◄ Revelation 13:4 ►
They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?"
Study Bible
They worshiped the dragon
The phrase "They worshiped the dragon" indicates a profound spiritual deception and allegiance to Satan, who is symbolized by the dragon. In the Greek, "worshiped" (προσκυνέω, proskyneō) implies a deep reverence or adoration, often reserved for deity. Historically, this reflects the ultimate rebellion against God, as humanity turns to worship the adversary. The dragon, identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9, is the ancient serpent who deceives the world. This worship signifies a complete turning away from God, highlighting the spiritual blindness and idolatry prevalent in the end times.

who had given authority to the beast
The phrase "who had given authority to the beast" underscores the source of the beast's power. The Greek word for "authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia) denotes power or jurisdiction. This authority is not inherent but granted by the dragon, indicating a counterfeit power structure mimicking God's divine order. Historically, this reflects the Roman Empire's authority, which early Christians saw as oppressive and tyrannical. In a broader sense, it symbolizes any worldly power that opposes God's kingdom, empowered by satanic influence.

and they worshiped the beast
The repetition of "worshiped" emphasizes the beast's role as an object of idolatry. The beast, representing a political or religious system opposed to God, becomes the focus of human devotion. This reflects the historical context of emperor worship in the Roman Empire, where allegiance to the state was equated with religious duty. Spiritually, it warns against the allure of worldly power and the danger of placing anything above God in our lives.

saying, 'Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?'
This rhetorical question, "Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?" echoes the language used in worship of God, such as in Exodus 15:11, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD?" The phrase highlights the beast's perceived invincibility and the awe it inspires. Historically, it reflects the seemingly unstoppable power of oppressive regimes. Spiritually, it serves as a warning against the deception of worldly power, which can appear insurmountable but is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. This phrase challenges believers to recognize that no earthly power can stand against the Almighty, encouraging faith and perseverance in the face of persecution.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Dragon
Symbolic of Satan, the dragon represents the ultimate source of evil and deception in the world. In Revelation, the dragon is depicted as giving power and authority to the beast, indicating a direct connection between Satan and the forces of evil on earth.

2. The Beast
Often interpreted as a representation of a powerful, oppressive political or religious system, the beast is given authority by the dragon. It is an entity that demands worship and allegiance, challenging the sovereignty of God.

3. Worshipers of the Beast
These are individuals or groups who are deceived into worshiping the beast and the dragon, showing allegiance to the forces of evil rather than to God.

4. Authority
The concept of authority in this verse highlights the power dynamics at play, where the dragon bestows authority upon the beast, leading to its worship by the people.

5. War
The rhetorical question "Who can wage war against it?" underscores the perceived invincibility of the beast, reflecting the fear and awe it inspires among its followers.
Teaching Points
Discernment in Worship
Believers must exercise discernment in whom or what they worship. The allure of power and authority can lead to misplaced worship, as seen in the adoration of the beast.

Understanding Authority
Recognize that all authority ultimately comes from God. The temporary authority of the beast is allowed by God for His purposes, and believers should remain steadfast in their allegiance to Christ.

Spiritual Warfare
The rhetorical question about waging war against the beast reminds us of the spiritual battle we face. Believers are called to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Faithfulness in Persecution
In times of persecution or when faced with seemingly invincible opposition, Christians are encouraged to remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate victory over evil.

Hope in Christ's Victory
Despite the apparent power of the beast, believers have hope in the ultimate triumph of Christ. This assurance should inspire confidence and perseverance in the faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the dragon and the beast in Revelation 13:4 help us understand the nature of spiritual deception in the world today?

2. In what ways can Christians guard against being swayed by the "authority" and allure of worldly powers, as depicted in this passage?

3. How does the question "Who can wage war against it?" challenge our understanding of spiritual warfare and the power of God?

4. What parallels can you draw between the worship of the beast in Revelation and the idolatry warned against in other parts of Scripture?

5. How can the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory over evil influence our daily walk and response to challenges in our faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts in Daniel parallels the imagery in Revelation, providing a prophetic backdrop that helps to understand the nature and role of the beast in end-times prophecy.

2 Thessalonians 2
This passage discusses the "man of lawlessness," who exalts himself and opposes God, similar to the beast's role in Revelation.

Exodus 15:11
The phrase "Who is like the beast?" echoes the song of Moses, where the Israelites declare, "Who is like You, O LORD?" This contrast highlights the misplaced worship of the beast instead of God.
Sermons
Safety in Times of Worldly OppressionR. Green Revelation 13:1-10
Admiration of the BeastF. D. Maurice, M. A.Revelation 13:1-18
His Deadly Wound was HealedThomas Fuller, D. D.Revelation 13:1-18
The Domain of AntichristD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 13:1-18
The Domain of AntichristD. Thomas Revelation 13:1-18
The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its WisdomS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 13:1-18
The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its WisdomS. Conway Revelation 13:1-18
People
John
Places
Patmos
Topics
Able, Authority, Battle, Beast, Bow, Dominion, Dragon, Engage, Fight, Homage, Offered, Owed, Power, Saying, Wage, War, Wild, Worship, Worshiped, Worshipped, Worshipping
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 13:4

     8748   false religion
     8770   idolatry, in NT

Revelation 13:1-6

     4654   horn

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

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 Glory

Letter 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

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