Revelation 18:4

Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.

Study Bible

Then I heard another voice from heaven say
This phrase introduces a divine command, emphasizing the authority and origin of the message. The "voice from heaven" signifies a direct communication from God, underscoring the importance and urgency of the message. In the biblical context, heavenly voices often convey divine will or judgment, as seen throughout Revelation. The Greek word for "voice" (φωνή, phōnē) can also imply a sound or tone, suggesting the clarity and power of God's communication.

‘Come out of her, my people,’
The call to "Come out of her" is a command for separation from Babylon, symbolizing a corrupt and sinful system. The Greek word for "come out" (ἐξέρχομαι, exerchomai) implies a decisive action of leaving or departing. This echoes the call to holiness and separation found throughout Scripture, such as in 2 Corinthians 6:17, where believers are urged to be distinct from the world. "My people" indicates God's ownership and covenant relationship with His followers, reminiscent of Old Testament language where God calls Israel His people.

so that you will not share in her sins
The phrase "so that you will not share in her sins" warns of the consequences of remaining within Babylon. The Greek word for "share" (συγκοινωνέω, synkoinōneō) means to participate or have fellowship with. This highlights the biblical principle that association with sin leads to complicity. The call is for believers to avoid the moral and spiritual contamination that comes from aligning with ungodly systems, reflecting the biblical theme of purity and holiness.

or contract any of her plagues
The warning "or contract any of her plagues" serves as a caution against the judgment that will befall Babylon. The Greek word for "contract" (λαμβάνω, lambanō) means to receive or take hold of, indicating the inevitability of judgment for those who remain. "Plagues" (πληγή, plēgē) refers to divine punishments, reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt, symbolizing God's righteous judgment against sin. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the protection offered to those who heed God's call.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Voice from Heaven
This is a divine command, likely from God or an angel, urging God's people to separate themselves from Babylon.

2. Babylon
Symbolic of a corrupt and sinful system or city, often interpreted as representing worldly powers or influences that oppose God.

3. My People
Refers to the followers of God, those who are called to live according to His will and separate themselves from sin.

4. Sins and Plagues
Represents the moral and spiritual corruption of Babylon and the divine judgment that will befall it.

Teaching Points

Call to Holiness
Believers are called to live distinct lives, separate from the corrupt systems of the world.

Urgency of Obedience
The command to "come out" is immediate, emphasizing the need for prompt action in aligning with God's will.

Avoiding Complicity in Sin
Engaging with or tolerating sinful systems can lead to sharing in their judgment. Believers must be vigilant in their associations.

Divine Protection
Separation from sin is not just about avoiding judgment but also about receiving God's protection and blessing.

Community of Believers
The call is to "My people," indicating that this is a collective action. The church must support one another in living out this command.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command to "come out of her" mean for us today in practical terms?

2. How can we identify modern "Babylons" in our lives that we need to separate from?

3. In what ways does the call to separate from sin align with other biblical teachings on holiness?

4. How can the church support its members in living out the call to be separate from worldly influences?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to "come out" of a situation or environment that was not honoring to God. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19:12-17
The call to "come out" parallels the angels' warning to Lot to leave Sodom, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of separating from sin to avoid judgment.

2 Corinthians 6:17
Paul echoes the call to "come out" and be separate from unbelievers, reinforcing the theme of holiness and separation from sin.

Jeremiah 51:6
A direct call to flee from Babylon, highlighting the Old Testament roots of this command and the consistent message of avoiding complicity in sin.