5-A Terrible Trio
A Terrible Trio
(REVELATION 12—13)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Revelation 12—13. This lesson references chapter 8 in Be Victorious. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Revelation 12—13 introduces us to the three key characters in the drama of the last half of the tribulation: Satan the dragon, the false Christ, and the false prophet. These three are, in a sense, an evil trinity, opposing the true God and His people on earth. While these events will be of special significance to God’s people at that time, the message of these two chapters can encourage suffering saints during any age.
God has permitted His people to suffer under the despotism of these rulers, but He has also enabled His people to experience great victories, even in martyrdom. They have been true overcomers! Then He has brought deliverance, only to have the cycle repeat itself, with each succeeding dictatorship worse than the previous one. The climax will come with the appearance of the Antichrist in his time (2 Thess. 2).
—Be Victorious, pages 121–22
1. Why does God allow His people to suffer during the last half of the tribulation as described in Revelation 12—13? Why wouldn’t God simply choose to protect His people during this time? What does this tell us about God’s plan? About God’s people?
More to Consider: Many people believe that the “beast” noted in this section of Revelation is a future world dictator who promises to solve the pressing problems of the nations and that the false prophet is his “propaganda minister.” Why would such a person be so compelling a figure? What warnings does this passage in Scripture offer us about trusting world leaders? What are the dangers of pushing this warning too far?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Revelation 12—13 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
John’s vision opens with two wonders in heaven (Rev. 12:1–6). The first is a woman giving birth to a son. Since this child is identified as Jesus Christ (compare Rev. 12:5 with Rev. 19:15 and Ps. 2:9), this symbolic woman can be none other than the nation Israel. It was through Israel that Jesus Christ came into the world (Rom. 1:3; 9:4–5). By further comparing the description in Revelation 12:1 with Genesis 37:9–10, the identification seems certain.
In the Old Testament, Israel is often compared to a woman, and even a woman in travail (Isa. 54:5; 66:7; Jer. 3:6–10; Mic. 4:10; 5:2–3). The apostate world system is compared to a harlot (Rev. 17:1ff.), and the church to a pure bride (Rev. 19:7ff.).
The son is born and is then caught up to the throne of God (Rev. 12:5). We have symbolized here the birth of Christ and His victorious ascension, but nothing is said about either His life or His death. The colon in the middle of the verse represents thirty-three years of history!
The woman with child is the first wonder; the great red dragon is the second. Revelation 12:9 makes it clear that this is Satan.
—Be Victorious, pages 122–23
3. Review Revelation 12:7–8. What is the “war in heaven”? What does this entire chapter of Revelation reveal to us about spiritual warfare? Why is this important in the context of the end times? Why is this important in the context of daily living?
From the Commentary
Even today Satan has access to heaven, where he accuses God’s people, but he cannot dethrone the exalted Savior. His strategy is to persecute God’s people and devour them if possible (1 Peter 5:8). He has a special hatred for the Jewish people and has been the power behind anti-Semitism from the days of Pharaoh and Haman (see the book of Esther) to Hitler and Stalin. Finally, in the middle of the tribulation, there will come a wave of anti-Semitism such as the world has never seen (Rev. 12:6). But God will protect His people during those three-and-a-half years (1,260 days; see Rev. 11:2; 13:5).
Apart from the 144,000 (who are sealed and protected), a believing remnant of Jews will survive this very troublesome time. We are not told where God will protect them or who it is that will care for them. Matthew 24:15–21 will take on special meaning for those believing Jews who live in the end days. Note especially the parenthesis in Revelation 12:15.
—Be Victorious, pages 123–24
4. What does Revelation 12 teach us about Satan’s plan? About his power? About his hatred for God’s people?
From Today’s World
The picture of Satan painted by modern society is one that falls far short of the evil character painted in the book of Revelation. Whether it’s a movie’s portrayal of Satan as a smarmy but clever lawyer or a cartoon’s depiction of the now-familiar red-suited “devil” with horns and a tail, very little of Satan’s true evil makes it into popular culture. Many people—including a large group of Christians—would prefer to believe that Satan is nothing more than a fictional character, someone who can act as an archetype of evil, but not someone who truly exists and is working diligently to thwart God’s plan for the world.
5. Why do so many people deny the existence of Satan? How does popular media’s portrayal of him influence our view of his role in this world? What are the dangers of not taking Satan seriously enough? Of focusing too much on Satan?
From the Commentary
The next scene in this cosmic drama is a war in heaven (Rev. 12:7–12). Scripture makes it clear that Satan has access to heaven even today (Job 1—2). Once he was the highest of God’s angels, but he rebelled against God and was cast down (Isa. 14:12–15). Interestingly, as God’s church faithfully serves Christ and wins the lost, Satan is also cast down and defeated (Luke 10:1–2, 17–20; Matt. 16:18; note also 12:29).
Of course, when Jesus Christ died on the cross, it meant Satan’s ultimate defeat (John 12:31–33). Satan will one day be cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:7–10), and then finally cast into hell (Rev. 20:10).
What is this celestial conflict all about? The fact that Michael led God’s angels to victory is significant, because Michael is identified with the nation Israel (Dan. 10:10–21; 12:1; note also Jude 9). The name Michael means “who is like God?” and this certainly parallels Satan’s egocentric attack on Jehovah—“I will be like the Most High” (Isa. 14:14). Apparently, the Devil’s hatred of Israel will spur him to make one final assault against the throne of God, but he will be defeated by Michael and a heavenly host.
But perhaps there is another factor involved in this war. After the church is taken to heaven, believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and have their works examined. On the basis of this judgment, rewards will be given (Rom. 14:10–12; 1 Cor. 3:10–15; 2 Cor. 5:10–11). It seems likely that Satan will be present at this event and will accuse the saints, pointing out all the “spots and wrinkles” in the church (Eph. 5:24–27).
—Be Victorious, pages 124–25
6. What is the warning in Revelation 12:12 all about? Why is the Devil furious in this passage? What does it mean that the Devil’s time is short? Why might that be meaningful to Christians today?
From the Commentary
The sea symbolizes the Gentile nations (Rev. 17:15). From one of them, Satan will bring forth his “Super Leader,” the man we call “Antichrist.” Up to this point, the Antichrist has headed a ten-nation European league, but now he is about to embark on a new career as Satan’s world dictator.
You will remember that the Antichrist began his career as a peacemaker (Rev. 6:2) and even “settled” the Arab-Israeli problem by making a covenant with the Jews to protect them for seven years (Dan. 9:27). This protection would permit the nation to rebuild the temple and reinstitute religious rituals (Dan. 9:27; Rev. 11:1). But in the middle of the seven-year period (the time we are studying now in Rev. 10—14), he will break that covenant, stop the ceremonies, and set up himself as god in the temple (Dan. 9:27; 2 Thess. 2:1–12).
The symbolic description of “the beast” enables us to learn something about his origin and character. God does not see him as a man, made in the divine image, but as a wild animal, under the control of Satan. He is a man (Rev. 13:18), but he is energized from hell, for he comes out of the pit (Rev. 11:7; 17:8). Just as Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, so “the beast” will be Satan in a human body (see John 13:2, 27).
The seven heads represent seven mountains (Rev. 17:9), and since Rome was built on seven hills, this must be a veiled reference to that powerful city (see Rev. 17:18). It would be a most meaningful allusion in John’s day!
The ten horns represent ten kingdoms (Dan. 7:24; Rev. 17:12). It appears that “the beast” will head a “United States of Europe,” a revived Roman Empire, before taking over as world dictator. All nations will no doubt admire and thank him for the “peace” he has achieved, little realizing the sorrow and destruction he will bring to the world.
The three animals named in Revelation 13:2 remind us of the four beasts Daniel saw in his dream (Dan. 7): a lion (Babylon), a bear (Media-Persia), a leopard (Greece), and a “terrible beast” (the Antichrist). John saw these animals, or kingdoms, in reverse order since he was looking back, while Daniel was looking ahead. The final world empire will be rooted in all the previous empires and unite in one their evil and power. Added to the ferocity of these beasts will be Satan’s own power, throne, and authority!
—Be Victorious, pages 127–28
7. Do you think our analysis of Revelation should influence our views on current political situations, such as the Middle East conflict and the European Union? If so, how? If not, why not?
From the Commentary
Once Satan presents his great “masterpiece,” the counterfeit Christ, to the world, what will happen next?
First, there will be wonder (Rev. 13:3). Certainly a terrified world will wonder at the Antichrist’s power and his sudden rise to international fame and authority.…
Not only will there be wonder, but there will also be worship (Rev. 13:4). Worship is the one thing Satan has always wanted (Matt. 4:8–10), and he will receive it through “the beast.” The second “beast,” described in the last half of this chapter, will organize and promote the worship of the Antichrist, making it the official religion of the world!
There will also be words (Rev. 13:5–6). Almost all dictators have risen to power by controlling people with their words. Some of us can recall when Adolf Hitler was rising to power, and know now how he mesmerized huge crowds with his speeches. Satan will make “the beast” a great orator, whose addresses will blaspheme God, His name, His tabernacle (heaven), and the saints in heaven.…
Finally, there will be war (Rev. 13:7–10). God will permit the Antichrist to war against His people (“wear out the saints,” Dan. 7:25) and even to defeat some of them. John prophesied that some of the saints will be captured and some will be martyred. But because of their faith, they will have patience, or endurance (see Heb. 6:12; Rev. 1:9), and will not deny the Lord in spite of persecution and death.
The world’s population will be divided: Those who are saved, with their names in God’s book, will not submit to “the beast”; those who are lost—the earth-dwellers—will worship “the beast” and do his bidding. Note that Revelation 13:9 applies this truth to “any man,” no matter in which age he may live. Certainly in John’s day, this was meaningful; for every Roman citizen had to acknowledge, “Caesar is Lord.” Likewise in every age of the church, true believers have had to take their stand for Christ, come what may.
—Be Victorious, pages 128–30
8. Read Job 1—2 and Luke 22:31–32, and consider the truths there in light of Revelation 13. Why is it significant that Satan can do nothing without God’s permission? How does this apply to Revelation 13? Why would God allow “the beast” such power? What does this tell us about how God intends to work His ultimate plan?
More to Consider: Read John 5:43 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8–12. Why will the world accept the counterfeit Christ though it rejected Jesus? What does this suggest about the manner in which the counterfeit Christ will gain followers?
From the Commentary
In Revelation 16:13; 19:20; and 20:10, the beast from the earth is called “the false prophet.” The dragon or Satan is the counterfeit Father (“I will be like the Most High”), “the beast” is the counterfeit Christ, and the false prophet is the counterfeit Holy Spirit. This completes the satanic trinity.
One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ and lead people to trust and worship Him (John 16:7–15). The false prophet will point to the Antichrist and his image and compel people to worship Satan through “the beast.”
The image of the horns (Rev. 13:11) suggests that the false prophet has authority, but the absence of a crown indicates that his authority is not political. Our Lord warned that there would be false prophets (Matt. 24:11, 24), and this one will be the greatest. He will have the “character” of a lamb but the voice of the dragon.
—Be Victorious, page 131
9. What are the characteristics of the “false prophet” described in Revelation 13:11–18? What is significant about the “horns of a lamb” and “voice of a dragon” descriptors? What does that contrast suggest about the false prophet? About how he will appeal to the people?
From the Commentary
This special mark is the name or number of “the beast”—the mystical 666. In the ancient world, the letters of the alphabet were used for numbers, both in Greek and Hebrew, and Bible students have been attempting for years to unravel the mystery of this name and number. If you work at it hard enough, almost any name will fit!
Since man was created on the sixth day, six is the number of man. Creation was made for man and likewise has the number six stamped on it: twenty-four hours to a day (4 x 6), twelve months to a year (2 x 6). Seven is the number of perfection and fullness, but six is the “human number,” just short of perfection.
Despite all man’s imaginative calculations, we must confess that no one knows the meaning of this number and name. No doubt believers on earth at that time will understand it clearly. The “satanic trinity” cannot claim the number seven; it must settle for 666.
—Be Victorious, pages 132–33
10. Why are some Christians obsessed with the number of the beast? What are some of the ways numbers are used today that cause Christians to pause and ponder if they are related to the number of the beast? Apart from the curious and mysterious number itself, what is the main point of this passage about the number of the beast?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Revelation 12—13. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. When you think about the Antichrist, what image comes to mind? How has your church upbringing (or lack of it) affected your perception of the Antichrist and his role in the end times? What new insights have you gained about the Antichrist as you’ve studied these passages in Revelation?
12. How does the picture of the end times (so far) match with what you have been taught? Are you comforted by the prophecies? Frightened? Neither? Explain.
13. Have you ever been frightened when running into the number 666? Describe that time. Why does this number have such power over people? What fears does it put in you? What are some practical ways to be wary of the number of the beast without overreacting to the number 666 in everyday life?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you want to better understand the role of the false prophet? Do you want to determine how to best prepare for the end times described in Revelation? Be specific. Go back through Revelation 12—13 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: It’s important to avoid overreacting to fears about the end-time events, but it’s also valuable to develop a greater understanding about world events that may or may not have some bearing on these times. Make plans with your small group to explore other resources that offer opinions on current events and how they line up with end-time prophecies. As with any study, be open to discovering new things but also wary of proclamations that seem based on fear or questionable foundations. If nothing else, you will learn more about political systems and trends in the world today. Be sure to spend plenty of time in prayer for world leaders while you study these topics.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Revelation 14—16. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 9, “Voices of Victory,” in Be Victorious.