Revelation Chapter 17

This study, taught by pastor Barry Forder at our Sunday morning service on Sunday 29th May 2016 is the 18th in our verse-by-verse study through the book of Revelation.

This is possibly one of the most important chapters in the Bible in regard to our understanding of history; and also explains why there are so many false religions in the world. Sadly this does not get taught and is replaced by misinformation, deliberate deceit and outright lies. However, anyone interested in the truth does not have to dig far to uncover some startling information that will change the way we look at the world.

On one level, this chapter is not as difficult as it may first appear. As with many portions of scripture, particularly prophecy, the answers and explanations for the symbols and imagery used are clearly explained in the verses that follow. Remember that this was all new to John as well, but the purpose of allowing John to see these things was not to confuse him but to show him “things which must shortly come to pass” (Rev 1:1). God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). It is advisable to read the whole chapter before looking at each verse on its own.

In this chapter we will find some key characters, some of whom we have already met, which will make the task of identifying them much easier.

  • Great Whore  / Scarlet Beast / Seven heads / Seven mountains / Ten horns / Ten kings

Identifying what the Great Whore is, is not too difficult if we simply stick to what the scripture reveals and allow that to guide us. The question that is still open to much debate, even amongst some of the best Bible scholars is, who she is; i.e. can we put a name to the face? I believe, because of the information we are given in chapters 17 & 18, that we can identify her. Not only that, but once we do, it sheds light on the times we are living in and helps us to understand why seven times in Matthew 24 Jesus warned of great deception in the last days.

May this study encourage you and deepen your love for God and His Word!

To aid your personal study, the Powerpoint slides used in this teaching are available for download here, and a verse-by-verse text commentary of Revelation Chapter 17 is also available in the Pastor’s Blog section of this web site entitled: “The Woman & The Beast”

Every blessing,

Pastor Barry.

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