And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beastThis phrase indicates that the second beast, often identified as the false prophet, operates with the same power and influence as the first beast, which represents a political or governmental system. The first beast is described earlier in Revelation 13 as having authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, suggesting a global reach. The second beast's authority is derivative, emphasizing a partnership or alliance with the first beast. This reflects the idea of a counterfeit trinity, with the dragon (Satan) empowering the first beast (antichrist) and the second beast (false prophet) acting as a religious enforcer. and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast
The second beast's role is to direct worship towards the first beast, indicating a religious dimension to its authority. This mirrors the role of the Holy Spirit, who directs worship towards Christ, further emphasizing the counterfeit nature of this unholy trinity. The phrase "those who dwell on the earth" often refers to unbelievers in Revelation, contrasting with those whose citizenship is in heaven. This enforced worship could involve coercion, deception, or both, reflecting historical instances where political power has been used to enforce religious conformity. whose mortal wound had been healed
The reference to the first beast's mortal wound being healed suggests a miraculous or seemingly supernatural event that garners awe and allegiance from the world. This could symbolize a political system or leader that appears to recover from a fatal setback, enhancing its legitimacy and power. The healing of the wound is a counterfeit resurrection, drawing a parallel to Christ's resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. This event serves to deceive the world, as it mimics the power of God, leading many to follow the beast in awe. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Second BeastOften referred to as the "false prophet," this beast exercises authority on behalf of the first beast and promotes its worship. It symbolizes deceptive religious power that leads people away from true worship of God. 2. The First BeastRepresents a political or worldly power that opposes God. It is characterized by a fatal wound that was healed, symbolizing a seemingly miraculous recovery that leads to increased influence and deception. 3. The Earth and Its InhabitantsRefers to the people of the world who are led astray by the second beast to worship the first beast. This highlights the global scope of the deception. 4. The Fatal WoundA significant event that adds to the first beast's allure and authority, suggesting a counterfeit resurrection that mimics Christ's resurrection. 5. WorshipCentral to the passage, it underscores the false worship directed towards the first beast, contrasting with the true worship due to God alone. Teaching Points Discernment in WorshipBelievers must exercise discernment to ensure their worship is directed towards God and not influenced by deceptive powers. Awareness of DeceptionChristians should be vigilant against false teachings and influences that seek to draw them away from the truth of the Gospel. Authority and InfluenceRecognize that worldly powers may possess authority, but true authority belongs to God. Believers should align themselves with God's kingdom rather than worldly systems. The Power of ResurrectionThe counterfeit resurrection of the first beast highlights the importance of understanding and holding fast to the truth of Christ's resurrection. Global Impact of DeceptionThe passage serves as a reminder of the global nature of spiritual deception and the need for a strong, unified witness to the truth of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the authority of the second beast reflect the nature of spiritual deception in today's world? 2. In what ways can believers guard against being led astray by false worship or teachings? 3. How does the imagery of the fatal wound and its healing challenge or reinforce your understanding of true versus false miracles? 4. What parallels can you draw between the global influence of the beasts in Revelation and current global trends or movements? 5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24 help us prepare for the challenges described in Revelation 13:12? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7Provides a background to the imagery of beasts representing kingdoms and powers that oppose God, offering a prophetic foundation for understanding Revelation's symbolism. 2 Thessalonians 2Discusses the "man of lawlessness" and the deception that leads people away from the truth, paralleling the deceptive work of the second beast. Matthew 24Jesus warns of false prophets and deceptive signs in the end times, which aligns with the role of the second beast in leading people astray. People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Authority, Beast, Behalf, Bow, Causes, Causeth, Deadly, Death, Death-stroke, Death-wound, Dwell, Dwelling, Exercises, Exerciseth, Fatal, Healed, Homage, Inhabitants, Makes, Maketh, Mortal, Power, Presence, Sight, Stroke, Therein, Wild, Worship, WoundDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:12 4124 Satan, kingdom of
8748 false religion Revelation 13:1-18 9115 antichrist, the Revelation 13:11-14 1450 signs, kinds of
4654 horn Revelation 13:11-15 8750 false teachings Revelation 13:11-18 4125 Satan, agents of Library He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy. …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of GloryLetter xxxvii (Circa A. D. 1131) to Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto.
To Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto. [57] He asks his assistance in maintaining the Pontificate of Innocent against the schism of Peter Leonis. 1. We look for scent in flowers and for savour in fruits; and so, most dearly beloved brother, attracted by the scent of your name which is as perfume poured forth, I long to know you also in the fruit of your work. For it is not I alone, but even God Himself, who has need of no man, yet who, at this crisis, needs your co-operation, if you do not act falsely …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
[Sidenote: Honorius III (1216-27) and the Crusade.] The bull of summons to the Lateran Council of 1215 mentions as the two great desires of the Pope's heart the recovery of the Holy Land and the reformation of the Church Universal; and it is made clear that the various measures of reform to be placed before the General Council are intended to bring Christian princes and peoples, both clergy and laity, into the frame of mind for sending aid to Palestine. Moreover, at the Council it was agreed that …
D. J. Medley—The Church and the Empire The Third
refers to Exodus. The promise is, "I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it" (ii. 17). It is in this third Epistle, which refers to the wilderness period and Balaam's counsel, that we have a special reference to the manna, the wilderness sustenance, of which Exodus contains the record. "Bread from Heaven" and "Angels' food" (Ps. lxxviii. 24,25) are set over against the lusts of the …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
But whilst the King has not that most blessed light, yet there are some things in which he can discriminate; and here are seven comparisons in which his unaided wisdom can discern which is the better:-- 1. A good name is better than precious ointment. 2. The day of death " " " the day of birth. 3. The house of mourning " " " the house of feasting. 4. Borrow " " " laughter. 5. The rebuke of the wise " " " the song of fools. …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Fifth vision "On Earth"
E5, xiv. 6-20. The Six Angels and the Son of Man. The next vision which follows "on earth," follows closely on the last, and is preliminary to the pouring out of the seven Vials. No angel has been seen or heard since the seventh angel sounded the seventh trumpet in xi. 15. This shows us that the passage xii. 1-- 8 is parenthetical, and constitutes one series or episode. This fifth vision on earth consists of the appearance of six angels consecutively, each having his separate mission, and all but …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The First vision "On Earth"
E^1, chap. vi. 1-- 8. The Six Seals, and the sealing of the 144,000 From the whole of the first Vision "in Heaven" (H^1, vi. 1-vii. 8) for the putting forth of power "on Earth" in the completion of the redemption of the purchased inheritance. The price has been paid in the shedding of the precious blood of the Lamb; and now, the necessary power is to be exercised so as to secure all its wondrous results, in wresting the inheritance from the hand of the enemy by ejecting the present usurper, and …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Links Revelation 13:12 NIVRevelation 13:12 NLTRevelation 13:12 ESVRevelation 13:12 NASBRevelation 13:12 KJV
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