Revelation- Victory in Jesus
Ch. 13- “The Two Beasts”

This, to me, is a very difficult chapter to understand. Many of the images, I find somewhat confusing. So, I will explain this as best as I can. Like we established early on, not everything about God is totally understandable! But, I think the overall picture being established here remains quite clear, in spite of some of the confusing details!

In Ch. 10 John was told to keep on prophesying. It was to be a “bitter” experience, as he was to preach judgment against Rome, and because it meant that that his brothers and sisters in Christ were going to continue facing great trial and persecution!

From Ch. 10 on, John uses all kinds of symbols and imagery to indicate this period of judgment. 2 of these symbols are revealed in Ch. 13: The Land Beast and the Sea Beast. I believe these two to stand for Rome the Empire and False religion. Let us take a look at the verses and see what we think.

The Sea Beast

V1- For a key background study, you should be familiar with Daniel Ch.7. It says the beast came out of the sea. John has used “sea” in 3 different ways. Can you think of what they are? It has referred to a body of water (5:13), it will refer to groups of nations or people (Ch. 17) and also is used to suggest separation (Ch 4, 15 and 21).
The beast hear rises from the sea. It sounds just like the Dragon from the last chapter.
KEY PHRASE- “…on each head he had a blasphemous name”. This beast is a blasphemer. What does that mean? He speaks against God, God’s cause, God’s people, etc…. he is a persecutor (just the same as in Daniel)!!!!! In this context we are studying….this could only be describing THE ROMAN EMPIRE!

V2- I believe this beast to be the Roman Empire! And what was his power source? Rome’s power came from Satan himself! Satan may be cast down, but he is still ruling this evil world!

V3- Any idea what this “FATAL WOUND” and “HEALING” could be symbolic of? Since I believe we are talking about the Roman Empire here, I think the “fatal wound” refers to the death of Nero. He was the 1st to OFFICIALLY persecute the church…and when he died….it seems that Rome’s time of persecution had finally ended! Yet…the “healing” is the persecution that Domitian not only revived but also intensified!

V4- John emphasizes that whoever worshipped the Empire (which so many did!), were actually worshiping Satan! This was the “world” in general….all who did not follow Christ. And most of the world literally worshiped the Roman Empire and its’ way of life!
With all its’ power, Rome gave people wealth, glory, power etc…and citizens believed they were receiving what their “gods” had failed to deliver! So…it was easy to make the transition to Emperor worship!

V5- Once again, John uses his common phrase for stating that there would be a time of trial and struggle, but it was limited!

V6- This description historically fits Domitian to a t!!!! He is documented as having often publicly mocking God. He blasphemed his name. He blasphemed his churches and temples and his people! He even demanded that he be addressed as “Supreme Lord and God: and refused to receive any correspondence that did not open with this salutation!

V7-10 Does this verse seem troubling to any of you? Why? God “allowed” war to take place against his people. He allowed the beast to even “conquer” them. That is hard to swallow huh? War and victory take place is God’s framework. He has his own purposes for permitting this persecution (whatever they may be), just as he does today in our loves, just as he did in the crucifixion of Jesus! So yes, God did allow Satan and Rome power…for a limited time! This my friends…is where faith comes into action!

The Land Beast

V11-12- To be honest, this is one of the hardest section to me to understand. But, I believe this to be describing and organization known as the “Comune” or “Concilia” that was set up in Asia Minor to enforce the state religion! They were on official body which had as their job to force homage to the Emperor and the image of him. They were to build images of Domitian and altars, and to legislate in any way they considered best to further emperor worship. They were basically the visible hands of the Sea Beast!

V13-14- This one has me totally confused! But I believe these false prophets of emperor worship were “performing fake miracles” in some fashion. And the ignorant people believed! They could have been total trickery and fakes or some argue that maybe God allowed them to because the people did not want the truth…who knows???? Either way, they were not real. But those who were tricked and believed would be prepared to make an image to the 1st beast!
Regardless, it was deception of some kind. And in the next verse this is backed up, as it states that the purpose of these “miracles” was to deceive the people. Religious phonies (still today even) can result to no stronger scheme than an imitation of a real miracle!!!!

V15- The earth beast had the responsibility to “give the Emperor’s image breath”. What do you think this meant? Was it literal? Was this to be done through magic or ventriloquism? Or was it not so literal? Did it mean that their job was to make “Emperor Worship live and prosper and “speak” the mind of the empire?
*** a note of interest- modern archaeologists have discovered 1st century methods of using pipes, etc to literally transfer human voice to alters and statues. Maybe it was literal….

V16-17 This is a verse of great contention! What do you think it means? God had sealed his people in Ch 7 and 9. So it seems the beast imitates this in requiring his followers to wear a mark. Now…what is this mark?
The Greek word used was “charagma”…which meant: a stamp, etching, engraving or impress. So was it a literal stamp or brand impressed on a hand or forehead? Or is this figurative language and could it be expressing the use of a physical object which identifies an individual (like a modern day ID card or Membership Card)? Or is it more symbolic, meaning it is a metaphor of devotion to the Empire and way of life that was evident in ones deeds, services and lifestyle?

V18- So this is where 666 comes from huh? Any idea what it stands for? Throughout the book, the # 7 stands for total perfection and completion. The number 6 falls beneath this. It can never be complete or reach perfection! The number 6 represented imperfection, and that which is destined to fail! To Jews of the time, the number was considered an omen or symbol of doom. So, when written in triplicate “666”, it represented complete doom and failure!

Whew……another grueling week! Get ready for next week!