In chapter 13 we are introduced to two personages of the Great Tribulation Period, namely the Beast of the Sea, the Political Leader (13:1-10), and the Beast of the Earth, the Religious Leader (13:11-18).
The Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10)
The Beast of the Sea is portrayed as having seven heads, ten horns, and upon his horns ten diadems (crowns) and upon his heads the name of blasphemy (v.1). The Apostle John describes this beast of the sea in verse 2 as having characteristics of various beasts that were symbolical of Empires that Daniel saw in his vision, such as: the Leopard, symbolical of Greece, Daniel 7:6; the Bear, symbolical of Medo-Persian Empire, Daniel 7:5; the Lion, symbolical of Babylonian Empire, Daniel 7:4. The beast, who is the Anti-Christ derives his power from the Dragon (Satan).
According to verse 3, the Anti-Christ suffered a fatal wound caused by a sword (v. 7) and was miraculously restored to life by Satan. In verses 4-6, Satan and the beast (Anti-Christ) will have a supreme moment, and the world will worship them. The world will acknowledge the supreme character of the beast (Anti-Christ) by raising the questions: “Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? The Anti-Christ will rise to power as the Political World Ruler, but his blasphemous tenure will only last for forty-two months (3½ years) (v. 5). As a Political Leader, the Anti-Christ will be awfully persuasive in deceiving a Christ-rejecting world. The Anti-Christ will defy God, and even blaspheme His name and tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven (v. 6). The Anti-Christ will gain political domination over the world and will demand that everyone worship him (vv. 7-8; II Thessalonians 2:4). The people of the earth will worship the beast (Anti-Christ) except for those who are in the book of life.
In verses 9-10, John calls our attention to a principle of retribution: the captor will be taken captive; the killer will be killed. When God is completely through with the beast, he will be confined to the lake of fire! (Revelation 19:20).
The Beast of the Earth (False Prophet) Revelation 13:11-18
This second beast (False Prophet) arises out of the earth, and he has two horns, and he spoke as a dragon (v. 11). This beast (False Prophet) exercises the same power as the first beast (Anti-Christ). His duties are to cause the world to worship the first beast (Anti-Christ) and to make an image unto the Anti-Christ (vv. 12-14). The beast (False Prophet) is able to give power to the image of the beast (Anti-Christ) and issues a mandate that those who do not worship the image of the beast to be slain (v. 15). This beast (False Prophet) will implement a mandate that no one can buy or sell legally without the mark, the name, or the number of the first beast (Anti-Christ). The food supply of the world will fall into the hands of the Anti-Christ, the Political World Ruler! The Apostle John tells us the Anti-Christ’s number which is six hundred sixty-six (666) (v. 18).
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
