REVELATION 13 [Please read the background information, chapter, and answer the questions.]
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In chapter thirteen we are introduced to two beasts. One came up out of the sea (verses 1-10) and the other out of the earth (verses 11-18). One of his heads had a deadly wound but it was healed. This may be is referring to the death of Nero, the first Roman emperor who persecuted the church, whose policy of persecution was revived by Domitian. The world rendered homage to the dragon who had given his authority to the beast for to them this power seemed absolute and invincible.
The beast of the earth represents false religion, which is paganism and emperor worship. False religion in that day was supported and backed by the government. This beast had two horns like unto a lamb (appearance harmless) and he spoke as a dragon (like the devil himself--his lies appear as the truth). What could appear more harmless than a religion? The devil in the same manner uses his religions to war against the saints today (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).
In Daniel, chapters two and seven, the iron kingdom, or the fourth great beast, is the fourth ruling world empire. This kingdom would be in rule when the church would be established (Daniel. 2:43-44). There are many similarities between the beasts of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR REVELATION 13
1. Describe the beast of the sea.
2. Who did the beast of the sea receive his authority from?
3. What is occurring in verses 5-6?
4. Who worshipped the beast and the dragon?
5. List similarities between the fourth beast of Daniel 7 and the beast of the sea of Revelation 13.
6. Describe what the beast of the earth does and causes in verses 11-17.
7. What lesson can those who rely on modern-day miracles learn from verse 14?
8. Who received privileges from the beast?