In this episode of Luke21, Steve Wood continues his in-depth study of the Book of Revelation, focusing on chapters 17 and 18 and the mysterious figure of Babylon the Great.
Revelation 17 opens with the vision of the Great Harlot—“Babylon the great, mother of harlots and of earth’s abominations.” Steve explains how Babylon carries a triple prophetic reference: ancient Babylon, the first-century Roman Empire, and the future empire of the Antichrist. Far from being only ancient history, Babylon represents a recurring, demonically influenced world system that spans cultures, economies, and empires.
Listeners are shown how Catholics can reliably understand biblical prophecy by turning to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, especially paragraphs 677–682, and by carefully studying the Catechism’s footnoted Scripture references. These passages make clear that the Book of Revelation speaks not only to the past, but also to the Church’s future trial and God’s final victory over evil.
Steve unpacks key symbols such as the seven heads / seven mountains of Revelation 17:9, explaining them as the totality of idolatrous, world-dominating empires, rather than a single geographic location. Drawing heavily from Old Testament prophecy—Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Nahum—he demonstrates why the Old Testament is essential for correctly interpreting Revelation’s imagery.
The episode closes with a powerful and sobering takeaway: we are currently living in Babylon. The seductive pull of wealth, power, and immorality described in Revelation 18 is not confined to the ancient world. The question for Christians today is not whether Babylon exists—but how to remain faithful while living in its midst.
If you want to better understand Revelation, the Church’s teaching on the end times, and how biblical prophecy applies to the modern world, this episode provides essential insight.