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 signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beastThis phrase highlights the power and influence of the second beast, often interpreted as the false prophet, who performs miraculous signs. These signs are reminiscent of the miracles performed by the prophets of God, but here they serve to deceive. The ability to perform signs is a recurring theme in Scripture, often used to validate a divine message (e.g., Moses in Exodus 4:1-9). However, in this context, the signs are deceptive, aligning with warnings in Matthew 24:24 about false prophets performing great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. it deceived those who dwell on the earth
The deception of the earth's inhabitants is a central theme in apocalyptic literature, emphasizing the spiritual blindness and susceptibility of humanity to falsehoods. This deception is a fulfillment of the warnings given by Jesus and the apostles about the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11). The phrase "those who dwell on the earth" often refers to unbelievers in Revelation, contrasting with those whose citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). telling them to make an image to the beast
The creation of an image is reminiscent of idolatry condemned throughout the Old Testament, such as the golden calf in Exodus 32. This act of making an image signifies allegiance and worship, directly opposing the worship of God. The image serves as a focal point for the beast's power and a test of loyalty for the inhabitants of the earth, paralleling the demands of totalitarian regimes throughout history for absolute devotion. that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived
This phrase refers to the first beast's apparent resurrection, a counterfeit of Christ's resurrection. The wound by the sword suggests a mortal injury, yet the beast's survival is a perversion of the resurrection theme central to Christian faith. This false resurrection is designed to inspire awe and allegiance, mimicking the power of Christ's victory over death (Revelation 1:18). The imagery here is a stark reminder of the antichrist's attempt to usurp Christ's rightful place as the object of worship. 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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