In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin to look at the 3rd main section of the Book of Revelation--the account of the Great Prostitute. This account does not get enough attention when it comes to understanding the Book of Revelation. Rob argues that this section may be one of the most important parts of the Book of Revelation. Have we been seduced by the Great Prostitute?

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Show Notes:

17:1-6

1. 17:18 Great City: Rome

1. Babylon: epitaph for Rome
2. 17:9 she sits on 7 hills/mountains

Babylon is materialism; commercialism; food, clothing, shelter; comfort; pleasure

4 main stories/scenes

• John taken to a new location (Patmos, Heaven, Wilderness, Mountain)
• John is told to “come”
• John was “in the Spirit”

The Great Prostitute and the Bride

Contrasting visions of two women

• The two women are actually cities
• The Great Prostitute is said to be, “a home of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit and a prison of every unclean bird” (18:2).
• The Bride, is the Holy City/New Jerusalem into which, “nothing unclean will enter” (21:27).

• The Great Prostitute, Babylon, a voice says, “Come out of her, My people” (18:4).
• the Bride, it is affirmed, “Blessed are the ones . . . who enter into the city” (22:14).

17:1-19:10 is a courtroom scene

• the people of God function as the plaintiffs.
• The defendant is the Great Prostitute.
• God: “the One sitting on the throne” (19:4) serves as the judge.
• The charge against the Prostitute is murder (18:24).
• The case before the judge is the martyrs’ cry for justice.

Revelation is critiquing empire and offering an alternative kingdom

The book of Revelation must be viewed through the lens of contrasting kingdoms.

Wilderness is where the people of God are! (3x 12:6, 14; 17:3)

There are 4 women in the book of Revelation: Jezebel (2:20-23); Woman 12:1-17; Great Prostitute (17:1-19:10); Bride (21:9-22:9)

John’s portrait of her suggests that she is attractive and seductive.