Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saintsThis phrase indicates a divine allowance for the beast to engage in conflict with the saints. The term "beast" is often interpreted as a symbol of oppressive political power or a specific end-times figure, possibly the Antichrist. The saints refer to believers who remain faithful to God during this period. This echoes Daniel 7:21, where a similar figure makes war against the holy people. The permission granted to the beast suggests a temporary and controlled period of tribulation, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty even over evil. and to conquer them
The conquering of the saints does not imply a spiritual defeat but rather a physical or temporal one. Historically, the church has faced persecution, and this phrase may reflect the ultimate test of faith for believers. This is reminiscent of Jesus' words in Matthew 24:9, where He warns of persecution for His followers. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to endure to the end. and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation
This phrase emphasizes the global reach and influence of the beast's power. The language mirrors the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, highlighting a contrast between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the beast. The universality of the beast's authority suggests a time of unprecedented global unity under a single oppressive regime, which is a common theme in eschatological interpretations. This also reflects the Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11, where humanity's unity was used for rebellion against God, leading to divine intervention. Persons / Places / Events 1. The BeastA symbolic representation of a powerful, evil entity or system that opposes God and His people. In the context of Revelation, the beast is often associated with oppressive governments or leaders that demand worship and allegiance contrary to God's will. 2. The SaintsRefers to the believers in Christ who are faithful to God. They are the ones who are targeted by the beast in its war. 3. Every Tribe, People, Tongue, and NationThis phrase emphasizes the global scope of the beast's authority and influence, indicating that its power extends across all human divisions and categories. 4. War Against the SaintsThis event signifies a period of intense persecution and tribulation for believers, where the beast is allowed to temporarily overcome them. 5. Authority GivenThe beast's power is not inherent but permitted by God for a specific purpose and time, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty even over evil. Teaching Points Understanding PersecutionBelievers should be aware that persecution is a reality for the faithful. It is important to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that trials are part of the Christian journey. God's SovereigntyEven when evil seems to prevail, God is in control. The beast's authority is permitted by God, reminding us that He has a purpose and plan, even in difficult times. Global PerspectiveThe influence of the beast over every tribe, people, tongue, and nation calls Christians to be vigilant and discerning about global events and ideologies that oppose God's truth. Spiritual WarfareChristians are engaged in a spiritual battle. It is crucial to put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Hope and EnduranceDespite the temporary victory of the beast, believers have the assurance of ultimate victory in Christ. This hope should inspire endurance and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the beast in Revelation 13:7 compare to the beasts described in Daniel 7, and what can we learn from this comparison? 2. In what ways can Christians prepare for and respond to persecution, as suggested by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24? 3. How does understanding God's sovereignty over the beast's authority provide comfort and assurance to believers facing trials? 4. What are some modern-day "beasts" or systems that challenge our allegiance to God, and how can we discern and resist them? 5. How can the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 help us to stand firm in our faith amidst the challenges described in Revelation 13:7? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7The vision of the four beasts in Daniel parallels the imagery in Revelation, where a beast is given authority and wages war against the saints, indicating a prophetic connection and fulfillment. Matthew 24Jesus speaks of a time of great tribulation and persecution for believers, which aligns with the events described in Revelation 13:7. Ephesians 6Paul discusses the spiritual warfare believers face, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. | Safety in Times of Worldly Oppression | R. Green | Revelation 13:1-10 | | Admiration of the Beast | F. D. Maurice, M. A. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | His Deadly Wound was Healed | Thomas Fuller, D. D. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Domain of Antichrist | D. Thomas, D. D. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Domain of Antichrist | D. Thomas | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its Wisdom | S. Conway, B. A. | Revelation 13:1-18 | | The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its Wisdom | S. Conway | Revelation 13:1-18 | | Christ Sacrificed in Eternity | D. Thomas, D. D. | Revelation 13:7-8 | | Eternal Atonement | R. D. Hitchcock, D. D. | Revelation 13:7-8 | | The Lamb Slain | American National Preacher | Revelation 13:7-8 | | The Place of the Cross in the World | G. Matheson, D. D. | Revelation 13:7-8 | | War with the Saints | W. Burkitt, M. A. | Revelation 13:7-8 |
People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Allowed, Authority, Conquer, God's, Kindreds, Language, Languages, Nation, Nations, Overcome, Permission, Power, Saints, Tongue, Tongues, Tribe, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:7 4029 world, human beings in
5374 languages
7155 saints
8483 spiritual warfare, causes
8484 spiritual warfare, enemies
8795 persecution, nature of Revelation 13:1-8 4125 Satan, agents of
4609 beast, the Revelation 13:1-10 2565 Christ, second coming Revelation 13:1-18 9115 antichrist, the Revelation 13:4-7 8787 opposition, to God Revelation 13:5-7 8401 challenges Revelation 13:5-10 8707 apostasy, personal 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 13:7 NIVRevelation 13:7 NLTRevelation 13:7 ESVRevelation 13:7 NASBRevelation 13:7 KJV
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