THE POWER OF THE 2nd BEAST TO COMPEL OBEDIENCE

The Power of the Second Beast to Compel Obedience vs. 16-17

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:" "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."

Without doubt, the compelling force in the hands of the second beast lies in the realm of self-preservation. In his hands he has the.physical wealth of the world.

Public Identification is the Chief Design of the Mark vs. 16

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads."

This is again a counterfeiting of the things of God. Since God seals (7:1-8), the devil does also. He wants his own to be made quite con­spicuous and to make it less possible for any to escape. No exceptions are made, and the most conspicuous portions of the human anatomy must be marked.

Self-preservation is the Lever that is used by the Beast vs. 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."

Having a commercial monopoly on the wealth of the world, the beast uses this to compel all men to receive the mark. Only by bearing the mark are they able to buy or sell. Extreme need drives men into his power.

CONCLUSION:

1.   Wisdom: No one need speculate about the identity of the number, name, or notorious person of the beast. All such in the past have been futile and worthless.

2.   Meaning: This warning and number is especially directed to those who shall be living on the earth during this awful time. These saints are to count the number and know that it is the number of a man.

3.   Number: The number has moral significance. "7" is the number of God. "777" signifies the Trinity in its highest perfection. "6: is the number of man, and the nearest approach to divine perfection is "666." ASV note says some ancient authorities read "616."

THE SIGNS OF THE FALSE SPIRIT

The Signs of the False Spirit vs. 13-15

 

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And deceiveth 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." "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."

The Character of These Signs. They are Essen­tially Religious

vs. 13, 15

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "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."

The word for wonders is the word "signs" and these are referred to as great signs. These signs are not mere wonders, but great works with meaning. It is therefore in point to look for the meaning.

The Sign of Fire From Heaven vs. 13

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,"

 

This looks very much as though the second beast is attempting to convey to men the idea that the first beast is actually the Messiah, and the fire is one aspect of his glorious appearance, namely, judgment (Mal. 3:2; 4:1).

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:"
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

The Sign of Life in the Image vs. 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."

 

The word "life" is the word pneuma or spirit. This does not necessarily mean that the image was made alive. But it may mean that an evil spirit was caused to dwell in the image and speak through it. This would startle the people. Here again there seems to be an attempt to counterfeit another aspect of the Messiah, namely, that of giving life (John 7:28; 6:40).

"Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not."

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

 

The Deceptiveness of the Signs. They are Lying Wonders vs. 13-14

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And deceiveth 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."

 

• These are great miracles in quality. The word great of verse 13 is used in the sense of quality.
• These are real miracles in nature. They are not necessarily false because they are performed by the false prophet. As a matter of fact, they are performed by one who has above natural power.
• These are lying miracles in purpose. They are intended to lead the observer to a false conclusion. Cf. 2 Thess. 2:9 ff. The false conclusion is that these miracles come from God.

The Purpose of the Signs: To Develop a Reli­gious Fervor

• Deception of the populace in general was necessary. All those whose allegiance was with Antichrist were deceived. 14
• Descent into idolatrous forms of worship. This is definitely a step in the direction of pantheism and naturalism. 14
• Definite worship of the beast through the adoration and worship of his image. 15

The Persecution for not Obeying the Signs vs. 15b

"......and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

This implies clearly an organized movement for the purpose of conserving the benefits of the signs. It is evident that the beast intends to center all earthly allegiance upon himself and that the religious factor is the means to the end.

It must not be forgotten that during the first 3 1/2 years the beast-was content to be ridden by the scarlet woman of Ch. 17. In the midst of the week, the beast throws her off and establishes himself in the temple and demands worship. It is during the last 3 1/2 years that this religious organization of the second beast comes prominently into view.

THE FALSE SPIRIT - 2nd BEAST - FALSE PROPHET

The False Spirit: The Second Beast Who is the False Prophet

vs. 11-17

 

"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." "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." "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And deceiveth 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." "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." "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:" "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."

The Person of the False Spirit vs. 11-12

"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." "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."

The Origination of the Second Beast vs. 11

"Out of the earth."

Some think "earth" refers to a more settled condition of things (religious) than the term "sea" of 13:1. But this term may be taken literally, namely, up out of the earth which means out of the Abyss. This may be, then, an evil spirit. It is certain that there is a definite relation to the first beast and to the dragon.

The Description of the Second Beast vs. 11-12

"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." "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."

• Character: He is a wild beast, as the original denotes. This describes accurately the viciousness of his nature, controlled only by one law, and that is the law of his own appetite.
• Appearance: He has two horns like a lamb. Horns indicate power, but this power is not that of political strength. These are horns of a lamb, and the lamb is more the emblem of sacrifice and tenderness. This may refer then to religious power.
• Message: He spake as a dragon. Since this does not refer to his appearance, it must necessarily point to his message. With all the religious subtlety of the serpent through the centuries, this beast propa­gates a message of religious delusion (2 Cor. 11:13-15). cf. also 2 Cor. 4:4.
• Authority: He exercises all the power of the first beast, suggesting that he drives his authority from the first beast. That he speaks like a dragon may also suggest that ultimately he derives his power from the dragon. Thus we have here in these three the Satanic trinity made over the pattern of the Divine Trinity.

The Organization of the Second Beast vs. 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."

Position Under the First Beast

"Before him."

These words do not give the impression of priority in time, but subjugation under. They suggest the fact that this second beast is in some way subservient to the first beast, as prime minister, premier, personal counsellor, popular contact person, etc.

Purpose of the Second Beast

"To worship the first beast."

Apparently there is more of a religious significance to this beast than anything else. It is his purpose to turn the attention of the world to this central figure, not merely as a great person, but a great person with religious meaning. This is purpose and function of Holy Spirit toward Christ (cf. John 16:8-15).

Practice of the Second Beast

"And causeth the earth."

The word "causeth" is the word "make" in the present tense. It implies that this one has power to operate. He has power to plan, create, produce, put into operation and compel adherence to his plans. This certainly implies persecution for those who rebel against his plans.

THE DOMINION OF THE FALSE ANTICHRIST

The Dominion of the False Christ  vs. 7-10

"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." "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." "If any man have an ear, let him hear." "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."

 

 

The Method of his Dominion vs. 7a

"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them...."

The method is force that develops into armies and war. These he turns against the saints in the earth. The church is in heaven. But there are:

• The Jewish saints, 144,000 sealed servants of the Lord. He cannot hurt them (Rev. 7:1-8).
• There are the Jewish saints who flee into the wilderness (Rev. 12:6, 14).
• There are the Jewish saints who remain in the city of Jerusalem (Rev. 12:17 cf. Zech. 12:8-10; 14:1-4).
• There are the Gentile saints from among all the nations (Rev. 7:9-17).

The Extent of his Dominion vs. 7b

"....and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."

The reading of the text suggests that this dominion is universal. Verse 3 also suggests the same thing. By this time the other three powers of the end time may be subjugated: Northern, Eastern, Southern. The Northern power is crushed by the Roman power; so also the Southern power; and also the Eastern power (Dan. 11:36-45; Rev. 16:12; Ezek. 38-39). The Roman power, the Babylon of the end time, remains supreme (Rev. 18).

The Effect of his Dominion vs. 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."

The dominion of this monarch will be such that all shall worship him. And the cause of this is doubtless twofold:

• By miraculous works and marvelous deeds he attracts the worship of the millions (13:3-4 also verses 11-15).
• By force he compels the worship of the military. Cf. Rev. 13:16-17.

Those who do bow the knee in worship, either willingly or by force, are those who are not among the elect.

The Warning of his Dominion vs. 9-10

"If any man have an ear, let him hear." "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."

Here is a divine warning for any who may be living during that period and reject his leader­ship. This is the period permitted of God to this Bestial Tyrant of the end time and there­fore any display of force to withstand the might of his dominion will be sure to result in disaster.

If the saint just realizes that this Tyrant continues by permission of God, will soon reach the end of his time, and be properly judged by the Lord, he will because of this faith persist on through the persecution and be spared much affliction.

THE WONDERING AFTER THE BEAST - BUY INTO HIM

The Wondering After the Beast vs. 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."

The Extent of the Wondering

"All the world" AV. "Whole earth" RV.

The language of the text does not leave one in doubt about the extent. It is not merely the revived Roman Empire. The original is "the whole earth." So far as I can see there is no reason to reduce the conception of these words. Here is an event that is known the world over.

The Nature of the Wondering

"wondered"

This was in the nature of marveling, admiring, agreeable surprise. The sad fact is that the world is caught with delusion. This one who has come after the working of Satan (2 Thess. 2:9) appears to be the Christ and is received as such (John 5:43). This miracle of resurrection completely deludes the people. All the wisdom of men goes for naught and they believe "the lie" (2 Thess. 2:11).

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"
"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive."
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

The Result of the Wondering
"after the beast" (opisw)

The word "after" means more than "at." It signifies that the world of men follow Antichrist. A miracle of resurrection is the thing that captures them (cf. John 12:9, 19; the case of Lazarus). The king of terrors has been conquered (Heb. 2:15) and the people follow the false Messiah, expecting to enter into the same experience at his hand.
"Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead." "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him."
"And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

The Worship of the Dragon vs. 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?"

This was the great ambition of the dragon in the beginning (Isa. 14:14). "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds" seeking adoration. This is what he sought to get from Christ at the temptation (Matt. 4:8-10). This is his purpose in counterfeiting the Christ. He is using the Antichrist as his tool.

"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."

"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;" "And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

The Worship of the Beast vs. 4
"And they worshipped the beast."

People Give him the Position of God in Their Lives

They worship him. He exalts himself above all that is called God or worshipped and seats himself in the temple of God, dis­playing himself as God (2 Thess. 2:4), and people adore him as very God. This is blasphemy and idolatry of the basest kind.

"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

People Declare his Person is so Supernatu­ral

"Who is like unto the beast."

This is laying emphasis by means of a rhetorical question. The answer is that no other one in all the world is like this beast. He is divine and supernatural in his person. He died and rose again.

People Point to his Power as a Leader in War

"Who is able to make war with him?"

This question is like the above. If he is a creature who suffered a death wound and yet came forth from death, what folly to make war against him. He is invincible. They who demanded "peace" now elevate the man of war.

The Speech of the False Christ vs. 5-6

"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." "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

The Nature of his Speech vs. 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."

Two things are asserted of it:

1. Great things: This must mean great things in the sense of science, philosophy, and human wisdom (cf. Dan. 7:8, 20, 25). Here is one to whom the devil has communicated his great wisdom (Ezek. 28:12). If indwelt by a demon from the pit, it is altogether possible that some of it may be attributed to that. Nevertheless, here is one who is the superman in wisdom and learning of the end time.

"I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." "And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows." "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

"Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty."

2. Blasphemies: From this one there comes that cold, dispassionate, calm affirmation of untruth about God and the things of God. These will be welcomed by a Christ-rejecting world, for they have received not the love of the truth that they might be saved, but believe the lie that they might be damned (2 Thess. 2:10-12).

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:" "That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

The Period of his Speech vs. 5b

"....to continue forty and two months."

Duration: This is specifically limited to 42 months. This agrees with the words of 11:2-3, 7. This is the final 3¹/₂ years of the tribulation week. It is that period in which the Antichrist breaks covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27) and moves from the heighth of his career to his final doom.

"But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them."

"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."

Purpose: "to continue" or Greek "to do." This not only includes his speech but all that he is authorized to do as the tool of Satan. While he will instigate the great­est persecution ever known against the people of God and Israel especially, the truth is his most dangerous enemy. Blas­phemy is the most deadly weapon he has against it. Deadliest weapon of Russia: lies. Article that appeared in Post years back during the Reagan years.

The Object of his Speech vs. 6

"And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

Ultimately Satan and his Messiah are against God. All other personalities are simply means to an end. Two objects, therefore, fall within the reach of Antichrist.

1. The Name of God
Name usually stands for person and possessions. In this case, since it is impossible for him to attack God with force, he assails the truth of his name. This undoubtedly extends to any or all of the names he bears.

2. The People of God
"his tabernacle, even them that dwell in heaven" is the way the revisers think this should read. This must refer to the church a in heaven. It is the holy temple and the habitation of God (Eph. 2:21-22). The disappearance of this group of people from the earth is known. Lest people believe the truth, the beast blasphemes it. Best Mss. leave out "and" or "even." Six interpretations have been given: (1) Mother of God; (2) Heaven; (3) Shekinah; (4) Temple; (5) Christ; (6) Church. cf. 1 Cor. 3:16-17.

"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:" "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

THE SIGNS OF THE FALSE CHRIST

The Signs of the False Christ vs. 3-4

"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." "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?"

The Wounding of One of the Heads vs. 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."

The Object of the Wound

Kingdom - the beast is a kingdom. Rev. 17:3, 9-10 RV not AV.
This kingdom has seven heads and ten horns. The seven heads are seven mountains which are seven kings. Five of these kings are already fallen, and one is reigning as John writes. The seventh king has not yet arrived but will doubtless be the king of the revived Roman Empire. This is probably the head that is wounded.

King - the beast is also a king.
While it is one of the kings that is wounded, it must not be surmised that this is the wounding of a king merely. This is the wounding of a kingdom in the sense that it is the wounding of a king. It is the beast that is wounded (13:12). That is, it is a man, the king, who is wounded to death. This is the seventh king who dies, comes to life again, and becomes the eighth (Rev. 17:10-11).

The Nature of the Wound
"as it were wounded" AV

RV. "as though it had been smitten" (marg. - slain). Exactly the same words in the original appear in Rev. 5:6 with relation to the Lamb. "As it had been slain."
The word slain implies the exercise of violence. Without doubt we have here the permitted imitation of the crucifixion of Christ. This is not strange, for this man is the imitation of Christ, thus Antichrist.

The Extent of the Wound to the Beast

The nature of the wound resulted from being smitten.
1 John 3:12 And slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him?
Rev. 5:6 As it had been slain. (wV esjagmenon)
Rev. 5:9 For thou wast slain. (esjaghV)
Rev. 5:12 The lamb that was slain. (to esjagmenon)
Rev. 6:4 That they should kill one another. (sjaxousin)
Rev. 6:9 The souls of that were slain. (twn esjagmenwn)
Rev. 13:3 As it were wounded to death. (wV esjagmenhn)
Rev. 13:8 The Lamb slain from the foundation. (tou esjagmenou)
Rev. 18:24 Of all that were slain upon the earth. (twn esjagmenwn)

The Extent of the Wound

"To death" AV. "Unto death" RV.

The words do not imply that the man was brought down to the very brink of death and then rescued. They rather imply that the man went through the experience of death. Especially when these words are compared with those describing Christ in Rev. 5:6, one must hold that this was death, a death known throughout the world, and therefore a death attracting much attention.
The extent of the wound was unto death.

Matt. 10:21 Brother shall deliver up brother to death. (eiV qanaton)

Matt. 20:18 They shall condemn him to death. (eiV qanaton)

Mark 13:12 Brother shall betray the brother to death. (eiV qanaton)

Luke 22:33 Both into prison, and to death. (eiV qanaton)

Rom. 6:3 Were baptized into his death. (eiV ton qanaton)

Rom. 6:4 By baptism into death. 6L0 Toy edvaTov

Rom. 6:16 Whether of sin unto death. (eiV qanaton)

Rom. 7:10 I found to be unto death. (eiV qanaton)

2 Cor. 2:16 The savor of death unto death. (eiV qanaton)

2 Cor. 4:11 Are alway delivered unto death. (eiV qanaton)

Parallel passages but not the same con­struction.

Matt. 26:38 Exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. (ewV qanatou)

Mark 10:33 Shall condemn him to death. (qanatou)

Mark 14:34 Sorrowful-unto death. (ewV qanatou)

John 11:4 This sickness is not unto death. (proV qanaton)

Acts 22:4 I persecuted this way unto the death. (acri qanatou)

Romans 5:21 Sin hath reigned unto death. (en tw qanatw)

Romans 7:5 To bring forth fruit unto death. (tw qanatw)

Phil. 2:8 Obedient unto death. (mecri qanatou)

Phil. 2:27 He was sick nigh unto death. (paraplhsion qanatou)

Phil. 2:30 He was nigh unto death. (mecri qanatou hggisen)

Phil. 3:10 Conformable unto his death. (tw qanatw)

1 John 5:16 A sin not unto death. (mh proV qanaton)

1 John 5:16 A sin unto death. (proV qanaton)

Rev. 2:10 Be thou faithful unto death. (acri qanatou)

 

The description of the death wound in the Greek.

Rev. 13:3 His deadly wound. (h plhgh tou qanatou autou)
Rev. 13:12 Whose deadly wound. (h plhgh tou qanatou autou)

The Cure of the Wound

"And his deadly wound was healed" AV.

These words declare that the king of terrors has been conquered. This slain leader is raised to life again (Heb. 2:15). The method is not suggested right here. It is simply asserted that it happened. In this there is the permitted imitation of the resurrection of Christ. This resurrection is not like Christ's, namely, to walk in newness of life and die no more. But neither is it a mere resuscitation.

The Method may be be Suggested in Several Passages of the Book

11:7 "The beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit." The Abyss is the place where the souls of wicked go at death. (Rom. 10:7. Christ went there at the death and closed it.)

17:8 "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottom­less pit." This speaks of him living, dying, and rising again from dead.

17:11 "The beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven." This indicates that he is the seventh, he dies, and rises again and thus becomes the eighth.

THE FALSE CHRIST: THE 1st BEAST - THE ANTiCHRIST

The False Christ: the First Beast, the Antichrist vs. lb-10

"....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." "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." "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." "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?" "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." "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven." "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." "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." "If any man have an ear, let him hear." "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." 

 

 

The Person of the False Christ vs. lb-2

"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." "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."

The Origination of the Beast

• He comes from out of the sea of the nations and is therefore a man. (lb with 18) cf. 17:1, 15.
• He comes out of the Abyss and is therefore an evil spirit energizing the man (11:7; 17:8).
• His rise into prominence is gradual and progressive. Present tense of verb "rise up."

The Description of the Beast

• In character this person is a wild beast. The first use of the word "therion" in 6:8 indicates that it means a beast of prey
• In dimension this beast is both a man and a kingdom

Man: cf. 13:18 "The number of a man." This is "the man of sin" spoken of in 2 Thess. 2:3-4. cf. Rev. 19:19-20, "The best and the kings of the earth . . . cast alive into a like of fire."

King: cf. 17:10-11 "and the beast . . . he is the eighth." Dan. 8:9, 23, "A little horn which waxed exceed­ing great" (9). "A king of fierce countenance . . . shall stand up" (23).

Kingdom: cf. Dan. 7:7, 17, 23: This is the Revived Roman Empire. "Seven heads and ten horns" - kingdom and kings. "These great beasts are four kings" (17). "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom" (23).

Notes:

1. Double symbolism in Daniel. A beast is a symbol of a kingdom and a king (Dan. 7:17, 23) and the horn is a symbol of a king (Dan. 8:9, 23).
2. This same symbolism obtains in the Revela­tion. Rev. 17:9-11,16 (ASV). Rev. 17:3 "Beast has seven heads and ten horns." Rev. 17:12 "Ten horns are ten kings." Rev. 17:11 "The beast is the eighth" king.
3. In intention the beast is morally set against God and His Christ. cf. 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Dan. 11:36, 37, 38.

The Concentration in the Beast vs. 2a

"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...."

• John reviews his appearance and notes three things. This beast was like a leopard, feet like a bear, and a mouth like a lion. By comparison with Dan. 7:3-7 it will be noted that each one of these beasts referred to symbolize a preceding kingdom: Greece, Medo-Persia, Babylon. This last beast is like all of them put together.

• Thus he sums up in this beast and kingdom all the brilliance of Greece, all the tremendousness of Medo-Persia, and all the autocratic power of Babylon. Such is the great Revived Roman Empire of the end time.

The Organization For the Beast vs. 2b

• The dragon has things organized for the Antichrist
• He gives him his power to produce results (dunamin)

This one is to come with all the power Satan has to confer upon him (2 Thess. 2:9). This same word is used elsewhere in the New Testament to refer to miracles and its sense here must be that. It is there­fore to be expected that he shall perform some great miraculous feats, the one in verse 3 being the outstanding one. Cf. 13:13-14.

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," "And deceiveth 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."

• He gives him his throne or position (qronon)

A throne is the sign of position and power. Satan's throne has been over the nations (Luke 4:5-8). He offered his throne to Christ and Christ rejected it. This throne (Rev. 12:3) now possessed by Satan is offered to Satan's man and he accepts it.

"And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time." "And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it." "If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

"And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads."

• He gives him his authority which is great (exousian) cf. 1 John 5:19.

"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."

This is the delegated right from Satan to pursue a certain course of action. In this case it must be the blasphemy of God and high-handed dominion over his empire for 42 months (13:5).

There is a suggestion here that Satan is still pursuing his selfish way even with his own dupes. He uses Antichrist as his tool and when he is through with him he will let him go.