Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Revelation 17:14

An abrupt and proleptic allusion to Revelation 19:11-21; the Christian messiah is the true King of kings (a side reference to the well-known Parthian title). This is the first time that John brings the Lamb on the scene of earthly action. He now appears at the side, or rather at the head, of his followers in the final crisis, not in a struggle preceding the sack of Rome. He and Satan (as represented by the empire) are the real protagonists. Note the share assigned to the faithful in this victory (after Revelation 2:26-27). The war fought on their behalf by the Lamb is their fight also (cf. on Revelation 19:14); its success rests on the divine election and their corresponding loyalty (cf. Revelation 12:11; Revelation 13:8; a Zoroastrian parallel in Yasht xiii. 48; the favourite description of the saints in Enoch as “chosen [and] righteous”; and Passio Perpetuae, xxi., “o fortissimi martyres o uere uocati et electi in gloriam Domini nostri Jesu Christi”). The redeeming power of Christ, together with the adoration which he alone can rightfully claim, make his cause more than equal to the empires of the world (cf. the thought of Isaiah 53:12).

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Revelation 17:14

Old Testament

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