Revelation 11:18

The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great--and to destroy those who destroy the earth."

Study Bible

The nations were enraged
This phrase captures the hostility of the world against God's sovereign rule. The Greek word for "enraged" is "orgizō," which conveys a deep-seated anger and rebellion. Historically, this reflects the consistent opposition of worldly powers against divine authority, as seen throughout biblical history. The nations' rage is a fulfillment of Psalm 2, where the kings of the earth set themselves against the Lord. This anger is not just a momentary outburst but a persistent state of rebellion against God's kingdom.

and Your wrath has come
The term "wrath" in Greek is "orgē," indicating a righteous and just response from God towards sin and rebellion. This is not a capricious anger but a holy and measured response to the accumulated sins of humanity. The coming of God's wrath signifies the transition from His patience and mercy to judgment, a theme consistent with the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where God's wrath is often depicted as a purifying and corrective force.

The time has come to judge the dead
This phrase points to the eschatological judgment, where all individuals, living and dead, will be held accountable before God. The Greek word for "judge" is "krinō," which implies a thorough evaluation and rendering of justice. This judgment is a central theme in Christian eschatology, affirming the belief in a final reckoning where God's justice will be fully realized. It echoes Daniel 12:2 and the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels about the resurrection and judgment.

and to reward Your servants the prophets
Here, the focus shifts to the positive aspect of God's judgment—reward. The Greek word for "reward" is "misthos," which denotes a recompense or payment for service. This highlights God's faithfulness in honoring those who have faithfully proclaimed His word. The prophets, often persecuted and marginalized, are now vindicated and rewarded, fulfilling Jesus' promise in Matthew 5:12 about the great reward in heaven for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

and the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of God's reward, extending beyond prophets to all believers who revere God's name. The term "saints" refers to those set apart for God, while "those who fear Your name" underscores a reverential awe and respect for God. The mention of "small and great" signifies that God's reward is not based on earthly status but on faithfulness and devotion. This reflects the biblical principle that God shows no partiality, as seen in Acts 10:34-35.

and to destroy those who destroy the earth
The Greek word for "destroy" is "diaphtheirō," which means to corrupt or ruin. This phrase indicates a divine retribution against those who have brought harm and corruption to God's creation. It underscores the biblical theme of stewardship and the consequences of failing to honor God's creation. This destruction is not arbitrary but a just response to the willful damage inflicted upon the earth, aligning with the prophetic warnings found in Isaiah and Jeremiah about the consequences of sin and rebellion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Nations
Refers to the collective groups of people and governments that oppose God and His purposes. In the context of Revelation, these are often seen as rebellious entities against God's sovereignty.

2. God's Wrath
This is the divine response to sin and rebellion. It signifies God's righteous judgment against those who oppose Him.

3. The Dead
This term encompasses all who have died, both righteous and unrighteous, who will face judgment.

4. Servants the Prophets
These are individuals who have been called by God to deliver His messages throughout history. They are honored for their faithfulness.

5. Saints and Those Who Fear Your Name
Refers to all believers who have lived in reverence and obedience to God, regardless of their status or influence.

6. Those Who Destroy the Earth
This phrase can be interpreted as those who corrupt or harm God's creation, both physically and spiritually.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's wrath is a response to the rebellion of the nations, affirming His sovereignty and justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately set things right.

The Importance of Faithfulness
The reward for the prophets and saints underscores the value God places on faithfulness. Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and service.

Reverence for God
Those who fear God's name are highlighted, reminding believers of the importance of living in reverence and awe of God.

Environmental Stewardship
The mention of those who destroy the earth can be a call for Christians to care for God's creation, recognizing that stewardship is part of our responsibility.

Eternal Perspective
The passage encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, focusing on the ultimate reward and judgment rather than temporary worldly concerns.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of God's wrath in Revelation 11:18 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life, similar to the prophets and saints mentioned in this verse?

3. How does the promise of reward for those who fear God's name motivate you in your spiritual journey?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are a good steward of the earth, in light of the warning against those who destroy it?

5. How can maintaining an eternal perspective influence your decisions and priorities today? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize eternal rewards and judgment.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 2
This Psalm speaks of the nations raging against God, similar to the nations' anger in Revelation 11:18. It highlights God's ultimate authority and the futility of opposing Him.

Daniel 7
Daniel's vision of the Ancient of Days and the judgment scene parallels the themes of divine judgment and reward found in Revelation 11:18.

Matthew 25
Jesus' teaching on the final judgment, where the righteous are rewarded and the wicked are punished, aligns with the themes of judgment and reward in Revelation 11:18.

Romans 2
Paul's discussion on God's righteous judgment and the reward for those who do good connects with the idea of rewarding the saints and prophets.