Revelation Study 17 chapter 13

Short Review

We talked about the “Woman and the dragon”

The woman = Eve, Israel, Mary, the Church,

The male child = Jesus

The dragon = satan, devil, the serpent, the deceiver, the adversary

This great sign is the coming of Jesus

The dragon, because of his rebellion is kicked/thrown out of heaven and takes 1/3 of heavenly host/angels with him.

The dragon is hell bent on killing Jesus, then His followers.

Since beginning, trying to steal kill and destroy God’s creation and His people.

But God, will protect and provide for His own

It seems in verses 10-12 that the kingdom of God, of Jesus has come and it’s time for judgement.

The martyrs and children of God for rewards and the earth dwellers for judgement, but in the meanwhile, the devil has come to even torment his own.

But, he desires even more to destroy the church

So, in chapter 12John sees human history as a conflict between the dragon and the woman, in Revelation 13 John shows us the current manifestations of satan’s influence, as two beasts appear who dominate the world and persecute God’s people.

The last verse of 12 told us, “he, the dragon, stood on the sand of the sea,” looking out over the sea for something.

Well, let’s look at Revelation 13:1-10 and find out what

English Standard Version Chapter 13

The First Beast

13 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”

5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

10  If anyone is to be taken captive,

to captivity he goes;

if anyone is to be slain with the sword,

with the sword must he be slain.

Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

The beast from the sea

In fact John adds a detail about this beast that’s different from the description of the dragon in chapter 12, verse 3.

English Standard Version Chapter 12

3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4

Look at 13 verse 1 again.

English Standard Version Chapter 13

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

So the dragon and the beast are similar, but they are different, not the same creature.

The beast has 10 diadems, not seven, and now has blasphemous names on its head.

We referenced these verses, 19:11-16 back in study 10, chapter 6 of Revelation with the 4 horses of the apocalypse.

English Standard Version Chapter 19

The Rider on a White Horse

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

What is blasphemy? Devaluing God or elevating something in creation. Claims about God that are untrue of God and His character, or attributing characteristics about or deeds done by something in creation that are reserved for God alone.

The blasphemous names on the beast are what? They are clearly in mockery of Jesus, false claims about himself and who he really isn’t.

Revelation 13:2 ESV

And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.

We are reminded of Daniel 7 again, his chapter on the evil rulers and their kingdoms of the world represented by beasts.

English Standard Version Chapter 7

3 And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4 The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5 And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ 6 After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Well, John combines these kingdoms into one beast, what does this symbolize? That this beast is the culmination of all these wicked kingdoms, the epitome of wickedness.

Also, that those other kingdoms in Daniels vision have come, now is the 4th beast.

Historical Cultural context tells us that Domitian built a huge university in Ephesus.

He had 22 advents or coming, but his largest and most grand was in Ephesus at the opening of this university.

This building project should have taken close to 100 years to build under normal circumstances, but took only 4, with Domitian’s large labor force.

Found in an archeological dig was a massive head of Domitian, that once sat on a huge 30’ statue of him which was located where the apse would be.

An apse is--In architecture, an apse is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome, also known as an exedra.

In a church, an apse would be--a large semicircular or polygonal recess in a church, arched or with a domed roof, typically at the eastern end, and usually containing the altar.

A statue of Domitian where the altar would be, worship and sacrifice.

Domitian is referred to by historians as “the beast”

His building project was so massive that it could be seen for miles, even the sea, and so, Domitian and this building project was referred to as “the beast rising out of the sea.”

Now we already know about Caesar worship and the claims as god, son of god, savior, lord god, etc. made about and by Caesar.

He is clearly saying this beast from the sea is Rome.

So the dragon gave this beast all his power and authority, this is the ultimate antichrist, the ultimate evil leader and power.

Now back to Revelation 13, verses 3-4

English Standard Version Chapter 13

3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”

John focuses in on 1 head, “one that seemed to have a mortal wound, but it was healed, which the whole “earth” marveled as they followed the beast.”

An early emperor of Rome, emperor Vespasian suffered a fatal head wound and was miraculously healed. This is intentional by John.

This could also be alluding to the Evil world empires that rise and then die, only to be risen again in the form of another nation, another evil empire like the first.

The whole earth marvels, the earth dwellers marvel at this empire and fell in line and followed it and its ways, even adore it.

“Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” This world empire would seem to be undefeatable, its military power or economic power or its influence is all encompassing.

Revelation 13:5–6 ESV

And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

Not only are blasphemies written on this beasts head, but it has a mouth uttering blasphemous words as well.

This empire has taken the place of God, redefining morality and it demands ultimate allegiance.

If you still aren’t sure if we are living in Rome, in Babylon, look at what has happened here.

Morality has been redefined in areas like euthanasia, abortion, gender and sexuality, and our nation is demanding agreement and ultimate allegiance.

This clearly put Christians at odds with the system then and it is again.

But this ultimate empire or emperor will only be able to rule for 42 months, again, the time period referencing the time of the great tribulation.

The depth of this beasts hatred of God is immense, and he has no fear, at least while he’s being allowed to rule.

He will openly speak defiantly of God and hatred towards His people.

Revelation 13:7-10

7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

10  If anyone is to be taken captive,

to captivity he goes;

if anyone is to be slain with the sword,

with the sword must he be slain.

Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Here we see again what is allowed by God, not directed by God but allowed.

Now why would God allow the beast to make war on the saints and to conquer them? Because in what seems like victory to the beast, is really victory to the saints, they have conquered by not giving in, my persevering and being willing to die they will get the victors crown.

But what is the response of the earth dwellers, those whose names are not written in the book of life? All who do not worship the Lamb will worship the beast and celebrate these murders.

What is John/Jesus’ encouragement? If this is to be, then so be it. If you’re caught your caught, if you’re killed your killed.

This is the time for endurance, perseverance, faith, trust, belief, etc. You will inherit eternity with God. You’ve been sealed, your names are in the book of Life.

Now onto verses 11-18

English Standard Version Chapter 13

The Second Beast

11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

The second beast looks like a lamb, but it speaks like the dragon.

What does this speaks like the dragon represent? Lies, twisted truths, blasphemies, threats, etc. this is the propaganda machine that all evil empires need. Convincing the world that evil is good and good is evil.

He cause, through its influence, the people to worship the first beast.

It even will be able to perform mock signs, signs like those of God.

Some would say this is the false religion, even try to pin this on the catholic church, I disagree.

The beast is a system, yes a power and a leader, but again those are figure heads of the system.

Religious systems are all about what we worship, here the worship is the economic system, prosperity.

The propaganda then is about the system.

We’ve already talked about Romes images everywhere, power and influence, seduction to take part in the system, have access to prosperity.

Propaganda’s purpose is to deceive the people of the earth, for them to worship the beast, the system. The citizens of heaven won’t be deceived.

The second beast caused the earth dwellers to make and image of the beast, for them to worship it.

Can we think of any “statues” or beast representation that have been built, that people “worship”? How about the world trade centers, what did they represent? American economic greatness, something we all have a tendency to worship.

Now this beast is now killing those who won’t take part in the system, who won’t bow down to it.

English Standard Version Chapter 13

16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

All will be required to take a mark if they wanted to take part in the system. Remember the seal of God, now the mark of the beast.

Now, here in Ephesus were two agora’s or markets, and in order to buy or sell in these markets, citizens were required to swear allegiance to Caesar as the divine emperor, offer incense, and then receive a mark or stamp permitting them to buy and sell and engage in local commerce.

This word “mark” is “charagma” in the Greek and it means a stamp or brand, but can also be an image or idol.

This is then obviously what most considered to be the “mark of the beast.” This is how you were permitted to participate, no mark, no participation.

This beast from the earth

666—not quite 777, the number of man, the number of the beast, the devil and the adversary.

Contextually, a common practice then was called Gematria

Gematria is an alphanumeric code of assigning a numerical value to a name, word or phrase based on its letters. A single word can yield multiple values depending on the cipher used.

So, they would take names of a couple of Caesars and create an alphanumeric code and derive at the value of 666. Coincidence or just how God can work??

So the name of the beast or the number of its name.

The point isn’t to look for possibilities, barcodes, chips, etc. but to see what it symbolizes. Emperor worship to participate in the system. Give in and you are in.

This takes wisdom, to see through the allure, the propaganda, the subtle but steady lie that feeds our sinfulness, our selfish desires, the hard to resist prosperity and pleasure, the comfort and ease it provides.

The novel 1984 by George Orwell published in 1949 is a vision of a totalitarian state that is always watching its citizens, enforcing its rule through power—like the first beast. In 1931 Aldous Huxley portrayed a different dystopian future in his novel Brave New World. In this imagined future citizens are controlled by gratuitous sex, drugs and meaningless entertainment.

Neil Postman wrote of this:

In Huxley’s vision, no Big Brother is required to deprive people of their autonomy, maturity and history. As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think. What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared we could become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial one. (Amusing Ourselves to Death, pages vii-viii.)

Which man was right? It seems that both were, we are watching both happen right before our eyes.

Which beast should we fear?

Have we slowly given in to the temptations Jesus faced, are we living independent of God, taking matters into our own hands. Have we agreed to worship the beast and all he can give us.