The Two Beasts
Notes
Transcript
19
THE TWO BEASTS
Revelation 13:1–18
This chapter is difficult to interpret. This chapter tells of the two beasts who will take control during this portion of the tribulation. They will have great power given to them by Satan. Men cannot cope with the powers of Satan without the help of God.
I. THE CHARACTER OF THE FIRST BEAST—vv. 1–4
I. THE CHARACTER OF THE FIRST BEAST—vv. 1–4
A. Appearance—v. 1. This beast came from the sea. The sea represents the confused Gentile nations. This beast bears some relationship to Daniel’s beast. This is the same beast as mentioned in Revelation 17. The ten horns are explained in Daniel 7:24; Revelation 17:12.
A. Appearance—v. 1. This beast came from the sea. The sea represents the confused Gentile nations. This beast bears some relationship to Daniel’s beast. This is the same beast as mentioned in Revelation 17. The ten horns are explained in Daniel 7:24; Revelation 17:12.
B. Allegory—v. 2. For reference see Daniel 7:4–8, 23–24; 8:20; 11:40–45. Daniel had a vision of four beasts. They looked like a lion, a bear, and a leopard, and one beast was undescribed.
B. Allegory—v. 2. For reference see Daniel 7:4–8, 23–24; 8:20; 11:40–45. Daniel had a vision of four beasts. They looked like a lion, a bear, and a leopard, and one beast was undescribed.
C. Affection—vv. 3–4. Note the satanic power the dragon gave to the beast to perform miracles and to work wonders. People will worship him. No human power seems to compare with his power.
C. Affection—vv. 3–4. Note the satanic power the dragon gave to the beast to perform miracles and to work wonders. People will worship him. No human power seems to compare with his power.
II. THE CONTROL OF THE BEAST—vv. 5–10
II. THE CONTROL OF THE BEAST—vv. 5–10
A. Cursing—vv. 5–6. For forty-two months the beast curses the name of the Lord and the Lord’s people.
A. Cursing—vv. 5–6. For forty-two months the beast curses the name of the Lord and the Lord’s people.
B. Control—vv. 7–8. The beast will have power to make war against God’s people. He will have power over all people, who do not have their names in God’s Book.
B. Control—vv. 7–8. The beast will have power to make war against God’s people. He will have power over all people, who do not have their names in God’s Book.
C. Concern—v. 9. If you hear God’s voice, obey Him.
C. Concern—v. 9. If you hear God’s voice, obey Him.
D. Captivity—v. 10. This verse should be interpreted with Jeremiah 15:2; 43:11.
D. Captivity—v. 10. This verse should be interpreted with Jeremiah 15:2; 43:11.
III. THE CHARACTER OF THE SECOND BEAST—vv. 11–18
III. THE CHARACTER OF THE SECOND BEAST—vv. 11–18
A. Appearance—v. 11. This beast comes out of the earth. He looks like a lamb, but acts like a dragon (cf. Matt. 7:15).
A. Appearance—v. 11. This beast comes out of the earth. He looks like a lamb, but acts like a dragon (cf. Matt. 7:15).
B. Actions—vv. 12–15. Note his actions:
B. Actions—vv. 12–15. Note his actions:
1. Supernatural—vv. 12–13
1. Supernatural—vv. 12–13
a. Healing—v. 12
a. Healing—v. 12
b. Great wonders. Fire comes down from heaven—v. 13.
b. Great wonders. Fire comes down from heaven—v. 13.
c. Miracles—v. 14
c. Miracles—v. 14
d. Gives life—v. 15
d. Gives life—v. 15
2. Slavery—vv. 16–17. Without his mark the people cannot buy or sell, and will therefore die (possible starvation).
2. Slavery—vv. 16–17. Without his mark the people cannot buy or sell, and will therefore die (possible starvation).
3. Sign—v. 18. His number will be 666.
3. Sign—v. 18. His number will be 666.
For every real thing, Satan has a counterfeit. He uses counterfeits to destroy God’s work.
Pentz, C. M. (1978). Outlines on Revelation (pp. 47–49). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.