Revelation of John 14:6-13
Summary for Rev 14:6-13: 14:6-13 a Three angels are flying through the sky with messages from God.Summary for Rev 14:6-7: 14:6-7 b The first angel proclaims the eternal Good News, which includes the message that God will sit as judge—the end is near, so this message provides a last-chance summons to repentance.
14:8 c Babylon is probably a cryptic designation for Rome (see 16:19 d; 17:5-9 e); it represents earthly power and corruption. The coming of God as judge (14:7 f) includes the end of earthly powers.
Summary for Rev 14:9-11: 14:9-11 g The third angel announces God’s judgment (14:7 h) on the counterfeit worship of the beast and his statue (see 13:12-18 i; 19:20 j; 20:4 k). God’s response to the rebellion against his reign is anger or wrath, pictured as a cup of bitter wine (see ch 16 l; 19:15 m).
• fire and burning sulfur ... smoke: This description of judgment (see also 19:20 n; 20:10 o, 14-15 p) echoes God’s judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18:16–19:28 q).
• Those condemned to a fiery end will suffer in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb (cp. Luke 16:22-24 r).
14:12 s The threat of persecution and death was very real to the Christians first reading this letter, so John calls God’s people to obedience and faithfulness (see 2:10 t; 3:10 u; 12:17 v; 13:10 w).
14:13 x A dramatic voice from heaven once again instructs John to write (see 1:11 y, 19 z; 21:5 aa; cp. 10:4 ab).
• Blessed are those who die in the Lord: God desires that those who endure persecution be with him and enjoy his blessings and rest.
• The mention of hard work and good deeds in connection with eternal reward foreshadows the assigning of rewards based on works (20:12 ac).
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