Study
16 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 13
Satan
in his war against the saints uses two chief instruments: (a) totalitarian
world power, hostile, to the true God, subservient to Satan and claiming
worship for itself (verses 1-10) and (b) established religion, supporting the
claims of the world power, by false miracles and signs (verses 11-18). Such
‘beasts’ were found in John’s day in the Roman Empire and the cult of emperor
worship. They have appeared also in later history, and may appear again.
1-
Note how the Christians are here distinguished from others
(verse 8; cf. 17:8). What experience is inevitable for them in such a world
situation as verses 1-10 depict? How is it appointed that they should show
their faithfulness? Cf. Mk. 13:13
2-
In what respects does the second beast differ in outward
appearance from the first? Cf. 1 Pet. 5:8 with 2 Cor. 11:14. How does its aims
and methods bring Christians into direct conflict with it? Cf. Dn. 3:4-6; Jn.
15:18-21.
Notes
1-
Verse 2. Note a combination of the characteristics of the first
three beasts in Daniel’s vision. Cf. Dn. 7:4-6
2-
Verse 3. This suggests a counterfeit to Christ’s death and
resurrection, intended to lead men to faith and worship.
3-
Verse 4. The reason for worship is not moral greatness but brute
force.
4-
Verse 10. Echoes words in Je. 15:2. In the face of such
treatment Christians are not to try to resist or retaliate.
5-
Verse 12. This second beast completes the satanic trinity. It is
called ‘the false prophet’ in 16:13; 19:20; 20:10. He is the Lie dressed up
like the Truth. Cf. Mt. 7:15; Mk. 13:22; 2Thes. 2:9-12
6-
Verse 18. Many take the number 666 to refer to ‘Nero Caesar’.
Others, because every digit falls short of the perfect number 7, regard 666 as
a symbol of the Antichrist.
