The BEAST!

One of the most popular references and images from Revelation is of the Beast.  When we hear this word, we probably also think about the corresponding number: 666.  To give you a bit of background before you tackle this text, chapter 12 involves a dragon who cannot defeat Christ on his own.  The dragon represents Satan and due to his inability to conquer on his own, he calls the Beast to do what he cannot accomplish.  Read Revelation 13 for the Biblical text about these “beasts.”

Let’s begin with the first beast.  Scholars agree that this beast represents the Roman Empire at the period.  Remember that this government demanded ultimate authority!  The emperor was called “Lord and God” which would have been blasphemous to the Christians of this time (see verses 5-7).  Christians were persecuted and martyred if theydid not obey these secular, cultural demands.  And so we come to the second beast, this one representing the emperor cult of Rome.  The Emperor cult require worship of the people in all aspects of their life.  For Christians who attempted to live against this…well, let’s just say life would not have been easy!  So the beast(s) is all in reference to the life that Christians had to face within secular Rome.

But this beast falls short of Christ is many ways.  First, remember that the number seven represents completion and wholeness in this book.  Gemetra was a popular “game” in which letters were given numerical values.  Nero’s name is calculate to this numerical reference of 666.  Think about this for a second: 6 is just one short of the number that represents perfection, 7!  So everything that this beast does, from signs to actions, poses as the real think that people should be worshipping!  It is almost messianic perfection…but not quite and this is where we begin to see the victory coming in the end of the book!

As you read this chapter, think about these questions:

• How can or will our response to government change in light of this text?  What is the proper response to governing powers?  How do we determine what should be opposed and what should be defended?
• What does it mean to persevere for people from the period of this book as well as for modern humanity?
• What are the marks that define you?  Why do you bear them?

This Wednesday we will conclude our study of Revelation.  It’s been a long ride and we’ll see if we can see a more wholistic picture of the book.  E-mail me if you have any questions or topics that you would like to discuss!