Revelation 13:1-18

There are two beasts in Revelation 13: 1) the Antichrist (Rev. 13:1-8), and 2) the False Prophet (Rev. 13:13-15). Satan—with the help of the Antichrist and the False Prophet—will seek to control the world politically (Rev. 13:1-2), religiously (Rev. 13:3-6), militarily (Rev. 13:7), and economically (Rev. 13:16-17). John opens with a description of the Antichrist[1], who is described as a wild beast who rises “out of the sea” (Rev. 13:1). The sea is likely a reference to evil and disruption (Isa. 57:20; Dan. 7:3; Jude. 1:13). The Antichrist possesses the qualities of those beastly world rulers described in Daniel (Dan. 7:7-8), and derives his power from Satan (Rev. 13:2). It appears one of the nations under the Antichrist’s control perishes, but he miraculously revives it (Rev. 13:3), and the world worships the dragon and him (Rev. 13:4). “The apparent resurrection of this nation will be so amazing to the world that many people will give their allegiance and their worship to Antichrist (cf. vv. 8, 12; 14:9, 11; 20:4). In so doing they will also submit to Satan who is behind him. Antichrist’s ability to revive this nation will make him appear invincible.”[2] From his arrogance, the Antichrist blasphemes the name of God for forty-two months (Rev. 13:5-6), is permitted to kill God’s people (Rev. 13:7), and is worshipped by unbelievers (Rev. 13:8). John addresses believers living during this time to be assured that God is in control, even over their persecution and death (Rev. 13:9-10). John then witnesses the rising of another beast, who is the False Prophet, who leads a world religion that demands everyone worship the first beast (Rev. 13:11-12). The False Prophet is able to perform great miracles (Rev. 13:13), and deceives the whole world into worshipping an image of the beast (Rev. 13:14). The False Prophet also has the ability to give life to the image (Rev. 13:15a), and the authority to kill those who do not worship it (Rev. 13:15b). He then forces everyone to receive a mark in connection with the beast (Rev. 13:16), which he uses to control people’s economic choices (Rev. 13:17). The mark of the beast is also the number of a man, which is 666 (Rev. 13:18). It is possible the three numbers correspond to letters that have numerical value, thus spelling out Antichrist’s name. It’s also possible that the number six signifies imperfection, and the tripling of the number represents the multiplication of imperfection. Lastly, we must remember that God never relinquishes control over the earth and the affairs of mankind. Though He permits Satan a period of time to have his way, eventually God will disrupt his activities and send Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet to the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:20; 20:10).

 

[1] The Antichrist is mentioned several times throughout Scripture (Dan. 7:7-8; 9:24-27; 11:36-39; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-12; 1 Jo. 2:18; Rev.13:1-8; 17:3, 7-8, 11-13; 19:19-20; 20:10).

[2] Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Re 13:4.