Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
The last chapter ended with the dragon going “to make war”. Then two beasts appear on the scene, one from the sea and one from the earth.
In v.4 we read, people worshipped the dragon.
For me these two thoughts are connected. When the dragon “makes war” his aim is to misled people into worshipping him and not God.
The last chapter ended with the dragon going “to make war”. Then two beasts appear on the scene, one from the sea and one from the earth.
In v.4 we read, people worshipped the dragon.
For me these two thoughts are connected. When the dragon “makes war” his aim is to misled people into worshipping him and not God.
Numerous times throughout this chapter we read the words, “was given”. The beasts had no power or authority of their own and in the first instance authority was limited to 42 months (v.5). God always has Satan on a leash.
The first beast seems to be impersonating Christ, having had a fatal wound healed and later the second beast impersonated God’s miracles v.13.
Some feel the first beast was the Roman Empire and that may have been a partial fulfillment but a more complete fulfillment seems likely.
Numerous times throughout this chapter we read the words, “was given”. The beasts had no power or authority of their own and in the first instance authority was limited to 42 months (v.5). God always has Satan on a leash.
The first beast seems to be impersonating Christ, having had a fatal wound healed and later the second beast impersonated God’s miracles v.13.
Some feel the first beast was the Roman Empire and that may have been a partial fulfillment but a more complete fulfillment seems likely.
I heard much preached/talked about v.16 where people are forced to receive a mark to buy and sell and how would Christians cope? But the previous verse says, “all who refused to worship the image” were killed. Seems to me we won’t have to worry about receiving a mark since we won’t be around! v.7 tells us that the beast is given power to conquer God’s people. Surprising that God allows the beast so much power yet we know, physical death is not the end and God will have the final say.
I heard much preached/talked about v.16 where people are forced to receive a mark to buy and sell and how would Christians cope? But the previous verse says, “all who refused to worship the image” were killed. Seems to me we won’t have to worry about receiving a mark since we won’t be around! v.7 tells us that the beast is given power to conquer God’s people. Surprising that God allows the beast so much power yet we know, physical death is not the end and God will have the final say.
I heard it preached that the 7 empires of history are the various beasts, and the last one is the USA, but I think people are starting to reevaluate. as the US is showing signs of falling from power. I used to think China was the dragon, but now, that imagery may just be coincidence.
I heard it preached that the 7 empires of history are the various beasts, and the last one is the USA, but I think people are starting to reevaluate. as the US is showing signs of falling from power. I used to think China was the dragon, but now, that imagery may just be coincidence.
I once heard a preacher say, “Prophecy is best understood in hindsight.” How true!
I once heard a preacher say, “Prophecy is best understood in hindsight.” How true!
v.10 This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
Here and in 14:12 we read of the need for patient endurance. Some feel this refers to those who become Christians after the rapture, nevertheless even in this current time we need patient endurance.
v.10 This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
Here and in 14:12 we read of the need for patient endurance. Some feel this refers to those who become Christians after the rapture, nevertheless even in this current time we need patient endurance.
Patient endurance reveals our faith. We can only patiently endure if we believe that God is in charge and can be trusted; that he is a good God who loves us and will bring about his just purposes in the end.
Patient endurance reveals our faith. We can only patiently endure if we believe that God is in charge and can be trusted; that he is a good God who loves us and will bring about his just purposes in the end.
v.3 The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
How easily people are deceived and believe the convenient.
v.3 The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
How easily people are deceived and believe the convenient.