How does Revelation 17:6 connect with Jesus' warnings about persecution in John 15:18-20? Revelation 17:6 — a snapshot of persecution “I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses to Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight.” • John is shown a literal future scene: a powerful, seductive world system (“the woman”) so intoxicated with murdering believers that she is pictured as drunk on their blood. • The verse highlights two groups the system targets: – “the saints” — all who belong to Christ. – “witnesses to Jesus” — those who publicly testify about Him. • The apostle’s amazement signals how intense and widespread the slaughter will be. John 15:18-20 — Jesus prepares His friends “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first…” • Jesus speaks plainly: hatred of believers is not accidental; it is the world’s response to Him. • Key phrases: – “Because you are not of the world… the world hates you.” – “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” • The Lord sets an expectation: persecution is certain for those who remain loyal to Him. How the two passages connect • Same aggressor, different vantage points – John 15 shows the origin of hostility: the world’s hatred for Jesus. – Revelation 17 shows the culmination: the world system finally unleashes that hatred in full, shedding the blood of Christ’s people. • Same target – Jesus speaks to His disciples. – Revelation pictures “saints” and “witnesses,” the very ones who followed His word. • Same purpose in God’s plan – John 15: persecution is part of discipleship; it separates genuine followers from pretenders. – Revelation 17: persecution becomes evidence in God’s courtroom, proving the world’s guilt and justifying its final judgment (Revelation 18:20). Additional scriptural threads • 2 Timothy 3:12 — “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” • Acts 14:22 — “We must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations.” • Matthew 5:10-12 — Blessing pronounced on those reviled for Jesus’ sake. • Revelation 6:9-11 — Souls under the altar cry out, waiting for the vindication promised in chapters 17-19. Why this matters for us • Persecution is not a surprise; Jesus forecast it. • Revelation shows God still sees, records, and will avenge every injustice (Revelation 19:2). • Knowing both passages comforts believers: hatred from the world is confirmation, not contradiction, of God’s plan. • The vision calls us to steadfast witness, confident that “the Lamb will triumph” (Revelation 17:14) and every faithful sufferer will share His victory. |
    |