Revelation Chapter 13

Matthew Davis

Revelation Bible Study 2020-2021 • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

Revelation 12:18–13:18

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Verses 1-10

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.[1]

Verse 1

And I stood – In my study, the first thing I noticed was that some Bible translations put this portion of the chapter in the last verse of chapter twelve. I disagree with that placement because this is a very obvious transition to the next line of thought.

Also curious, I discovered that most translations do not state that John stood here, but the dragon stood, phrasing this verse “and he stood” or “the dragon stood”. These differences are perhaps for accurate since they do come from an earlier manuscript than the KJV on this one. The idea is that the dragon stood calling the sea beast up out of the water.

In the case of John, from his position, which was on Patmos, he could clearly see the sea sand and the ocean out in front of him and likely watched this vision take place out of the waters from Patmos.

Saw a beast – The beast which will be described in more detail comes from Daniel chapter seven. As we read, we will see one beast that could really be better described as a monster than a beast. In tonights chapter, this is only one beast, but it combines the elements of four beasts from Daniel. In Daniel, the beasts represented the different kingdoms that have come and gone, with the fourth beast being the Roman empire. In Revelation, the beast will symbolize a revived Roman Empire (which could possibly be in the form of the RCC).

John describes this beast in a fashion that his early readers would recognize the Roman influence, and in a way that we could understand what they faced. But John also described the beast to represent government in total.

Before we get too deep into the discussion of the beast tonight, I want to clarify that John is not describing a physical beast, but a symbolical imagery of the evil one and the evil deeds he will inflict with the usage of world governments.

Of note, the phrase here “saw a beast” is in the Greek past tense. This is significant whereas a lot of what John writes is in the present tense, this one is not. This is further significant because we will see a similar phrase later tonight that is in the present tense, and not the past.

Out of the sea – In ancient times, the sea was seen as an evil place, a source of evil. It is only fitting that the beast arose out of the sea. For the people on the coasts of Asia and Israel, their foe, the Romans, also came from the sea. We also know this beast will be a gentile because it comes from the sea, representing the entire world population.

Seven heads and ten horns – Just as the dragon from last chapter, this beast has seven heads and ten horns. This is the sum of the heads and horns from Daniels beasts. The seven heads have been suggested to represent wisdom and the ten horns represent the kingdoms of the earth.

Ten crowns – Unlike the dragon, which is satan, which has seven crowns, the beast has ten crowns. This makes the beast appear even more royal than the dragon. Also unlike our dragon, which wears the crowns on it’s heads, this beast wears the crowns on his horns. This seems like unusual placement, but it leaves room for the next description.

Upon his heads, the name of blasphemy – The beast will attempt to take what is God’s and apply it to himself. The beast will want to be worshiped and treated as a god. This imagery is also satans attempt to mimic God. As God, Christ, and The Spirit all share their power in a Holy Trinity, so do satan, the beast (anti-christ) and the false prophet share power in this unholy trinity.

Verse 2

Beast… Leopard… bear… lion – These are the descriptions of the different beasts found in the book of Daniel. John describes this evil monster as a combination of all the beasts from Daniel.

Dragon gave him his power – The beast receives his power from the dragon. What we will see as we read into the book is a truly evil creature who presents his evil not forthright, but through the deeds of men in the government.

The beast is not named, but he has been called the anti-christ. The beast will likely be human, and be in the form of a government. It will likely fall upon a single person as the governments begin to unify as one. This guy will be very charismatic, and will be able to persuade the masses of people to follow after him.

Verse 3

One of his heads, wounded, as it were, to death – Many commentators and scholars, as I read this, had suggested that the beast actually died and satan resurrected the beast back to life. But that is not what John writes – John says, as it were, to death – This means that the wound would normally be fatal, and would cause the world to believe the beast died, but he did not. The dragon, which is satan, healed the beast of his wound making it appear as if he resurrected. The beast, which is the anti-christ, truly mimics Christ and tries to take His place.

All the world wondered after the beast – The appearance of death and then of a resurrection caused, and obviously so, the world to marvel at the events which had happened.

Verse 4

And they worshiped the beast – The word worshipped also indicates bowed down to. This act was so convincing that the people were swayed, not only into following the person, but into worshiping him. In this act, they also worship the dragon, of whom the beast receives his power. This is what satan was after the entire time, from the fall – To set his throne above that of God.

Who is like the beast? – The people, in their worship, declare that there is none who is like the beast. This again, is a mimic of the Bible, where they declare who is like God? Who is able to make war with him? The appearance of resurrecting from the dead also gives the appearance that none can make war with him. Their either truly convinced that the beast is a god or they truly fear him.

Verse 5

Speaking great things – Literally, this means to be speaking proud things. This beast has become boastful, talking in pride and lifting himself high.

And power was given – This is reassuring. Though the beast is horrible, and though the dragon represents absolute evil, God is still sovereign. They can only have power as long as God does not cut it off. For the beast, this power shall be granted to him for three and a half years. This is the latter half of the tribulation period.

Verse 6

Blasphemy against God – The beast would speak negative words to the people against God. He would defame him, and convince the people that God is cruel and less than what He really is. We have seen a good job of that happening today.

In fact, when people would ask what the devil is doing today, because he seems less active then in the Bible – The answer is, he is convincing us to believe neither in God or in him, because he works better under the radar.

In the last years, the beast will portray himself as a christ and will blasphemy against the real God and the real Christ.

And His tabernacle – The beast will then blasphemy against the house of God.

And the people that dwell in heaven – The beast will also defame and slander those who make their dwelling place in Heaven. This will be an all out attack on God and anything that is good.

Verse 7

To make war – Though the war in Heaven was won when satan was cast out last chapter, the war will still be taking place on earth. In the last chapter, we ended with the dragon making war with those who remained and chose to follow God. That effort increases here in chapter thirteen.

Over all kindreds, tongues, nations – For those who dream of a one world government or religion, this dream will be realized. But it will not be the force of good those people dream it to be. This one world government and religion will be a force for evil, where those who oppose this new order shall be murdered and those who follow it will be demanded to worship the beast as god.

Verse 8

All that dwell on the earth shall worship the beast – We just mentioned that the beast will demand that all shall worship him as god, but we also see that this refers not to the Christians, who are raptured, but to the perishing of the world. This is affirmed by the next statement.

Who names are written in the book of life – Revelation records that those who follow the beast have not their names written in the book of life. The book of life is likely a metaphorical picture of a record in Heaven recording all the names of those who have accepted Christ.

Of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world – The Greek grammar of this text makes it no easier to understand. Does this verse teach that our names are recorded from the foundation of the earth? Or does it teach that Christ was slain from the foundation of the earth? The grammatical structure indicates that it is referring to Christ, but the scriptural references say it refers to our names.

In both Ephesians 1:4 and Revelation 17:8 we are told that our names were written from the foundation. This is possible because God already knew who would and who would not accept Him. But they still have to make that choice.

To properly understand what this verse means, we must apply both the grammatical and the scriptural references. Although God has allowed evil, from the start God has also planned the death of Christ as an atoning sacrifice for us. From the foundation of the world, those who looked to the Christ have been recorded in this book.

Verse 9

He who has an ear, let him hear – It has been awhile since we last heard his phrase repeated in the letters to the seven Asian churches (Rev 2 and 3). There is once again a message, or rather, a challenge, to him who would believe. To him who would listen. Once the Christians are gone, there will still be copies of Bibles lying around. There will be people who remember what we’ve said in the past before our rapture. It will be a world where not many will listen. So those who will, pay attention. This set’s us up for our next verse.

Verse 10

This verse prepares the new convert in the tribulation for what his life will be like. Following God, now more than ever, will result in death. It will result in captivity, starvation, beheadings, ect. This verse ends will telling the new believer to be patient, to hold on. Life is going to be extreme, it is going to be tough, and it will end in death. But be patient.

Verses 11-18

11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And kdeceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive qa mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.[2]

Verse 11

And I beheld – In the first of the chapter, we had seen a similar phrase, “and I saw” which was written in the Greek past tense. This phrase here is written in the present tense and John’s writing remains in the present tense through the remainder of the chapter.

Another beast – This second beast is known as the false prophet. He is the helper to the anti-christ, the beast out of the sea, and gratifies his every need.

Coming out of the earth – This beast is less intimidating than the first beast. The first beast, coming out of the sea was unusual, and represented pure evil. The second beast is more familiar, coming out of the earth. The familiarity of the beast, with it’s evil intentions, make it as Christ spoke of, a false prophet who is really a ravaging wolf in sheeps clothing.

Spake like a dragon – Though the false prophet put on clothing of a sheep, he spoke as his master, the dragon, even the devil, spoke.

Verse 12

He exerciseth all power of the first beast – The second beast is literally to be a help meat to the first. His job is to exercise his every need and desire, to bring the people into submission.

The first beast is intimidating (from the sea) whereas the second beast can smooth his way into peoples hearts and minds.

Causes the earth to worship the first beast – This is the reality of his job. To point everyone to the beast. This is the last effort of satan to truly mimic the Holy Trinity, where to Spirit points to Christ.

Whose deadly wound was healed – This miraculous recovery was impressive enough that the first beast is once again characterized by this healing.

Verse 13

The second beast, in a attempt to seduce the people into worship, performed miraculous signs and wonders. Many people forget that to a limited degree, even satan can work miraculous events. We have seen evidence of this in the Bible, where the magicians of pharaoh were able to mimic several of Moses miracles.

Verse 14

And deceived them – The second beast deceived the people of the earth by these miraculous signs and wonders. It is also likely he deceived them with lies, false promises, and false claims of deity. Only those who have ears to hear and listen will not be led astray by these false claims.

Make an image to the beast –. It is no surprise, that this was commanded. Satan tends to stick to his same old ways, though the methods he uses to accomplish this often changes. Nearly every pagan temple of the ancient world featured statues of the pagan deity to be worshipped. He caused them, much after the way of pagan worship practices, to make an image of the beast, the anti-christ

Verse 15

Power to give live and cause to speak – For many centuries, until this time we live in now, this verse has caused much controversy. The devil cannot create nor give life. So this has caused interpretation issues. However, today, using technology, it would be such an easy task to cause a statue or image to speak. We have ai that can take text and convert it to speech and vice versa.

Cause to be killed – The method by which the second beast propagated his mission was to slay all who refused to worship or those who followed the one true God. In the great tribulation, it truly will be a death sentence to follow the Biblical God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Earlier in Revelation seven, we read of these many martyrs who died during these events.

Verse 16

He causeth all – All here mean all – regardless of location on the earth. John summarizes this as both the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, the free and the bond. Regardless of who you are, your political affiliation, your popularity, ect, the beast will require you of this mark.

On his right and or foreheads – In the ancient world, a slave could be branded and a brand on the forehead was a mark of shame. Whereas, ancient warriors were often branded on the right hand as an indication of their allegiance.

There has been a lot of controversy over this mark – Most recently, I have that the covid vaccine is the mark of the beast, which cannot be true. I have heard that tatoos, microchips, cell phones, the 5g network, computers, and so much more are the mark. None of this is true and you will know the mark when it comes (assuming you did not rapture with the church). What we do know of this mark is that you will understand it’s connection with the beast – you will understand that you must worship the beast and his image. And then you must decide to take the mark – They won’t force you to take the mark, the will instead just kill you if you don’t.

Verse 17

That no man may buy or sell – In ancient days, a merchant would have a document with a seal of the governor giving permission to buy or sell. Today, we have business licenses. Money, both today and then are marked with images of the leaders, making the paper or coinage legal tender. This idea that no man could buy or sell without the image means that one must deal with the beast to be allowed to function. One must either choose to take the mark and suffer the eternal consequences, or forego the mark and suffer the temporal consequences.

Verse 18

We are given one final word of wisdom in this chapter, the number of the name of the beast. Keep in mind, this number is the number of the name. Every Greek letter has a value attributed to it. This wisdom would allow you to take the Greek name of the anti-christ and add its value and you would total six hundred sixty and six.

The number itself is not the number of the beast, but rather the number of man. The number of man is six. In addition, the number in any form is not bad itself, whereas it doesn’t really represent anything. But the name of this beast will total the number.

Of interest is the triple repetition of six, representing an unholy trinity.

[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 13:1–10). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 13:11–18). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

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