"If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed." Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints. If anyone is destined for captivityThis phrase suggests a divine ordination or allowance for certain events to unfold. The Greek word used here for "destined" is "εἰς" (eis), which can imply a direction or purpose. In the context of Revelation, this can be seen as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the unfolding of history, even when it involves suffering or persecution. The idea of captivity echoes the experiences of the Israelites in Babylon, serving as a historical reminder of God's faithfulness even in times of trial. into captivity he will go
The repetition of the concept of captivity emphasizes the certainty of God's plan. The phrase underscores the inevitability of God's will, suggesting that those who are meant to endure hardship will do so. This can be a call for believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when it involves personal sacrifice or suffering. Historically, this reflects the early Christian experience of persecution, encouraging steadfastness and faith. if anyone is to be killed with the sword
The imagery of the sword is a powerful symbol throughout Scripture, often representing judgment or conflict. The Greek word for "sword" here is "μάχαιρα" (machaira), which can refer to a large knife or short sword used in close combat. This phrase acknowledges the reality of martyrdom and the cost of discipleship. It serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of following Christ, especially in a hostile world. with the sword he will be killed
This phrase reinforces the concept of divine justice and retribution. The certainty of the statement reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where actions have corresponding consequences. It also serves as a reminder of the ultimate justice of God, who will right all wrongs in His perfect timing. For early Christians, this would have been a source of hope, knowing that their suffering was not in vain. Here is a call for the perseverance
The word "perseverance" is translated from the Greek "ὑπομονή" (hypomonē), which conveys endurance, steadfastness, and patience. This is a recurring theme in Revelation, where believers are encouraged to remain faithful amidst trials. The call to perseverance is an exhortation to hold fast to one's faith, trusting in God's promises and His ultimate victory over evil. and faith of the saints
The term "saints" refers to those set apart for God, highlighting the identity and calling of believers. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis) for "faith" implies trust, belief, and fidelity. This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in God's character and promises, even when circumstances are dire. It serves as an encouragement to the early church and to believers today to remain faithful, knowing that their hope is secure in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The BeastIn the broader context of Revelation 13, the beast represents oppressive worldly powers and systems that oppose God and persecute His people. 2. The SaintsRefers to the believers in Christ who are called to endure persecution and remain faithful amidst trials. 3. Captivity and SwordSymbolic of the trials and tribulations that believers may face, including imprisonment and martyrdom. 4. Perseverance and FaithThe qualities that the saints are called to exhibit in the face of persecution. 5. John the ApostleThe author of Revelation, who received this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. Teaching Points Understanding Destiny and SovereigntyRecognize that God is sovereign over all events, including persecution. Believers are called to trust in His ultimate plan and justice. The Call to PerseveranceIn times of trial, Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their endurance is a testimony to their trust in God. Faith in the Face of PersecutionBelievers should prepare spiritually for potential persecution, understanding that their faith may be tested but will be rewarded. The Role of Suffering in the Christian LifeSuffering is not without purpose; it refines faith and strengthens the believer's reliance on God. Encouragement from the SaintsLook to the examples of past saints who have endured persecution with faith and perseverance as a source of encouragement and inspiration. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty help you face trials and persecution in your own life? 2. In what ways can you cultivate perseverance and faith in your daily walk with Christ? 3. How can the examples of past saints who endured persecution inspire you in your current circumstances? 4. What practical steps can you take to prepare spiritually for potential trials or persecution? 5. How can you support and encourage fellow believers who are facing persecution or trials today? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 15:2This verse echoes the theme of inevitable judgment and destiny, similar to the captivity and sword mentioned in Revelation 13:10. Matthew 10:22Jesus speaks of the need for endurance and faithfulness, promising salvation to those who persevere to the end. Hebrews 10:36Emphasizes the necessity of endurance to receive God's promises, aligning with the call for perseverance in Revelation 13:10. People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Anyone, Behoveth, Bent, Calls, Captive, Captivity, Death, Destined, Eager, Endurance, Exercise, Faith, Faithfulness, Gather, God's, Goes, Kill, Killed, Killeth, Killing, Kills, Lead, Leadeth, Leads, Opportunity, Patience, Patient, Perseverance, Prison, Puts, Quiet, Saints, Sends, Slain, Slays, Strength, SwordDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:10 2060 Christ, patience of
7155 saints
8162 spiritual vitality
8251 faithfulness, to God
8418 endurance
8787 opposition, to God Revelation 13:1-10 2565 Christ, second coming Revelation 13:1-18 9115 antichrist, the 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 13:10 NIVRevelation 13:10 NLTRevelation 13:10 ESVRevelation 13:10 NASBRevelation 13:10 KJV
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