The Great Whore's Betrayal

“The Great Whore's Betrayal” 

REVELATION 17:7-13

THEME: In highly metaphorical language the filthy religious prostitute and her judgment by the Lord Jesus are described. We are assured that God hears our prayers as his persecuted, justice is indeed a divine priority, and our Lord's martyrs will eventually be vindicated. 

INTRODUCTION: 

One reason John used symbolism was so that his message would encourage believers in any period of Christian history.  The true churches are like pure virgins (Rev 19:7-8; see also 2 Cor 11:2), but the false religious system is a "whore" who has abandoned the truth and prostituted herself for personal gain. In every age, there has been a "whore" who has used, abused, and persecuted God’s people; and this will culminate in the last days in a worldwide apostate religious system.

MESSAGE:

II. The Great Whore Explained (Rev. 17:7-13)

What follows is an angelic explanation of the judgment of ‘Mystery Babylon the Great,’ showing an anti-Christian political and religious system that is finally crushed by King Jesus. (Bible Gateway) 

A.  EXPLAINING THE BEAST (Rev. 17:7-9)

An angel explains to John “the mystery of the woman” (whore, prostitute, idolater) and the beast, as a power that is historical, presently absent, but is indeed future coming out of the Abyss before its final destruction. It points to a deceptive, blasphemous power that astonishes earth-bound unbelievers. 

   1. Notice What is Perceived (Rev. 17:7)

1. A Description.

1.     He sees a “woman” (Worldwide Religious System of Idolatry) riding a “beast” (the Empire of Antichrist) with “seven heads” (Seven historical political kingdoms) and “ten horns.” (Future Ten Kingdom Confederation in Europe).

2.     The woman represents a corrupt religious system depicted by the city of Babylon (Rev. 17:7).  This “one world” religion in the Western Europe will accompany political unification under the Antichrist and will support his drive toward power.

2. A Downfall. But when the Antichrist has achieved power, he will overthrow the religious organizational federation and insist that the entire world adore and worship him (Rev. 17:16).

   2. Notice What is Professed (Rev. 17:8-9)

       A.  Regarding the Beast. (Rev. 17:8)

The beast represents the Antichrist and his empire.  “The beast” both a king and kingdom are referred to in this term.

             1. Beast Considered as an Individual.   (Rev. 17:8)

                  A.  He Was— was alive

                  B.  He Is Not—dead, was killed

“Was, and is not, and shall ascend.” A reference to the Antichrist’s false resurrection (Rev. 13:3,4,12–14; see Rev. 13:3).

                  C.  He Shall Ascend—raised up from the Abyss

“Out of the bottomless pit.” After his “resurrection,” the Antichrist will become possessed by a great demon, most likely Satan himself, from the abyss (see Rev. 13:1,3).  This indicates that the power behind the ruler is satanic (cf. 13:4) and that Satan and the man he controls are closely identified. Their power is one.

                  D.  He Shall Go In— go into eternal punishment

“Perdition.” Eternal destruction (Rev. 17:11; Matt. 7:13; John 17:12; Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:3; Heb. 10:39; 2 Pet. 2:3; 3:7,16). This is the lake of fire, the place of Antichrist’s destruction (Rev. 19:20).

                  E.  He Will Inspire Wonder (Rev. 17:8)

                        1. Among the Lost of the Earth

                             a. “Book of Life.” The roll of the Redeemed, written in eternity past by God (see Rev. 3:5).                  

                             b. Only the Tribulation Saints will escape the Antichrist’s deception (Matt. 24:24).

                             c. “From the foundation of the world.” See 1 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2 (“before time began”). A frequent phrase (Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:20) referring to God’s pre-creation plan.

                        2. About His Resurrection

The fact that the beast “was, and is not, and shall ascend” in the future is another indication of what was introduced in Rev. 13:3. 

             2. The Beast Considered as an Empire.    (Rev. 17:8)

                 A.  It Was— The Empire Existed Before

                 B.  It is Not —The Empire Ended

                 C.  It Shall Ascend— The Empire was Revived through Satanic Power

                 D.  It Shall Go— The Empire Will be Condemned

                 E.  The Empire Will Cause Wonder

                       1.  Among its Loyalists

                       2.  About Its Revival

The supernatural survival and revival of both the world ruler and his empire will impress the world as being supernatural and will lead to the worship of the beast and Satan.      

       B.  Regarding the Whore. (Rev. 17:9)          

             1. The Wisdom (Rev. 17:9)

                  A.  QUOTE: “The truth that is being presented here symbolically requires spiritual insight to be understood, and the difficulty of correct interpretation is illustrated by the various ways it has been interpreted in the history of the church.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

             2. Remember What the Whore Is (Rev. 17:9)

                  A.  The Seven Mountains Stated.

                         1. Seven Heads Equal Seven Mountains.

                         2. The Seven Mountains Equal Seven Kings and Kingdoms. (Rev. 12:3; 13:1,3)

The 7 mountains in context likely symbolize the 7 kingdoms and their kings of Rev. 17:10.

Daniel 2:35, Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

                  B.  The Seven Mountains Explained.

                       1.  They Likely Are Not Literal Mountains–City of Rome

QUOTE:  “While Rome is often referred to as having seven hills or mountains, different writers do not necessarily name the same seven mountains.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

                       2. They Most Likely Represent Seven Kings & Kingdoms (Rev. 17:9-11)

QUOTE: “A close study of the passage does not support the conclusion that this refers to the city of Rome. Seiss, for instance, offers extensive evidence that the reference is to rulers rather than to physical mountains (The Apocalypse, pp. 391-94). This is supported by the text which explains, They are also seven kings (lit., “the seven heads are seven kings”). If the mountains represent kings, then obviously they are not literal mountains and refer not to a literal Rome but to persons.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

             3.  Remember Where the Whore Resides (Rev. 17:9) “On which the woman sitteth”

                  A.  The Religious System is Headquartered in Rome (Geographically) (Rev. 17:18).

                  B.  The Religious System Influences the Empire of Rome (Spiritually) (Rev. 17:2, 3).

                        1. It Influenced the Seven Kings and their Seven Kingdoms (Historically) (Rev. 17:9, 10).

                        2. It will Influence the Ten Kings and Their Kingdoms (Futuristically) (Rev. 17:15, 18).

While this religious system is headquartered in the city of Rome, it will grow to worldwide influence after it flourishes in Europe.

B.  EXPLAINING THE KINGS (Rev. 17:10-13)

   1. The Seven Kings Explained.  (Rev. 17:10-11)

These “seven kings” are representatives of the 7 great world empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and that of the Antichrist). See Daniel’s image in Dan. 2:37–45.

      A.  Considered as Kingdoms

I favor this view because it fits the total picture of the text better than the view which regards these as Roman kings.

           1.  Five are Past–World Empires—"Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come”.

a.      When John wrote, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence.

b.     According to Rev 17:10, five of these kings (or kingdoms) had passed off the scene, one was present in John's day, and one was yet to come. If so, then the five past kingdoms would be Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece.  All these world empires where influenced by this religious system of idolatry and false worship. While the religious systems may have had a different name and outward appearance during the time of each empire, its essential elements, nature, character, motives, and beliefs were the same.

c.      Remember this is “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”  The system of the future will not be anything new!                

           2.  One was Present–Roman Empire

The present kingdom would be Rome, and the future kingdom would be that of "the beast." To understand Rev 17:10-11, we must consider Rev 17:12. Rome still existed; and the Antichrist’s empire had not yet come.

           3.  One Was Future—Revived Roman Empire of Antichrist

               A.  The Roman Empire is the Seventh Kingdom

               B.  The Roman Empire is the Eighth Kingdom (consisting of a 10 kings confederation)

                     1. When it comes, it will be brief (Rev. 12:12; 13:5) and

                     2. He will end in perdition (Also Rev. 17:11; Rev. 17:8).

      B.  Considered as Kings (Rev. 17:10-11)

This is a popular view also, but probably unlikely the meaning of the text. 

   2. The Ten Kings Explained. (Rev. 17:12-13)

Verse 12 informs us that the 10 horns of the beast represent 10 kings.

      A.  Ten Kings Are Yet to Rule (Rev. 17:12). See Rev. 12:3; 13:1

Daniel 2:41-42, And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. [42] And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

These are not 10 successive kings of the past, they are contemporaneous kings who are leaders of the kingdoms which will form the original alliance in the Middle East that will unite their power to support the beast (v. 13).

           1.  These kings are sub-rulers under the Antichrist, whose empire will apparently be divided into 10 administrative districts. The ten kings unanimously yield their power and authority to the beast. In other words, ten countries (or governments) surrender their national sovereignty to him.

           2.  They possessed “no kingdom as yet.” Thus, the kings cannot be identified with any historical figures.

           3.  They are Empowered after “one hour with the beast.” Symbolic of the brief 3½ year period of time (Rev. 11:2,3; 12:6,12,14; 13:5; 18:10,17,19).

Again the 10 horns are contemporaneous with each other, and as the text indicates they will receive political power for a brief time.

      B.  One King Will Be the Most Powerful (Rev. 17:13).

          1. The ten horns in Revelation 17:12, 13 are said to represent the ten-nation federation which will give its power and strength to the beast (compare Dan. 7:23, 24 with Rev. 13:1).

Daniel 7:23-24, Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. [24] And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

          2. “The beast" not only has seven heads, but also ten horns, which represent ten kings.

The Middle East ruler who will emerge in the end time and will make a covenant with Israel seven years before the second coming of Christ. This ten-kingdom empire goes to war against the Lord Jesus when He returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation.

QUOTE: “But these are very special kings: they enable "the beast" to rise to power and are even willing to yield their authority to him. Recall that at the opening of the first seal (Rev 6:1-2), Antichrist began his "peaceful" conquest of the nations. He organized a "United States of Europe," brought peace to the Middle East, and appeared to be the great leader the troubled world was seeking.”   —W. W. Wiersbe

          3.  But during the seven-year period, this ruler broke his covenant with Israel (Dan 9:27) and began to persecute the people of God as well as the nation Israel. Energized by Satan and assisted by the false prophet, "the beast" became the world’s dictator and its god. In this way, "the beast" was both "one of the seven [kings, kingdoms]" but also "the eighth." His kingdom was nothing but a revival of the Roman Empire ("one of the seven"), but it was a new kingdom ("the eighth').

           4.  The Babylonian system in is a seductive religious power that minimizes doctrinal truth, rejects the authority of the Word, and tries to unite the world’s political powers based on faith in the Antichrist.

APPLICATION: As we ponder the identity of the seven kings and the emergence of the ten kings, we must see John's theme of worldly power and its ultimate ineffectiveness against God and his people. Their authority only lasts for "one hour," symbolizing its brevity and ultimate destruction. As Christians, have we become infatuated with the worldly power of movie stars and sports celebrities, political coalitions, and world economic forces? Are you craving the power and prestige that position, wealth, and connections offer? If so, you are an easy target for Satan’s great deception. Worldly power is Satan’s trap; the desire for it can turn us away from God. Worship only God and make it your strongest desire to serve him. (W. W. Wiersbe)

 

Judgment of the Great Whore

“Judgment of the Great Whore”

REVELATION 17:1-18

THEME: In highly metaphorical language the filthy religious prostitute and her judgment by the Lord Jesus are described. Be assured that God hears the prayers of his persecuted, justice is a divine priority, and martyrs will eventually be vindicated. 

INTRODUCTION: 

1. John describes the Lamb’s phased and progressive victory over "the beast" and his kingdom. Here the religious system is destroyed; then later the political and economic systems fall also (Rev 18). Afterwards, the Lord Jesus returns to earth; condemns Satan, "the beast" and the false prophet (Rev 19:19-20); and then establishes His kingdom.

2. John has a vision of a “great whore” which is a “great city” seated on “seven mountains,” who rides “sit upon a scarlet colored beast”—the Antichrist to power and then she is destroyed by him. John first symbolically describes “the great whore” (Rev. 17:1–6) and goes on to interpret the vision (Rev. 17:7–18), identifying the beast, his drive toward power, and his subsequent turning on the “whore” when absolute power is his. (W. W. Wiersbe)

John revisits that destruction and deals in detail with the fall of Babylon.

MESSAGE:

I.  The Great Whore Exposed (Rev. 17:1-6).

The scene begins with an invitation (Rev 17:1-2).

A.  AN EXPOSING SUMMONS (Rev. 17:1-3a).

  1. From an Angel.

One of the angels asks john to come and see what God will do with "the beast's" worldwide religious system.

  2. To the Apostle.

John was invited to witness the punishment of the great prostitute, symbolizing the religious system of Babylon. Religious Babylon likely includes apostate Christendom, both Protestant and Catholic. It may well represent the ecumenical church. (W. W. Wiersbe)

  3. About a Judgment.

         A.  Upon a System of Spiritual Impurity. Her corruption (Rev. 17:1-2, 4). The prostitute rules over "peoples and multitudes and nations and languages," indicating the global influence of this system.

         B.  Upon a System of Political Fraternity. Her compromise (Rev. 17:3): she has aligned herself with the godless political systems of this world. John learned that the kings of the earth had committed fornication with the woman; which means they had become a part of the religious system, which she symbolized (Rev.14:8). Prostitution often symbolizes idolatry or religious apostasy (Jer. 3:6–9; Ezek. 16:30ff.; 20:30; Hos. 4:15; 5:3; 6:10; 9:1). She has seduced political leaders with her compromise and intrigue. The world rulers will be absorbed into the empire of Satan’s false Christ.

         C.  Upon a System of Global Religion.

The harlot’s influence will extend beyond the world’s rulers to the rest of mankind (v. 15; 13:8,14). The many waters symbolize “peoples, multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (v. 15).  Vast numbers of inhabitants of the earth have come under her evil influence and have been reduced to staggering misery. The imagery does not describe actual wine and sexual sin, but pictures the world’s people being swept up into the intoxication and sin of a false system of religion. (W. W. Wiersbe)

   4. Through the Spirit.

Following the invitation, John was carried away "in the spirit" into the wilderness. There he saw "the harlot" and wrote down the description of what he saw (Rev 17:3-6). Gen 2 speaks of a pure bride in a lovely garden; but by the Bible’s end, civilization has degenerated to an impure harlot in a wilderness! That is what sin does to the world.

B. AN EXPOSING SYMBOL (Rev. 17:3-6).

This description is critical and bursting at the seams with information and insight.

   1.  The Symbol of the Woman

She represents a seductive, corrupt religious and political system that opposes God, leading people into idolatry or ‘spiritual adultery’.

QUOTE: “Let's begin with the woman. Rev 17:18 makes clear that she is identified with a city that existed in John's day ("reigns" is present tense). This city is prosperous and powerful, but also idolatrous ("blasphemy") and dangerous. For one thing, it pollutes the nations with its filth and abomination (pictured by the golden wine cup); for another, it persecutes those who belong to the Lord (Rev 17:6). Power, wealth, pollution, persecution: these words summarize the "great harlot's" involvement on a worldwide scale.”  — W.W. Wiersbe

         A.  Her Place (Rev. 17:3)

According to Revelation 17:15, the prostitute rules over “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (languages), indicating the global influence of this system.

Her posture is important as she is seated upon “many waters” (Rev 17:1), and upon a “scarlet coloured beast” with seven heads and ten horns. John was greatly amazed and wondered with admiration when he saw the woman and “the beast.” But what did it all mean? Thankfully, the angel gave John (and all believers) the explanation of these symbols (Rev 17:7-18).

         B.  Her Portrait (Rev. 17:4) 

She is clothed in luxury, symbolizing wealth, arrogance, and allure. The “golden cup” holds “abominations and filthiness”—the idolatrous and sinful, immoral behaviors of her “fornication”.  So clad in luxury (purple and scarlet), she holds a golden cup filled with spiritual adultery, idolatry, and corrupt practices that entice the world, ultimately representing corrupt religious-political power. 

1.      She is utterly materialistic (Rev. 17:4a). The woman is dressed in expensive garments, decorated with gold and precious stones. She is holding a golden cup in her hand and is drunk with the blood of the saints. On her forehead (see rev 13:16; 14:1) she wears a special name.

2.      She is corrupt, “abominations” (Rev. 17:4a) (Greek: bdelugma—detestable/accursed things) and "filthiness of her fornication" signify a mixture of idolatrous worship, moral corruption, and deception offered to the kings of the earth.

3.      She says blasphemous things about God (Rev. 17:4b). All of this signify a mixture of idolatrous worship, moral corruption, and deception offered to the kings of the earth. Generally, she is a false religious system or a corrupt world power that lures inhabitants away from divine truth, leading to spiritual corruption (“fornication”). This imagery contrasts with the pure bride of Christ, symbolizing deep spiritual impurity disguised as attractive, divine favor. 

         C.  Her Prostitution (Rev. 17:5)

On her forehead the caption, “Mystery Babylon the great, mother of harlots and abominations of the earth” appears. This seems to indicate she has daughters who are also “harlots.” A harlot is a woman who fornicates or uses her body for financial, political, or profitable gain. It’s a system that is, at the same time, opulent and morally filthy.

QUOTE: “The woman's name also involves "mystery" (Rev 17:5). In the New Testament, a "mystery" is a hidden truth that only the spiritually initiated can understand. To grasp one of God's mysteries requires spiritual intelligence and discernment. In this case, the mystery has to do with Babylon.

The city of Babylon was founded by Nimrod (Gen 10:8-11). The name Bab-el means "the gate of God." Ironically, the famous tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9) was an idolatrous attempt by man to defy God. When the Lord sent judgment on the builders by making mankind's one language into many, the word bab-el came to mean "confusion." Later in history, Babylon became a great empire before finally falling to Media-Persia. But from the beginning of Nimrod's city in Gen 10, an insidious anti-God "Babylonian influence" has been felt throughout history.”   —W.W. Wiersbe

QUOTE: “The Bible is full of information about Babylon as the source of false religion, the record beginning with the building of the tower of Babel (Gen. 10-11). The name “Babel” suggests “confusion” (Gen. 11:9). Later the name was applied to the city of Babylon which itself has a long history dating back to as early as 3,000 years before Christ. One of its famous rulers was Hammurabi (1728-1686 b.c.). After a period of decline Babylon again rose to great heights under Nebuchadnezzar about 600 years before Christ. Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (605-562 b.c.) and the subsequent history of Babylon is the background of the Book of Daniel.

Babylon was important not only politically but also religiously. Nimrod, who founded Babylon (Gen. 10:8-12), had a wife known as Semiramis who founded the secret religious rites of the Babylonian mysteries, according to accounts outside the Bible. Semiramis had a son with an alleged miraculous conception who was given the name Tammuz and in effect was a false fulfillment of the promise of the seed of the woman given to Eve (Gen. 3:15).

Various religious practices were observed in connection with this false Babylonian religion, including recognition of the mother and child as God and of creating an order of virgins who became religious prostitutes. Tammuz, according to the tradition, was killed by a wild animal and then restored to life, a satanic anticipation and counterfeit of Christ’s resurrection. Scripture condemns this false religion repeatedly (Jer. 7:18; 44:17-19, 25; Ezek. 8:14). The worship of Baal is related to the worship of Tammuz.”  —John MacArthur

         D.  Her Practices (Rev. 17:6)

She commits adultery with both potentates and people of this earth (Rev. 17:2). Four times in this chapter, the woman is called a 'harlot" (Rev 17:1,5,15-16); and her sin is called "fornication" (Rev 17:2,4). Her evil influence has extended to the whole world, reaching even into high places ("the kings of the earth").  She is idolatrous (Rev. 17:2; 18:3, 9), cruel (Rev. 17:6), and has murdered the martyrs of Christ.

QUOTE: “The woman is "the great harlot," but she is also "the mother of harlots." The Babylonian system has, in one way or another, given birth to all false religions. She has also seduced men into opposing God and persecuting His servants. ”   W. W. Wiersbe

   2. The Symbol of the Beast (Rev. 17:3b)

This “scarlet” beast with “seven heads and ten horns” is a symbol of a satanic political system (like the Roman Empire or the antichrist kingdom) that supports this corrupted system of the ‘harlot’.

         A.  His Appearance (Rev. 17:3b)

               1. Note What He is.  “Beast”

               2. Note What His Color Is.  “Scarlet”

               3. Note What His Communication Is.

QUOTE: “As noted earlier, scarlet is the color of Satan (Rev 12:3) and of sin (Isa 1:18). Scarlet was a popular color in Rome, and both scarlet and purple were associated with rank and riches.

But the woman must not be separated from "the beast" that carries her.”  —W. W. Wiersbe

          B. His Associations (Rev. 17:3b)

               1. He Has Seven Heads

               2. He Has Ten Horns

QUOTE: “The beast' has seven heads and ten horns. The seven heads symbolize seven mountains (Rev 17:9) and also seven kings or kingdoms (Rev 17:10), in keeping with Old Testament imagery (Ps 30:7; Dan 2:35). 1 have already suggested that the seven mountains can be interpreted geographically as the seven hills of Rome, but they may also be interpreted historically as seven kingdoms.”   —W. W. Wiersbe

Finally, this passage portrays John’s vision of a “great whore” seated on a bloodred monster—the Antichrist, representing a corrupt, seductive global system—often called “Mystery, Babylon the Great”. It blends false religion, secular humanism, and political power to rebel against Almighty God, the Lord Jesus, and harass and oppress the real people of God.

This religious system is drunk with the “blood of the saints,” since they refuse to adopt the seductive immoral values that rival God, they are brutally persecuted and killed as true followers of Jesus. While it is incumbent upon us to exercise patience now, God will deal with the unfair, murderous, corrupt, decadent, unfaithful conditions of mere earthly religion led by Satan. Not merely because the righteous long for this so greatly, but because God is just in all His ways and His timing is always perfect. God will expose, confront, and obliterate global alliances of political and religious systems opposed to Him. Though such a system seems dominant and attractive, its inevitable destruction by Jesus Christ is clearly promised. Rest assured, saint of God, he will deal with the fakes in due time no matter how universal they may be.

The Cry for Judgment & Vindication will be answered. “Judge and avenge our blood”

Revelation 6:9-10, And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: ¹⁰ And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

The great question was not whether their enemies would be judged, but when. "How long, O Lord?" has been the cry of God's suffering people throughout the ages (see Ps 74:9-10; 79:5; 94:3-4; also Hab 1:2). The saints in heaven along with us know that God will eventually judge sin and establish righteousness in the earth, but we do not know God's exact schedule.

Psalm 74:9-10, We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. [10] O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Psalm 94:3-4, Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? [4] How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

Careful, this is Not a Cry for Revenge.

It is not personal revenge that we must seek, but vindication of God's holiness and the establishment of God's justice. Every believer today who sincerely prays, "Thy kingdom come!" is echoing their petition.

Remember, Romans 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. The Lord Jesus is fulfilling His kingdom role as the Administrator of justice in the earth!   

QUOTE: “The greatest proof of Christianity for others is not how far a man can logically analyze his reasons for believing, but how far in practice he will stake his life on his belief.”  -- T. S. Eliot 

God hears the prayers of his persecuted, justice is a divine priority, and martyrs will eventually be vindicated.