The Dragon:
In chapter 12 we are introduced to the dragon, otherwise known as that ancient serpent, the devil or Satan, v. 9. We find that he is in direct conflict with Jesus Christ and His people, 12:10-17. (I would understand that Israel is the woman mentioned -- and that Jesus is the male child. I would also understand that those against whom Satan makes war are believers in Jesus Christ, "... the rest of her offspring -- those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.", v. 17, i.e. the messianic community.) Satan is also the one who gives his power, throne and authority to the beast/antichrist.

The Beast/Antichrist (cf. 1 John 2:18)/Sea Beast
Since the beast derives his power, throne and authority from Satan, he is identified in much the same way with ten horns each having a crown -- seven heads each with a blasphemous name, vv. 1-2. (Please compare the description of Satan found in 12:3. From this description it is clear we are dealing with the height of satanic power and authority.) When the beast is said to resemble a leopard, a bear and a lion, we know we are being introduced to Daniel chapter 7 in which world empires are compared to beasts: "The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth." Daniel 7:17. (When reading Daniel 7, also Daniel 2:36-45, we are struck with the relevance to Revelation 13.) Although the leaders of world empires have taken upon themselves god-like qualities, the beast of Revelation 13 is the epitome, vv. 3-4. What John sees here is a description of the last and greatest world empire, and its leader inspires worldwide worship.

As would be fitting for the Antichrist/beast, he counterfeits Christ's death and resurrection, v. 3. What could be more diabolical? It is important to note that the word, "Antichrist" denotes not only being against Christ but also taking the place of Christ.

For three and one-half years the beast rules the earth and violently opposes Christians because they will not worship him, vv. 5-10. God then gives this word to believers: "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints." v. 10. It is these believers we were introduced to in Revelation 7:9-17 who came out of the great tribulation. (Please compare Revelation 6:9-11.) In my understanding, to have come out of the great tribulation indicates they were already in the great tribulation.

The Second Beast/land beast/false prophet (cf. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10)
We see in v. 11 another beast appearing who reminds one of Jesus' description of a false prophet -- a wolf in sheep's clothing. As Satan gives his power and authority to the first beast, so the first beast gives his power and authority to the second beast who in turn glorifies the first beast, v. 12. (One is reminded of the work of the Holy Spirit whose task it is to glorify the Son, cf. John 16:12-15.) At this point it is good to refer to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 for background -- the most pertinent portion of Scripture to elucidate Revelation 13 -- in my opinion.

It is important to note that the second beast has supernatural powers, vv. 13-14. Because of this he deceives the inhabitants of the earth (except those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, cf. 13:8). This is a warning not to assume that everything supernatural is from God!

Then the second beast makes the order that an image be set up in honor of the first beast/Antichrist -- an image which must be worshiped. (One thinks of Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold mentioned in Daniel 3:1-7 -- and the vanity of world rulers throughout the ages.) In another master stroke of deception, this image comes to life and causes those who do not worship it to be put to death. (Again Daniel 3 comes to mind.) It is my understanding that believers will be put to this ultimate test -- as they have been throughout the ages. It is my understanding that believers will face the wrath of man during the tribulation -- but not the wrath of God. There is no promise in Scripture which shields believers from facing the wrath of man -- including the wrath of the Antichrist.

There is also another interesting facet of the second beast's power: he brands everyone with his mark which becomes the means by which all economic transactions are controlled by him. This, in effect, is the universal control of world finances and business. Much is made of the mark of the beast and what it means, vv. 16-18. It is best, however, to simply view this mark as one of ownership and loyalty. To enter into gematria, i.e. matching numbers with letter equivalents, is not profitable. All sorts of strange conjectures have been put forth, but as Irenaeus warned in the second century in his Contra Haereses, this leads only to endless speculations. (Please see Alan Johnson's work titled Revelation found in The Expositor's Commentary, Volume 12, pp. 533-35.) One could think of 666 as fitting when Satan's ultimate deception to impersonate the Trinity is "almost perfect" but not quite -- the perfect number being 777 in this case.

Observations:
There are those fellow believers who would see the above interpretation of Revelation as speculative and sensational. They would rather view Revelation 12-13 as simply a kind of morality play which encourages believers to persevere under various trials and tribulations -- a kind of commentary on Jesus words: "In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33b. I respect this view, but there are reasons why I find difficulty with it.

Why would God reveal to John so much detail regarding the Antichrist if, in fact, there will be no such personage? I find this highly unlikely. In my opinion, it does not fit the nature of God who is not in the habit of leading us to believe something which does not actually exist. Nor do I think it fits the command of Christ in Revelation 1:19: "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later." Although we are aware that much symbolism is used in Revelation 12-13, I am convinced these symbols represent real entities and events which "will take place later."                 T H L