Revelation 14:6 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

The Vision of the Three Angels.

Revelation 14:6. an eternal gospel: it is doubtful whether gospel is here used in its technical sense. It probably means a proclamation of good news. The proclamation here is one which urges men to fear and worship God in view of the coming judgment (cf. Mark 1:15).

Revelation 14:8. Babylon: there can be no doubt that Babylon here means Rome. There are traces in other apocalyptic literature of the same usage of the word. fornication: probably in a metaphorical sense to denote idolatry.

Revelation 14:9. worshippeth the beast: a reference to Emperor-worship. The beast is probably Nero, as in ch. 13. mark in his forehead: cf. Revelation 13:16.

Revelation 14:10. The description of the punishment of the pagan world is based upon the imagery of Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 30:33; Isaiah 51:22 f.

Revelation 14:13. a new beatitude which needed a voice from heaven to proclaim it (Swete). [ Yea, saith the Spirit the response of the inspired seer. that they may rest: in that they rest. Their labours are over, but not their works, for their works follow with them. A. J. G.]

Revelation 14:6-12

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.