Revelation | Reading Plan + Study Questionsਨਮੂਨਾ

REVELATION 13

THE TWO BEASTS + THE MARK OF 666

In the next vision, John sees two beasts battling one another. The first beast rises from the sea, with seven heads and ten horns adorned with crowns. The beast appears like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. The beast is given power by the enemy and holds great authority over the earth. One of his seven heads appears to be fatally wounded but is miraculously healed. Everyone marvels at the beast and worships both the beast and the enemy.

The beast slurs blasphemous and prideful words, speaking against God and His people. The beast is given authority to wage war on those who have not repented and turned to God. John calls for believers to endure in their faith and follow Jesus.

Then John sees the second beast, which has two horns and the voice of a dragon. This beast has the same authority as the first beast and convinces people that the first beast is worth worshipping.

Those who do not worship the first beast are killed. Those who comply with and worship the beast receive a mark on their hands and foreheads, the number 666, known as the mark of the beast. These beasts are often interpreted as symbols of military and economic power, which frequently lead to the abuse of influence and false admiration. Those who value temporary, earthly victory over God’s ultimate spiritual victory deny God’s sovereignty and authority. Although many theories exist, the true meaning of the number 666 will likely remain unknown until John’s prophecy is fulfilled.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Revelation 13:16–18 introduces the mark of the beast and the number 666. Compare this to Deuteronomy 6:4–8, where God commanded His people to bind His words to their foreheads and hands. What might this symbolic parallel reveal about our allegiance, worship, and identity?