Revelation 14:6-12

The Vision of the Three Angels.

Revelation 14:6. an eternal gospel: it is doubtful whether gospel is here used in its technical sense. It probably means a proclamation of good news. The proclamation here is one which urges men to fear and worship God in view of the coming judgment (cf. Mark 1:15).

Revelation 14:8. Babylon: there can be no doubt that Babylon here means Rome. There are traces in other apocalyptic literature of the same usage of the word. fornication: probably in a metaphorical sense to denote idolatry.

Revelation 14:9. worshippeth the beast: a reference to Emperor-worship. The beast is probably Nero, as in ch. 13. mark in his forehead: cf. Revelation 13:16.

Revelation 14:10. The description of the punishment of the pagan world is based upon the imagery of Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 30:33; Isaiah 51:22 f.

Revelation 14:13. a new beatitude which needed a voice from heaven to proclaim it (Swete). [ Yea, saith the Spirit the response of the inspired seer. that they may rest: in that they rest. Their labours are over, but not their works, for their works follow with them. A. J. G.]