Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. Because of the signsThe phrase "because of the signs" refers to miraculous acts or wonders that the second beast performs. In the Greek, "σημεῖα" (sēmeia) is used, which often denotes miracles or supernatural events that signify divine authority. Historically, signs have been used to validate a prophet or leader's divine backing. Here, however, these signs are deceptive, serving to mislead rather than to reveal truth. This highlights the importance of discernment and the danger of relying solely on miraculous events as proof of divine endorsement. it was given to perform
The phrase "it was given to perform" suggests that the second beast's power to perform signs is not inherent but granted. The Greek word "ἐδόθη" (edothē) implies permission or authority bestowed by another, indicating that even the forces of evil operate under divine sovereignty. This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over all events, even those that seem to oppose His will. on behalf of the first beast
"On behalf of the first beast" indicates a partnership or alliance between the two beasts. The first beast, often interpreted as a political or worldly power, is supported by the second beast, which is typically seen as a religious or ideological force. This collaboration reflects the historical and scriptural theme of political and religious powers working together to oppose God's people, as seen in the alliances of ancient empires and false prophets. it deceived those who dwell on the earth
The phrase "it deceived those who dwell on the earth" underscores the global scope of the deception. The Greek word "πλανᾷ" (planā) means to lead astray or cause to wander, emphasizing the cunning and subtlety of the deception. This deception is not limited to a specific group but targets all inhabitants of the earth, reflecting the pervasive nature of false teachings and ideologies throughout history. telling them to make an image
"Telling them to make an image" involves the creation of an idol or representation of the beast. The Greek "εἰκόνα" (eikona) refers to a likeness or representation, often used in the context of idolatry. This act of creating an image is reminiscent of historical instances of idol worship, such as the golden calf in Exodus, and serves as a warning against the temptation to replace the worship of God with the veneration of worldly powers. to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived
The phrase "to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived" refers to the first beast's apparent resurrection or recovery from a mortal wound. This miraculous recovery is a counterfeit of Christ's resurrection, designed to inspire awe and allegiance. The imagery of a beast wounded and yet living echoes the resilience of oppressive regimes throughout history, which often seem to recover and persist despite apparent setbacks. This serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of worldly power in contrast to the eternal reign of Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Second BeastOften referred to as the "false prophet," this beast performs signs and deceives the inhabitants of the earth. It acts on behalf of the first beast, promoting its worship. 2. The First BeastThis beast represents a powerful, oppressive regime or leader that demands worship and allegiance. It had a mortal wound that was healed, symbolizing a miraculous recovery or resurgence. 3. The Inhabitants of the EarthThese are the people who are deceived by the second beast and are persuaded to worship the first beast by creating an image of it. 4. The Image of the BeastA representation or idol of the first beast that the people are instructed to make and worship, signifying allegiance to the beast's authority. 5. The Wound by the SwordThis refers to the first beast's apparent death and miraculous recovery, which is a key element in its deception and the awe it inspires. Teaching Points Discernment in the Face of DeceptionBelievers must cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and resist false teachings and deceptive signs that lead away from Christ. The Danger of IdolatryThe call to create and worship an image of the beast serves as a warning against idolatry in all its forms, urging believers to remain faithful to God alone. Perseverance in FaithIn times of trial and deception, Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's ultimate victory over evil. The Power of Signs and WondersWhile signs and wonders can be used by God, they can also be tools of deception. Believers should test all things against the truth of Scripture. The Reality of Spiritual WarfareThis passage reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and protection. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we develop discernment to recognize false teachings and deceptive signs in our world today? 2. In what ways does idolatry manifest in modern society, and how can we guard against it in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 inspire us to stand firm in our faith amidst pressure to conform? 4. What role do signs and wonders play in our faith, and how can we ensure they align with biblical truth? 5. How can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the challenges and deceptions that may arise in the end times? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 3The account of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image and the demand for worship parallels the demand for worship of the beast's image, highlighting themes of idolatry and persecution of the faithful. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12This passage discusses the coming of the lawless one with false signs and wonders, similar to the deception performed by the second beast. Matthew 24:24Jesus warns of false prophets and false Christs who will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics TRUE, Astray, Beast, Behalf, Bidding, Deceived, Deceives, Deceiveth, Due, Dwell, Dwelling, Erect, Front, Giving, Granted, Honor, Image, Inhabitants, Leadeth, Leading, Marvels, Miracles, Ordered, Orders, Perform, Permitted, Power, Presence, Reason, Received, Recovered, Saying, Sight, Signs, Statue, Stroke, Sword, Sword-stroke, Telling, Wild, Wound, Wounded, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:14 6146 deceit, and God
8776 lies 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 Revelation 13:14-15 6103 abomination 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 13:14 NIVRevelation 13:14 NLTRevelation 13:14 ESVRevelation 13:14 NASBRevelation 13:14 KJV
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