What modern cities resemble the "great city" in Revelation 11:8? The Text: Revelation 11:8 “Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where their Lord was also crucified.” Key Marks of the “Great City” • Literally Jerusalem—“where their Lord was crucified.” • Figuratively “Sodom” (sexual immorality, pride, cruelty; cf. Genesis 19:4-8; Ezekiel 16:49). • Figuratively “Egypt” (idolatry, political oppression, bondage; cf. Exodus 1:13-14; Isaiah 31:1). • Global fascination—“those from every people, tribe, language, and nation” gaze on the witnesses (Revelation 11:9). • Center of commerce and culture (parallels Revelation 18:3). • Hostile to prophetic truth—kills the two witnesses. • Boasts in self-sufficiency until divine judgment falls (Revelation 18:7-8). How These Marks Surface in Today’s World Look for cities that… • Dominate finance, media, or politics on a worldwide scale. • Market and celebrate sexual freedom far from biblical boundaries. • Elevate false religion, secularism, or self-worship. • Marginalize or persecute clear gospel witness. • Draw global tourism and adulation—people “marvel” at them (Revelation 17:6-8). • Promise prosperity and pleasure yet incubate spiritual bondage. Modern Cities That Bear a Family Resemblance (Below are illustrations, not inspired identifications. The final fulfillment remains with Jerusalem in the last days.) • New York City – Epicenter of global finance (Wall Street), media, fashion; round-the-clock celebration of materialism. • London – Historic seat of empire, banking, and entertainment; increasingly secular and sexually progressive. • Paris – “City of Lights,” renowned for sensuality, art, and luxury; strong secularist tradition. • Dubai – Instant wealth, record-breaking towers, lavish lifestyles built on worldly opulence. • Shanghai – Showcase of China’s economic rise, skyscrapers glittering while the church faces tightening control. • Beijing – Political power hub, surveillance state, and active suppression of overt Christian witness. • Los Angeles/Hollywood – Global exporter of entertainment that normalizes immorality and mocks biblical values. • Las Vegas – Markets itself as “Sin City,” brazenly celebrating gambling, lust, and excess. • San Francisco – Pioneer of sexual revolutions and technocratic influence; strong hostility toward historic Christian ethics. • Rome – Religious prestige, art, and tourism layered with doctrines and traditions often at odds with Scripture. • Tehran – Political-religious powerhouse where prophetic truth is officially suppressed and believers are persecuted. Linked Passages to Keep in View • Luke 13:33 – Jesus connects Jerusalem with the murder of prophets. • 1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” • Revelation 17–18 – Babylon the Great; economic allure, rampant immorality, sudden downfall. • 2 Peter 2:6-9 – God reserves judgment for cities that replicate Sodom’s sins. • Hebrews 11:10 – Believers “look forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Living in the Shadow of Such Cities • Guard your heart—materialism and sensuality are contagious (Proverbs 4:23). • Stay distinct—shine as lights amid “a crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15). • Bear witness—like the two witnesses, speak truth even when unpopular (Acts 4:20). • Await the better city—“we have here no lasting city, but we are seeking the one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). |
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