Revelation 16:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

By islands, according to Holy Scripture, we should understand the churches, and by mountains those who preside in them.

When all the things foretold above come, they will flee, as the Lord says: those in the east will flee to the west, and those in the west to the east.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall be” (Mt 24:21).

Then men will suffer calamities and impieties not only from the Antichrist in torments for Christ, but also in flight, in mountains and caves, where they will flee from the cities in order to preserve piety.

Some will suffer as punishment for their sins, and others for testing in virtue.

John calls the churches from the Gentiles islands, as the prophet says: “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad” (Ps 96:1).

He calls them islands because they were raised and lifted above bitter and salty idolatry.

Someone, perhaps according to another meaning, will understand the islands as the unclean legions of demons, since they thrash about in this salty and troubled life.

The divine psalmist also says that the mountains are demons: “The mountains melt like wax before the face of the Lord, for He comes” (Ps 96:5; 95:13).

The book tells us that the legions of demons at that time will disappear and hide.

I think that by the name of islands, as also of mountains, the Church is signified, because she stands out among all things by her stability.

Of this Isaiah said: “In the teachings glorify the Lord on the islands of the sea, the name of the Lord, the God of Israel” (Isa 24:15).

And again: “It shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established at the head of the mountains and exalted above the hills” (Mic 4:1).

This flight will occur when the society of the wicked is finally abandoned, so that there will no longer be any disturbing mixture of the Church with sinners.

Therefore the prophet said: “Flee from the midst of Babylon, and let each save his soul” (Jer 51:6).

Then Babylon will fall, when in the last times it receives power to persecute the saints. Therefore Scripture says: “Before destruction a man’s heart is exalted, but humility precedes glory” (Prov 18:13).

The Church, compared to islands and mountains because of her perfect stability, prudently hides herself from the assaults of persecutors.

Men instructed in so manifest a way come not to repentance, but to blasphemy. This shows the hardness of sinners' hearts, whose end is described in the following chapter.