The book is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle,[1][2] but the precise identity of the author remains a point of academic debate.

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are among others:[5][a] The cry of the angel about judgement against Babylon is an expansion of the one in Revelation 14:8.

[8] New Testament scholar James Tabor believes that this passage is a reference to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii, and possibly even based on eyewitness accounts of the event.

[15] 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

[17] Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.