The Library

Papers, Articles, Books & Presentations

The growing library of scholarship on Revelation 17, alongside the conference call for papers.

The papers on this website are the property of the authors, who retain the copyright to their work. While the papers can be downloaded for individual perusal, any publication or sharing of the material should be done in accordance with copyright law.

Revelation 17: Answers to Questions Summary Spreadsheet
Summary of the interpretive positions presented in 2025
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Online ResourcesBy author
The Development of Ellen G. White’s Concept of Babylon in The Great Controversy
Don Leo M. Garilva · Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 18/2 (2007): 223–242
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The Fall of Babylon in Type and Antitype
Hans K. LaRondelle, Th.D. · Ministry Magazine, September 1989
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The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15
Rebekah Yi Liu · Dissertations 1602, Andrews University (2016)
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The Beast of Revelation 17 – A Suggestion
Ekkehardt Mueller · SDA Biblical Research Institute (2005)
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The “Fall of Babylon” Motif in the Books of Jeremiah and Revelation
Kenneth Mulzac · Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 8/1–2 (1997): 137–149
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Is Babylon the Papacy in the Book of Revelation?
Edwin E. Reynolds · Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 31/1–2 (2020): 63–81
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Chiasm in Theme and by Form in Revelation 18
William H. Shea · Andrews University Seminary Studies, 20/3 (1982): 219–256
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Revelation 5 and 19 as Literary Reciprocals
William H. Shea · Andrews University Seminary Studies, 22/2 (1984): 249–257
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Two Aspects of Babylon’s Judgment Portrayed in Revelation 18
Kenneth A. Strand · Andrews University Seminary Studies, 20/1 (1982): 53–60
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Some Modalities of Symbolic Usage in Revelation 18
Kenneth A. Strand · Andrews University Seminary Studies, 24/1 (1986): 37–46
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The Woman and the Resurrected Beast: Why is the Seventh Head Numbered 8?
Louis F. Were (1952) · Academia.edu, may require a free account
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More Online ResourcesBy author
The Eight Empire: New Hypotheses for the Symbols of Revelation 17
Vanderlei Dorneles · AU Seminary Student Journal, 1/2, Article 4 (2015)
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Unmasking the Beast: Revelation 13 & 17
Timothy R. Jennings, M.D. · Come and Reason Ministries
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Revelation 17 Presentation
Mark LaRose · begin at 1:13:00
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Seven Heads of Revelation 17
Jon Paulien, Ph.D. · thebattleofarmageddon.com
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The Sodom/Egypt/Babylon Motif in the Book of Revelation
Edwin Earl Reynolds · Dissertations 137, Andrews University (1994)
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The Seven Heads of Revelation 12, 13, and 17
Uriah Smith · Adventist Pioneer Library, egwwritings.org
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The Seven Heads of the Beast in Revelation 17
Ranko Stefanovic · Faculty Publications 16, Andrews University (2013)
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Beauty and the Beast – Revelation 17
Robert Veith & Marlou Smith, with Steve Wohlberg · Clash of Minds
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A Call for Papers

Abstract submissions open September 1 – December 31, 2026

In the inaugural Revelation 17 Prophecy Conference held October 16–18, 2025, thirty papers were presented, each having distinct interpretive points. Many have wondered about another opportunity to come together for the purpose of understanding and forming a consistent interpretation of this vital prophecy outlining Satan’s final strategies.

Understanding this prophecy is particularly important as we hold that the purpose of prophecy is to warn humanity before the events foretold take place.[1] The substantial diversity of interpretation became publicly evident in 2025, with no two expositors fully in consensus.

Advent Mission Institute 365 has graciously agreed to host the next Revelation 17 Prophecy Conference, May 19–22, 2027 (Wednesday through Sabbath). The conference has been extended by a full day to allow for additional interaction in the quest for interpretive consistency.

The Revelation 17 Conference Steering Committee invites proposals for succinct papers that address the multifaceted aspects related to the interpretation of Revelation 17. We welcome papers from different perspectives, including (but not limited to) OT & NT biblical studies, systematic theology, ecclesiology, ethics, church history and missiology. It is deemed essential that all comments by Ellen White related to Revelation 17 and connected scripture be reconciled with proposed interpretations. All papers to be presented will be posted on this website before the conference.

We will endeavor to accomplish through robust Q&A the elimination of views that are inconsistent with specific elements of the prophecies of Daniel, beginning with the seven heads. In addition, the conference will be structured to identify interpretations that are fully consistent with all prophecies and statements by Ellen White.

Suggested focus areas

Those wishing to focus on specific phrases related to Revelation 17 are invited to consider the following:

  1. Timing of prophetic fulfillments in relation to the placement of chapter 17 in Revelation.
  2. Timing of the sixth head/mountain or king.
  3. Relationship and application of 666 between Revelation 13:18 and 17:9.
  4. Relationship between “keys” (Rev 1:18), key and “bottomless pit” (Rev 9:1–2) to Revelation 17:8; 11:7; and 20:3.
  5. Relationship of the prophetic “mystery” in Rev 10:7 to the “mystery” of Rev 17:7.
  6. Analysis of literal terms in contrast to symbolic terms in Rev 17.
  7. Relationship between the seven-headed, ten-horned beasts of Rev 12, 13, and 17, including the “tail,” the body, the seven heads, the ten horns, and the crowns or lack thereof.
  8. Relationship and timing between the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit in Rev 11:7, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit in Rev 17:8, and the dragon that is cast into, then released from, the bottomless pit in Rev 20:3.
  9. Analysis of the literal powers alluded to in Rev 13:11 in contrast to 17:10–17.
  10. Contrast the mountains of Rev 17:9 (symbolic or literal?) to Daniel 2:35, 45.

Timing and process

Abstracts for proposed papers are due on September 1, 2026, and must not exceed 200 words (Times New Roman, double-spaced). The Steering Committee will respond to each submitter by October 1, 2026. Completed papers are due December 31, 2026.

The Steering Committee will determine, based on submissions, the schedule of the conference, which topics to focus on, and the daily schedule.

Abstracts are to be emailed to Mark LaRose at markelarose@gmail.com. Please share this invitation with whomever might have an interest in participating, and please pray for all involved in this vital conference.

[1] {Lt211-1903.4-7}{8T 302.1} “To John the Lord Jesus opened the subjects that He saw would be needed by His people in the last days. The instruction that He gave is found in the book of Revelation. Those who would be co-workers with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will show a deep interest in the truths found in the book of Revelation. With pen and voice they will strive to make plain the wonderful things that Christ came from heaven to reveal.” …“Our Instructor presented the solemn messages that have been given in their order in Revelation and that are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people. Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our attention.”

If anyone wishes to have a table in the foyer for sharing free materials, or for selling, please write to Mark LaRose for further information: markelarose@gmail.com

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