Overview and Flow of the Book of Revelation
Including a Concordance of Words Peculiar to Revelation
by Dave Brown
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Commentary:
Go to Revelation Chapters 1-5
Go to Revelation Chapters 6-10
Go to Revelation Chapters 11-15
Go to Revelation Chapters 16-19
Go to Revelation Chapters 20-22
Overview and Concordance to assist in Understanding
the Overall Flow of the Book of Revelation
by Dave Brown
The objective of this page is to provide a chapter by chapter high level view of the entire book. This is necessary in order to get a perspective for studying the book, mainly so that students do not get so bogged down in detail that they lose sight of its overall direction and objectives. The overview will be by Chapter for easy reference. Verse references without book refer to verses internal to Revelation.
Overview of the Overview by Chapter
1. Introduction, blessings, and Jesus with the churches
2. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira
3. Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
4. John’s first view of heaven and praise of God
5. Search and finding of the Worthy One and His praise
6. Opening of the first six seals
7. Sealing of the servants of God
8. Opening of the 7th seal; the first four trumpets
9. Sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets
10. The book given to John to eat
11. Temple measured and two witnesses
12. The woman in travail and Satan’s persecution
13. Emergence of the sea and earth beasts
14. Glory to God and the sharp sickle
15. Distribution of the seven bowls
16. Pouring out of the seven bowls
17. The judgment of the great harlot
18. Details on the fall of Babylon
19. Preparation for marriage feast; war in heaven
20. Thousand year reign; disposition of Satan
21. The bride of the Lamb
22. Announced coming of Christ; warnings
Brief Narrative Overview
The method of the book may thus be indicated. After an introduction, and letters to the seven churches (chapters 1-3), the properly prophetic part of the book commences with a vision of heaven (chapters 4, 5), following upon which are two series of visions of the future, parallel, it would appear, to each other-the first, the 7 seals, and under the 7 th seal, the 7 trumpets (chapters 6-11, with interludes in chapter 7 and again in 10; Rev 11:1-12); the second, the woman and her child (chapter 12), the 2 beasts (chapter 13), and, after new interludes (chapter 14), the bowls and 7 last plagues (chapters 15, 16). The expansion of the last judgments is given in separate pictures (the scarlet woman, doom of Babylon, Har-Magedon, chapters 17-19); then come the closing scenes of the millennium, the last apostasy, resurrection and judgment (chapter 20), followed by the new heavens and new earth, with the descending new Jerusalem (chapters 21, 22). (from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Summaries by Chapter and Internal Concordance
Chapter 1. Introduction, blessings, and Jesus with the churches.
Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.” John addresses the seven churches that will receive messages given in Chapters 2 and 3. Rev 1:6; ‘He [Jesus] made us (to be) a kingdom, (to be) priests unto his God and Father; to him (be) the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Past tense: they WERE this kingdom THEN and so, we ARE this kingdom NOW. John turns to see the voice that spoke, and he saw seven golden candlesticks, and in their midst a figure of Jesus, who had seven stars in his right hand. He is the author of this Book, with the recording of Jesus’ dictated words and the experiences of the visions that Jesus produced being done by John. Vs 20: “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches.”
Links:
- Alpha and Omega; first and the last: 1:8: 1;17; 2;8; 21:6; 22:13.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- candlesticks (lampstands): 1:12-14; 20; 2:1-5; 11:4.
- Hades: 1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14.
- in the Spirit: 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10.
- key, keys: 1:18; 3:7; 9:1: 20:1.
- kingdom [of Christ]: 1:6-9; 5:10; 11:15; 12:10.
- patience: 1:9: 2:2-3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12.
- priests 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.
- seven Spirits: 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6.
- Son of man: 1:13; 14:14.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- sword (figurative and literal): 1:16; 2;12-16; 6:4-8; 13:10-14; 19;15-21.
- tribulation: 1:9; 2:9-10; 2:22; 7:14.
- (as of) a trumpet: 1:10; 4:1.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
Chapter 2. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira.
The letter to Ephesus is generally positive, but there was a problem – they had left their first love, i.e., there was not the zeal that they once had. Jesus commands them to repent of this. The letter to Smyrna is totally positive, with this admonition in vs 10: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life,” which is a condition of salvation. The letter to Pergamum was quite positive in commending them for their courage in the face of persecution. But they had some who were following after the example of Balaam and some who were following after the false teachings of the Nicolaitans. He commands them to repent if they do not want to battle with the “sword of my [Jesus’] mouth.” The letter to Thyatira commends their works, but criticized them for allowing the presence of a figurative Jezebel to teach false doctrines and immorality. An important principle is given vs 24: “But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching [that of Jezebel], who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden.” This seems to be saying that it is not everyone’s responsibility to delve into the deep things of Satan – that some of these things are better left unlearned by those of a tender heart and spirit. This is not to say that elders, preachers and teachers should remain ignorant of these things, but also, that they are not compelled to make them generally known except to those with a need to know.
Links:
- Alpha and Omega; first and the last: 1:8: 1;17; 2;8; 21:6; 22:13.
- candlesticks (lampstands): 1:12-14; 20; 2:1-5; 11:4
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- faith: 2:13-19; 13:10; 14:12.
- fornication: 2:14-21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2.
- love: 2:4, 19; 3;19.
- morning star 2:28, 22:16.
- patience: 1:9: 2:2-3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12
- repent, repented: 2:5-22; 3:3-19; 9:20-21; 16:9-11.
- rod: 2:27; 11:1; 12:5; 19:15.
- rule (in all cases: “with a rod of iron”): 2:27; 12:5; 19:15.
- second death: 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8.
- Spirit says to churches: 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 14:13; 22:17.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- sword (figurative and literal): 1:16; 2;12-16; 6:4-8; 13:10-14; 19;15-21.
- synagogue of Satan; Jews: 2:9; 3:9.
- tree of life: 2:7; 22:2; 22:14-19; (Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24).
- tribulation: 1:9; 2:9-10; 2:22; 7:14.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 3. Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea.
Sardis has no works perfected, but did have a few who had not defiled their garments. Philadelphia, like Smyrna had no faults that needed to be mentioned. They were plagued by the synagogue of Satan, but were able to withstand that persecution. In contrast, Laodicea seems to be in the worst possible condition: that of being lukewarm. Of course, Jesus would prefer that they were on fire for the truth, but lacking that, they would be better off cold. Perhaps in that state they could not bring reproach on the church, since they would clearly not be Jesus’ church. Or perhaps in their ignorance they would be more amenable to learning the truth and becoming faithful.
Links:
- book of life: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27.
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- David 3:7; 5:5; 22:16.
- key, keys: 1:18; 3:7; 9:1: 20:1.
- love: 2:4, 19; 3;19.
- new Jerusalem: 3:12; 21:2.
- patience: 1:9: 2:2-3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12.
- repent, repented: 2:5-22; 3:3-19; 9:20-21; 16:9-11.
- seven Spirits: 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6.
- Spirit says to churches: 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 14:13; 22:17.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- synagogue of Satan; Jews: 2:9; 3:9.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 4. John’s first view of heaven and praise of God.
A door is opened in heaven for John to observe it, which he does “in the Spirit,” which we take to mean he observed these things with his spirit without physically going to heaven himself (assuming that heaven is a physical place he could go). It is depicted physically since, as physical beings, there are no other things that we can relate to except physical things (time, space, matter, etc.). So what he “sees” are figurative of what is there (note the “as” and “like” words used for simile figures of speech). We will not go into these figures here (see commentary), but will indicate that these figurative descriptions are followed by literal actions that John saw, of the creatures in heaven, including the 24 elders who are around the throne casting down their crowns in humility. What we mean by literal is that what he reports is exactly (literally) what he saw. John is not creating figures, signs and symbols, although generally what he reports to us are just that. The praise he reports here seems to be toward God in general, including the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Links:
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- elders: 4:4-10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4.
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- in the Spirit: 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10.
- seven Spirits: 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- (as of) a trumpet: 1:10; 4:1.
Chapter 5. Search and finding of the Worthy One and His praise.
The One (probably the Father) on the throne has in his hand a book that is sealed with seven seals. [We will see Jesus (the Lamb) is also on the throne in Rev 22:3.] A search goes out for someone who is worthy to open this book and no one is found. John is beside himself in grief, we suppose because this book contains the Revelation that he is supposed to be receiving. But then “the Lion that is of the Tribe of Judah” is found worthy to open the book, and he is represented as a “Lamb standing as though it had been slain” clearly representing his death on the cross. He takes the book, after which there is a new song sung with great praise for the Lamb, “saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood (men) of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and made them (to be) unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth (Revelation 5:9-10). Note the present tense.
Links:
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- David 3:7; 5:5; 22:16.
- elders: 4:4-10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4.
- every tribe: 5:9; 7:4; 13:7.
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- horns: 5:6; 9:13; 12:3: 13:1-11; 17:3-16.
- incense: 5:8; 8:3-4; 18:13.
- kingdom [of Christ]: 1:6-9; 5:10; 11:15; 12:10.
- new song: 5:9: 14:3.
- number: 5:11; 7;4-9; 9:16; 13:17-18; 15:2; 20:8.
- priests 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.
- reign: 5:10; 11:15-17; 20:6; 22:5.
- seven Spirits: 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6.
Chapter 6. Opening of the first six seals. (The 7th seal will not be opened until Chapter 8).
The first four are the famous “four horsemen of the Apocalypse” as they are generally called by the world. Jesus is shown to be in control, but the other three horses do not bode well for those who were living at the time, and especially for persecuted Christians, who would typically feel the multiplied consequences of the economic and military catastrophes that were prophesied. These things are demonstrated so that the persecuted know that God is in control, and all will be well with them. The opening of the fifth seal is quite pivotal in that it begins to manifest the overall theme of the book, which is: comfort to the persecuted saints. Vs 9-10: “I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Assurance is given to them as they are each given a white robe. The sixth seal leads to such major catastrophes that those from every station of life requested the rocks to fall I them to protect them from the wrath of the Lamb. This reflects how Jesus feels about those who are persecuting His faithful.
Links:
- altar: 6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- earthquake: 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18.
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- Hades: 1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- sword (figurative and literal): 1:16; 2;12-16; 6:4-8; 13:10-14; 19;15-21.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- white horse: 6:1; 19:11.
- wine: 6:6; 14:8-10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3-13.
Chapter 7. Sealing of the servants of God.
Expecting the 7th seal, there is a delay from any further devastation until the servants of God are sealed (protected from the harm that is to follow). A figurative 144,000 are sealed from each of the spiritual 12 tribes of Israel, followed by the sealing of a great multitude that was too large to number from “all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues. …” These are they that came of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” There is great rejoicing and praise to God and the Lamb before the throne.
Links:
- 144,000: 7:4; 14:1-3.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- elders: 4:4-10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4.
- every tribe: 5:9; 7:4-9; 13:7.
- four angels: 7:1-2; 9:14-15.
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- number: 5:11; 7;4-9; 9:16; 13:17-18; 15:2; 20:8.
- seal, sealed: 7:2-8; 9:4.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- tribulation: 1:9; 2:9-10; 2:22; 7:14.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
Chapter 8. Opening of the 7th seal; the first four trumpets.
The opening of the seventh seal leads to a half hour of silence after which seven trumpets are given to seven of God’s angels. Another angel with incense is used to figuratively illustrate the effect of the prayers of the saints upon heaven and upon the earth. The first four trumpets sound with each followed by major natural catastrophes. All of the trumpets are given for warnings so that people in general can see their temporal nature and the fearsome potential of nature to end their lives. But worse things are predicted by an angel who pronounces three woes by reason of the three angels that are yet to sound. Remember this comment going forward: trumpets warn, bowls of wrath are poured out. How do the masses respond to the warnings? Links:
- altar: 6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- cast … earth: 8:5-7; 12:4-16; 14:16-19.
- earthquake: 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18.
- hail: 8:7; 11:19; 16:21.
- incense; prayers: 5:8; 8:3-4; 18:13.
- smoke: 8:4; 9:2-3; 9:17-18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- woe: 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12; 18:10-19.
Chapter 9. Sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets.
The fifth trumpet sounds with major devastation now coming largely from man-made (pseudo-military) sources. Figuratively stars generally represent the political powers that be, and a star falling would indicate that they were no longer in power. This corrupted great leader is given access to the equally corrupted and wicked forces of darkness, or the abyss, which could be interpreted as hell itself. The remainder of the chapter shows the devastating results of the wielding of such power. These together are referred to as the first of the three Woes. The other two woes will occur at the sounding of the 6th and 7th trumpets. The 6th trumpet sounds and the four angels that were constrained from evil are now loosed to perform their destruction, which is probably beyond anything previously comprehended by mankind. And yet, despite all of this, “the rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, repented not of the works of their hands.”
Links:
- abyss (bottomless pit): 9:1-2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3.
- altar: 6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- fornication: 2:14-21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2.
- four angels: 7:1-2; 9:14-15.
- horns: 5:6; 9:13; 12:3: 13:1-11; 17:3-16.
- key, keys: 1:18; 3:7; 9:1: 20:1.
- number: 5:11; 7;4-9; 9:16; 13:17-18; 15:2; 20:8.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- repent, repented: 2:5-22; 3:3-19; 9:20-21; 16:9-11.
- seal, sealed: 7:2-8; 9:4.
- smoke: 8:4; 9:2-3; 9:17-18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- woe: 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12; 18:10-19.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 10. The book given to John to eat.
We (and perhaps John) are anticipating the 7th trumpet, but there will be a delay (until 11:14-15) in order that some necessary events take place first. A strong angel appears with a book in his hand, and with one foot upon the earth and the other upon the sea (indicating the universal sovereignty of God). Seven thunders utter their voices, and John, who is ready to write, is commanded not to write what the seven thunders uttered. The subject seems to be focused on revelation as the angel lifts his right hand to heaven and swears that “there shall be delay no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then is finished the mystery of God, according to the good tidings which he declared to his servants the prophets.” This is a strong message that God’s revelation will strictly come to an end at some future point in time. But John is given a book and commanded to eat it, with the forewarning that it will be sweet going down, but that it will be bitter in his stomach. And such is the gospel. John is promised that he will prophesy “again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” The fulfillment of this could be at this very instant, or at any time when the Book of Revelation is read or heard.
Links:
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
Chapter 11. Temple measured and two witnesses.
John is given a rod and commanded to measure the temple. Two witnesses are introduced that are stated to be given to prophesy with great power for a definitive length of time. After this time it is known that they will be killed by the beast that will come up out of the abyss (the place where we saw the “star” disappear into). More identification of the beasts is given in Chapter 13. Their bodies are defiled by the people who are delighted by their deaths. But they are resurrected and called up to heaven. God’s wrath at their treatment is shown as follows: “And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell; and there were killed in the earthquake seven thousand persons: and the rest were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” This is one of the few times that men paid heed to the warnings, this one still seeming to be part of the 6th trumpet and the second woe. Perhaps it shows the success of the two witnesses. The 7th trumpet sounds, but the third woe does not come quickly. Instead we see very positive glory, thanksgiving and praise being given to God along with some explanations of the preceding events.
Links:
- 42 months (t+2t+.5t; 1260 days): 11:2-3; 11:9-11; 12;6, 14; 13:5.
- abyss (bottomless pit): 9:1-2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3.
- altar: 6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- candlesticks (lampstands): 1:12-14; 20; 2:1-5; 11:4
- earthquake: 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18.
- elders: 4:4-10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4.
- great city: 11:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10-21.
- hail: 8:7; 11:19; 16:21.
- kingdom [of Christ]: 1:6-9; 5:10; 11:15; 12:10.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- reign: 5:10; 11:15-17; 20:6; 22:5.
- rod: 2:27; 11:1; 12:5; 19:15.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- woe: 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12; 18:10-19.
Chapter 12. The woman in travail and Satan’s persecution.
Another interruption in the flow of the trumpets as a “great sign” was “seen in heaven.” The great sign is in the form of a woman that there are many opinions as to who she is or what she represents. The most reasonable explanation that we believe fits all aspects of the woman is that she represents the faithful from all generations. Our reasoning is that her seed are defined as faithful Christians, and the rule from the beginning is that we reproduce after our own kind. As would be expected the woman is persecuted by Satan as represented by a great red dragon (12:9). The adventures of the woman are presented with her fleeing out into the wilderness. In the meantime there is a “war in heaven” between the faithful Michael and his angels and the dragon with his angels. Satan is defeated and cast down to the earth. At this point he concentrates on persecuting the woman, but his actions are thwarted. In anguish, he turns his attention to “her seed,” which we interpret to be the Christians alive on the earth.
Links:
- 42 months (t+2t+.5t; 1260 days): 11:2-3; 11:9-11; 12;6, 14; 13:5.
- cast … earth: 8:5-7; 12:4-16; 14:16-19.
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- dragon: 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 16:13; 20:2.
- horns: 5:6; 9:13; 12:3: 13:1-11; 17:3-16.
- kingdom [of Christ]: 1:6-9; 5:10; 11:15; 12:10.
- rod: 2:27; 11:1; 12:5; 19:15.
- rule (in all cases: “with a rod of iron”): 2:27; 12:5; 19:15.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- woe: 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12; 18:10-19.
Chapter 13. Emergence of the sea and earth beasts.
This is a major pivotal chapter, and everything that follows will, to a very large extent, talk about the dragon, the sea beast and the earth beast. Recognize first that in Revelation, quite often the waters or the sea is not referring to water or bodies of water, it is referring to masses of humanity (Rev 17:15: “And he said unto me, The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”) We will get to that in Chapter 17. For now let us concentrate on the beasts, and their relationship to the dragon that was introduced in Chapter 12. John describes the beast coming up out of the waters (or perhaps think that it is being lifted up and put forward by the masses). We will see that this beast is a figure for corrupt political power. We use the word political to refer to any and all rulers, whether they be legitimate or not, of nations, military forces, or other social forces – but primarily of corrupt rulers. Interesting, vs 4 indicates that the masses “worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast?” This “worship” is not necessarily what we would call Satanism today; it is much more subtle. When men forsake God and put their faith in political forces (as most do today), they are worshipping Satan, mainly because they are believing the lies being told by the sea beast, and the source of all lies is Satan. A second beast came up out of the earth, which we will see in due time is the “false prophet,” or corrupt religion. Both beasts have the same goal – the accumulation of money and power (the two being one and the same). We can see it easily in our various cultures today. So we can understand the natural agreement between them as the earth (second) beast “exercises all the authority of the first beast in his sight” vs 12. Why should we expect anything else? To impress upon us the fact that these are corruptions of men and not aliens, ETs, reptilians, angels or anything other than men, the famous number 666 is assigned to the sea beast.
Links:
- 42 months (t+2t+.5t; 1260 days): 11:2-3; 11:9-11; 12;6, 14; 13:5.
- book of life: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27.
- dragon: 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 16:13; 20:2.
- every tribe: 5:9; 7:4; 13:7.
- faith: 2:13-19; 13:10; 14:12.
- horns: 5:6; 9:13; 12:3: 13:1-11; 17:3-16.
- mark: 13:16-17; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4.
- number: 5:11; 7;4-9; 9:16; 13:17-18; 15:2; 20:8.
- patience: 1:9: 2:2-3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12
- signs: 13:13-14; 16:14; 19:20.
- sword (figurative and literal): 1:16; 2;12-16; 6:4-8; 13:10-14; 19;15-21.
Chapter 14. Glory to God and the sharp sickle.
Up until the end, this is generally a very positive chapter in contrast with most of them in this part of the book. The 144,000, figurative of the saved, are seen on mount Zion singing a new song. This is followed by three angels who proclaim the following (summarized in short statements):
- Fear God and give him glory,
- Fallen is Babylon the great, indicating the ultimate fate of the sea beast, which will have its fulfillment in Chapter 19, and
- A grave warning against anyone who would worship the sea beast.
Links:
- 144,000: 7:4; 14:1-3.
- altar: 6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
- Babylon: 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2-10, 21.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- cast … earth: 8:5-7; 12:4-16; 14:16-19.
- crown, crowns: 2:10; 3:11; 4:4-10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:4.
- elders: 4:4-10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4.
- faith: 2:13-19; 13:10; 14:12.
- fornication: 2:14-21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2.
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- mark: 13:16-17; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4.
- new song: 5:9: 14:3.
- patience: 1:9: 2:2-3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12
- smoke: 8:4; 9:2-3; 9:17-18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3.
- Son of man: 1:13; 14:14.
- Spirit says to churches: 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 14:13; 22:17.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- wine: 6:6; 14:8-10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3-13.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 15. Distribution of the seven bowls.
A short chapter which appears to be equipping seven angels with seven bowls of the wrath of God, which are to be poured out on the earth as additional warnings and preliminary punishments for those who are lost. The faithful in heaven sing the song of Moses and give great praise to God. Everything is under His control.
Links:
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- number: 5:11; 7;4-9; 9:16; 13:17-18; 15:2; 20:8.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- smoke: 8:4; 9:2-3; 9:17-18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 16. Pouring out of the seven bowls.
Each of the bowls had a unique plague that was designed to affect different people in different ways, but to bring all of them to repentance. While the specific plagues are obviously figurative of natural and man-made plagues that occur over time, it is interesting to match these up with current calamities and recognize that, while these may not be the specific things specified in this chapter, they still today should play the same role in helping us to recognize our mortality and bringing us to repentance. Verse 19 is relevant going forward: “Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” God’s righteous judgment may have to wait until all of these evil things play themselves out, just as in Genesis 15:16: “And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again. For the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.” God’s judgments are often delayed for reasons that are His alone. But just as the Amorite paid the price, so will the earth beast, the sea beast, and all of their followers.
Links:
- altar: 6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7.
- Babylon: 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2-10, 21.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- dragon: 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 16:13; 20:2.
- earthquake: 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18.
- great city: 11:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10-21.
- hail: 8:7; 11:19; 16:21.
- kingdom [of men]: 16:10; 17:12-17.
- mark: 13:16-17; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- repent, repented: 2:5-22; 3:3-19; 9:20-21; 16:9-11.
- signs: 13:13-14; 16:14; 19:20.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- wine: 6:6; 14:8-10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3-13.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 17. The judgment of the great harlot.
The first verse tells us what this chapter is all about: “Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sits upon many waters …” Babylon had long since been destroyed, and its destruction is being held up as to what will be the fate of the “Babylons” that existed back then and still exist today. The woman has a name written on her forehead: “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the abominations of the earth.” John is perplexed and wonders what this all means, and a fairly detailed explanation is given to him that we trust he could understand, but there is little agreement as to how it is to be interpreted today. We believe that it is intentionally vague so that the events and places will not be given definitive meanings, but that we will recognize that what is being stated is given in principle rather than in restricted details. However, two things are stated definitively: (1) as we quoted in reference to chapter 13, the waters are the human masses that respond as they have been brainwashed to react (vs 15); and (2) “the woman [harlot] whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth” (vs 18). Most reliable commentators agree that at the time of this writing, this was Rome. However there have been (and are) many “Romes” since then – all of the many great cities that have fallen by corruption will surely fall into the same condemnation as did Rome. There is a clue here in the expected interpretation by people so far removed from the direct application. How far in time was Babylon removed from Rome? How far in time is Rome removed from us?
Links:
- abyss (bottomless pit): 9:1-2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3.
- Babylon: 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2-10, 21.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- book of life: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27.
- fornication: 2:14-21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2.
- great city: 11:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10-21.
- horns: 5:6; 9:13; 12:3: 13:1-11; 17:3-16.
- in the Spirit: 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10.
- kingdom [of men]: 16:10; 17:12-17.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- wine: 6:6; 14:8-10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3-13.
Chapter 18. Details on the fall of Babylon.
This should probably be viewed as an extension to Chapter 17 in that it goes on with the fall of Babylon and all of its consequences to those who were corrupted along with her. Special emphasis is given to the political leaders, the merchants the shipmasters and everyone else who profited from her corruption. If you profit from corrupt, it should strike terror into your heart – the solution is quite simple for you: repent and turn to the Lord in obedience to His will.
Links:
- Babylon: 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2-10, 21.
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- bride: 18:23; 21:2-9; 22:17.
- fornication: 2:14-21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2.
- great city: 11:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10-21.
- incense: 5:8; 8:3-4; 18:13.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- smoke: 8:4; 9:2-3; 9:17-18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3.
- woe: 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12; 18:10-19.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
- wine: 6:6; 14:8-10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3-13.
Chapter 19. Preparation for marriage feast; war in heaven.
This chapter will contain two dramatic scene changes. The first is in the first verse: “After these things I heard as it were a great voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Hallelujah; Salvation, and glory, and power, belong to our God: …” This was a very positive scene of the rejoicing for the judgments of Chapter 18, but also in anticipation of the marriage of the Lamb. While we are looking forward to this, the scene again changes dramatically to the war in heaven (recall Rev 12:7). Now, in this chapter vs 11): “And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” There is an intermingling in John’s visions with what he sees in heaven and what is happening on the earth. Recognize that what John saw was what he saw – it is not being made figurative by him; he just reports what he sees. But, while it is clear that Jesus is leading a great army of the faithful in heaven, the following is the effect that it has on the earth (Rev 19:19-20): “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat upon the horse, and against His army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone: …” This provides further evidence that the earth beast is corrupted (i.e., false) religion. They share much in common in their greed and disregard for God’s law, and they will share the fate of the lake of fire throughout eternity. But what about the uncountable, infinite number of followers that these two beasts were able to put together in support of their quest? Vs 21: “and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, (even the sword) which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.” There again, showing a worldly flavor. This is an example to us as we have been given but one offensive weapon: “the sword of the spirit which is the word of God” (Galatians 6:17). This word is called “the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). We feel that the intermingling of the physical reality of our current existence and the results of Jesus fighting the spiritual war for us is intended to convey this power.
Links:
- blood: 1:5; 5:9; 6:10-12; 7:14; 8:7-8; 11:6; 12:11; 14:20; 16:3-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2-13.
- elders: 4:4-10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4.
- fornication: 2:14-21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2-4; 18:3-9; 19:2.
- four living creatures: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-6; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.
- lake of fire: 19:20; 20:10-15.
- mark: 13:16-17; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4.
- rod: 2:27; 11:1; 12:5; 19:15.
- rule (in all cases: “with a rod of iron”): 2:27; 12:5; 19:15.
- signs: 13:13-14; 16:14; 19:20.
- smoke: 8:4; 9:2-3; 9:17-18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3.
- sword (figurative and literal): 1:16; 2;12-16; 6:4-8; 13:10-14; 19;15-21.
- thunders, thunder: 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 10:3-4; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
- white horse: 6:1; 19:11.
Chapter 20. Thousand year reign; disposition of Satan.
It seems that to many this is the only chapter in the book that is relevant. What is so important in this chapter is what is NOT there, as opposed to what is there. Not there is anything about a rapture, and yet, this is where the false prophets turn. Indeed, they know what they are doing using for their proof text a chapter for which there is little overall agreement. Coverage in this summary will be very superficial; please see the Commentary. It begins with the dragon [Satan] being bound for 1000 years, and his being confined to hell. This period of time is obviously allegorical, and the fact that neither its start point nor its end point are specified tells us that we are to view it in general principle as opposed to assigning our own dates and events to it. John also saw a “first resurrection” that enabled the faithful to “live and reign” with Christ during this time. At the end of the 1000 years, Satan was to be loosed once again. Another war is depicted at this time when the countless number of the nations are deceived and align themselves with Satan against all that is good and right. Fire comes down from heaven and devours them, and Satan is cast into the lake of fire where the sea beast and the false prophet have already been dispatched. After this is the judgment scene where any person not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Again, see and trust in ONLY what is there; do not allow anyone to add to it and poison your mind with their error.
Links:
- abyss (bottomless pit): 9:1-2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3.
- book of life: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27.
- dragon: 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 16:13; 20:2.
- Hades: 1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14.
- key, keys: 1:18; 3:7; 9:1: 20:1.
- lake of fire: 19:20; 20:10-15.
- mark: 13:16-17; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4.
- number: 5:11; 7;4-9; 9:16; 13:17-18; 15:2; 20:8.
- priests 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.
- reign: 5:10; 11:15-17; 20:6; 22:5.
- second death: 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8.
- works: 2:2-6, 19-26; 3:1-8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 15:3; 16:11; 18:6; 20:12-13.
Chapter 21. The bride of the Lamb.
The wedding of the lamb that was interrupted in Chapter 18 is now resumed with the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, and a new holy city, the New Jerusalem. This vision of heaven involves those who are saved with “God himself being with them, (and being) their God: and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.” John is told to (vs 9-10): “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the wife of the Lamb,” and then shows him “the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” From this we conclude that all of the unimaginable splendors of this city in actuality refer to the inhabitants of the city (metonymy), those who are saved, and the city itself then is His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:28-32).
Links:
- Alpha and Omega; first and the last: 1:8: 1;17; 2;8; 21:6; 22:13.
- book of life: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27.
- bride: 18:23; 21:2-9; 22:17.
- in the Spirit: 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10.
- new Jerusalem: 3:12; 21:2.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- second death: 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8.
- temple: 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17; 21:22.
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
Chapter 22. Announced coming of Christ; Warnings.
It is important to remember that heaven is not a physical place. However, because we cannot think in non-physical terms, it is described figuratively for us in things that we can see. So, many of the delights of heaven are depicted in this way in the first five verses, which should probably have been grouped with Chapter 21. The angel gives assurance of the truthfulness of the revelation in verse 6, after which Jesus makes a statement: “And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” These words are not just to be believed, they are to be kept. Jesus makes a number of concluding statement in vss 13-21, finishing with great warnings of the consequences to those who would either add to or take away from God’s word.
Links:
- Alpha and Omega; first and the last: 1:8: 1;17; 2;8; 21:6; 22:13.
- bride: 18:23; 21:2-9; 22:17.
- David 3:7; 5:5; 22:16.
- morning star 2:28 with 22:16.
- plagues, plague: 9:18-20; 11:6; 15:1-8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4-8; 21:9; 22:18.
- reign: 5:10; 11:15-17; 20:6; 22:5.
- Spirit says to churches: 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 14:13; 22:17.
- star, stars: 1:16-20; 2:1; 2:28; 3:1; 6:13; 8:10-11, 12; 9:1; 12:1-4; 22:16.
- tree of life: 2:7; 22:2; 22:14-19; (Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24).
- water; waters: 1:15; 7:17; 8:10-11; 11:6; 12:15; 14:2-7; 16: 4-5,12; 17:1, 15; 19:6; 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
Comparative Analysis References to Beasts and Abyss
Bible quotes are from the American Standard Version (ASV)
by Dave Brown
The following are all verses that contain a reference to Beast, Beasts or the Abyss. And with the exception of Chapter 12, it also covers all references to the Dragon, which is Satan. The purpose of these verses is to help in identifying what the Sea Beast and the Earth Beast are and who they represent both in the first century and today. It is not intended to present a “story,” which is largely impossible because of the many verses that are omitted, and we discourage any attempt to use it in that way.
Abyss
Rev 9:1-2
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven fallen unto the earth: and there was given to him the key of the pit of the abyss.
2 And he opened the pit of the abyss; and there went up a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Rev 9:11
They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek (tongue) he hath the name Apollyon.
[These words mean destroyer, and it is fairly obvious that this alludes to Satan being cast out of heaven. A falling star of a hero (or major figure) is a sign of ruin and imminent destruction. The abyss here is clearly hell, not hades, the realm of those awaiting the judgment; but the ultimate place of punishment for all of those who are not saved.]
Abyss and Beast
Rev 11:7
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that cometh up out of the abyss shall make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.
[This is speaking of the two prophets of Chapter 11. There is no definition of this beast at this point. It could be a generic description for the dragon that is given more detail in Chapter 12 as he persecutes the figurative holy woman and her seed after being defeated in a war in heaven. Clearly this is the devil, also called Satan, positively defined in 20:2. After Chapter 12, you can trace all references to the dragon below in 13:2, 4, 11; 16:13; and 20:2.]
The Sea Beast
Rev 13:1-4
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns, and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems, and upon his heads names of blasphemy.
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 throne, and great authority.
3 And (I saw) one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;
4 and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? And who is able to war with him?
[All references to the beast in the verses above are to the sea beast, which we will see is corrupt leadership, be it political or military power. As we go on we will see that all unqualified references to the beast is to the sea beast. A second beast it introduced below, but as the thought progresses there seems to be a merging of these two into a single general “living beast nature.” This is similar to the word “God” being often used to refer to combinations of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (deity) because there are in such total complete agreement that they can be referred to without qualification.]
The Earth Beast
Rev 13:11-18
11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like unto a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.
12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his sight. And he makes the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose death-stroke was healed.
13 And he doeth great signs, that he should even make fire to come down out of heaven upon the earth in the sight of men.
14 And he deceives them that dwell on the earth by reason of the signs which it was given him to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who hath the stroke of the sword and lived.
15 And it was given (unto him) to give breath to it, (even) to the image of the beast , that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as should not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead;
17 and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, (even) the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred and sixty and six.
[We expect those of the first century would have a good idea who this number would be assigned to. But when we check historically we see the speculation of about a dozen possibilities. Our conclusion is that this was understood by the faithful but not by those who record such things. This article is not concerned with any specific person, but rather the understanding of the beasts and the abyss. See the commentary for more discussion on 666.
Verse 15 would seem to be pivotal, as the earth beast (false religion) is able to “give breath” to the diminishing political powers. This was probably akin to the time when “Christianity” was made the state religion of Rome. The merging of the two beasts discussed in this chapter into a single “beast” is thus reasonable if not expected. The beast is given without qualification from this point forward, and we will assume that it refers to the sea beast who has now been joined by the earth beast in their evil ways.]
Beast, Unqualified
Rev 14:9-11
9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand,
10 he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 and the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receives the mark of his name.
Rev 15:2
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.
Rev 16:2
And the first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth; and it became a noisome and grievous sore upon the men that had the mark of the beast, and that worshipped his image.
Rev 16:10-14
And the fifth poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom was darkened; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they repented not of their works.
12 And the sixth poured out his bowl upon the great river, the (river) Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way might be made ready for the kings that (come) from the sunrising.
13 And I saw (coming) out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs:
14 for they are spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.
[In verse 13. the dragon, the beast and the false prophet are here differentiated. We might conclude that there is no difference between the earth beast and the false prophet, and we have identified the earth beast as the false religious establishment, quite comparable in intent to corrupt political leadership. Clearly this is not restricting the description to a single false prophet, but rather and entire class of “clergy and priests” who have essentially taken over the remains of the corrupted church at this point.]
Rev 17:3
3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
[The definition of this beast and the woman will be given below.]
Beast and Abyss
Rev 17:7-18
And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou wonder? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, (they) whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.
[As we can see from the key events associated with the Roman Empire at this time that there were many defeats in various places. The Empire was weakened, but far more than a remnant kept it somewhat intact. Christians at this time who were hoping for a complete defeat of this beast would tend to be discouraged, and these words were given to them to keep them faithful until death.]
9 Here is the mind that hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits:
10 and they are seven kings; the five are fallen, the one is, the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a little while.
[This defines aspects of the beast since the woman was sitting on the beast from verse 3.]
11 And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes into perdition.
[See verse 8. Is this a contradiction? Can the beast be a figurative seven mountains and an eighth mountain at the same time? The answer is yes. One entity can be described by two different metaphors without any contradiction. The two metaphors would just be describing two different aspects (in this case) of the beast.]
12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour.
13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.
[Considerable turnover in leadership, as can be seen by the Roman empire timeline for this time.
14 These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they (also shall overcome) that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.
15 And he said unto me, The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
[This is a very important metaphor. While we cannot conclude that anything having to do with water is referencing the masses, it would be good that whenever we see waters, seas, rivers, etc., we should consider this possibility.]
16 And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her utterly with fire.
17 For God did put in their hearts to do his mind, and to come to one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.
18 And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.
[Here again is a potential contradiction: if the beast is corrupted leadership, how can the corrupt “great city” (generally accepted to be Rome at this time) also be described as the harlot? This is applying the same metaphor (corrupt governments) to two separate entities. In this case we have a simple precedent for this language construct. Compare 4:5 with 5:6. There we have the seven Spirits of God assigned to two separate entities. The purpose of metaphors is to describe aspects of the entity and several metaphors may be applied to several entities, or several entities may be described by the same metaphor.]
Final Disposition of Beast and False Prophet (Earth Beast)
Rev 19:19-20
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat upon the horse, and against his army.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone:
Dragon and the Abyss
Rev 20:1-3
1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut (it), and sealed (it) over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time.
Destiny of the Saved and the Dragon (Devil); Beast is Mentioned
Rev 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and (I saw) the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
What Must I do to be Saved?
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