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Revelation 13
Chapter summary . John now observes two beasts come on the scene. The first comes from the sea, his form reminiscent of Daniel 7 's description of Gentile world powers (13:1–2). This beast, the Antichrist, is empowered by Satan. He quickly wins a worldwide following that succumbs to his demand for worship (vv. 3–4). Again a 42-month period is mentioned, this time as the period during which the beast rules on the earth. Only those who believe in Christ resist his influence, and many saints will be martyred for their faithfulness to the Lord (vv. 5–10). John then sees a second beast, who serves the first beast and performs miracles on his behalf. This evil individual sets up an image of the Antichrist to be worshiped and organizes society so that only those who express allegiance to the Antichrist can buy or sell (vv. 11–17). The chapter concludes with a mysterious clue to the Antichrist's name: the number 666 (v. 18). Key verse . 13:5: Faith preserves us. Personal application . Miracles may prove supernatural empowerment. They don't prove what supernatural power is involved!
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Two interpretations . The premillennialist sees these symbolic “beasts” as specific individuals who have important roles in the Tribulation period. The first beast is identified as the Antichrist (cf. 2 Thes. 2). They believe he will unite the Common Market countries (the ten horns, or governments) and so reconstitute the old Roman Empire. The second beast is called the false prophet. With Satan these three form an unholy trinity, a mockery and counterfeit of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amillennialists see simply a symbolic representation of Satan's endless attack on the church. The first beast may represent anti–christian governments, while the second represents false teachers. The 42 months represents the whole Gospel Age.
“A beast” (13:1–2) . This being is mentioned at least 12 more times in Rev. His identification as the Antichrist appears early in church history and was discussed extensively by Irenaeus about a.d . 190. This view seems supported by Paul's teaching in 2 Thes. 2.
Others, in the past, have identified the beast with Nero, Rome, the Pope, Hitler, and others.
The Lamb's Book of Life (13:8) . Faith in Christ protects us from being deceived.
The beast from the land (13:11) . In other passages this beast is called “the false prophet” (cf. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). While he imitates the Lamb, his voice “is like the dragon.” Those who take this beast as a movement rather than an individual see counterfeit religion here.
No one buy or sell (13:16–17) . The mechanisms needed to instantaneously identify persons by number, and to control earnings and bank accounts electronically, are in place even now.
Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (919). Wheaton: Victor Books.