion and corrupt political powers are often hostile to genuine Christian witness.

Cross-References:

  • Matthew 24:9 – Believers will be hated and killed.

  • John 16:2 – Some will kill believers thinking they serve God.

Application:
 Be prepared for persecution and remain steadfast in faith.

Revelation 17:7-11

The angel explains the beast, the seven heads, and ten horns.

Explanation:
 The beast “once was, now is not, and yet will come” parallels the counterfeit resurrection of the Antichrist. The seven heads symbolize seven mountains (often linked to Rome) and also seven kings. The eighth king is the beast himself.

Cross-References:

Doctrinal Insight:
 Satan’s counterfeit kingdom imitates God’s work but is rooted in deception and destruction.

Revelation 17:12-14

“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings…”

Explanation:
 Despite temporary unity among world powers, they cannot overcome Christ. He is supreme, sovereign, and victorious.

Cross-References:

Application:
 Our allegiance must be to Christ the King, even in a hostile world.

Revelation 17:15-18

“The waters you saw… are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages… God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose.”

Explanation:
 The harlot’s destruction is part of God’s sovereign plan. Evil destroys itself under divine providence.

Cross-References:

Application:
 Trust God’s control over world events and judgment of evil.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Christ as the Triumphant Lamb

Revelation 17:14 explicitly reveals Christ as “Lord of lords and King of kings.” He leads the faithful and conquers all demonic and worldly opposition. This points to the centrality of Jesus in redemptive history as the victorious Savior.

2. Judgment Belongs to Christ

Just as Jesus is the Redeemer, He is also the righteous Judge (John 5:22; Acts 17:31). The judgment of Babylon prepares the way for His visible return (Revelation 19).

3. Jesus Is the True Bridegroom

In contrast to the prostitute (false religion), Christ is the Bridegroom of the true Church (Revelation 19:7-9; Ephesians 5:25-27). This chapter reminds us of the spiritual war between the counterfeit and the authentic.

4. Jesus and the Cost of Discipleship

The saints are “those who bear testimony to Jesus” and are martyred. Following Christ means laying down our lives, if necessary, for the sake of the gospel (Luke 9:23; Revelation 12:11).

Connection to God the Father

1. The Father’s Sovereignty Over History

God the Father orchestrates all events, including the rise and fall of nations and evil powers. Verse 17 is pivotal: “For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose.” This reflects the absolute sovereignty of the Father (Isaiah 46:9-10; Daniel 4:35).

2. The Father’s Justice and Wrath Against Sin

This chapter is a demonstration of divine wrath against rebellion and idolatry. The judgment on Babylon reveals God’s holy character and His intolerance of spiritual adultery.

3. The Father’s Protection of His People

Though persecution is real, the ultimate victory belongs to the Lamb and those with Him—those “called, chosen, and faithful” (v.14). These believers are secure in the Father’s redemptive plan (John 10:29).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Though Revelation 17 does not mention the Holy Spirit explicitly, His presence and ministry are evident through the chapter’s discernment, revelation, and warning.

1. The Holy Spirit as the Source of Revelation

John is “carried away in the Spirit” (v.3), indicating that this vision is Spirit-led and Spirit-revealed. The Spirit is the One who discloses divine truth to the church (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10).

2. The Spirit Gives Discernment

Understanding the identity of Babylon requires wisdom (v.9). This spiritual wisdom is given through the Spirit (Ephesians 1:17; 1 John 2:20). The Spirit helps believers distinguish between the true Bride of Christ and the counterfeit systems of the world.

3. The Spirit Strengthens Believers Under Persecution

Those martyred for the faith (v.6) bore testimony to Jesus, empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit emboldens the church to remain faithful in hostile environments.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The Fall of Babylon: Discern the Deception, Follow the Lamb”
 Text: Revelation 17
 Goal: To help believers identify false religion, trust God’s sovereign plan, and remain faithful to Christ.

Introduction:

  • Open with a story or headline about widespread deception (e.g., a financial scam, fake news, or counterfeit products).

  • State the reality: Just as people fall for lies in this world, Revelation 17 shows a global spiritual deception at work.

  • Introduce Babylon as the symbol of false religion and spiritual compromise.

Point 1: The Great Prostitute—A Picture of Spiritual Corruption (vv.1–6)

Explanation: The woman represents false religion that leads nations away from God.
 Application: Are we discerning what we believe and follow? Are we flirting with compromise?
 Transition: The vision continues with an explanation of the beast she rides.

Point 2: The Beast and the Kings—Temporary Power, Ultimate Collapse (vv.7–13)

Explanation: The beast and the kings seem powerful, but they serve a doomed system.
 Illustration: Like a criminal empire built on lies—it may rise fast, but it collapses from within.
 Application: Trusting in worldly systems for security or identity will ultimately fail.

Point 3: The Triumph of the Lamb—Christ Reigns Supreme (v.14)

Explanation: Jesus is “Lord of lords and King of kings.”
 Application: We must align with Christ, not culture.
 Example: A soldier who defects to the wrong army faces destruction. We must remain faithful to Christ, the rightful King.

Point 4: God’s Sovereignty Over Judgment (vv.15–18)

Explanation: Even the destruction of Babylon is part of God’s plan. Evil destroys itself under God’s direction.
 Application: God is not absent in chaos. He is working out His purposes.
 Illustration: Like a master chess player, God uses even the enemy’s moves to fulfill His will.

Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness

  • Babylon will fall, but the Bride of Christ will endure.

  • Choose today whom you will serve—don’t be seduced by counterfeit faith.

  • Call to Action: Examine your life. Repent of compromise. Follow Christ with full loyalty.

Scripture for Appeal:

“Come out of her, my people” – Revelation 18:4 (tease for next chapter).

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern-Day Illustration: The Luxury Scam

Use the story of counterfeit luxury goods. Many people buy designer bags that look authentic but are fake. The counterfeits fool the eye but lack quality and legal standing.
 Point: False religion may appear beautiful, persuasive, and culturally acceptable—but it leads to ruin.

2. Personal Example: The Mask of Religion

Share a story (real or personal) of someone who grew up in a religious system but later encountered the truth of the gospel.
 Point: Religion without Christ is a dead end. Only Jesus gives life.

3. Analogy: Titanic Faith

The Titanic was considered unsinkable, yet it sank. People trusted in its might rather than heeding warnings.
 Point: Trusting in the world system (Babylon) is like boarding the Titanic. It may look glorious, but it’s destined to sink. Jesus is the lifeboat.

Application for Today’s Christian

Revelation 17 is not just a warning for the future—it speaks powerfully to how believers should live today, especially in a culture that increasingly mirrors Babylon‘s deception and rebellion.

1. Discipleship: Stay Spiritually Alert

  • Be grounded in truth. Christians must be rooted in Scripture to discern false teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

  • Cultivate discernment. Not every system, leader, or spiritual movement that claims to represent God is authentic (1 John 4:1).

Practical Step: Commit to regular Bible reading, accountability with mature believers, and engagement in a biblically sound church community.

2. Stewardship: Invest in What Will Last

  • Babylon represents wasted wealth, false beauty, and temporary glory. Christians are called to steward their resources for eternal purposes.

  • Do not be intoxicated by materialism or success as defined by the world (Matthew 6:19-21).

Practical Step: Review your finances, schedule, and attention—are they aligned with God’s Kingdom priorities?

3. Faithfulness: Reject Compromise

  • The woman in Revelation 17 draws the nations into spiritual adultery. Christians are the Bride of Christ and must reject spiritual compromise.

  • Even under pressure, believers are called to remain faithful witnesses (Revelation 17:6).

Practical Step: Examine areas of life where you’re tempted to compromise biblical convictions—entertainment, ethics, relationships—and surrender them to Christ.

4. Courage: Prepare for Persecution

Practical Step: Pray for boldness, support persecuted believers globally, and prepare your heart to stand for Christ even when it’s unpopular.

Connection to God’s Love

Though Revelation 17 describes judgment and destruction, God’s love and care for humanity are still clearly evident.

1. God Warns Because He Loves

  • The vivid imagery of Babylon’s fall is not meant to merely shock but to warn and call to repentance. God lovingly exposes the dangers of false worship so His people will not be deceived.

  • Revelation 18:4 (next chapter) echoes God’s invitation: “Come out of her, my people.”

2. God Preserves His People

  • Even in the midst of chaos, God protects “those with the Lamb—called, chosen and faithful” (v.14). His love secures believers in Christ, no matter how strong the opposition.

3. God Is Just Because He Loves

  • True love cannot tolerate evil indefinitely. Babylon’s fall demonstrates God’s love for truth, holiness, and the oppressed. His justice is an expression of His care for His creation.

4. God Is Working Toward Restoration

  • The fall of Babylon clears the way for the return of Christ and the renewal of all things (Revelation 19-22). God’s judgment on evil is the beginning of His final act of redemption.

Broader Biblical Themes

Revelation 17 fits into the larger story of Scripture and reinforces major theological truths from Genesis to Revelation.

1. Creation: Designed for Worship

  • Humanity was created to worship and walk with God. Babylon represents a perversion of this purpose, redirecting worship toward idols, pleasure, and self (Romans 1:25).

2. Rebellion and Judgment

  • From the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) to Babylon in Revelation, mankind’s rebellion has always centered on self-exaltation. God consistently judges such rebellion but also offers grace.

3. Redemption Through Christ

  • The Lamb in Revelation 17:14 reminds us of the center of redemption: Jesus Christ crucified and risen. His triumph ensures the final defeat of evil and the deliverance of His people.

4. Covenant Faithfulness

  • The contrast between the harlot and the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19) emphasizes God’s covenant relationship with His people. While false religion is unfaithful, God remains loyal and calls His people to loyalty in return.

5. Kingdom of God vs. Kingdom of Man

Reflection Questions

Use these for personal meditation, discipleship discussions, or small group study. Encourage honesty, prayerful reflection, and Spirit-led application.

1. Where do I see the influence of “Babylon” in my life, culture, or church?

  • What teachings, practices, or values around me tempt me to compromise God’s truth?

  • In what areas might I be “intoxicated” with worldly priorities?

2. How do I guard my heart from religious deception and spiritual adultery?

  • Am I regularly feeding on Scripture and growing in biblical discernment?

  • Who or what has the loudest voice in shaping my worldview?

3. What does faithfulness to Jesus look like in a world that often rewards compromise?

  • How can I prepare my heart to stand firm under pressure or persecution?

  • Are there places in my life where I need to repent and return to Christ?

4. How does knowing that God is in full control (even over evil rulers) affect how I live today?

  • Do I trust God’s sovereignty over current events and world powers?

  • How can I live with greater peace and confidence in God’s plan?

5. In what ways am I investing in things that will outlast this world?

  • Do my time, resources, and energy reflect the priorities of Christ’s Kingdom?

  • What changes can I make to steward my life more faithfully for eternity?

6. What does it mean for me to follow the Lamb wherever He goes (v.14)?

  • How is Jesus calling me to deeper obedience today?

  • What areas of my life need fresh surrender to His Lordship?

7. How can I help others come out of spiritual deception and find life in Christ?

  • Am I bold in my witness?

  • Who in my life needs the warning and hope found in Revelation 17?

Related Videos