Topical Bible: Babylon: The Gospel Preached In

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Babylon, a city of great historical and biblical significance, is often remembered for its grandeur and its role as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. However, it also holds a place in the narrative of the early Christian church as a location where the gospel was preached.

Historical and Biblical Context

Babylon, located in present-day Iraq, was one of the most influential cities of the ancient world. It was the capital of the Babylonian Empire and is famously associated with the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites (2 Kings 24-25; Daniel 1). The city is often depicted in the Bible as a place of exile and judgment, yet it also becomes a backdrop for the spread of the Christian message.

The Gospel in Babylon

The New Testament provides evidence that the gospel reached Babylon. In 1 Peter 5:13, the Apostle Peter writes, "The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark." This reference suggests that there was a Christian community in Babylon during the apostolic age. While some scholars debate whether "Babylon" here is a cryptic reference to Rome, the traditional understanding is that Peter was indeed referring to the historical city of Babylon, indicating the presence of believers there.

Significance of the Gospel's Reach

The mention of Babylon in the context of the early church highlights the expansive reach of the gospel message. Despite its reputation as a city of idolatry and opposition to God, Babylon became a place where the transformative power of the gospel was proclaimed. This serves as a testament to the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as Jesus instructed His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

The Role of Peter and Mark

Peter's connection to Babylon, as noted in his epistle, underscores his role in the early church as a leader who was committed to spreading the gospel beyond the borders of Judea. The mention of Mark, who is traditionally understood to be John Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark, further emphasizes the collaborative efforts of early Christian leaders in evangelizing diverse regions.

Babylon in Prophetic Literature

In addition to its historical and apostolic significance, Babylon is frequently mentioned in prophetic literature as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God. The Book of Revelation portrays Babylon as a metaphor for the ultimate downfall of human arrogance and rebellion against divine authority (Revelation 17-18). This prophetic imagery serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The presence of the gospel in Babylon illustrates the transformative power of the Christian message, capable of reaching even the most unlikely places. It reflects the early church's commitment to fulfilling Christ's mandate to spread the gospel to all corners of the earth, demonstrating that no city or people are beyond the reach of God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:13
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, salutes you; and so does Marcus my son.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fifth vision "On Earth"
... has come." No, this "everlasting gospel" cannot be preached now ... be in, when only
this one part of the primeval gospel can be ... Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth vision on earth.htm

Preach the Gospel
... chanting and music, but where the whore of Babylon hath her sway, and lies are preached
for truth ... is unto thee if thou preachest not the gospel." Or step ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/preach the gospel.htm

Acts XVIII
... he knew a people would come out of Babylon whom he ... certainly implies a better knowledge
of the gospel than was possessed by John; for he preached him as ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xviii.htm

The Evening Light
... raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ... whole truth in the morning
of the gospel day was ... The old Babylon doctrine, "Sin you must," is exposed ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xiii the evening light.htm

The Life of Mr. John Blackadder.
... were delivered, we would go down to Babylon; that either ... us, like an inundation of
water." He preached upon 1 ... hold up the blest standard of the gospel, as ever ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 12.htm

Ebenezer!
... bands; and many this day are gathering to hear the gospel preached by the ... Nebuchadnezzar
said, "Behold this great Babylon that I have builded." Behold that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... 2:1, &c.) Had not the Baptist preached, the Jews ... Live, therefore, as though there
were no gospel: die as ... people, he bids him come out of Babylon (Revelation 18 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter.
... Acts close with that year, and the interpretation of "Babylon" at the ... tradition of
the eastern and western churches that Peter preached the gospel in Rome ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 25 the church of.htm

Mysterious Prophecies Revealed.
... is to "come out of her." "Flee out of Babylon, and deliver ... the fourteenth verse the
Savior says: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /mysterious prophecies revealed.htm

A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in ...
... and power, and magnificence, to the "great monarch of Babylon, thy pomp ... the secrets
of all hearts,' (Rom.2:16) that thy Gospel hath been preached to this ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xi a solemn address.htm