What role do "saints and apostles" play in the context of Revelation 18:20? Setting the Scene: Babylon’s Collapse • Revelation 18 describes “Babylon the Great,” a corrupt world system, falling under God’s wrath. • Verse 20 breaks into that narrative with a sudden call to celebrate: “Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.” (Revelation 18:20) Why the Call to Rejoice? • Babylon’s judgment is not merely cosmic drama; it is God’s personal response to centuries of persecution leveled against His people. • The rejoicing is a righteous celebration of divine justice finally executed on behalf of those who suffered for Christ’s name. Who Are the “Saints”? • Every believer set apart by faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 1:7). • Includes martyrs who cried for justice under the altar (Revelation 6:9-11). • Their role in Revelation 18:20: – Receive vindication for their faithful endurance. – Join heaven’s chorus honoring God’s holiness and justice (Revelation 19:1-3). – Anticipate sharing in Christ’s future reign (Revelation 20:4-6). Who Are the “Apostles and Prophets”? • Apostles: Christ-commissioned eyewitnesses (Luke 6:13; Acts 1:8) who laid the church’s foundation (Ephesians 2:20). • Prophets: Spirit-inspired spokesmen, both Old- and New-Testament, who declared God’s Word and often paid with their lives (Matthew 23:34-35). • Their role in this verse: – Stand as representative witnesses whose testimony Babylon silenced (Revelation 18:24). – Serve as proof that God remembers every assault on His messengers (Luke 11:49-51). – Mark the prophetic fulfillment that judgment really has come just as they foretold. Vindication and Justice: What Happens for Them? • God reverses Babylon’s violence: “She shed the blood of saints and prophets” (Revelation 16:6), so He gives her “double” (Revelation 18:6). • The saints, apostles, and prophets do not execute vengeance; they celebrate the righteous Judge who does (Romans 12:19; Revelation 19:2). • Their joy highlights two truths: – God’s PERFECT MEMORY: no act of cruelty against His people is forgotten. – God’s PERFECT TIMING: justice may seem delayed, but it is never denied (2 Peter 3:9-10). Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Psalm 149:5-9 – God’s faithful “exult” as He executes vengeance. • 1 Corinthians 6:2 – “The saints will judge the world,” hinted at here as they rejoice in the verdict. • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 – God “repays with affliction” those who afflict His people and “gives relief” to the afflicted. • Revelation 11:18 – The time comes “to reward Your servants the prophets and saints… and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” Practical Takeaways for Today’s Believer • Perseverance: God’s justice encourages steadfastness when culture grows hostile. • Perspective: Earthly power centers may look invincible, but Revelation 18 shows they are temporary. • Worship: Rejoicing over God’s judgments is not vindictiveness; it is agreement with His holiness. • Hope: The same God who vindicates saints, apostles, and prophets will vindicate every faithful believer who endures to the end. |
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