Revelation 18:1-24The Fall of the Beast
American Journal of Biblical Theology
Copyright © 2008, J.W. Carter Scripture quotes from KJV
Revelation 18:1-24American Journal of Biblical Theology
Chapter 18 continues the drama first presented in Chapter 17 that itself is a continuation of the bowl judgments of Chapters 15 and 16. Chapter 17 first, through the metaphors of the prostitute and the beast, provides readers with a vivid description of the depths of sin into which this world is immersed, a sin that is characterized by an idolatry that is promoted by all world religions and governments, by the authority of those in power, placed their through the sin that is in the hearts of the people they govern. All of this worldly godlessness that so vexes and persecutes the faithful stands upon a single source: satan, himself. As the early church struggled to come to terms with the godless authorities around them, John provides words of encouragement, clearly showing that these influences that surround the church are not of God, but of satan, assuring them of the truth of the gospel and the faith and obedience they demonstrate as they resist evil.
Chapter 17 leaves us with a vision of an exposed and ugly satan who is revealed for the blasphemous and hateful being that he truly is, first having deceived the world into seeing him as attractive and desirable, but now fully known for his powerlessness and evil. John does not leave us with an empowered and evil satan who will continue to reign as one who is unstoppable or unhindered as it would seem to appear to many of the faithful of this world. John continually reminds his readers that the faithful are securely residing around God’s throne as God deals with the judgment of satan. In Chapter 18, John reveals satan’s utter defeat as he falls powerless before the glory of God, a defeat that is witnessed by those who followed him. The influence that satan has had to draw people away from God will come to an end when his exposition to all results in hatred turning upon hatred, the fall of his dominion, and his final destruction.
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.
An angel is a representative of a message from God. The character of the angel is always consistent with the character of the message he brings, and this angel is described with a dual character. First, this angel has great authority. The message that the angel is about to bring is characterized by great authority and power. When this authority comes from the throne of God’s grace, it is carrying the very authority of God, Himself. This is a message that is inviolable and unchallengeable. This is a message against which no other authority can stand, particularly those who have followed the beast.
The second characteristic of this angel is a splendor that is so great that it illuminates the entire earth. Though this earth seems to be saturated with the darkness of evil, this message, this Word of God, shines brightly on every surface and every dark corner as it exposes all of the sin that satan has so long worked to hide.
We see a wonderful contrast between the dark imagery of Chapter 17 and that of Chapter 18. This Chapter begins like a new dawn, a bright rising sun that overpowers and vanquishes what was once a dark and fearful night. Chapter 17 reveals the true intent and evil of satan and the darkness that he brings to all who give him their power. However, like a rising sun, a new light flows unimpeded over the scene, a light that is the very character and splendor of God and His glory, a light that chases away the darkness and brings the hope and the promise of a new day.
What is this message that is so seminal to John’s presentation? What is a message that is of such importance and power that it creates such a dramatic change to the imagery of Chapter 17, taking it from darkness to light?