Matthew Poole and continuators on Revelation 17:4

4 And the woman was arayed in purple, and scarlet colour , and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls , having a golden cup in her hand, full of of abominations and filthiness of her fornication .

Purple was the colour of Kings and Princes. This Woman chap. 18.7. said she was Queen; Scarlet also was a rich and noble colour, anciently most used in a time of War. How much it is in use with the Pope and his Cardinals, is sufficiently known.

This shews the Worldly Riches of the Papacy.

Alluring and tempting persons to Idolatry, as Whores use to do with their Philters, or inchanted Cups allure and provoke Men to sensual satisfactions.

Marginal references: Chap. 18.16.; Gr. Gilded.