Agenda: Revelation
1. Evil Triumphs—Or So It Seems! (Rev 5: 1-6)
2. What does the future hold for us? (Rev 7: 9-17)
3. The Onslaught of the Evil Trio: The Dragon (Rev 12: 1-6)
4. The Onslaught of the Evil Trio: The Antichrist (Rev 13: 1-10)
5. The Onslaught of the Evil Trio: The False Prophet (Rev 13: 11-18)
6. Another Strategy of the Evil Trio (Rev 17: 1-6)
7. From Paradise to Paradise (Rev 22: 16-21)
Revelation 13
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Message to the
original receiver
The GPS
DIFFERENCES of
Language
Tradition
Time
Situation
History
APPLICATION
21st
Century
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Message to the
original receiver
The First Process: Understanding
1. Situation
2. Type of literature
3. Analyze the passage
S.T.A.R.T.
4. Relate the message to the rest of the Bible
5. Test your findings
The Steps of Understanding
1. Situation
S.T.A.R.T.
As we saw in a previous reading (Rev. 12:1–6), the dragon
(Satan) could not prevent the birth and ministry of the
child (Jesus), so he then focused his attack on the woman
(the Church). According to Revelation, the dragon uses his
ground staff, the antichrist and the false prophet, to
execute this onslaught.
In the previous lesson we saw how the beast out of the
sea, the antichrist, is used against the church.
In this section in Revelation, we see how the next animal,
the beast out of the earth, is used against the Church.
The Steps of Understanding
1. Situation
2. Type of literature
PROSE
Narrative
Procedure
Explanation
Instruction
S.T.A.R.T.
POETRY in
Psalms
Prophets
Wisdom
Literature
Apocalyptic, a kind of
writing that is highly
symbolic.
A Ch 1-3
Christ, and his battling church and suffering church on earth
B Ch 4-7
Persecution and trials of the church
C Ch 8-11
Unbelievers are warned and punished
D Ch 12-14 The Church is Victorious because of Christ’s Victory
C’ Ch 15-16 Unbelievers are judged
B’ Ch 17-19
Those who persecuted the church are judged
A’ Ch 20-22
Christ and his victorious church on the new earth and heaven
3. Analyze the passage
3.1 Look out for symbolism and contrasts
3.2 Mark the main themes
3.3 Conclude and summarize the message to the
original receiver
Art used by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com
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11 Then
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Art used by Pat Marvenko Smith,
copyright 1992. To order prints visit her
"Revelation Illustrated” site,
http://revelationillustrated.com.
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands
or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had
the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
Art used by Pat Marvenko Smith,
copyright 1992. To order prints visit her
"Revelation Illustrated” site,
http://revelationillustrated.com.
11 Then
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Revelation 16: 13
Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like
frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out
of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of
the false prophet. (NIV)
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
Antichristian wisdom
comes out of the earth
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
James 3: 15
Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven
but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. (NIV)
Philippians 3: 19
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their
stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind
is set on earthly things. (NIV)
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
Antichristian wisdom
comes out of the earth
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Reveals its true
character. On the surface
it looks gentle but from
the inside it is evil.
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
Antichristian wisdom
comes out of the earth
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
Reveals its true
character. On the surface
it looks gentle but from
the inside it is evil.
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
One of the Caesars who
lost his power
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
Antichristian wisdom
comes out of the earth
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
Reveals its true
character. On the surface
it looks gentle but from
the inside it is evil.
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
One of the Caesars who
lost his power
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Another Caesar
continued with the
persecution
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
Antichristian wisdom
comes out of the earth
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
Reveals its true
character. On the surface
it looks gentle but from
the inside it is evil.
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
One of the Caesars who
lost his power
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
Another Caesar
continued with the
persecution
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Reminds us of the
prophet Elijah
(1 Kings 18:38)
1 Kings 18: 38-39
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the
sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also
licked up the water in the trench.When all the people
saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he
is God! The Lord—he is God!” (NIV)
The false prophet-religious arm that propagates
the political power of the antichrist (16:13; 19:20).
11 Then
Antichristian wisdom
comes out of the earth
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
Reveals its true
character. On the surface
it looks gentle but from
the inside it is evil.
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
One of the Caesars who
lost his power
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
Another Caesar
continued with the
persecution
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Most likely a reference to the statue of a Roman
Caesar who had to be honored during John’s time.
Reminds us of the
prophet Elijah
(1 Kings 18:38)
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands
or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had
the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right
hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless
they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
This means that all
people can therefore be
identified: the servants of
God are marked by a seal
on their foreheads (7:2–3),
and those who worship
the beast also carry a
mark.
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right
hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless
they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
This means that all
people can therefore be
identified: the servants of
God are marked by a seal
on their foreheads (7:2–3),
and those who worship
the beast also carry a
mark.
Their ability to work has
been affected
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right
hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless
they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
This means that all
people can therefore be
identified: the servants of
God are marked by a seal
on their foreheads (7:2–3),
and those who worship
the beast also carry a
mark.
Their ability to work has
been affected
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
Their ability to think has
been affected
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right
hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless
they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
This means that all
people can therefore be
identified: the servants of
God are marked by a seal
on their foreheads (7:2–3),
and those who worship
the beast also carry a
mark.
Their ability to work has
been affected
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
Their ability to think has
been affected
666
Unfortunately, throughout the ages so much time and effort has
been spent trying to establish who 666 is that the essence of what he
does has been overlooked. We do not know for sure who 666 is—
some people argue that it is the number of a person, while others
believe it to be the number of the evil trio. In addition, if 7 is the
number of perfection, and 777 is ultimate perfection, it would mean
that 666 is symbolic of ultimate deficiency.
In ancient times, numerical values were assigned to the letters of the
alphabet. Someone’s name could therefore be expressed in
numerical form. It is interesting to note that the numerical value of
Nero’s name in Aramaic (John’s mother tongue) was 666. The early
Christians therefore associated Caesar Nero with 666, because he
persecuted the Church terribly. During the Second World War,
people associated 666 with Hitler.
It is interesting to note that if you give the first letter of the alphabet (a) a numerical value of 100 and add one number for each
consecutive letter (b=101, c=102, d=103, and so forth), the numerical
value for Hitler would be 666.
H
I
T
L
E
R
Total
= 107
= 108
= 119
= 111
= 104
= 117
= 666
There is much to speculate about. Whichever way we want to apply
the number, it remains a symbol of the supposed supremacy of evil
in the world that seeks to destroy Christ’s work. The false prophet
does this by means of his propaganda, which includes false
ideologies and philosophies. If we consider the background of the
Roman Empire during the time of John, we realize how false
religions and anti-Christian governments worked together to
persecute the Christians.
Throughout history, governments have used religion and ideologies
to promote their ideals. In the twentieth century, communist
countries were known for their propaganda that promoted the
communist ideology. Today, governments continue to use religion
and ideologies to promote their ideals. This can be very dangerous.
The Church should never be an instrument in the hands of the
state. For this reason, many people feel that the Church and the state
should not be associated too closely.
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right
hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless
they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
This means that all
people can therefore be
identified: the servants of
God are marked by a seal
on their foreheads (7:2–3),
and those who worship
the beast also carry a
mark.
Their ability to work has
been affected
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
symbolic of ultimate
deficiency.
Their ability to think has
been affected
11 Then
I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns
like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of
the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants
worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.13 And it
performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to
the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given
power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants
of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast
who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
15 The
second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the
first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to
worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and
small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right
hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless
they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its
name.18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate
the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is
666.
3. Analyze the passage
Throughout history, governments have
used religion and ideologies to promote
3.1 Look out for symbolism and contrasts
their ideals. Today, governments
continue to use religion and ideologies
3.2 Mark the main themes
(false prophets), to promote their ideals.
can betovery
The Church
3.3 Conclude and summarize the This
message
thedangerous.
original receiver
should never be an instrument in the
hands of the state.
4. Relate the message to the broader Biblical and
theological framework?
13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who
15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing,
disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised!
5. Test your findings
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Message to the
original receiver
but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
Even Satan disguises(Matthew
himself5-as
an angel of light.
NIV)
(2 Cor
11 – NIV)
Throughout history,
governments
have
used religion and ideologies to promote
their ideals. Today, governments continue
to use religion and ideologies (false
prophets), to promote their ideals. This
can be very dangerous. The Church should
never be an instrument in the hands of the
state.
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Message to the
original receiver
21st
Century
Throughout history, governments have used
religion and ideologies to promote their
ideals. Today, governments continue to use
religion and ideologies (false prophets), to
promote their ideals. This can be very
dangerous. The Church should never be an
instrument in the hands of the state.
Incidental = Cultural, Ceremonial &
Civil
APPLICATION
Essential =
Moral
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Message to the
original receiver
The GPS
Small Group
APPLICATION
21st
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Please answer the following questions.
1. What (do you think) does this passage proclaim?What (do you
2. What are the implications of this proclamation for us in the 21st
century?
3. “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the
servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be
the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968)
Why do you agree or disagree with this statement?
4. How do you think today’s study will help you in your journey?