Introduction
A.M. 4100. A.D. 96.
In this chapter,
(1,) A mighty and glorious angel proclaims the final fall and utter ruin of Rome, and of the Papal state, on account of her corrupting the nations with apostacy, idolatry, luxury, and unlawful tragic, Revelation 18:1-3 .
(2,) A voice from heaven admonishes the people of God to forsake her communion, lest, partaking of her sins, they should also partake of her fearful and expected plagues, Revelation 18:4-8 .
(3,) Her supporters, friends, and traders in indulgences, pardons, relics, and preferments, or even common merchandise, mournfully bewail her tremendous and sudden destruction, Revelation 18:9-19 .
(4,) Christ’s glorified and militant saints and ministers are called to rejoice in her ruin, as sudden, furious, complete, and irretrievable, and a full punishment of her murdering the saints, Revelation 18:20-24 .
In the former chapter the angel-interpreter, or messenger, has given us a key to the meaning of the prophecy, which describes this third and most lasting period, in which the saints were to suffer for their faith and constancy; that they might expect a time of temptation and suffering; that they might be more careful to confirm their faith and patience, and encourage their perseverance. This chapter represents another angel sent from heaven to reveal the sure judgments of God on these enemies of pure and genuine Christianity, to foretel their sure destruction, and in as eminent a manner as God ever appeared to punish Babylon or Tyre, the ancient enemies of true religion. This part of the prophecy is very fit and proper for the general design of it, to warn and caution true Christians against the corruption of the time and age in which they live, to give them consolation in all their sufferings, through hope in the protection of God, of deliverance in a proper time, and of a glorious reward in the end.
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