dove2.gif (30176 bytes)

 

  Best viewed with Explorer

 

Revelation 13

Part I

(Introduction)

 

This vision (verses 1-10) brings to view a power through which Satan will work in his final struggle for world supremacy. As he unveils his master plan of deception, he succeeds in deceiving the whole world with the exception of God’s elect. This powerful religio-political system works under the guise of world peace by leading every nation into an unholy alliance of false worship.

 

 

The composite sea beast of this chapter has the same characteristics as the little horn power of Daniel 7. It is the same power brought to view, but with added detail given for our day. Each of these:

    • Receive power from the dragon
    • Blaspheme God
    • Remain in power 1260 years (42 prophetic months)
    • Make war with the saints
    • Rule the world in religious and civil matters

 

Chapter 13

Part 1

 

Verse 1:"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy."

 

John was placed at a vantage point from which he could clearly see these events unfold. As he stood on the sand of the seashore, he saw " a beast rise up out of the sea." A similar scene is pictured in Daniel 7:3, "And four great beasts came up from the sea." Bible symbolism helps us to clearly understand what is being portrayed. In Daniel 7:17, 23 a "beast" represents a kingdom or world power: "the four beasts are four kings which shall arise…the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth." John saw a world power coming from the sea. Revelation 17:15 explains "…the waters which thou sawest… are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues." He saw a world power arising among the struggling nations of Europe.

 

 

The "beast" John "saw" coming "out of the sea" in Rev. 13:1 has "seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns." These seven heads appear in Rev. 12:3 and are identified as seven consecutive world powers through which Satan would war against God’s people. The ten horns represent the fragmented nations of the Roman Empire that gave their civil power to the Church of Rome for more than 1000 years. Compare Dan. 7:7, 20. A discussion of the crowns will appear in verse 3.

 

 

His "heads" inscribed "with the name of blasphemy" indicate confederated civil and religious powers working in opposition to God. History reveals that each of these world powers was a combination of civil and religious union through which God’s people were persecuted. (See comment on Rev. 12:4, last part.) In Babylon, the king engaged civil power to cast the three Hebrews into the fiery furnace because of their refusal to worship a false God. (Dan. 3: 14,15) Under Persia’s rule, Daniel was cast into a lion’s den because he prayed to the God of heaven. Antiochus Epiphanes nearly exterminated the religion of the Jews and slew thousands during the Grecian Empire. Nero, Domitian, and others, made sport of Christians during the Coliseum days of Rome. From the very beginning of Papal Rome’s rule, we see the destruction of the Arian Christians followed by the vast persecutions of the Dark Ages. History has proven that when church and state unite, religious intolerance is the inevitable result.

 

Verse 2: "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."

 

A brief review of Daniel 7:3-7 recalls "four great beasts" that "came up from the sea;" the lion (Babylon), bear (Medo-Persia), leopard (Greece), and the great and terrible beast (Pagan Rome). The vision given John in Rev. 13:2 has strong connection with Daniel’s vision, except that John saw these powers in reverse order, because he was looking backwards through history.

 

Daniel > Babylon Medo-Persia Greece Pagan Rome < John

"Lion" "Bear" "Leopard" "Terrible Beast"

 

The beast that John saw "was like unto a leopard." This composite beast has characteristics of Greece, represented by the leopard of Daniel 7. It also has characteristics of the Medo-Persian Empire indicated by the "feet of a bear." " And his mouth as the mouth of a lion…" is representative of the Babylonian power, the lion in Daniel 7. Finally "the dragon gave him his power, and seat, and great authority." History affirms that in AD 538, Justinian, a Roman Emperor crowned the Pope of Rome as the universal spiritual leader. Thus, the dragon worked through Pagan Rome to give its power, actual seat of government and civil authority to Papal Rome. "The papacy is but the ghost of the deceased Roman Empire, sitting crowned upon its grave." Stanley’s History, page 40.

 

This composite beast manifested the ecclesiastical characteristics of the systems of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Pagan Rome as their influence continued in this religio-political power. In an effort to blend the pagan and Christian religions, errors were introduced into the church. Things such as infant baptism, sun worship, immortality of the soul, confession to men rather than to Christ and image (idol) worship became accepted practices. Tradition took the place of the Word of God.

 

Ecclesiastical characteristics

    • "The adoration of idols that is in Babylon and paganism was succeeded by the adoration of saints." Historian Henry Thomas Buckle, The History of Civilization, Volume 1, page 188.
    • "The worship of the Virgin Mary was substituted for the worship of the virgin goddess Diana and other pagan divinities. So the ancient pagans worshipped idols, but the same idols were used to adore the saints when the pagans came into the Christian church." Mark Finley, The Mystery of Revelation’s Spiritual Babylon Revealed, page 5.
    • "To conciliate the pagans to nominal Christianity, Rome, pursuing its usual policy, took measures to get the Christian and pagan festivals [Sabbath and Sunday] amalgamated, and to get paganism and Christianity - now far sunk in idolatry - in this as in so many other things, to shake hands." Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons, page 105.
    • "The retention of the old pagan name of Dies Solis, for Sunday is, in a great measure, owing to the union of pagan and Christian sentiment with which the first day of the week was recommended by Constantine to his subjects- pagan and Christian alike-as the ‘venerable’ day of the sun." Arthur P. Stanley, History of the Eastern Church, page 184.
    • "The new Christians were, as far as thinking and habits went, the same old pagans. Their surge into the churches did not wipe out paganism. On the contrary, hordes of baptized pagans meant that paganism had diluted the moral energies of organized Christianity to the point of impotence." Concise History, Page 58.
    • "We are told by Eusebius that Constantine, in order to recommend the new religion to the heathen, transferred into it the outward ornaments to which they had been accustomed in their own." The Development of Christian Doctrine, page 373.
    • "Like two sacred rivers flowing from Paradise, the Bible and divine tradition contain the Word of God, the precious gems of revealed truths. Though these two divine streams are in themselves, on account of their divine origin, of equal sacredness, and are both full of revealed truths, still, of the two, tradition is to us more clear and safe." Father Joseph Faa’ di Bruno, Catholic Belief, page 45.

 

 

Further describing the little horn (papal) power in Daniel 8:24, Daniel was shown that "his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power." He derives his power from some source other than his own. Specifically, Rev. 13:2 says, "the dragon gave him his power and seat and great authority." How did the dragon commence to do that? He worked through the nations resulting from the breakup of the Roman Empire by placing their civil authority and strength at the Church of Rome’s disposal.

 

Through the dragon of Revelation 12 and the composite beast of Revelation 13, the two phases of the Roman power are brought to view, pagan and papal. Hence, both the dragon and the composite beast have seven heads and ten horns.

 

Dragon of Revelation 12

"Having seven heads and ten horns" Rev. 12:3

Heads = Seven consecutive major world powers (Beast powers)

Ten horns = Contemporary minor powers (divisions of Roman Empire)

 

"And seven crowns upon his heads" Rev. 12:3

In Revelation 12, the dragon is the symbol of persecution throughout all ages. The "seven crowns upon his (seven) heads" illustrate the continuity of Satan’s efforts down through the ages working through a succession of world powers to oppose God’s people.

 

Papal Beast of Revelation 13

"Having seven heads and ten horns" Rev. 13:1

Heads = Seven consecutive major world powers (Beast powers)

Ten horns = Contemporary minor powers (divisions of Roman Empire)

 

"Upon his horns ten crowns" Rev. 13:1

In Revelation 13, the "ten crowns" are "upon the (ten) horns" because this prophecy focuses upon the time of papal supremacy known as the Dark Ages. During this dark period of history, the nations of Europe were the source of his civil power. Thus, the horns have crowns upon them.

 

How is it possible for 10 nations to support the papacy in Revelation 13, if three of those nations were uprooted in Daniel 7:8 by the little horn or papal power? History reveals that as the people of those nations were displaced, their homes and lands reverted to Rome. The geographical areas of those nations didn’t lie as barren wasteland during the 1260 years. Rather, they were repopulated with people who did support the papal power. Hence, the Bible continues to portray them as the ten horns (divisions of the Roman Empire), the same geographical support base.

 

Verse 3: And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

 

John saw startling and amazing events relating to the composite beast including "one of his heads as it were wounded to death." The creature mentioned in verse one had "seven heads," but only one of his heads received a "deadly wound." In 1798 French General Berthier entered Rome, abolished the papal government, and carried the pope into exile. This broke the hold of the church over civil power. It was head number five, the papal head that received the deadly wound. These are identifiable heads. (See comment on Rev. 12:3.)

 

If asked to draw a picture of the beast John saw coming "out of the sea," one would of necessity draw a picture with seven heads on it, because that’s what John saw. To better understand what actually took place in the progression of world powers, one must first realize that this beast had seven heads, one head at a time…in power. In reality the seven heads correspond to seven consecutive universal powers. The first was Babylon. When Babylon passed into the history books Medo-Persia arose, but Babylon was no longer an active head, etc.

 

In Revelation 12, one of the seven crowned heads of the dragon was Pagan Rome. During the time frame of that prophecy, Satan worked through the Roman government in an attempt to kill Christ at his birth. (See study on Rev. 12.) In Revelation 13, the head "as it were wounded to death" was Papal Rome. Clearly, there is a change of heads (powers) between these two chapters:

    • Chapter 12 - Satan worked through head number four, Pagan Rome.
    • Chapter 13 - Satan worked through head number five, Papal Rome.

 

Events Surrounding the Infliction of the Deadly Wound

 

Even though Satan worked through the papal power for more than 1000 years, it took several centuries for it to reach its apex of power occurring from roughly AD 1000 to the AD 1300’s. Then descending, its power began to wane. The deathblow began to occur in the 16th century with the Protestant reformation. You have heard the expression "you could see the writing on the wall." In the 16th century the writing was on the wall. As the papal power was being seriously questioned and gravely weakened, civil powers began to withdraw their support.

 

Atheistic Napoleon, of France, recognized the Pope as an obstacle in his quest to control Europe, and ultimately the world. On February 10, 1798, under the direction of French General Berthier, he marched an army into the city of Rome and requested the Pope to surrender. Upon his refusal, Berthier instructed his soldiers to physically remove him from the throne. He was carried into France, where on Aug. 29, 1799, he died in exile. There followed a brief period when there was no visible head of the church phase of the Roman power. At that time, it appeared that the wound was deadly. The church continued, but the connection with civil power was broken. The church/state union ceased to exist. Scripture refers to this as the "deadly wound."

 

 

Verse 3, last part: "and his deadly wound was healed, and all the world wondered after the beast." To understand what will be restored when the deadly wound is healed, one must first understand what was taken from the papacy when the deadly wound was inflicted. For 1260 years the papacy was a union of church and state power. When the wound was inflicted in 1798, the church’s connection with civil power was broken. That act stripped the church of its power to put to death those who opposed her.

 

Many commentators thought the deadly wound was healed in 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaty, which returned sovereign rule of 108.7 acres in Vatican City to the papacy. Most modern commentaries and commentators agree that the complete healing is something far greater than that which occurred in 1929. Scripture outlines the events surrounding the rapid rise to power when the deadly wound is fully healed. (See study on Rev. 17, part 1 & 2.)

 

 

 

Verse 4: "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

 

To worship the beast is to indirectly worship the dragon. Satan has always sought the worship that belongs only to God. The time will come when Satan will not leave his masterful deception to human beings. He, himself, will appear as an angel of light (2 Cor.11: 14).

 

The way the papacy has worked and will continue to work according to this prophecy is by force of arms. When his control over the strong arm of civil government is restored, it will seem useless to resist. Most will exclaim, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" For more than 1000 years prior to 1798, the papacy was the Supreme Court of International Law. Kings obeyed his orders. History will be repeated.

 

 

Verse 5: "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."

 

This is almost a direct quote from Daniel 7:25. How did he (the papal beast) obtain his power? In Rev. 13:2 "the dragon gave him his power." In verse 5 "power was given unto him to continue forty and two months." The dragon, not God, is the source of his strength.

 

The "forty and two months" of this composite beast’s reign is greatly misunderstood. Some have assumed that there will be 3 ½ years of tribulation at the end of the age. However, the Bible is careful to pinpoint the length of time which power would be given him. This time period is one of the strong identifying marks of the papal power:

42 Months = 3 ½ years

From the account of the flood (in Genesis 7:11, 24; Gen. 8:4), we know there are 360 days per Bible year (because 150 days = 5 months). Three and a half years would be 1260 days. In prophetic time, each day represents one literal year, hence, 1260 literal years. Dan. 7:5; Dan. 12:7; Rev. ll:2, 3; Rev. 12:6,14; Rev. 13:5 all identify the papacy as being associated with that length of time (AD 538 - 1798).

 

Verse 6: "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

 

How does he "blaspheme His [God’s] name?" By assuming divine titles. (See Dan. 7:25) How does he "blaspheme his tabernacle?" He presumes to set up his temple on earth and draws the attention of the people away from the sanctuary in heaven, the true sanctuary where Jesus ministers as high priest. (Heb. 8:1,2; Heb. 4:14-16) This power seeks to cast down the work of the heavenly sanctuary. (See Dan. 8:11) The heavenly ministry and sacrifice of Christ is discounted and the sacrifice of the mass on earth is substituted. How does he blaspheme "them that dwell in heaven?" This power claims to be above even heavenly beings by the claim to have power to forgive sins and by ascribing powers and virtues to Mary that belong only to Christ. Thus the minds of men are turned away from the heavenly mediatorial work of Jesus to the confessional on earth.

 

Divine Titles:

  • "The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under the veil of flesh." The Catholic National July, 1895.

 

  • "The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God." Ferraris’ Ecclesiastical Dictionary

 

 

Power to Forgive Sins:

  • "Seek where you will, through Heaven and earth, and you will find but one created being who can forgive the sinner… That extraordinary being is the priest, the Catholic Priest." The Catholic Priest, pp. 78,79.

 

  • "God Himself is obliged to abide by the judgment of His priest, and either not to pardon or to pardon, according as they refuse or give absolution…. The sentence of the priest precedes, and God subscribes to it." Dignity and Duties of the Priest, vol.12, p.2.

 

Powers and virtues to Mary:

  • A plan to make Mary Coredemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate with Christ is to deify a created being. By accepting her "messages" as from God is leaving an open door to spiritualism. The present pope believes the proclamation of this final Marian Dogma will usher in the reign of peace. (See comments on Dan. 8:25.)

 

 

Verse 7: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."

 

The papacy "was given" power "to make war with the saints." For 1260 years (Dan. 7:25) the church controlled the strong arm of the state. When the "deadly wound" is fully "healed," he will once again be "given" power "over all kindreds, and tongues and nations." (Rev. 13:3-4, Rev. 17:8)

 

Verse 8: "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

 

The events that cause "all that dwell upon the earth" to "worship him" are outlined in verses 11-18 (Rev. 13, part 2). Apparently only those whose names are retained in the Lamb’s Book of Life do not worship him. God’s people recognize His voice and do not worship this false system.

 

Verse 9: "If any man have an ear, let him hear."

 

Take heed. Pay attention. Listen. Understand what is being said.

 

Verse 10: "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

 

Certainly, to some degree, that prophecy was fulfilled in 1798 when civil powers that once supported the papacy withdrew their support and actively participated in her fall. During the French Revolution, this system suffered the same fate that God’s people had suffered for more than 1000 years.

 

 

"Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." It is through tribulation that God’s people are perfected (James 1:3). It is through tribulation that one gains the patience and the active defending of the faith brought forth here.

 

A striking event occurred during the Civil War of the United States that has relevance for us today. Just south of Chattanooga, Tennessee in the battle of Chicamaga, two of the greatest armies of the war met on the eve of September 19, 1863. Both sides had intended the next day to dig artillery entrenchments, prepare the cavalry, ready their supplies, and to go into battle fully prepared. Somehow in the thick forest and the gathering darkness, these two armies brushed too close and a shot rang out. The struggle that ensued cannot be adequately portrayed in words. In the hand-to-hand combat that followed, it was nearly impossible to identify friend from foe. Great pandemonium broke out. The suffering was extreme and loss of life was immense.

 

Last day events will come as unexpectedly, as an overwhelming flood (Dan. 9:26, last part). The "deadly wound" is silently but speedily being healed. In a moment, when the world is at ease and unprepared, the final battle will break with no time for preparation (Dan. 8:25). What does this mean to me? Am I actively ready to defend my faith? In studying and applying the parable of the ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), it’s good advice to make our preparations before we sleep. Let’s not sleep now assuming that preparation can be made on the day of battle.

 

 

 

Summary

    • The seven heads of the composite beast of Rev. 13:1 represent the same powers as the seven heads of the dragon in Revelation 12:3.
    • The 10 horns represent the nations of Europe that gave power to the papacy from AD 538 – 1798.
    • The papacy made war with the saints for 42 months (1260 prophetic days, or 1260 literal years).
    • The papal head received the deadly wound in 1798.
    • When civil power is restored to the papacy, the deadly wound will be healed.
    • When the deadly wound is healed, the world will wonder after the papacy.

Nearly the whole world will be deceived into a false worship- (Unifying on common points of belief and putting aside the shield of God’s Word).

 

Short Cuts

Daniel 2  Revelation 11
Daniel 7 Revelation 12
Daniel 8 Revelation 13   Part I  Chart 
Daniel 9 Revelation 13   Part II
Daniel 11 Revelation 17   Part I
  Revelation 17   Part II 
  Revelation 17   Part III

To Master Index Page