And the second beast performed great signs to cause even fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. And it performs great signsThe phrase "performs great signs" refers to the miraculous acts that the second beast, often interpreted as the false prophet, will execute. The Greek word for "signs" is "σημεῖα" (sēmeia), which implies not just miracles but also significant events that point to a deeper reality or truth. In the biblical context, signs are often used to authenticate divine authority. However, in this passage, these signs are deceptive, meant to lead people astray. Historically, false prophets and magicians have used signs to gain influence, as seen in the accounts of Pharaoh's magicians in Exodus. This serves as a warning to believers to discern the source of miraculous events. even causing fire to come down from heaven
The act of "causing fire to come down from heaven" is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18, where God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice. The Greek word for "fire" is "πῦρ" (pyr), symbolizing divine judgment and power. In this context, the false prophet mimics this divine act to deceive people into believing in his authority. This imitation of divine power highlights the theme of counterfeit spirituality that runs throughout Revelation, urging believers to remain vigilant and grounded in the truth of God's Word. to the earth
The phrase "to the earth" signifies the physical realm where humanity dwells. The Greek word "γῆ" (gē) is used here, emphasizing the global impact of the false prophet's actions. This act of bringing fire to the earth is a demonstration meant to captivate and deceive the inhabitants of the world. It underscores the reach and influence of the false prophet's deception, affecting all who dwell on the earth and challenging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst widespread deception. in the presence of the people
The phrase "in the presence of the people" indicates that these signs are performed publicly, with the intent of convincing and deceiving the masses. The Greek word "ἐνώπιον" (enōpion) means "before" or "in the sight of," suggesting that these acts are meant to be seen and believed by all. This public display is a strategic move to gain followers and solidify the false prophet's influence. Historically, public demonstrations of power have been used to legitimize authority, as seen in the Roman Empire's use of spectacles to maintain control. For believers, this serves as a reminder to test all things against Scripture and to be wary of outward displays that contradict the truth of the Gospel. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Second BeastThis figure is a significant character in Revelation 13, often interpreted as a false prophet or a representative of deceptive power. It performs miraculous signs to deceive people. 2. Great SignsThese are miraculous acts performed by the second beast, intended to mimic divine power and lead people astray. 3. Fire from HeavenThis act is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah's miracles, symbolizing a counterfeit divine authority. 4. The EarthRepresents the realm of human existence where these deceptive signs are performed. 5. The PeopleThe inhabitants of the earth who witness these signs and are at risk of being deceived. Teaching Points Discernment in the Last DaysBelievers must cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and resist deceptive signs and wonders that do not align with God's truth. The Danger of DeceptionThe passage warns of the potential for even the elect to be deceived by false signs. Christians should remain grounded in Scripture and prayer. True vs. False MiraclesNot all miraculous signs are from God. Believers should test the spirits and examine the fruits of those performing signs. The Role of ScriptureRegular study and meditation on God's Word equip believers to discern truth from deception. Faithfulness in WitnessIn the face of deception, Christians are called to remain faithful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the second beast in Revelation 13:13 compare to the role of false prophets in other parts of Scripture? 2. What are some modern examples of "great signs" that could potentially deceive believers today? 3. How can we develop discernment to distinguish between true and false miracles? 4. In what ways does the account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) provide insight into understanding Revelation 13:13? 5. How can we ensure that our faith remains strong and unshaken in the face of deceptive signs and wonders? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 18:38The fire from heaven recalls Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where God sent fire to consume Elijah's sacrifice, demonstrating true divine power. Matthew 24:24Jesus warns of false prophets who will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10Paul speaks of the lawless one whose coming is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders. People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Beings, Cause, Causing, Fire, Full, Heaven, Human, Makes, Maketh, Making, Miracles, Miraculous, Performs, Presence, Sight, Signs, Sky, View, Wonders, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:13 1416 miracles, nature of 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 Revelation 13:13-14 4123 Satan, deceiver 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 13:13 NIVRevelation 13:13 NLTRevelation 13:13 ESVRevelation 13:13 NASBRevelation 13:13 KJV
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