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Revelation 13:16
Verse
Context
The Mark of the Beast
15The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed.16And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name.
Sermons
Mike Bickle
Arno Clemens Gaebelein 
St. John of Kronstadt
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And he caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark - To ascertain the meaning of the mark which the two-horned beast causes all orders and degrees of men in the Latin world to receive, we need only refer to Rev 14:11, where the mark imposed by the two-horned beast is called the mark of his name. The name of the beast is the Latin empire: the mark of his name must therefore be his Latin worship: for this very reason, that it is the two-horned beast, or false prophet, who causes all descriptions of persons to receive it. Now it is well known that the continual employment of the Latin clergy is to enforce the Latin idolatry upon their flocks. The mass and offices of the Church, which are in Latin, and contain the sum and substance of their idolatrous worship, are of different kinds, and abound in impious prayers to the Virgin Mary, and the saints and angels. In a word, the Latin worship is the universal badge of distinction of the Latin Church, from all other Churches on the face of the earth; and is therefore the only infallible Mark by which a genuine papist can be distinguished from the rest of mankind. But the two-horned beast causes all to receive this mark: - In their right hand, or in their foreheads - Right hand in Scripture language, when used figuratively, represents the physical power of the person of whom it is spoken; and when applied to God designates a signal manifestation of Divine power against his enemies, and in behalf of his people. See Psa 17:7; Psa 20:6; Psa 21:8; Psa 45:3, Psa 45:4, etc. The reception of the mark in the right hand must therefore mean, that all so receiving it devote the whole powers of their mind and body to the propagation of the Latin worship, and to the eradication of all they denominate heresies out of their Church. But some receive the mark in their foreheads. By any thing being impressed upon the forehead, is meant the public profession of whatever is inscribed or marked upon it. See Rev 9:4; Rev 14:1; Rev 22:4, etc. The mark of the beast being received on the forehead, therefore, means that all those so marked make a public profession of the Latin worship; whereby it is evident to all that they form a part of the Latin Church. Many may be marked in the right hand who are also marked on their foreheads, but it does not follow that those marked on their foreheads are also marked in their right hand; that is to say, it is not every individual that complies with the Latin worship who, to the utmost of his power, endeavors to propagate his religious system. Hence the propriety of the words, "He causeth all - to receive a mark in their right hand, Or in their foreheads."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
to receive a mark--literally, "that they should give them a mark"; such a brand as masters stamp on their slaves, and monarchs on their subjects. Soldiers voluntarily punctured their arms with marks of the general under whom they served. Votaries of idols branded themselves with the idol's cipher or symbol. Thus Antiochus Epiphanes branded the Jews with the ivy leaf, the symbol of Bacchus (2 Maccabees 6:7; 3 Maccabees 2:29). Contrast God's seal and name in the foreheads of His servants, Rev 7:3; Rev 14:1; Rev 22:4; and Gal 6:17, "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus," that is, I am His soldier and servant. The mark in the right hand and forehead implies the prostration of bodily and intellectual powers to the beast's domination. "In the forehead by way of profession; in the hand with respect to work and service" [AUGUSTINE].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that no man might buy or sell,.... Either in an ecclesiastical sense, as to, be in any church office, or perform any such service, to say Mass, hear confession, give absolution, sell pardons and indulgences, &c. or in a civil sense, as to trade, and exercise merchandise, and this was forbidden by several Popish councils and synods; the Lateran council, under Pope Alexander, decreed against the Waldenses and Albigenses, that no one should presume to retain or encourage them in their houses or countries, or "trade" with them; and the synod of Tours in France forbid any reception of heretics, or protection, and that any communion should be had with them "in buying and selling", as Mr. Mede has observed; and it was ordered by a bull of Pope Martin the Fifth, that no contract should be made with such, and that they should not follow any business and merchandise: save he that had the mark; took the oath to be true to the pope, or made a public profession of the Popish religion: or the name of the beast; Papists, so called from the pope; thus the antichristians are called from antichrist, as the Christians from Christ: or the number of his name; which is either the same with the number of the beast in Rev 13:18, or is something distinct it; and those who have it may be such persons who neither have the indelible character of the Romish clergy, nor are open professors of the Popish religion, but are in heart inclined to it, and privately and secretly promote it, by their doctrines and practices; and so are numbered, reckoned, esteemed, and accounted of by the Papists, and receive favours from them; or rather such who openly "furnish the drink offering" in the Mass, mixed with wine and water, "for that number", Isa 65:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:16-17 small and great, rich and poor, free and slave: All humanity is required to accept the beast’s evil mark of ownership (see 14:9, 11; 19:20; 20:4), a precondition for all commerce (the right to buy or sell). The text does not explicitly tell us what the mark is or looks like. • On the right hand or on the forehead suggests the branding of slaves—the beast owns them. • the number representing his name: In both Hebrew and Greek, letters of the alphabet represent numbers, which gave names a numerical value (13:18).
Revelation 13:16
The Mark of the Beast
15The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed.16And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Common Market) Palestine in Relation to the Common Market
By Willie Mullan1.7K55:59Common MarketMAT 28:19REV 13:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses a vision that Daniel had in chapter seven of the Bible. The vision includes four great beasts that come up from the sea, each representing different powers. The speaker mentions that these beasts symbolize various groups of people, including different races, religions, and social classes. The sermon also mentions a three-story computer in Brussels, nicknamed "the beast," which is said to be designed to assign each citizen of the world a number for buying and selling. The speaker suggests that this computer and the assigned numbers could potentially be used as a global credit card system.
End Times Questions & Answers, Part 1
By Mike Bickle1451:58ProphecyEnd TimesMAT 24:14REV 13:16Mike Bickle addresses various questions regarding the end times, emphasizing the significance of Israel's establishment as a nation and the signs of the times that indicate the nearness of Christ's return. He discusses the importance of understanding biblical prophecy, the role of the Antichrist, and the implications of the mark of the beast. Bickle encourages open dialogue about these complex topics, inviting questions from both in-person attendees and online listeners, while providing scriptural references to support his insights.
Social Conditions
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0EZK 7:19AMO 6:4ZEP 1:171TH 5:3JAS 5:1JUD 1:7REV 6:15REV 13:16REV 17:16Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the nation's moral decline and the ignorance of God's Word predictions. He also addresses lawlessness, violence, and murder, exemplified by the McNamara brothers' confession and the dangerous influence of Socialism in inciting class war. Gaebelein warns about the solemn lessons learned from the Titanic disaster, emphasizing God's warning to a boastful and defiant age. He discusses the rise of Socialism in Sunday schools, the spread of Socialism principles, and the hatred of the rich among the youth. Additionally, he touches on the hunger crisis in China, the socializing of Christianity, the increasing unrest in the world, the suffragettes' fire losses, the white slave traffic, the food problems, the influence of moving-picture shows on youth, and the rise of a socialistic preacher who became a mayor and faced criticism from his congregation.
The Vision
By St. John of Kronstadt0MAT 24:241PE 4:12REV 2:10REV 13:16REV 21:4St. John of Kronstadt recounts a vivid vision he had in 1901, where he was visited by a starets who revealed to him significant events and symbols related to faith, martyrdom, heresy, and the end times. The vision included scenes of martyrs, fallen churches, the Antichrist, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Through this vision, St. John emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and staying true to the Orthodox Church amidst trials and tribulations.
(The Lord and His Church) 5. the Suffering Church
By Zac Poonen0ISA 49:15MAT 24:22LUK 21:26ACT 4:31ROM 8:28PHP 1:12JAS 1:151PE 2:12REV 2:8REV 13:16Zac Poonen preaches about the church in Smyrna facing tribulation, poverty, and slander, highlighting the importance of seeing the Lord as the One in control and the need for faithful endurance in the midst of trials. He emphasizes that tribulation is part of God's will for His wholehearted children and that God allows His best to face suffering. Poonen also discusses the poverty of the saints, contrasting earthly wealth with heavenly riches, and the need for believers to use their resources for God's kingdom. Additionally, he addresses the slander faced by God's faithful children and the freedom from fear that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Lastly, he explores the concept of suffering according to God's plan, encouraging believers to be faithful even unto death to receive the crown of life and escape the second death.
Suffering According to God's Plan
By Zac Poonen0ISA 49:15MAT 24:22ROM 8:28PHP 1:12JAS 1:15REV 2:10REV 13:16Zac Poonen preaches about how God does not shield His faithful children from suffering, as it is essential for their spiritual growth. Using the example of the church in Smyrna, who were warned of impending suffering and imprisonment, Zac emphasizes that even in such trials, God's purposes are fulfilled. He highlights that God determines the duration of tribulations and assures that He will never allow His children to be tested beyond their capacity, promising the crown of life to those who remain faithful even unto death.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And he caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark - To ascertain the meaning of the mark which the two-horned beast causes all orders and degrees of men in the Latin world to receive, we need only refer to Rev 14:11, where the mark imposed by the two-horned beast is called the mark of his name. The name of the beast is the Latin empire: the mark of his name must therefore be his Latin worship: for this very reason, that it is the two-horned beast, or false prophet, who causes all descriptions of persons to receive it. Now it is well known that the continual employment of the Latin clergy is to enforce the Latin idolatry upon their flocks. The mass and offices of the Church, which are in Latin, and contain the sum and substance of their idolatrous worship, are of different kinds, and abound in impious prayers to the Virgin Mary, and the saints and angels. In a word, the Latin worship is the universal badge of distinction of the Latin Church, from all other Churches on the face of the earth; and is therefore the only infallible Mark by which a genuine papist can be distinguished from the rest of mankind. But the two-horned beast causes all to receive this mark: - In their right hand, or in their foreheads - Right hand in Scripture language, when used figuratively, represents the physical power of the person of whom it is spoken; and when applied to God designates a signal manifestation of Divine power against his enemies, and in behalf of his people. See Psa 17:7; Psa 20:6; Psa 21:8; Psa 45:3, Psa 45:4, etc. The reception of the mark in the right hand must therefore mean, that all so receiving it devote the whole powers of their mind and body to the propagation of the Latin worship, and to the eradication of all they denominate heresies out of their Church. But some receive the mark in their foreheads. By any thing being impressed upon the forehead, is meant the public profession of whatever is inscribed or marked upon it. See Rev 9:4; Rev 14:1; Rev 22:4, etc. The mark of the beast being received on the forehead, therefore, means that all those so marked make a public profession of the Latin worship; whereby it is evident to all that they form a part of the Latin Church. Many may be marked in the right hand who are also marked on their foreheads, but it does not follow that those marked on their foreheads are also marked in their right hand; that is to say, it is not every individual that complies with the Latin worship who, to the utmost of his power, endeavors to propagate his religious system. Hence the propriety of the words, "He causeth all - to receive a mark in their right hand, Or in their foreheads."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
to receive a mark--literally, "that they should give them a mark"; such a brand as masters stamp on their slaves, and monarchs on their subjects. Soldiers voluntarily punctured their arms with marks of the general under whom they served. Votaries of idols branded themselves with the idol's cipher or symbol. Thus Antiochus Epiphanes branded the Jews with the ivy leaf, the symbol of Bacchus (2 Maccabees 6:7; 3 Maccabees 2:29). Contrast God's seal and name in the foreheads of His servants, Rev 7:3; Rev 14:1; Rev 22:4; and Gal 6:17, "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus," that is, I am His soldier and servant. The mark in the right hand and forehead implies the prostration of bodily and intellectual powers to the beast's domination. "In the forehead by way of profession; in the hand with respect to work and service" [AUGUSTINE].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that no man might buy or sell,.... Either in an ecclesiastical sense, as to, be in any church office, or perform any such service, to say Mass, hear confession, give absolution, sell pardons and indulgences, &c. or in a civil sense, as to trade, and exercise merchandise, and this was forbidden by several Popish councils and synods; the Lateran council, under Pope Alexander, decreed against the Waldenses and Albigenses, that no one should presume to retain or encourage them in their houses or countries, or "trade" with them; and the synod of Tours in France forbid any reception of heretics, or protection, and that any communion should be had with them "in buying and selling", as Mr. Mede has observed; and it was ordered by a bull of Pope Martin the Fifth, that no contract should be made with such, and that they should not follow any business and merchandise: save he that had the mark; took the oath to be true to the pope, or made a public profession of the Popish religion: or the name of the beast; Papists, so called from the pope; thus the antichristians are called from antichrist, as the Christians from Christ: or the number of his name; which is either the same with the number of the beast in Rev 13:18, or is something distinct it; and those who have it may be such persons who neither have the indelible character of the Romish clergy, nor are open professors of the Popish religion, but are in heart inclined to it, and privately and secretly promote it, by their doctrines and practices; and so are numbered, reckoned, esteemed, and accounted of by the Papists, and receive favours from them; or rather such who openly "furnish the drink offering" in the Mass, mixed with wine and water, "for that number", Isa 65:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:16-17 small and great, rich and poor, free and slave: All humanity is required to accept the beast’s evil mark of ownership (see 14:9, 11; 19:20; 20:4), a precondition for all commerce (the right to buy or sell). The text does not explicitly tell us what the mark is or looks like. • On the right hand or on the forehead suggests the branding of slaves—the beast owns them. • the number representing his name: In both Hebrew and Greek, letters of the alphabet represent numbers, which gave names a numerical value (13:18).