By Coty Pinckney

Read the section from 17:1 to 19:10 once, then read 18:1 to 19:10 at least two more times, without looking at notes or commentaries. Then read Isaiah 47 in its entirety. If you are really ambitious, read Jeremiah 50 and 51 also.

(1) Enumerate the parallels between Isaiah 47 and Revelation 18. How was the prophecy in Isaiah fulfilled originally (see Daniel 5)?

(2) In chapter 17 Babylon is pictured primarily as a prostitute. What is the predominant picture of Babylon in chapter 18?

(3) Think of chapter 18 as the script for a play. Who are the speakers? List and number them.

(4) Look at the first speaker’s statements. Why does he say that Babylon has fallen?

(5) Why does the second speaker say that Babylon has been judged? How will she be judged? Why is this judgment just?

(6) When does the second speaker stop speaking? (Remember, in the Greek New Testament there are no quotation marks; translators must interpret the text in order to place quotation marks. Thus, the quotation marks in your translation are not inspired . . .)

(7) Consider the reaction of the third group of speakers. Why are they terrified? What aspect of the judgement do they focus on?

(8) Consider the fourth group of speakers. Why are they upset? Why do they love the city? What items are in their cargo that we would find unusual? How could this have both a historical and a spiritual fulfillment? What aspect of the judgment do these speakers focus on? How is their focus different from that of the third group of speakers.

(9) Who speaks verse 20? Some translations group verses 19 and 20 together, as spoken by the 5^th group. Others have verse 20 spoken by the second speaker, as his conclusion. Consider these two options. What is the focus of the fifth group of speakers in verse 19? Is verse 20 more consistent with that verse or with the other statements made by the second speaker?

(10) How can you summarize the statements of the 6^th speaker? How is his statement consistent with his action?

(11) Consider 19:1-4. Have we heard all these speakers before in Revelation? What is the meaning of "Hallelujah"? What is the cause of their rejoicing? Why are God’s judgments said to be righteous or just?

(12) In verses 5-9, what is the new cause of rejoicing? Why is this particularly appropriate? Who is the bride? Contrast the details of the bride with the details of the woman in chapter 17 and the city in chapter 18.

(13) Given our understanding of Babylon and the bride, what are the implications for us today of this section of Revelation? Consider our discussion of "real reality" once again.

Now read Wilcock pages 166-174 and the second half of Stedman’s sermon on 17:1 to 19:5. Revise your answers to the questions in light of their comments.

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2. A link is provided to http://www.expository.org/revstintro.htm for those who want to see the original study guide;
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This data file in its original or modified form may not be copied for resale or incorporated in any commercial publications, or other products offered for sale, without the written permission of Thomas C. Pinckney, tpinckney@williams.edu, c/o Community Bible Church, Harrison Ave, Williamstown, MA 01267.