What does Revelation 13:14 mean?
Unfortunately, the False Prophet's display of great signs works. He leads those who dwell on the earth astray. Second John 1:7 speaks about this deception: "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist." Jesus Himself predicted that at some point, false miracles would fool people into error (Matthew 24:24). This might refer to literal supernatural power. Or, given advancements in computer-generated imagery and other technology, it might mean something entirely artificial.Duped by the False Prophet, unbelievers make an image for the first beast. He is described again as having been wounded but recovered. This time we learn he was wounded by the sword. This is perhaps a reference to the military power that overthrew the Roman Empire. Or, it might simply refer to a weapon, as in an assassination attempt.
It stands to reason that the image for the beast is some kind of statue or sculpture resembling the beast (Revelation 13:15). Human pride often pits itself against God. In his pride, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the construction of such an image to be placed in a highly visible location and commanded his subjects to fall down and worship it (Daniel 3:1–7).
Revelation 13:11–18 focuses on the second beast of this chapter, the last of seven major figures described in this part of Revelation. This figure is most often labelled as the ''False Prophet.'' While the first beast came from the sea, this one comes from the land. The earth is often equated with Israel, leading many to believe the False Prophet will be ethnically Jewish. The second beast poses as a lamb but speaks like a dragon. It's possible to identify this beast, rather than the first, as the ''antichrist'' because every reference to antichrist or the spirit of antichrist in the New Testament has a religious context (1 John 4:1, 3, 6; 2 John 1:7). Whereas the first beast is a political ruler, the second beast is a religious figure who deceives many. This passage also introduces the controversial and ominous ''mark of the beast.''
This chapter exposes two evil men, ''beasts'' who serve the Devil. The first beast arises from the sea, presumably the Mediterranean. The second beast arises from the land, possibly Israel. The first beast dominates the final form of the Roman Empire and sets himself up as a god to be worshiped. This first figure is the one most often labelled as ''Antichrist.'' The second beast acts as prophet, priest, and king in Israel. As such, he imitates Christ, but he is a False Prophet. This corrupted religious leader sets up an image of the first beast in the temple and commands everyone to worship it. The false prophet executes those who refuse to worship the image. Further, he causes everyone to receive the name or the number of the first beast on the right hand or on the forehead. Without this identifying mark, no one can buy or sell. The number of the beast is 666.
