In the paragraph that follows, the angel will explain to John the “mystery” (Revelation 17:5) of this woman and her mount. With his criticism of John’s reaction, the angel reaches ahead to the conclusion of the paragraph: this woman with her terrorizing mount will self-destruct (Revelation 17:16). So there is no reason for John to be dismayed.
7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her.