Chapters 15,16

Referring to the flowchart again, we see the the Ch15,16 box is underneath the Ch12-14 box. We also see that it isn't nearly as long, and is basically centered under it. That simply means that the events portrayed in this box begin after the events portrayed in the Ch12-14 box begin, and that these same events end sometime before the events in the Ch12-14 box end. In fact, this box ends where the Ch17-19 box and the Ch20:1-10 box ends, at the end of Armageddon.

Notice that the six numbers in this box are basically under the first two numbers of the Ch12-14 box, meaning that the six bowls of wrath are another expression of what the first two angels said, not a separate event. Also notice that the 7 is lined up under the 3 in the Ch12-14 box, over the Ch19:11-21 subbox in the Ch17-19 box, and over the v7-10 subbox in the Ch20:1-10 box, meaning that all four sections are describing Armageddon, each adding details not included in the others.

Chapter fifteen basically sets the stage for chapter sixteen. The sea of glass at v2 refers to non-Christians. Those who have been victorious over the beast are given harps. They sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, v3,4. Then the seven angels appear, ready to be sent out by God.

The seven bowls of wrath are similar to the first six trumpets of the seventh seal, only more graphic. Some are much like their corresponding trumpet while others seem to be almost the opposite. V9,11 recall 9:20,21. The picture here is the utter ruin of rebellious mankind, the bowls of wrath picturing severe devastation that sin has brought about. It's a more intense version of the first six trumpets. The details aren't the same, but the end is — utter ruin. It is important to remember that none of these bowls of wrath happen to Christians. Only rebellious mankind experiences them, so, instead of scaring us, this should encourage us that "'It is mine to avenge: I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19.

At v13,14 we have mention of the dragon, beast, and false prophet. They are metaphors for Satan, the later Roman Empire, and the corrupt state-run church. V14 indicates that all three continue in some form, although nowhere nearly like in the early centuries, until the great day of God Almighty.

Many red-letter editions of the bible do not display v15 in red, indicating that they do not consider this verse to be a quote of Christ. My NIV Study Bible does, but my Thompson Chain-Reference NIV Study Bible does not. It is my opinion that this verse should be in red. It could be reasoned that this is the full Godhead speaking and not just Jesus. However, it is Jesus that is coming. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, and Peter, in 2 Peter 3:10, both wrote that the Day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night. But that day brings Jesus and His angels, Matthew 13:39; 16:27; 25:31; Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, and apparently no one else.

(The KJV use of the word saints in Jude 14 appears to be incorrect. The NIV translates the Greek word hagios there as holy ones, which probably refers to angels. It is true that every time the word saints appears it is translated from this word, some 45 times, but it is also true that hagios can be found in the New Testament some 234 times, 161 of which are translated as holy. In addition to that, 1 John 2:20 translates the word as Holy One, a clear reference to the Godhead, and so most of the time the use of the word hagios does not appear to refer to human saints.)

What we have here in v15 is an encouragement from Jesus that in spite of all that has happened in this chapter He is not finished yet, nor has He forgotten us. He who stays awake is the Christian who is looking for Him.

Now comes the only verse in the bible that mentions Armageddon by name, v16. The name recalls Megiddo, where some big Old Testament battles took place. One was when Barak and Deborah defeated Sisera, Judges 5:19-21. Another was when Pharaoh Necho defeated and killed Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:20-24.

The remainder of this chapter comprises the seventh bowl of wrath, and is a part of the total description of the battle of Armageddon. This battle is also described elsewhere, as we will see later on.

The important thing to remember about Armageddon is that this is not a literal war. This battle is spiritual, Ephesians 6:12. If it was a battle that we could see then it would be a sign of the end, and Jesus said that there are no signs of the end in Matthew 24:36. Peter and Paul alluded to the same thing when they said that Jesus would come as a thief in the night.

Since Megiddo was the place where some last stands were made, we can think of Armageddon as referring to the final, last stand of Satan, when he will be ultimately defeated. This would be the significance of this for the original readers. If Revelation had been written today it is possible that the Holy Spirit might choose to substitute Waterloo for Armageddon, which is the place we all recognize as the place where Napoleon met his final defeat.

The most logical place in this box for the present time to be located would probably be at 16:15, where Jesus says He is coming soon, which is represented by the red line as it passes through this box. We know that Jesus might come at any time, and here He is restating that fact. We also know that the rest of this chapter deals with Armageddon, a spiritual battle that hasn't happened yet. It appears that it will happen at the second coming, virtually simultaneously, and so it wouldn't be much of a sign anyway, even if we could see it, which I doubt.

So here we have a clear assurance that the devil will ultimately lose, no matter how much he may seem to be winning now. Our job is to be patient and steadfast, faithfully holding on. The end is assured, the outcome is certain and guaranteed, so we must not give up.

And yet, the original readers were undergoing the most severe persecutions that the world had ever seen. Is there some prophecy of a more immediate nature that Jesus could give that might encourage them? Something that might make their current distress easier to endure. That prophecy is the subject of the next three chapters, comprising the Ch17-19 box.