Revelation of John 13:1-8
Summary for Rev 13:1-10: 13:1-10 a The first beast is the second member of the evil trinity (see study note on 12:18–13:18) and should probably be identified with Roman power (see thematic note for Four World Empires at end of chapter). 13:1 b The beast emerges from the sea (symbolizing evil). Like the dragon, it has seven heads and ten horns (see 12:3 c). The crowns represent its political and military power (cp. 17:3 d, 7-11 e; Dan 7:7 f, 19-20 g) and indicate that Satan is the head of this beast’s empire.13:2 h Satan makes the beast a pseudo-deity by giving it his power, throne, and authority. In the first century, Roman emperors increasingly claimed divinity.
13:3 i Satan often imitates God. Here the beast mimics the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• That one of the heads had been fatally wounded but was healed has led to its identification with Nero. A tradition emerged that the emperor Nero (AD 54–68) was so evil that he either did not really die or would be reincarnated as another tyrant like Domitian (AD 81–96). In 17:9-10 j, the beast’s seven heads are linked both to seven hills (Rome) and to seven kings.
Summary for Rev 13:5-8: 13:5-8 k The four characteristics of the beast are that he (1) blasphemes God, (2) has authority for a limited time, (3) makes war against God’s people, and (4) rules the world. But God is in control. 13:5 l The forty-two months are the three and a half years of persecution and evil domination (see study note on 11:2-3).
13:7 m The beast’s authority extends over all the people of the world.
13:8 n Those who worshiped the beast receive its mark (13:15-17 o) and are not listed in the Book of Life (see 20:12 p).
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