About this Episode

Are we truly understanding the book of Revelation, or have we confined its message to the past? In Part 4 of our series "From Eden to Empire," invites you to explore Revelation as a paradigm for all empires, not just the Roman Empire. We delve into how its teachings provide a framework for Christians to navigate their relationship with worldly powers.

The imagery of the beasts and Babylon—often seen as symbols of Rome's imperial might—takes on new meaning as we discuss how these representations apply to any empire characterized by oppression and idolatry. What does it mean to bear the mark of the beast? We explore this as a symbol of allegiance to empire over God, contrasting it with the divine mark on believers. The origins of the infamous number 666 are also explored, examining its historical connections and broader implications about complicity with imperial power.

Revelation's call to "come out of her" challenges believers to separate from the ways of empire, urging them to live as citizens of God's kingdom. We also examine the concept of the antichrist—not as a singular end-times figure, but as any force opposing Christ's kingship.

Join us as we unpack these themes, encouraging a historically rooted understanding of how Revelation speaks to the dynamics of power and faith. As the United States looks to elect a new president, this episode promises to provoke thought and inspire reflection on the role of empires in our spiritual lives. Tune in and engage with these timeless questions.

Connect with Matt and Expedition 44:

Episode Timestamps:

(00:02:42) Matt's perspective on Revelation and dispensationalism

Matt shares his past involvement with dispensationalist interpretations of Revelation
importance of studying Revelation beyond a dispensationalist framework

(00:04:34) Interpretive views of Revelation

four main interpretive views: futurist, preterist, historicist, and idealist
dating of Revelation and its implications for interpretation

(00:08:35) Babylon and its representation in Revelation

Early Christian and Jewish writers often equated Rome with Babylon
Babylon serves as a paradigm for empires throughout history

(00:12:17) The whore of Babylon and its implications

The whore of Babylon is linked to the goddess Roma, representing Roman patriotism
The imagery is used to critique the entanglement of God's people with empire

parallels to modern-day entanglements between church and state

Characteristics of Babylon and modern parallels

Scott McKnight's seven characteristics of Babylon are discussed: anti-God, opulent, murderous, image-focused, militaristic, economically exploitive, and arrogant
need for Christians to recognize and resist these characteristics

(00:20:43) Call to come out of Babylon

The call to "come out of her, my people" is explored as a call to separate from empire
the story of Abraham being called out of Ur
importance of living as a distinct people under God's rule

(00:23:08) The 144,000 and their significance

144,000 are interpreted as a symbolic representation of all who follow the Lamb.

symbolic meaning of not defiling oneself with Babylon

(00:28:34) Introduction to Revelation 13

key conflict text in Matt's dissertation.
imagery of the dragon and the beast is discussed as a representation of empire

themes of power and allegiance

(00:32:08) The beast from the sea and its symbolism

linked to the Roman Empire and its political power

connected to Daniel 7, where beasts represent empires
beast as a symbol of empire, not a singular person

(00:35:26) The fatal wound and its historical context

the near-collapse and revival of the Roman Empire

historical context of Nero's suicide and the year of the four emperors
empire's revival was seen as a resurrection

(00:42:23) The mark of the beast and its meaning

symbol of allegiance to empire, contrasting with God's mark

historical practice of branding and its implications
symbolic nature of the mark as thoughts and actions aligned with empire

(00:50:23) The number 666 and its interpretations

number is linked to Nero through the practice of gematria
alternative interpretations, including connections to Solomon and empire and word beas
symbolic meaning of 666 as getting in bed with power

(00:55:08) The concept of Antichrist in John's writings

"Antichrist" is explored as anyone opposing Christ's kingship
- the term is not used in Revelation
broader application of Antichrist to any anti-kingdom power

(01:02:27) Overview and conclusion of the series