* One of the angels who had the vials, explains the meaning of the
former vision of the antichristian beast that was to reign 1260 years,
and then to be destroyed. (1-6) And interprets the mystery of the
woman, and the beast that had seven heads and ten horns. (7-18)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-6 Rome clearly appears to be meant in this chapter. Pagan Rome
subdued and ruled with military power, not by art and flatteries. She
left the nations in general to their ancient usages and worship. But
it is well known that by crafty and politic management, with all kinds
of deceit of unrighteous... [ Continue Reading ]
7-14 The beast on which the woman sat was, and is not, and yet is. It
was a seat of idolatry and persecution, and is not; not in the ancient
form, which was pagan: yet it is; it is truly the seat of idolatry and
tyranny, though of another sort and form. It would deceive into stupid
and blind submis... [ Continue Reading ]
15-18 God so ruled the hearts of these kings, by his power over them,
and by his providence, that they did those things, without intending
it, which he purposed and foretold. They shall see their folly, and
how they have been bewitched and enslaved by the harlot, and be made
instruments in her destr... [ Continue Reading ]