Revelation

Lesson 7

Revelation chapter 13

Comments, Questions and Discussions

COMMENTS

Many of the commentators are agreed that the first Beast is Nero and the second is one of his rulers in the land of Judea. Two are suggested in Judea, Albinus and Gessius Florus. Albinus was so evil and corrupt that the Jews complained to higher authorities about him. When Gessius Florus came into power, he is said to make Albinus look like a virtuous man. 666 has been kicked around a lot and Nero is easily accepted as fulfulling the role as this number. Nero was certainly a beast of a man. Coming from the sea is thought to be a foreign power, hence the Roman emporer and from the land, once again "earth" and the second comes from Judea. The 42 months is taken by some to refer to the period of Nero's persecution, November AD 64 to June AD 68, Pretty close to 42 months. The seige against Jerusalem also lasted 42 months and so we might well have two different 42 month periods. Perhaps later prophecies will help us identify the period or period. Nero loved praise and adoration. He performed as an actor and rode in the chariot races. When on parade he was hailed as a God and compared with Hercules.

This is probably enough said about this chapter.

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

1. What would a blasphemous name represent?

2. The description in 13:2 reminds us of what beasts studied earlier in another book?

3. What kingdom could this possibly be?

4. From what you know about Nero, how did he blaspheme the name of God, his tabernacle and those who dwell in heaven?

5. What would stop one from worshipping the beast?

6. How could the second beast give life to the image of the first beast?

7. Just for fun prepare to give some thoughts about 666.