SealsFirst half

1. First2. Second3. Third 4. Fourth

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Second half5. Fifth6. Sixth (Armageddon)7. Seventh = 8:1-19:21

TrumpetsFirst half

1. First2. Second3. Third4. Fourth5. Fifth6. Sixth

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Second half7. Seventh = End of Trib.

Rev. 13:1 – Agent #1 – The Beast

“Sand of the Sea”May = Israel

Gen. 22:17; 32:12; Isa. 10:22

Rev. 13:1 – Agent #1 – The Beast

“Sea” Often used of the Gentile world.

Rev. 17:15

Rev. 13:1 – Agent #1 – The Beast

“Seven heads”Represents two things: (17:9-10)

1) Seven mountains = Rome2) Seven kings = Roman emperors (more in ch. 17)

Rev. 13:1 – Agent #1 – The Beast

The Beast is empowered by Satan (12:3) and associated with the Roman Empire.

He is an Assyrian by birth (Micah 5:5-6) and presents himself as God (2 Thess. 2:3-12; Daniel 11:36-39).

Rev. 13:2 – Agent #1 – The Beast

He will take power quickly (“like a leopard”) and crush his opponents with power (“bear”). Out of his mouth will

come arrogant words (“lion”).

Satan gives him the ability to rule and to do amazing things.

Rev. 13:3 – Agent #1 – The Beast

Though we don’t know how or exactly when, the Beast is mortally wounded and miraculously recovers.

Jesus is seen as the Lamb “as though it has been slain” (5:6).

The same phrase is used here.

Rev. 13 – The unholy Trinity

Having presented the struggle between Israel and Satan, John now presents the three major agents of Satan

during the last half (3 ½ years) of the Tribulation.

Rev. 13:3 – Agent #1 – The Beast

13:14 – The Beast “lived” = 2:6 - the resurrection of Christ.

During this time, wonders and miracles are allowed to occur through the Beast and his agents.

The world swallows it hook, line, and sinker!

Rev. 13:4 – Agent #1 – The Beast

The world swallows it hook, line, and sinker!“Worship”Mt. 4:8-9

“Never has the world met a man his equal”.Grace Commentary p. 1296

…at least, so it thinks…

Rev. 13:5-6 – Agent #1 – The Beast

Just as today when the world puts more stock in one’s ability to speak than in the content of one’s speech,

the Beast’s speaking ability and boasts are impressive.

Rev. 13:5-6 – Agent #1 – The Beast

“Authority to continue” = “power to make war”

For 3 ½ years (“42 months”)

The Beast will “overcome them”, but they will ultimately “overcome” – Rev. 2-3!

Rev. 13:7-8 – Agent #1 – The Beast

The Beast will “overcome them”, but they will ultimately “overcome” – Rev. 2-3!

All unbelievers will worship the Beast!

Rev. 13:9-10 – Agent #1 – The Beast

“Let him hear”This takes discernment!

Though there is an inevitability and plan to what happens to believers during this time, believers need to maintain

patience and steadfast faith knowing that God will square up accounts.

Rev. 13:11 – Agent #2 – The False Prophet

“Out of the earth (land)”While the Beast is a Gentile, this may signify that the

False Prophet is from Israel.

This would be a wise arrangement, given the Middle East and the tensions historically present.

Rev. 13:11 – Agent #2 – The False Prophet

“Speak like a dragon”He will spread false doctrine and specifically that of the

deity of the Beast.

Rev. 13:11 – Agent #2 – The False Prophet

“False prophet”3Xs – 16:13; 19:20; 20:10

This is probably the Antichrist.1 John 2:18-19; 4:1-3.

Nowhere is the Beast referred to this way.

Rev. 13:11 – Agent #2 – The False Prophet

This underscores the importance of getting what we believe from the Scriptures, not from what “we think”.

Mt. 7:15-20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1-6

Rev. 13:13-14 – Agent #2 – The False Prophet

The deception is reminiscent of God and the power of the Apostles and the Two Witnesses.2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:1-4; Rev. 11:6

It is important to notice that this is unusual and we are told about it in advance in order to know it’s source and

permission.

Rev. 13:13-14 – Agent #2 – The False Prophet

“He deceives those and my own”Many Jewish people will fall prey to the deception.

Rev. 13:15 – Agent #3 – The Image of the Beast

In addition to the many other miracles he is able to do, the Antichrist gives life to an image of the Beast.

This is probably demon possession.

Rev. 13:15 – Agent #3 – The Image of the Beast

Not only does this Image speak, it kills those who do not worship it.

Rev. 13:16-18 – The Mark of the Beast

The False Prophet now forces humanity to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead to buy and sell.

Anyone who does that will be eternally condemned.Rev. 14:11

So, the mark is only taken by unbelievers whose lives are furthered hardened in their unbelief.

Rev. 13:16-18 – The Mark of the Beast

This mark places believers in a difficult situation, in need of wisdom.

The mark is the mark of a man, not God.

Rev. 13:16-18 – The Mark of the Beast

Believers in that day will clearly understand the connection between the Beast and the number

Their understanding will cause them to avoid that number and the consequences it brings.

1 John 2:18-19; 4:1-6

Notice that the influence of the Antichrist has already begun.

Notice also that we can avoid it by knowing truth…Just like a real dollar bill makes a counterfeit obvious.