Revelation 18 reflects well what we know from history. Roman and Greek writers of that age, along with archaeological discoveries, leave us a remarkably full picture of their lives. Music features prominently, especially in celebrations and in religious services—as is true of indigenous cultures all over the world. People of all periods enjoy their music.
The New Testament records the spread of Christianity into Greek, Roman and Asian cultures, all well-known for their abundance of music. To get an idea of the situation, imagine a large painting about the music of Christ’s disciples. In the picture’s background the artist has painted huge, majestic mountains. These are the mountains of music in the pagan cultures that surround the early disciples. In front of that imposing background stand Christ’s redeemed followers. You can see their happiness and celebration, which is far greater that anything pagan. Peter says, “You believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). Where then, in this picture, is “the music of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters” for the church?
Imagine further that the painting depicts foothills in the middle distance between the mountains and the disciples. These foothills represent Judaism, from which Christianity emerges. At Judaism’s center stands Herod’s temple where David’s musical tradition looms large. However, the picture is not about that temple and its grand traditions. They merely add another layer of perspective to the picture’s background. Rather, the picture’s focus is on the Lord’s new kingdom-family, the church. In the foreground, the church stands out distinctly against Judaism’s rich heritage of instrumental splendor. This spiritual family stands as the fulfillment of so much in Judaism. Yet where, in this detailed picture, are the instruments in the church? Their complete absence from the record is more than remarkable. It has all the makings of a great mystery—a mystery with a message for those attuned to the divine will.