The Beast from the Sea
April 4, 2019
Commentary
Chapter 13 gives much insight into what will take place during the last three and one half hears of the Tribulation. A study of Daniel 7; 9 and 11 will be very helpful to the understanding of this vital chapter. It will be a time of one world government and one world religion with one economic system. Those who resist the one world ruler and refuse to worship him will run the risk of being put to death. In fact, the martyrs may outnumber the believers who survive this time. This chapter introduces the two main characters of Revelation: the beast and the false prophet. In today’s Scripture we learn what this beast is like and how he will use his power.
1. The Beast (vv. 1-10)
a. Comes from the sea indicating he is a Gentile representing many nations (v. 1).
b. Will be the political ruler over 10 nations (Possibly Common Market Nations) (v. 1).
c. Appears to gather three proceeding empires under his power (v. 2).
– Greece (a leopard – Dan 7:6)
– Medo-Persia (a bear – Dan 7:5)
– Babylon (a lion – Dan 7:4)
d. The seven heads of the beast seems to represent important rulers, one of which suffered a fatal wound and was miraculously healed by Satan himself (v. 3).
e. Because of his supernatural character he is worshiped (v. 4).
f. Was a blasphemer against God (vv. 5-6).
g. A worldwide ruler; extends his authority over every tribe, people, and nation (vv. 7-9).
h. Leads many into captivity and kills them with the sword) (v. 10).
Application
Who have been some of the beasts or idols in my life? By that I mean people, forces, institutions, etc. that have tested my allegiance to Christ.
Revelation 13:1– 10 (NET)
1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns were ten diadem crowns, and on its heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast that I saw was like a leopard, but its feet were like a bearâs, and its mouth was like a lionâs mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority to rule. 3 One of the beastâs heads appeared to have been killed, but the lethal wound had been healed. And the whole world followed the beast in amazement; 4 they worshiped the dragon because he had given ruling authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying: âWho is like the beast?â and âWho is able to make war against him?â 5 The beast was given a mouth speaking proud words and blasphemies, and he was permitted to exercise ruling authority for forty-two months. 6 So the beast opened his mouth to blaspheme against Godâto blaspheme both his name and his dwelling place, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 The beast was permitted to go to war against the saints and conquer them. He was given ruling authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, 8 and all those who live on the earth will worship the beast, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed. 9 If anyone has an ear, he had better listen!
10 If anyone is meant for captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed by the sword, then by the sword he must be killed. This requires steadfast endurance and faith from the saints.
Illustration: How Pliny flushed out Christians
Pliny, governor of Bothnia, wrote Trajan the Emperor regarding how he flushed out Christians in his area: ââŹĹI gave these men a chance to worship the gods of Rome, offer sacrifice to the image of the Emperor, and finally to curse the name of Christ,” adding, ââŹĹnone of these acts, to those who are really Christians, can be forced on them.” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #1106).