03.18. Lesson 18
Lesson 18:Read Revelation 12:1-17; Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 14:1-20; Revelation 15:1-4 once, then Revelation 13:1-18 two more times, without referring to notes or commentaries, prior to answering the following questions.
(1) Where does the first beast come from? The second beast? In light of Revelation 10:1-2, and our discussion of those verses, what can we say about the ability of these beasts to disrupt God’s plan?
(2) Consider the first beast. Look at Revelation 12:3 and Genesis 3:14-15 as well as Daniel 7:1-28; read the entire chapter, but look especially closely at Daniel 7:1-7, Daniel 7:17-18, and Daniel 7:23-27. List the characteristics of this beast. What similarities are there between the beasts in Daniel 7:1-28 and this beast? What do the beasts in Daniel 7:1-28 represent? What, then, might this beast represent?
(3) Who worships the first beast? Why? What is the relationship between the beast and the dragon?
(4) What does this beast say? What does he do? What impact does this have on the saints? How can you tell that God is in control, even now?
(5) Revelation 13:8 reads in part “everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain” in the NASB and “all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world” in the NIV. Look at the Greek, which is ambiguous. In light of 1 Peter 1:20 and Revelation 17:8, which translation is most likely correct?
(6) Reflect on Revelation 13:10. How would it speak to Christians through the ages? (Look at your Greek Bibles and note there is textual uncertainty about whether the first phrase referring to the sword is active or passive, as reflected in the difference between the NASB and NIV).
(7) Detail the characteristics of the second beast. What does it mean for the beast to look like a lamb, but to speak like a dragon? What other lambs appear in Revelation? What does this beast represent?
(8) What is the relationship between the two beasts? Given your interpretation of the beasts, how do you understand this relationship?
(9) The beast requires its subjects to get a mark on their foreheads or right hands. Look again at Revelation 7:2-3. What do people have to choose between? What are the only two options? What are the consequences of refusing the sign of the beast? What are the implications for us today, especially for the church in Cameroon?
(10) Look at Revelation 13:18 carefully. The NIV is particularly accurate here: "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number Isaiah 666." John tells the one with insight to calculate the number of the beast, man’s number. Presumably the reader would then pause, waiting for people to do the calculations! Then he gives the answer. How is the number “7” used in Scripture, particularly in Revelation? How is “3” used? Why might 666 be an appropriate number for the beast, for man’s number?
Now read Stedman chapter 19 and Wilcock, pages 122-131. Revise your answers in light of the insights of these commentators.