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Revelation 13:5
Verse
Context
The Beast from the Sea
4They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?”5The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.6And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven.
Sermons
Zac Poonen
Hans R. Waldvogel
Fred Condick
Jessie Penn-Lewis
John F. Walvoord
Sir Robert AndersonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things - That is, There was given to the rulers of the Latin empire, who are the mouth of the beast, (and particularly the Roman emperors of Germany), power to assume great and pompous titles, indicative of their mighty sway over many subjugated countries, (see the imperial instruments of the middle centuries in the Corps Diplomatique), and also to utter against their opponents the most terrible edicts. And blasphemies - The system of worship supported by the beast is a system of blasphemy, as there will be occasion to show presently. And power was given unto him to continue forty and two months - As these forty-two months are prophetic, they must mean so many years as there are days contained in them; viz., 1260, each month containing 30 days. The beast, therefore, will continue in existence at least 1260 years; but when the termination of this period will take place is difficult to say, as the beginning cannot be at present indubitably ascertained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
blasphemies--So ANDREAS reads. B reads "blasphemy." A, "blasphemous things" (compare Dan 7:8; Dan 11:25). power--"authority"; legitimate power (Greek, "exousia"). to continue--Greek, "poiesai," "to act," or "work." B reads, "to make war" (compare Rev 13:4). But A, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS omit "war." forty . . . two month--(See on Rev 11:2-3; Rev 12:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And there was given unto him a mouth,.... The beast is said to have a mouth before, like the mouth of a lion, Rev 13:2; but now he was moved and stirred up by the dragon, the devil, to open it, not only in a cruel and voracious way, but in a haughty, lying, and blasphemous manner: and this was given him, it was at the instigation of Satan, and by divine permission; his coming, speaking, and acting, were after the working of Satan, but not without the will of God; who, as he gave up many to a judicial blindness, to believe his lies and blasphemies, gave up him to speak them, as follows: speaking great things, and blasphemies; great swelling words of vanity; calling himself by high and lofty titles, as Christ's vicar, Peter's successor, head of the church, universal bishop, &c. promising great things to his followers, riches, honours, pleasures, pardons, and heaven itself; and uttering things of a blasphemous kind, or great blasphemies, the particulars of which are mentioned in Rev 13:6; so the little horn, who is the same with the Romish antichrist, is said to have a mouth speaking great things, very great things, and his look more stout than his fellows, Dan 7:8. And power was given unto him to continue forty and two months; to continue in being, or to continue blaspheming and speaking great things; and indeed, as long as he continues, he will continue blaspheming; as soon as he arose he had a name of blasphemy on his heads, and his mouth was immediately opened in blasphemy, and so it continues, and will to the end of this date. The Ethiopic version reads it, "and power was given to him to do signs, whatsoever he would"; miracles, lying signs and wonders; see Rev 13:13. Some copies read, and so the Arabic version, "and power was given him to make war"; but he did not make war as soon as he arose, and so not all the time that is here allotted him; and the word "war" seems to be transcribed from Rev 13:7. The phrase rather intends his being, and the continuance and duration of it; which is the same period of time in which the holy city is trodden under foot by this beast, and the same with the 1260 days or years, in which the witnesses prophesy in sackcloth, and the woman, the church, is in the wilderness, Rev 11:2; for forty two months, reckoning thirty days to a month, as the eastern people did, make just 1260 days, for these things are all contemporary: hence it appears, that 1260 prophetic days, that is, years, contain the whole period of antichrist's reign and continuance; so that could we tell where they began, it might be exactly known when his reign will end; but for want of knowing the former, the best of calculators have failed in the latter: but seeing the time when he was made universal bishop by Phocas bids fair for the time of his open appearance, and the beginning of his reign, and of his blasphemy, which was in the year 859, to which, if we add 1260, the expiration of his reign will fall in the year 1866; so that he may have upwards of an hundred and twenty years yet to continue; but of this we cannot be certain; however, the conjecture is not improbable.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:5-8 The four characteristics of the beast are that he (1) blasphemes God, (2) has authority for a limited time, (3) makes war against God’s people, and (4) rules the world. But God is in control. 13:5 The forty-two months are the three and a half years of persecution and evil domination (see study note on 11:2-3).
Revelation 13:5
The Beast from the Sea
4They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?”5The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.6And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Revelation) Revelation 13:1-13
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:01:11MAT 10:37LUK 21:19JHN 19:10HEB 6:12HEB 10:36REV 13:5REV 13:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limited period of three and a half years mentioned in the Bible. He refers to Daniel's 70th week and explains that this period of authority was given to the Antichrist. The preacher emphasizes the power of the tongue, stating that man's praise and rebellion against God are expressed through the mouth. He also references the vision of John by the sea, where he sees four great beasts representing different kingdoms, including Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire. The preacher concludes by warning about the rise of communism and the need for believers to be prepared for the challenges that may come.
Church History - Session 8 (The Book of Revelation: A Historic Sequence)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.5K59:51REV 11:2REV 12:6REV 13:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the second row and how it signifies the end of the advancing power of Turkey. The preacher then references the biblical passage of the seventh angel sounding and the voices in heaven proclaiming the kingdoms of the world becoming the kingdoms of the Lord and His Christ. The preacher also mentions the four and twenty elders worshiping God and giving thanks for His great power and reign. The sermon further delves into the opening of the temple of God in heaven and the significance of the Reformation verse 4, which is connected to a pattern in history.
Jesus Is Seeking Overcomers
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K23:34OvercomersISA 1:18ACT 2:17JAS 1:26REV 13:5REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of loving God. He highlights how people who engage in sinful behavior and worship false gods are blinded by the devil. The preacher also discusses the need to guard one's heart and mouth, as idle words and complaints show a lack of love for God. He compares the carefulness of a bride preparing for her wedding to the carelessness of believers towards their spiritual garments. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which brings believers out of darkness, death, and sin into righteousness and freedom.
Belfast Conference 1964-03 Judges 8:22
By Fred Condick1.0K50:13ConferenceJDG 9:23GAL 6:7REV 13:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fable of the tree mentioned in Judges' Capital Night. He first examines the historical facts presented in the passage and then explores the foreshadowing of prophetical events. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true spirit of rule according to God, rather than arbitrary and despotic rule. He highlights three features of this godly rule: a consciousness of God-given capacity, an unholy alliance between religion and evil forces, and the existence of an apostate mass willing to make a covenant with the enemy. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on these lessons and be prepared to obey the word of the Lord.
Calling the Psychical " Spiritual "
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0DiscernmentSpiritual vs. PsychicalREV 13:5Jessie Penn-Lewis warns against the dangerous trend of conflating psychical experiences with spiritual truths, emphasizing that many contemporary teachings misappropriate sacred elements of the Gospel for demonic doctrines. She highlights the blasphemies against God that arise when the Lord's Table is treated as a source of psychic power rather than a sacred remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Penn-Lewis stresses the distinction between the soul and spirit, asserting that psychic powers stem from fallen nature and are not of God. She calls believers to reject the cultivation of the psychic life and instead embrace the Cross of Christ, which leads to true spiritual life. Ultimately, she urges the church to discern the source of power and to ensure it aligns with the teachings of Scripture.
Semiclassic Posttribulational Interpretation
By John F. Walvoord0DAN 9:27DAN 12:2MAT 24:21MAT 24:31REV 13:5REV 20:4John F. Walvoord discusses the majority posttribulational view, highlighting the diversity of viewpoints among posttribulationists and the difficulty in establishing broad categories due to the various subdivisions within this belief system. He delves into the historical interpretation claim of posttribulationism, pointing out the differences between contemporary posttribulationism and the views held by early church fathers. Walvoord also addresses the doctrine of the tribulation in semiclassic posttribulationism, emphasizing the disagreements among posttribulationists regarding the nature and extent of the tribulation period. Furthermore, he explores the sequence of events related to the second advent, focusing on the lack of biblical proof for a rapture of living saints or a resurrection of the church in the events surrounding Christ's second coming.
The Prophetic Year
By Sir Robert Anderson02CH 36:21ISA 1:1JER 27:13EZK 24:1DAN 9:24HAG 2:10REV 11:2REV 12:6REV 13:5Sir Robert Anderson delves into the intricate details of the prophetic era in the Bible, exploring the significance of 'weeks' in Jewish culture and the measurement of time in relation to historical events. He discusses the lunar-based Jewish year of 360 days, the Sabbatical year, and the era of the 'desolations' as a period of seventy years. Anderson also examines the division of the prophetic era into two periods, highlighting the role of the Messiah and a prince in the timeline of events leading to persecution and Divine blessings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things - That is, There was given to the rulers of the Latin empire, who are the mouth of the beast, (and particularly the Roman emperors of Germany), power to assume great and pompous titles, indicative of their mighty sway over many subjugated countries, (see the imperial instruments of the middle centuries in the Corps Diplomatique), and also to utter against their opponents the most terrible edicts. And blasphemies - The system of worship supported by the beast is a system of blasphemy, as there will be occasion to show presently. And power was given unto him to continue forty and two months - As these forty-two months are prophetic, they must mean so many years as there are days contained in them; viz., 1260, each month containing 30 days. The beast, therefore, will continue in existence at least 1260 years; but when the termination of this period will take place is difficult to say, as the beginning cannot be at present indubitably ascertained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
blasphemies--So ANDREAS reads. B reads "blasphemy." A, "blasphemous things" (compare Dan 7:8; Dan 11:25). power--"authority"; legitimate power (Greek, "exousia"). to continue--Greek, "poiesai," "to act," or "work." B reads, "to make war" (compare Rev 13:4). But A, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS omit "war." forty . . . two month--(See on Rev 11:2-3; Rev 12:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And there was given unto him a mouth,.... The beast is said to have a mouth before, like the mouth of a lion, Rev 13:2; but now he was moved and stirred up by the dragon, the devil, to open it, not only in a cruel and voracious way, but in a haughty, lying, and blasphemous manner: and this was given him, it was at the instigation of Satan, and by divine permission; his coming, speaking, and acting, were after the working of Satan, but not without the will of God; who, as he gave up many to a judicial blindness, to believe his lies and blasphemies, gave up him to speak them, as follows: speaking great things, and blasphemies; great swelling words of vanity; calling himself by high and lofty titles, as Christ's vicar, Peter's successor, head of the church, universal bishop, &c. promising great things to his followers, riches, honours, pleasures, pardons, and heaven itself; and uttering things of a blasphemous kind, or great blasphemies, the particulars of which are mentioned in Rev 13:6; so the little horn, who is the same with the Romish antichrist, is said to have a mouth speaking great things, very great things, and his look more stout than his fellows, Dan 7:8. And power was given unto him to continue forty and two months; to continue in being, or to continue blaspheming and speaking great things; and indeed, as long as he continues, he will continue blaspheming; as soon as he arose he had a name of blasphemy on his heads, and his mouth was immediately opened in blasphemy, and so it continues, and will to the end of this date. The Ethiopic version reads it, "and power was given to him to do signs, whatsoever he would"; miracles, lying signs and wonders; see Rev 13:13. Some copies read, and so the Arabic version, "and power was given him to make war"; but he did not make war as soon as he arose, and so not all the time that is here allotted him; and the word "war" seems to be transcribed from Rev 13:7. The phrase rather intends his being, and the continuance and duration of it; which is the same period of time in which the holy city is trodden under foot by this beast, and the same with the 1260 days or years, in which the witnesses prophesy in sackcloth, and the woman, the church, is in the wilderness, Rev 11:2; for forty two months, reckoning thirty days to a month, as the eastern people did, make just 1260 days, for these things are all contemporary: hence it appears, that 1260 prophetic days, that is, years, contain the whole period of antichrist's reign and continuance; so that could we tell where they began, it might be exactly known when his reign will end; but for want of knowing the former, the best of calculators have failed in the latter: but seeing the time when he was made universal bishop by Phocas bids fair for the time of his open appearance, and the beginning of his reign, and of his blasphemy, which was in the year 859, to which, if we add 1260, the expiration of his reign will fall in the year 1866; so that he may have upwards of an hundred and twenty years yet to continue; but of this we cannot be certain; however, the conjecture is not improbable.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:5-8 The four characteristics of the beast are that he (1) blasphemes God, (2) has authority for a limited time, (3) makes war against God’s people, and (4) rules the world. But God is in control. 13:5 The forty-two months are the three and a half years of persecution and evil domination (see study note on 11:2-3).