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The concept of Babylon in Christianity

In Christianity, Babylon is significant for two main reasons. First, it denotes the city that held many nobles and sacred treasures following its conquest. Secondly, in 1 Peter 5:13, it is mentioned as a location, often mistakenly interpreted as Rome. This site is also thought to be where Mark reunited with Peter after the death of Paul. Thus, Babylon holds historical and theological importance within Christian teachings.

Synonyms: Babylonia, Ancient babylon, Babel, Mesopotamia, City of babylon, Metropolis, City, Capital

In Dutch: Babylon; In German: Babylon; In Finnish: Babylon; In Swedish: Babylon; In Malay: Babylon; In Spanish: Babilonia; In French: Babylone

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Babylon'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Babylon was a city where Naram-sin held court, and also the place where the last king, Darius, was dethroned by Alexander, according to the text.[1] (2) This is the location from which the return occurred, and Judaea was applied to the whole country after the return from this location, north and south.[2] (3) This place is mentioned as the birthplace of Haggai, and the source of the exiles' return, setting the stage for the events.[3] (4) A symbolic term within Revelation that cannot be interpreted literally, used in relation to the end times and Christ's second coming.[4] (5) This was one of the locations where the king lived, and it is also associated with the historical context of the Persian empire.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This is a location mentioned in Hebrew texts, originating from the confusion of languages, and it is also appropriately named 'Babylon the Great' in another instance, signifying its significance.[6] (2) Babylon served as the location of the archives where Tat'nai recommended verifying the Jews' claims by referencing the decree of Cyrus and other relevant materials.[7] (3) This refers to the place from which the individual returned with Ezra, providing a historical setting.[8] (4) This is the location where Daniel was taken and where he served in the royal court, where he also acquired a new name and received an education.[9] (5) Babylon is the place where the Jews were predicted to be expatriated to, according to Micah's prophecy, and their return was also foretold.[10]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This refers to an ancient city and empire, whose influence, during the Captivity, shaped the Jewish understanding of angels and their names.[11] (2) Nebuchadrezzar rode from Pelusium to Babylon to take the kingdom on the death of his father.[12] (3) Darius the Mede is said to have succeeded to the kingdom of this place.[13] (4) Cyrus was expected to execute Divine judgment upon Babylon, and to set free the captives, also restoring Jerusalem and its Temple, according to the text.[14] (5) Babylon was a location where Merodach-baladan re-established himself, prompting Sennacherib to take action, and later, internal conflicts led Sennacherib to place his own son on the throne.[15]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The term represents Rome in the provided text, functioning as a symbol, and it's an appellation for the imperial city, the center of opposition to the Kingdom of God, according to the text's interpretation.[16] (2) This is where there was a great deliverance from captivity, as the text indicates.[17] (3) The text describes separation from Babylon as a preliminary step, which must be the constant accompaniment of the march, as the order in the midst of which we live is not organized on the fundamental laws of Christ's Kingdom.[18] (4) This refers to a location, that is symbolic, and the call is really one to prepare the way of the Lord, emphasizing the symbolic meaning.[19] (5) This is where the Psalmist dwelt, amidst lush vegetation, wealth of water, and fertile plains, yet still longing for the mountains, which is the setting of the text.[20]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Babylon is referred to as the Babylon of John's Revelation, and we are called away from so much as a dwelling there.[21] (2) The text refers to a place, which is the Roman state, and it will be overthrown.[22] (3) The areas around Babylon, including Persia, the Assyrians, Armenians, and Medians, received the apostles' ordination to the priesthood from Aggaeus, a maker of silks and disciple of Addaeus.[23] (4) The place where the revelation was made, and where your nation was prisoners, according to the provided text.[24] (5) This term refers to the world in the provided text, representing a place or concept.[25]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) Babylon, also known as Babel, was built by Nimrod, and it was the beginning of his kingdom, and the languages were confounded there.[26]

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) Babylon is one of the territories where Isaac held authority and power as described in the text.[27]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) This refers to the city whose beginning of his kingdom was, and means confusion, as the text indicates in its description.[28]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.