Revelation 13:15

The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed.

Study Bible

The second beast
This phrase refers to the beast rising from the earth, often interpreted as the false prophet. In the Greek, "therion" (beast) suggests a wild, untamed creature, symbolizing chaos and deception. Historically, this second beast is seen as a religious leader or system that supports the first beast, representing political power. Theologically, it warns of false teachings and leaders who lead people away from true worship.

was permitted
The Greek word "edothe" implies that authority is granted, not inherent. This highlights God's sovereignty, even over evil forces. It reassures believers that despite appearances, God remains in control, allowing events to unfold according to His divine plan.

to give breath
The Greek "pneuma" can mean breath, spirit, or life. This act of giving breath is a counterfeit of God's life-giving power, reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam. It underscores the deceptive nature of the beast, mimicking divine acts to mislead humanity.

to the image of the first beast
The "image" (Greek "eikon") suggests an idol or representation. Historically, this evokes the practice of emperor worship in the Roman Empire, where images of emperors were venerated. Spiritually, it warns against idolatry and the worship of anything other than God.

so that the image could speak
This miraculous act of speech is a further deception, designed to awe and mislead. In ancient times, speaking idols were seen as possessing divine power. This phrase emphasizes the seductive power of false miracles and the importance of discernment.

and cause all who refused to worship it
The phrase highlights the coercive power of the beast, enforcing worship through fear and persecution. It serves as a call to steadfastness for believers, reminding them of the cost of true discipleship and the importance of remaining faithful under pressure.

to be killed
This stark phrase underscores the ultimate consequence of refusing to comply with the beast's demands. Historically, it reflects the persecution faced by early Christians who refused to worship Roman deities. It serves as a sobering reminder of the potential cost of faithfulness and the call to endure, trusting in God's ultimate justice and victory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Second Beast
Often interpreted as the false prophet, this entity works alongside the first beast, performing signs and deceiving the inhabitants of the earth.

2. The Image of the First Beast
A representation or idol of the first beast, which is given life and the ability to speak, symbolizing the deceptive power and influence of the beast.

3. The First Beast
Generally understood as a symbol of political power or a specific empire, often associated with oppressive regimes throughout history.

4. Worship and Persecution
The act of worshiping the image is enforced, and those who refuse are threatened with death, highlighting the theme of persecution for faithfulness to God.

5. The Inhabitants of the Earth
Refers to those who dwell on the earth and are subject to the deception and coercion of the beast.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Deception
Believers must cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and resist false teachings and deceptive practices that lead away from true worship of God.

Faithfulness Under Persecution
The passage challenges Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with severe persecution or the threat of death.

The Power of Idolatry
The image of the beast symbolizes the seductive power of idolatry, which can manifest in various forms, including political, cultural, or personal idols.

The Role of False Prophets
Understanding the influence of false prophets helps believers to guard against teachings that contradict the gospel of Christ.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite the apparent power of the beast, God remains sovereign, and His ultimate victory is assured, providing hope and assurance to believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the second beast giving breath to the image challenge our understanding of idolatry in today's context?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to stand firm in our faith when faced with societal pressures to conform to ungodly practices?

3. How does the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 inspire us to remain faithful in the face of persecution?

4. What are some modern-day "images" or idols that demand our worship, and how can we resist them?

5. How can we discern the presence of false prophets and teachings in our communities, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves and others from deception?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 3
The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to worship the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar parallels the demand for worship in Revelation 13:15.

Matthew 24:24
Jesus warns of false prophets and signs that could deceive even the elect, similar to the deception by the second beast.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
Describes the coming of the lawless one with false signs and wonders, aligning with the activities of the second beast.