The One Mystery of Iniquity all along played out lawlessness and spiritual rebellion within human hearts using the deceptive elements of the Mystery Babylon Religion. When Jesus came upon the scene, none had fought the Mystery of Iniquity Religion openly, with any measurable results, for many years. Iniquity held sway over the whole world. Jehovah had been silent nearly 400 years until the fullness of time came for God to speak when Jesus of Nazareth came preaching and teaching the t rue unadulterated religion of Jehovah which was pure and free from any elements of the Mystery of Iniquity and Babylon's religious confusion. Similar to that exists today.
Darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people.
But, praise God, there is a light in the darkness. This woman, Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17, is no stranger to God's people of every age. David faced her as he warred against neighboring nations who were under her intoxicating influence, as he attempted to bring the worship of Jehovah to greater heights. Elijah fought to break Her strangle-hold upon Israel. Yet, I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.