Revelation- Victory in Jesus
Ch. 18- The Description of the Empire’s Fall!

This chapter is much clearer than the last few! I think it will make pretty good sense to you. Our study will be broken down into several subcategories.

Heaven’s decree: “Rome is fallen!” (Vv. 1-8)

V1-3- Much of this chapter has on OYT background, within its description of Babylon, which is here used by John to picture the destruction of Rome, a.k.a. “the NT Babylon”.
The Angel announces Rome’s final fall as an empire. John doesn’t see it or even describe it, but he assures us of its certainty! The description of Rome used paints an ugly picture of gloom and desolation!

V4-8- A 2nd voice speaks from heaven (whose we do not know). Why would it call God’s people out of Rome? It is saying to have NO FELLOWSHIP with her sins, much, and especially do not let her plagues and punishments fall on them!!!!!!! What does it mean that Rome’s sins have “piled up to heaven”? I think it is reassuring them that God has SEEN them, and taken notice and God in his longsuffering has decide it has reached a point that punishment is inevitable! (***note…it says to come out of “her”-referring to Rome as the Harlot we discussed last week!)
Rome is going to receive punishment in like, kind and proportion to her sin! It is the practice of “reap what you sow”.
Rome stills boasts ands brags…sadly having no clue of her true nature or what is about to come!
It lists judgments that are most fearful to men: death, mourning, famine and fire!!!!
What does it mean that they will fall “in one day”? We know it isn’t literal, but simply suggests a shortness of time (in relation to its rise to power) and suddenness with which God will bring on their demise.

Grief Over the Fall (Vv. 9-19)

V9-10- The kings of the Earth weep and mourn….why do you think? What have they lost? They have lost much: probably finances, but more importantly POWER…(all power seemed to come from Rome!) Nothing hurts a man in power worse, than to lose it! In their cries one can sense sorrow, pity, regret and even fear! No one thought Rome was capable of falling! It is similar to the cries of us on 9/11.

V11-15- A second group of men weep- The Merchants. Why? What have they lost? This judgment has made it impossible for them to sell their goods! They are broke! Their primary concern is not so much for the empire, but for their own finances and survival!
There are about 30 different items of trade mentioned in the lament. (*** INTERESTING HISTORICAL NOTE- 2 of the items mentioned show the extent of Rome’s powerful reach and trade. Silk came from the Far East, probably China. Citron wood was known for its aroma and beautiful texture and came from N. Africa.)

V16- It is interesting to note the subtle differences in how the 2 different groups (kings and merchants) mourned the fall. The Kings saw Rome as the “mighty city”...indicating its political and military might and power. To them she was indestructible, destined to last for the ages! What did the merchants describe Rome as? To them it was the “great city”, clothed in riches and majesty. They saw her as a powerful marketplace for their business.

V17- Here we see our 3rd group of mourners- all who live off, by or on the sea. What would these folks have to lose from Rome’s demise? This group is vast; it has captains, seamen, passengers, ship workers, shipbuilders, fishermen, pearl merchants etc…. All business that have link to the Nautical profession will suffer…for the same reason that the merchants did.

V19- Any idea why they would throw dust on their heads? That act had long been a sign of grief and mourning (Eze 27:30, Job 2:12). And just like with the merchants, the grief had nothing to do with loyalty to the Empire, but was totally selfish!!

The Call to Rejoice (V20)

V20- This verse may seem out of place to some of you. Pleas understand that this response encouraged and suggested here is not one of joy and gloating over the demise of a great world power, but it is a celebration over the defeat of evil by good! It is rejoicing in victory of righteousness! The cry of the martyrs has been answered.
I believe this verse stands to remind Christians what a difference faith in Jesus makes……just look at the contrast between our response and that of the merchants, kings and seamen!!

Never to Be Found Again (V21-24)

V21- This is the 3rd mighty angel introduced in Revelation. He uses an “object lesson” to make a point. He demonstrates Rome’s fall by casting a boulder into the sea.

V22-23-24- What do you think is the purpose of stating that the sounds of musicians will cease? I think he is making it known that all entertainment and recreation is ceasing! There is northing left to celebrate for Rome!
He also shows that the business world is completely interrupted. Commerce is destroyed. What do you think is the significance of “the millstone will not be heard in you again?” The essentials of living are affected. The millstone served to grind grain for food and breads. These are necessities of human life, now being cut off.
Darkness (which in the Bible is associated with fear, sin, fables, ignorance and punishment) has overtaken the Empire. What does it mean by the silence of the “voice of the bridegroom and bride”? These voices are associated with love, joy, and happiness. Those emotions are now gone in Rome!

Evil will never really triumph! At times, it may seem to be winning, quite often it does, but remember that the total picture is not being shown! Goodness and righteousness will always be victorious! God and his people will always win!!!