geneva@Revelation:17:1 @ And (note:)The state of the Church militant being declared, now follows the state of the church overcoming and getting victory, as I showed before in the beginning of the tenth chapter. This state is set forth in four chapters. As in the place before I noted, that in that history the order of time was not always exactly observed so the same is to be understood in this history, that it is distinguished according to the people of which it speaks, and that the stories of the people are observed in the time of it. For first is delivered the story of Babylon destroyed in this and the next chapter (for this Babylon out of all doubt, shall perish before the two beasts and the dragon). Secondly, is delivered the destruction of both the two beasts, chapter nineteen and lastly of the dragon, chapter eighteen. In the story of the spiritual Babylon, are distinctly set forth the state of it in this chapter, and the overthrow done from the first argument, consisting of the particular calling of the prophet (as often before) and a general proposition.(:note) there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto That is, that damnable harlot, by a figure of speech called «hyppalage». For John as yet had not seen her. Although another interpretation may be thought of, yet I like this better. thee the The sentence that is pronounce against this harlot. judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
geneva@Revelation:17:2 @ With whom haue committed fornication the Kings of the earth, and the inhabitants of the earth are drunken with the wine of her fornication.
geneva@Revelation:17:4 @ And (note:)That harlot, the spiritual Babylon, which is Rome. She is described by her attire, profession, and deeds.(:note) the woman was arrayed In attire most glorious, triumphant, most rich, and most gorgeous. in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having In profession the nourisher of all, in this verse and teaching her mysteries to all, (Rev_17:5) setting forth all things most magnificently: but indeed fatally besetting miserable men with her cup, and brings upon them a deadly giddiness. a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
geneva@Revelation:17:14 @ These shall make war with the (note:)With Christ and his Church, as the reason following declares, and here are mentioned the facts and events which followed for Christ's sake, and for the grace of God the Father towards those that are elected, called, and are his faithful ones in Christ.(:note) Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.
geneva@Revelation:17:16 @ And the ten (note:)The ten kings, as (Rev_17:12). The accomplishment of this fact and event is daily increased in this our age by the singular providence and most mighty government of God. Therefore the facts are propounded in this verse, and the cause of them in the verses following.(:note) horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
geneva@Revelation:17:18 @ And the woman which thou sawest is that (note:)That is, Rome that great city, or only city (as Justinian calls it) the king and head of which was then the emperor, but now the pope, since the condition of the beast was changed.(:note) great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.