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Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Revelation 13 - Introduction

Revelation 13. This chapter records the appearance of two beasts: (a) the one rising from the sea (Revelation 13:1), (b) the other springing from the earth (Revelation 13:11). The first beast is conquered by the dragon, the second beast derives its authority from the first. The chapter throughout is reminiscent of Daniel 7. The first beast is generally identified with the Roman Empire and the second with the spirit of paganism which inculcated the cult of Cæ sar-worship. The portrait of the first beast in the concluding verses seems to individualise in the person of Nero; at any rate this appears to be the most plausible interpretation of the number 666. The point of the chapter seems to be this. The dragon, beaten in the heavenly war by Michael and his angels, turns his attention to earth, and endeavours to exterminate the Christian faith by inspiring the Roman Empire to persecute.

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See also Revelation 13 - Introduction in other biblical comments:

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    Analysis Of The Chapter This chapter Revelation 13 is closely connected with Revelation 12, which is properly introductory to this and to the subsequent portions of the book to Revelati

  • Charles Box Commentaries

    THE PICTURE OF TWO BEASTS REVELATION THIRTEEN We have already seen a war in heaven. Satan lost in the battle with those fighting for the child that brought redemption. Nothing Satan did could prevent...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    _A BEAST RISETH OUT OF THE SEA WITH SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, TO WHOM THE DRAGON GIVETH HIS POWER. ANOTHER BEAST COMETH UP OUT OF THE EARTH; CAUSETH AN IMAGE TO BE MADE OF THE FORMER BEAST, AND THAT...

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    1:1 place; (b-19) Aorist, lit. 'have taken place,' perhaps 'be accomplished.' signified (c-22) * Lit. 'made known by signs.'...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    XIII. This chapter describes the rise of two foes of Christ and His people. They are described as “wild beasts” in opposition to Him who is the Lamb. They are distinct from the dragon; yet they are in...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION 13 This chapter contains a description of the Romish antichrist, under the figure of two beasts, the one representing him in his civil power, the other in his ecclesiastica...

  • Manly Luscombe Commentary on New Testament

    INTRODUCTION This is an important chapter. Not because it contains much more vital information. Just the opposite is true. It does not deal with any more vital information than the chapter before it o...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    * A wild beast rises out of the sea, to whom the dragon gives his power. (1-10) Another beast, which has two horns like a lamb, but speaks as a dragon. (11-15) It obliges all to worship its image, and...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    CHRIST AND THE DRAGON. CHAPTER S 12-14. (Genesis 3:15) _This is the fourth parallel section, and we again return to the First Coming of Christ._ "And I will place hostility between you and the woman a...

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