Paths in Biblical Studies

Book of Revelation · Chapter 19 of 22

Revelation 19: Verse-by-Verse Commentary (with Videos)

21 verses · 7 video commentaries from 3 courses · Berean Standard Bible

1After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!

2For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”

3And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.”

4And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying: “Amen, Hallelujah!”

5Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you who serve Him, and those who fear Him, small and great alike!”

6And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.

7Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.

8She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.

9Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

10So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

11Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war.

12He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.

13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God.

14The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses.

15And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

16And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

17Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God,

18so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”

19Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.

20But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

21And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Revelation 19 Section and Chapter Commentary

Rev 19:11-21

Being 'God-like' can be interpreted as hating enemies

The biblical injunction to be 'God-like' is often understood positively, implying love, kindness, and mercy. However, if one considers God's actions in the Book of Revelation, being 'God-like' could also be interpreted as hating enemies, including humans, and destroying the vast majority of the human race, even some who thought they were faithful. This interpretation can lead to justifying violence against those perceived as God's opponents.

Summarized by AI · The Bible and the Quran: Comparing Their Historical Problems · Lecture 7: A History of Hatred, Intolerance, and Violence | Is the Bible to Blame? · watch the clip

God as Divine Warrior in the Bible

The theme of God as a divine warrior is prevalent throughout the Bible. Initially, God appears as a warrior fighting for Israel against their physical enemies. Later, this theme evolves to an anticipated return of the divine warrior who will judge both spiritual and human enemies of God, as seen in Revelation and other passages.

Summarized by AI · The Bible and the Quran: Comparing Their Historical Problems · Lecture 8: A History of Hatred, Intolerance, and Violence | Is the Quran to Blame? · watch the clip

Jesus' Paradigm Shift from Domination to Service

While some New Testament texts, like Revelation, still reflect a theology of dominance, Jesus' teachings advocate for a radical shift away from domination towards service. He emphasized that his followers should not seek to dominate others, as Gentiles do, but rather to serve one another and embody the humility of a child. This ideological shift from power and control to service and self-sacrifice is a core aspect of Jesus' ethical message.

Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Paul Said WHAT About Women? Debunking Misused Bible Verses · watch the clip

Revelation 19 Verse Notes

Rev 19:11

Jesus as a Vengeful Divine Warrior in Revelation

In Revelation, Jesus is depicted through various images, including the glorious resurrected Son of Man, a slain Lamb, and a Divine Warrior on horseback. The overarching portrayal is of Christ returning in vengeance to make his enemies pay for his death. This Lamb, who was slain, is the one who orchestrates calamities, plagues, wars, famines, and slaughter upon the Earth.

Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Does John of Patmos Accept the Gospel of Jesus? · watch the clip

Jesus's Pacifism vs. Revelation's Violence

The Jesus of the Gospels is portrayed as a pacifist who advocated turning the other cheek, loving enemies, and praying for persecutors, aiming for conversion rather than harm. While Jesus predicted a day of judgment where God would destroy enemies, he did not instruct humans to participate in this violence. This contrasts sharply with Revelation's graphic descriptions of Christ inflicting torture and slaughter, and its encouragement of human violence.

Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Does John of Patmos Accept the Gospel of Jesus? · watch the clip

Rev 19:15

The Book of Revelation depicts God's wrath and violence

Contrary to the common misconception that the Old Testament portrays a God of wrath while the New Testament presents a God of love, the Book of Revelation in the New Testament explicitly details God's wrath, violence, blood, and vengeance. It does not mention God commanding love, but rather describes a series of disasters and torments inflicted upon humankind, culminating in the destruction of non-believers.

Summarized by AI · The Bible and the Quran: Comparing Their Historical Problems · Lecture 7: A History of Hatred, Intolerance, and Violence | Is the Bible to Blame? · watch the clip

Rev 19:19-20

Christ's Ultimate Victory Over Evil

Despite the temporary reign of the beast and the false prophet, Revelation assures its readers of Christ's ultimate victory. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the lake of fire, signifying the final defeat of Satan and his associated figures.

Summarized by AI · Demons and Ghosts in the Bible · Lecture 12: Satan and the "Antichrist" in the New Testament · watch the clip

Loading scripture...