I didn't say that Rome will be Antichrist's headquarters; This is what I said:
I did not mean to imply you said that. I realize that you were quoting from The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy. My apologies.
I don't see how Rome fits in with some of the other statements made in Rev, but I don't say that it can't be Rome either. Some of my difficulties come in the following verses.
“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, .where the whore sittest, are peoples, and multitudes and nations and tongues…And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” Rev 17:15,18 (KJV)
"Merchants of the earth grew rich by the abundance of her delicacies" and, "Your merchants were the worlds great men". Brokers, traders, importers, exporters and entrepreneurs, all became fabulously rich through dealing in this city.
It seem to me that this city, whatever that city is will have the following attributes.
The implication is that this great city is a sea trading city.
Everything is for sale that anyone could ever want to buy in this city.
It is the financial center for world trade and commerce. Businessmen have made vast fortunes by trading with this city.
This city has high towers that reach to the sky.
This city has a multi-cultural population drawn from all corners of the globe.
The headquarters of the government of the Antichrist will rule from its offices in this wealthy city.
This city is described as ‘the Mother of Prostitutes’ and has a golden cup in her hand.
This city is also an evil city as all manner of sin and Godlessness will operate there.
''And the other is not yet come'' (#7) which some think speaks of the Antichrist to come who will rule a revived Roman Empire.
My thoughts are that the Anti-christ will rule the world. Not just a revived Roman empire as it says in Rev 13:7
I don't see how Rome fits. But I could be wrong.
Every instance of the word "He" or "She" does not always mean a man, human being, true? And would you apply a literal meaning to these verses?
Sure why would they not? Unless its obviously referring to something else. In the first verse you quote "He", is referring to the anti-christ who is a man, so "He" is appropriate.
In the second verse "She" refers to a Woman..."The
woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with..."
so "She" would be appropriate in reference to the word "Woman".
I'm not sure where your confusion lies? You quote Rev 13:18 where it plainly says "...for it is the number of a
man"
Now are you saying that when the scripture says "Man" it means something else?