John is taken in the spirit into the wilderness, which he uses to describe a visionary experience (see Revelation 1:10; 4:2). He sees a representation of Rome's moral decay and extreme luxury (see Revelation 18:12–13, 16). This shows how such wealth can be offensive to God.
The beast here resembles the second figure in the evil trinity (see Revelation 13:1–4).
blasphemous names: See Revelation 13:5–6.
purple and scarlet: Clothing in these colors signified royalty and immorality, respectively.
a golden cup: See Jeremiah 51:7.