12:17. AND THE DRAGON WAS WROTH (or infuriated, or enraged) WITH THE WOMAN, AND WENT TO MAKE WAR (or fight) WITH THE REMNANT (or the rest) OF HER SEED (or children, or offspring), WHICH KEEP (or obey) THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE (or hold to) THE TESTIMONY (or bear witness) OF JESUS CHRIST (or Yeshua). Ref Mt 24:21. TM, T2.

THE FIRST BEAST
1851-5A-6

12:17. AND THE DRAGON (which is Satan)

WAS WROTH (or infuriated, or enraged)
WITH THE WOMAN (which is Israel),
AND WENT TO MAKE WAR (or fight)
WITH THE REMNANT (or the rest)

OF HER SEED (or children, or offspring), WHICH KEEP (or obey)
THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE (or hold to)
THE TESTIMONY (or bear witness)
OF JESUS CHRIST (or Yeshua).

HERE IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE
1849-5A-6

God had warned the Jews, when they see the "abomination of desolation," they were to flee. They were warned not to hesitate for anything, not to enter or take anything out of their house, not even clothes. They were warned not to turn back from the field. The message is clear-obey God and not your emotions or desires. The Bible warns, woe to them that are pregnant or nursing. Consider. Those that obey God and do not hesitate, but flee immediately, will escape and be part of the group that Satan tries to kill with the flood; however, God will be with them. They will escape and, in some way, be provided swift flight to the place God has prepared for them.

Now, consider the other group. This is the group that has a thought or hears a voice, such as, "Surely there will be no harm to delay just one minute to grab a coat, or a pair of shoes, or a quick snack. It will only take a moment." But that short delay will, undoubtedly, cost them their life. They grab a shirt and then flee. However, they are just a bit behind the faithful and obedient group. When God's special way comes that enables the obedient ones to fly into the wilderness, this group is just a bit too late-they miss the flight.

It is like the person that knows their airplane is about to leave, but they run down to the bathroom just for a moment. They then run back to the airplane, only to find that the door has been closed, and it is pulling out. They may have been only a few seconds too late.

Consider the mother with a baby. What does she do? If she flees and leaves her baby behind, she will escape and spare her life. However, if she rushes to get her baby and then flees, she will undoubtedly miss the flight and be captured along with her baby. Both may be tortured and killed, unless she renounces her faith in Jesus Christ. As it is written, FOR THEN SHALL BE GREAT TRIBULATION-Mt 24:21. Satan's raw hatred will be poured out against those that follow Jesus.

PARTS OF REV 12, AND MT 24, AND MK 13
(In Chronological Order)
1850-5A-6

WOE TO THE INHABITERS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE SEA! FOR THE DEVIL (or the Adversary) IS COME DOWN UNTO YOU, HAVING GREAT WRATH (or he is very angry), BECAUSE HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME (or knows that his time is short!-JNT¹⁵¹). AND WHEN THE DRAGON SAW THAT HE WAS CAST (or hurled) UNTO THE EARTH, HE PERSECUTED THE WOMAN (or pursued the woman-NIV) WHICH BROUGHT FORTH THE MAN CHILD-Rev 12:12,13.

Israel is warned, WHEN YE THEREFORE SHALL SEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, SPOKEN OF BY DANIEL THE PROPHET, STAND IN THE HOLY PLACE, (WHOSO READETH, LET HIM UNDERSTAND:) THEN LET THEM WHICH BE IN JUDAEA FLEE INTO THE MOUNTAINS: LET HIM WHICH IS ON THE HOUSETOP NOT COME DOWN TO TAKE ANY THING OUT OF HIS HOUSE-Mt 24:15-17. AND LET HIM THAT IS ON THE HOUSETOP NOT GO DOWN INTO THE HOUSE, NEITHER ENTER THEREIN, TO TAKE ANY THING OUT OF HIS HOUSE-Mk 13:15. NEITHER LET HIM WHICH IS IN THE FIELD RETURN BACK TO TAKE HIS CLOTHES. AND WOE UNTO THEM THAT ARE WITH CHILD, AND TO THEM THAT GIVE SUCK IN THOSE DAYS! BUT PRAY YE THAT YOUR FLIGHT BE NOT IN THE WINTER, NEITHER ON THE SABBATH DAY: FOR THEN SHALL BE GREAT TRIBULATION, SUCH AS WAS NOT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO THIS TIME, NO, NOR EVER SHALL BE-Mt 24:18-21.

AND THE WOMAN (Israel) FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS (or desert)-Rev 12:6.

AND THE SERPENT CAST (or spewed) OUT OF HIS MOUTH WATER AS A FLOOD (or river) AFTER (or to overtake) THE WOMAN, THAT HE MIGHT CAUSE HER TO BE CARRIED (or sweep her) AWAY OF THE FLOOD (or torrent). AND THE EARTH HELPED THE WOMAN (or the land came to her rescue-JNT¹⁵²), AND THE EARTH OPENED HER MOUTH, AND SWALLOWED UP THE FLOOD (or river) WHICH THE DRAGON CAST (or spewed) OUT OF HIS MOUTH-Rev 12:15,16.

AND TO THE WOMAN WERE GIVEN TWO WINGS OF A GREAT EAGLE, THAT SHE MIGHT FLY INTO THE WILDERNESS, INTO HER PLACE (in the desert), WHERE SHE IS NOURISHED (or taken care of) FOR A TIME, AND TIMES, AND HALF A TIME (or for a season and two seasons and half a season-JNT^152.1), FROM THE FACE OF THE SERPENT (or out of the serpent's reach-NIV)-Rev 12:14. WHERE SHE HATH A PLACE PREPARED OF GOD, THAT THEY SHOULD FEED HER (or so that she can be taken care of-JNT¹⁵³) THERE A THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS (or 1260 days)-Rev 12:6.

AND THE DRAGON (which is Satan) WAS WROTH (or infuriated, or enraged) WITH THE WOMAN, AND WENT TO MAKE WAR (or fight) WITH THE REMNANT (or the rest) OF HER SEED (or children, or offspring), WHICH KEEP (or obey) THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE (or hold to) THE TESTIMONY (or bear witness) OF JESUS CHRIST (or Yeshua)-Rev 12:17.

As we begin chapter 13 and the first beast, there are vast amounts of information that can be combined with these verses to give a far more, in-depth picture. These include verses from Revelation chapter 17 and many chapters in Daniel. In addition, there are numerous verses throughout the Bible dealing with the subject of the "beast." To adequately cover each verse, could take several pages. 

13:1. AND I STOOD UPON THE SAND OF THE SEA, AND SAW A BEAST RISE (or come) UP OUT OF THE SEA, HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, AND UPON HIS HORNS TEN (royal) CROWNS, AND UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY (or blasphemous names). Ref Rev 12:3; 17:3,5,7-18; Dan 7:7,8,15-27. BT, T.

13:1. AND I (or he)

STOOD UPON THE SAND OF THE SEA, AND SAW A BEAST. (Note number 1, which follows this verse.)
RISE (or come). (Note number 2, which follows.)
UP OUT OF THE SEA. There is similar wording in Dan 7:3. Rev 17:15 should also be considered. Both seem to imply "nations in unrest or turmoil."

HAVING SEVEN HEADS. (Note number 3 which follows.)
AND TEN HORNS. (Note number 4 which follows.)
AND UPON HIS HORNS TEN (royal)
CROWNS. (Note number 5 which follows.)
AND UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY (or blasphemous names). To briefly summarize v.1, it is showing the revived Roman Empire, headed by the Antichrist, during the Tribulation. It is full of blasphemy against God-ref Rev 17:3,7-18.

The word "beast" is sometimes used interchangeably to describe two things.

1. The name "beast" is used to describe the Antichrist. The Scriptures give extensive information about this man of sin. 

2. The name "beast" is also used to describe what some call the revived Roman Empire, headed by the "beast" or Antichrist. This is believed to be the European Economic Community or EEC. It is the fourth beast of Daniel chapter 7-ref Dan 7:7,8,19-27.

3. The seven heads are seven mountains, and there are seven kings. These should be covered in more detail in Rev 17:3,9,10. There is some debate, however, if the seven kings apply here.

4. The ten horns are ten kings or kingdoms during the Tribulation. These should be covered in more detail in Rev 17:3,12; Dan 7:7,20,24. They are also represented by the ten toes of Dan 2:40-45. The ten horns can also signify power.

5. Each of the horns represent a king or kingdom. Thus, there is a crown for each horn, symbolic of kingship or authority.

Some of the same terminology is used, in Rev 12:3, describing a great red dragon, which is Satan.

(The European Economic Community - EEC, EC, or EU)
1852-5A-6

The EEC (European Economic Community), also called the EC (European Community), EU (European Union), or revived Roman Empire, was formed not long after the rebirth of Israel.

In 1948, the nation of Israel was reborn as God's Word said it would be.

In 1949, the Council of Europe was established.

In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was organized, consisting of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. It was created to begin removing barriers and assist in the flow of capital, goods, and services among its member nations.

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed. These six nations became known as the European Community. The same year, they agreed to establish the European Atomic Energy Community.

In 1967, they adopted the name of the European Common Market.

In January of l973, Denmark, Ireland, and Great Britain became members, bringing the total to nine.

In 1979, the ECU, (European Currency Unit) was established.

In 1979, the European Parliament was formed; it convened in January of 1980.

In 1981, Greece became the tenth member.

In 1986, Spain and Portugal joined.

In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden boosted the membership total to fifteen.

More nations are expected to join.

During the Tribulation, however, there will be ten kings, nations, or regions. The Scriptures also give many details about this empire. It will consist of the Old Roman Empire nations. It will be a strong economic empire with a military arm.

13:2. AND THE BEAST WHICH I SAW WAS LIKE UNTO (or resembled) A LEOPARD, AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR, AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION: AND THE DRAGON GAVE HIM HIS POWER, AND HIS SEAT (or throne), AND GREAT AUTHORITY. Ref Dan 7:4-6; Mt 4:8-10. BT, T.

13:2. AND THE BEAST (or Antichrist)

WHICH I SAW WAS LIKE UNTO (or resembled)

1. A LEOPARD. The body of the beast was as a leopard. This denotes quick to seize, swiftness, and agility. This was characteristic of the Greek Empire under Alexander-ref Dan 7:6.

2. AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR. This implies something very strong, large, or of great power. The feet may represent stamping upon his enemies. This was characteristic of the Medo-Persian Empire-ref Dan 7:5.

3. AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION. This denotes pride and majesty. The Antichrist will have a mouth that speaks great things and blasphemies. This was characteristic of the Babylonian Empire-ref Dan 7:4.

It is interesting to note the order in which the characteristics are listed: first is swiftness; followed by the large size, strength, and stamping under foot; and then, the proud mouth that speaks great things. The fourth kingdom, the Antichrist and his empire, seem to possess the characteristics of the three kingdoms-the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, and the Greek.

The Antichrist's father is the devil. He is the seed of Satan. Apparently, he will be a skillful diplomat and strategist, possessing superhuman intelligence and charisma; yet he will be the most evil and deceitful man that has ever walked the earth.

AND THE DRAGON (which is Satan)
GAVE HIM HIS
(1) POWER, AND HIS
(2) SEAT (or throne), AND
(3) GREAT AUTHORITY. Satan had shown Jesus ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD, AND THE GLORY OF THEM. Then he told Jesus, ALL THESE THINGS WILL I GIVE THEE, IF THOU WILT FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME-Mt 4:8,9. Jesus responded by saying, GET THEE HENCE, SATAN: FOR IT IS WRITTEN, THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE-Mt 4:10. Satan obviously makes the same promise to the Antichrist. The Antichrist does honor Satan, and Satan does give him all the kingdoms of the world. What Satan did not seem to tell him, however, was that it would only last for 42 months, and then would come the lake of fire for eternity. The description of the Antichrist, in v.1, and Satan, in Rev 12:3, resemble one another greatly. This is because the Antichrist is the son of Satan, and his power, seat, and authority come from Satan.

13:3. AND I SAW ONE OF HIS HEADS AS IT WERE WOUNDED TO DEATH (or a fatal wound); AND HIS DEADLY (or fatal) WOUND WAS HEALED: AND ALL THE WORLD (or the whole earth) WONDERED (or was astonished) (and followed) AFTER THE BEAST (in amazement). Ref Rev 13:14. TM.

13:3. AND I SAW ONE OF HIS HEADS AS IT WERE WOUNDED TO DEATH (or a fatal wound). This is referring to the head of the Antichrist.

AND HIS DEADLY (or fatal)
WOUND WAS HEALED: AND ALL THE WORLD (or the whole earth)
WONDERED (or was astonished) (and followed)
AFTER THE BEAST (in amazement). The Antichrist is apparently killed with a fatal wound in the head. This wound is inflicted by some kind of weapon-ref Rev 13:14. But, afterward, his fatal wound was healed. As a result, the entire world is astonished. The Scriptures do not give details of how the wound is inflicted; perhaps, it is by an assassin.

Some would have you believe that v.3 does not mean exactly what it says. Beware. What the Bible states will come to pass exactly as it is written.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE REAL CHRIST AND THE ANTICHRIST
(A partial list)
1853-5A-6

13:4. AND THEY WORSHIPED THE DRAGON WHICH GAVE POWER UNTO THE BEAST (or because he had given his authority to the beast-JNT¹⁵⁴): AND THEY WORSHIPED THE BEAST, SAYING, WHO IS LIKE UNTO THE BEAST? WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR (or fight) WITH HIM? Ref Isa 14:14; Mt 4:9. TM, T2.

13:4. AND THEY WORSHIPED THE DRAGON (or Satan). The world now appears to worship Satan openly. Obviously, they do not understand that they are really worshiping Satan, but they apparently think he is God. They ascribe to him deity. They do not realize the consequences of their actions. It is the same today. The people of the world don't understand that if they do not receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation, they will perish to hell. By not following Jesus, a person is following the devil.

They worshiped Satan,
WHICH GAVE POWER UNTO THE BEAST (which is the Antichrist) (or because he had given his authority to the beast-JNT¹⁵⁴):

AND THEY WORSHIPED THE BEAST (which is the Antichrist),
SAYING, WHO IS LIKE UNTO THE BEAST? WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR (or fight)
WITH HIM? Billions of people are deceived, even as today, but do not realize until it is too late. Because the Antichrist was killed, yet came back to life, the people of the world are astonished and will consider that there is none like him. There is none that can prevail against him, as death, seemingly, has no power over him.

Satan craves worship. He said, I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH-Isa 14:14. He offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, if He would fall down and worship him-ref Mt 4:9. He is the great counterfeit. Satan seeks the worship that is reserved only for God the Father.

13:5. AND THERE WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS (or proud words) AND (arrogant) BLASPHEMIES; AND POWER (or authority) WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM TO CONTINUE (or exercise his authority for) FORTY AND TWO MONTHS. Ref Dan 7:8,25; 11:36; 2 Thes 2:4. TM, T2.

13:5. AND THERE WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS (or proud words). This is also repeated in Dan 7:8. The Antichrist also spoke (arrogant)

BLASPHEMIES. Dan 7:25 says, HE SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH. Dan 11:36 states, HE SHALL...SPEAK...AGAINST THE GOD OF GODS.

The verse continues,
AND POWER (or authority)
WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM TO CONTINUE (or exercise his authority for)
FORTY AND TWO MONTHS. The Antichrist will continue in power for 1260 days or 3½ years.

The Antichrist moves into the temple at Jerusalem. He OPPOSETH AND EXALTETH HIMSELF ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD, OR THAT IS WORSHIPED; SO THAT HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHEWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD-2 Thes 2:4.

THE ANTICHRIST: INFORMATION ABOUT HIM,
WHAT HE DOES, HIS EMPIRE, AND HIS END
1854 to 1863-5A-6

(The Four Kingdoms)
1854-5A-6

• Four GREAT BEASTS...ARE FOUR KINGS-Dan 7:17.

• Four beasts ARISE OUT OF THE EARTH-Dan 7:17.

• Four BEASTS CAME UP FROM THE SEA-Dan 7:3.

• Kingdom one, the HEAD OF GOLD; Nebuchadnezzar - Babylonian Empire-Dan 2:32,38.

• Kingdom one, LIKE A LION, AND HAD EAGLE'S WINGS-Dan 7:4.

• Kingdom two, HIS BREAST AND HIS ARMS OF SILVER. Note the two arms, signifying the Medes and the Persians-Dan 2:33.

• Kingdom two, ANOTHER KINGDOM INFERIOR TO THEE-Dan 2:39.

• Kingdom two, LIKE...A BEAR-Dan 7:5.

• Kingdom three, HIS THIGHS OF BRASS-Dan 2:32.

• Kingdom three, the THIRD KINGDOM OF BRASS, WHICH SHALL BEAR RULE OVER ALL THE EARTH; the Greek Empire - Alexander the Great-Dan 2:39.

• Kingdom three, LIKE A LEOPARD...FOUR WINGS...FOUR HEADS. After Alexander's death, the empire was divided into four parts-Dan 7:6.

• Kingdom four-Dan 2:40-43.

Kingdom four, HIS LEGS OF IRON, HIS FEET PART OF IRON AND PART OF CLAY-Dan 2:33 and TOES OF THE FEET-Dan 2:42. The Roman Empire was divided into two parts, approximately 300 A.D. The city of Rome fell, approximately 476 A.D. The Roman Empire collapsed, but its nations remained divided in Europe. Ultimately, European nations that were once part of it will become the ten toe empire (referred to in Daniel) under the Antichrist during the Tribulation. The ten toes and the ten horns represent the same thing. It is believed that the European Economic Community is the organization from which the final empire of the Antichrist will arise.

Kingdom four, SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS-Dan 7:7. (Note the "Fourth Kingdom," further on in this section.)

(His Identity)
1855-5A-6

• A man-ref Rev 13:18

• Comes symbolized as a rider on a WHITE HORSE-Rev 6:2

• Comes with a BOW, but no arrows-ref Rev 6:2

• Comes in his own name-ref Jn 5:43

• Is called the Assyrian-ref Isa 30:31; also Mic 5:6

• ANOTHER LITTLE HORN-Dan 7:8

• THE OTHER horn WHICH CAME UP-Dan 7:20

• ANOTHER horn or king SHALL RISE AFTER THEM-Dan 7:24

• THAT HORN THAT HAD EYES-Dan 7:20

• Is from THE PEOPLE OF THE PRINCE THAT SHALL COME (the Old Roman Empire
  nations)-Dan 9:26

• DIVERSE FROM THE FIRST-Dan 7:24

• A KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE-Dan 8:23

• Does not REGARD THE GOD OF HIS FATHERS-Dan 11:37 (indicates he is from one of the
  tribes of Israel)

• SHALL...HONOR...A GOD WHOM HIS FATHERS KNEW NOT-Dan 11:38 (also indicates
  he is from one of the tribes of Israel)

• No DESIRE OF WOMEN-Dan 11:37 (indicates he is single)

• THE BEAST...ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT-Rev 11:7; ref 17:8

• THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST...IS...666-Rev 13:18 NIV

• IT IS THE NUMBER OF A MAN-Rev 13:18

• THE BEAST...WAS, AND IS NOT-Rev 17:8,11

• THE BEAST...YET IS-Rev 17:8

• THE BEAST...IS THE EIGHTH-Rev 17:11

• THE BEAST...IS OF THE SEVEN-Rev 17:11

• THE BEAST...SHALL ASCEND OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT-Rev 17:8

• IS NOT YET COME-Rev 17:10

(Characteristics)
1856-5A-6

• THE BEAST...LIKE...A LEOPARD-Rev 13:2

• THE BEAST...HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR-Rev 13:2

• THE BEAST...HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION-Rev 13:2

• THE EYES OF A MAN-Dan 7:8 NIV

• WHOSE LOOK WAS MORE STOUT THAN HIS FELLOWS-Dan 7:20

• A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS-Dan 7:8; ref Dan 7:20

• HORN SPAKE great words-Dan 7:11

• UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES-Dan 8:23

• The beast has an UNCLEAN spirit like a frog-Rev 16:13

• The beast has a spirit of a devil-ref Rev 16:14,13

• THE BEAST...HATH THE SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS-Rev 17:7 (note the ten horns
  under the fourth kingdom)

(His Position, Power, Authority, and Seat)
1857-5A-6

• Satan GAVE HIM HIS POWER-Rev 13:2

• Satan GAVE HIM...HIS SEAT-Rev 13:2

• Satan GAVE HIM...GREAT AUTHORITY-Rev 13:2

• A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM-Rev 6:2

• A KING-Dan 11:36

• KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE-Dan 8:23

• HIS POWER...MIGHTY-Dan 8:24

• NOT BY HIS OWN POWER-Dan 8:24

(The Antichrist Shall Do)
1858-5A-6

• SHALL CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK-Dan 9:27

• Goes FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER-Rev 6:2

• SHALL DO ACCORDING TO HIS WILL-Dan 11:36

• The beast shall carry the woman (Rome)-ref Rev 17:7

• HE SHALL SUBDUE THREE KINGS-Dan 7:24

• BEFORE WHOM THERE WERE THREE OF THE FIRST HORNS PLUCKED UP BY THE
  ROOTS-Dan 7:8

• BEFORE WHOM THREE FELL-Dan 7:20 (note the ten horns under the "Fourth Kingdom")

• He shall work MIRACLES-Rev 16:14

• BY PEACE SHALL DESTROY MANY-Dan 8:25

• SHALL DIVIDE THE LAND FOR GAIN-Dan 11:39

• ONE OF HIS HEADS...WOUNDED TO DEATH-Rev 13:3 (approximately the midst of the
  Tribulation)

• HIS DEADLY WOUND WAS HEALED-Rev 13:3

• THE WORLD WONDERED AFTER THE BEAST-Rev 13:3

• THEY WORSHIPED THE BEAST-Rev 13:4

• ALL...UPON THE EARTH SHALL WORSHIP HIM, WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN
  IN THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB-Rev 13:8

• He shall CONTINUE FORTY AND TWO MONTHS-Rev 13:5

• HE MUST CONTINUE A SHORT SPACE-Rev 17:10

• HE SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND...OBLATION TO CEASE-Dan 9:27

• HE SHALL.overspread ABOMINATIONS-Dan 9:27

• HE SHALL MAKE IT DESOLATE-Dan 9:27

• HE SHALL EXALT HIMSELF-Dan 11:36

• HE SHALL MAGNIFY HIMSELF-Dan 8:25

• HE SHALL MAGNIFY HIMSELF ABOVE ALL-Dan 11:37

• HE SHALL.MAGNIFY HIMSELF ABOVE EVERY GOD-Dan 11:36

• He SHALL.HONOR THE GOD OF FORCES-Dan 11:38

• He SHALL.HONOR.A GOD WHOM HIS FATHERS KNEW NOT-Dan 11:38

• He SHALL.HONOR.that god WITH PRECIOUS STONES, AND PLEASANT THINGS-
  Dan 11:38

• HE SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE a strange god-Dan 11:39

• HE SHALL...INCREASE WITH GLORY a strange god-Dan 11:39

• He SHALL...DO IN THE MOST STRONG HOLDS WITH A STRANGE GOD-Dan 11:39

• HE SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH-Dan 7:25

• He shall speak GREAT...BLASPHEMIES-Rev 13:5

• HE OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD-Rev 13:6

• He shall BLASPHEME...God's TABERNACLE-Rev 13:6

• He shall BLASPHEME...THEM THAT DWELL IN HEAVEN-Rev 13:6

• SHALL SPEAK MARVELOUS (or unheard-of) THINGS-Dan 11:36

• He shall speak GREAT THINGS-Rev 13:5

• He SHALL PROSPER-Dan 8:24

• He SHALL PROSPER TILL THE INDIGNATION BE ACCOMPLISHED-Dan 11:36

• HE SHALL...PRACTISE-Dan 8:24

• He SHALL DESTROY THE MIGHTY AND THE HOLY PEOPLE-Dan 8:24

• He shall MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS-Rev 13:7

• MADE WAR WITH THE SAINTS, AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM-Dan 7:21

• He shall OVERCOME the saints-Rev 13:7

• HE.SHALL WEAR OUT THE SAINTS-Dan 7:25

• The saints SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND-Dan 7:25

• Saints given into his hand for 3 1/2 years-ref Dan 7:25

• He shall THINK TO CHANGE TIMES-Dan 7:25

• He shall THINK TO CHANGE...LAWS-Dan 7:25

• HE SHALL CAUSE CRAFT TO PROSPER-Dan 8:25

• He is given power over ALL KINDREDS, AND TONGUES, AND NATIONS-Rev 13:7

• HE SHALL CAUSE THEM TO RULE OVER MANY-Dan 11:39

• He SHALL MAKE WAR AGAINST the two prophets of God-Rev 11:7

• He SHALL OVERCOME the two prophets of God-Rev 11:7

• He SHALL...KILL the two prophets of God-Rev 11:7

• His spirit shall GO FORTH UNTO THE KINGS OF THE EARTH...TO GATHER THEM TO
  THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY-Rev 16:14

• THE BEAST shall...MAKE WAR AGAINST HIM THAT SAT ON THE HORSE-Rev 19:19

• The Antichrist SHALL.STAND UP AGAINST THE PRINCE OF PRINCES-Dan 8:25

• The Antichrist SHALL.GO INTO PERDITION-Rev 17:8

• FOR THAT THAT IS DETERMINED SHALL BE DONE-Dan 11:36

(The Dragon)
1859-5A-6

(Note the "dragon" is another name for the devil)

• SHALL CAST SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON-Rev 2:10

• HAVING SEVEN HEADS-Rev 12:3

• HAVING...TEN HORNS-Rev 12:3

• HAVING...SEVEN CROWNS UPON HIS HEADS-Rev 12:3

• TAIL DREW THE THIRD PART OF THE STARS OF HEAVEN-Rev 12:4

• DID CAST THEM (the stars) TO THE EARTH-Rev 12:4

• THE DRAGON STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN-Rev 12:4

• The dragon wanted to DEVOUR the woman's CHILD AS SOON AS IT WAS BORN-Rev 12:4

• MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS FOUGHT AGAINST THE DRAGON-Rev 12:7

• THE DRAGON FOUGHT AND HIS ANGELS-Rev 12:7

• THE DRAGON.PREVAILED NOT-Rev 12:7,8

• There was no place found anymore in heaven for the dragon-ref Rev 12:8

• THE GREAT DRAGON WAS CAST OUT-Rev 12:9

• THE GREAT DRAGON is called THAT OLD SERPENT-Rev 12:9

• THE GREAT DRAGON is CALLED THE DEVIL-Rev 12:9; ref 20:2

• THE GREAT DRAGON is called SATAN-Rev 12:9; ref 20:2

• THE DRAGON is called THAT OLD SERPENT-Rev 20:2

• THE GREAT DRAGON is THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN-Rev 12:9,10

• THE GREAT DRAGON...DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD-Rev 12:9

• The great dragon's angels WERE CAST OUT-Rev 12:9

• The great dragon accused the brethren before God day and night-ref Rev 12:10

• THE DEVIL IS COME DOWN to the earth-Rev 12:12

• THE DEVIL...HAVING GREAT WRATH-Rev 12:12

• THE DEVIL...KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME-Rev 12:12

• THE DRAGON...PERSECUTED THE WOMAN-Rev 12:13

• THE SERPENT CAST OUT OF HIS MOUTH WATER AS A FLOOD-Rev 12:15

• THE SERPENT.wanted the woman TO BE CARRIED AWAY OF THE FLOOD-Rev 12:15

• THE DRAGON WAS WROTH WITH THE WOMAN-Rev 12:17

• THE DRAGON...WENT TO MAKE WAR WITH THE REMNANT OF HER SEED-Rev 12:17

• THE DRAGON.GAVE POWER UNTO THE BEAST-Rev 13:4; ref 13:2

• THE DRAGON GAVE the beast his seat-Rev 13:2

• THE DRAGON GAVE great authority to the beast-Rev 13:2

• THE WORLD...WORSHIPED THE DRAGON-Rev 13:3,4

• ANOTHER BEAST...HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON-Rev 13:11

• An unclean spirit came OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THE DRAGON-Rev 16:13

• The dragon has a spirit of a devil-ref Rev 16:13,14

• The spirit of the dragon works miracles-ref Rev 16:13,14

• The spirit of the dragon goes forth unto the kings of the earth-ref Rev 16:13,14

• The spirit of the dragon gathers the kings and the whole world together to the Battle of
  Armageddon-ref Rev 16:13,14,16

• THE DRAGON was bound for A THOUSAND YEARS-Rev 20:2

• He was cast INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT-Rev 20:3

• He was SHUT.UP-Rev 20:3

• He had a seal placed upon him-ref Rev 20:3

• During the thousand years, he can DECEIVE THE NATIONS NO MORE-Rev 20:3

• After the thousand years, HE MUST BE LOOSED A LITTLE SEASON-Rev 20:3

• WHEN THE THOUSAND YEARS ARE EXPIRED, SATAN SHALL BE LOOSED-Rev 20:7

• He SHALL GO OUT TO DECEIVE THE NATIONS-Rev 20:8

• He SHALL...GATHER THEM TOGETHER TO BATTLE-Rev 20:8

• THE DEVIL.WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE-Rev 20:10

• THE DEVIL...SHALL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVER AND EVER-
  Rev 20:10

(About the Fourth Kingdom)
(Note parts 1851, 1852, 1854-5A-6)
1860-5A-6

• THE FOURTH KINGDOM-Dan 2:40

• FOURTH BEAST...THE FOURTH KINGDOM-Dan 7:23

• DIVERSE FROM ALL THE BEASTS-Dan 7:7; ref 7:19

• DIVERSE FROM ALL KINGDOMS-Dan 7:23

• A BEAST RISE UP OUT OF THE SEA-Rev 13:1; ref Dan 7:3

• A BEAST...HAVING SEVEN HEADS-Rev 13:1; ref 17:7

• UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY-Rev 13:1

• FEET PART OF IRON AND PART OF CLAY-Dan 2:33

• **TOES...PART OF IRON, AND PART OF CLAY-Dan 2:42

• **FEET AND TOES, PART OF POTTERS' CLAY, AND PART OF IRON-Dan 2:41

• KINGDOM.DIVIDED-Dan 2:41

• PARTLY STRONG, AND PARTLY BROKEN-Dan 2:42

• **THEY SHALL MINGLE...WITH THE SEED OF MEN-Dan 2:43

• **THEY SHALL NOT CLEAVE ONE TO ANOTHER-Dan 2:43 (AS IRON IS NOT MIXED
  WITH CLAY)

• STRENGTH OF.IRON-Dan 2:41

• STRONG AS IRON-Dan 2:40

• STRONG EXCEEDINGLY-Dan 7:7

• GREAT IRON TEETH-Dan 7:7; ref 7:19

• NAILS OF BRASS-Dan 7:19

• DREADFUL AND TERRIBLE-Dan 7:7

• EXCEEDINGLY DREADFUL-Dan 7:19

• A BEAST...HAVING.TEN HORNS-Rev 13:1; ref 17:7; Dan 7:7

• TEN HORNS THAT WERE IN HIS HEAD-Dan 7:20; ref 7:8

• A BEAST...UPON HIS HORNS TEN CROWNS-Rev 13:1

• TEN HORNS OUT OF THIS KINGDOM ARE TEN KINGS-Dan 7:24; ref Rev 17:11,12

• THE TEN HORNS...HAVE RECEIVED NO KINGDOM AS YET-Rev 17:12

• THE TEN HORNS...RECEIVE POWER AS KINGS ONE HOUR WITH THE BEAST-
  Rev 17:12

• THE TEN HORNS...HAVE ONE MIND-Rev 17:12,13

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL GIVE THEIR POWER...UNTO THE BEAST-Rev 17:12,13

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL GIVE THEIR...STRENGTH UNTO THE BEAST-Rev 17:12,13

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL...GIVE THEIR KINGDOM UNTO THE BEAST-Rev 17:16,17

• THE TEN HORNS...UPON THE BEAST...SHALL HATE THE WHORE-Rev 17:16

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL MAKE HER DESOLATE-Rev 17:16

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL MAKE HER...NAKED-Rev 17:16

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL EAT HER FLESH-Rev 17:16

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL...BURN HER WITH FIRE-Rev 17:16

• THE TEN HORNS...GOD HATH PUT IN THEIR HEARTS TO FULFILL HIS WILL-Rev
  17:16,17; ref 17:13

• THE TEN HORNS...GOD HATH PUT IN THEIR HEARTS...TO AGREE-Rev 17:16,17

• THE TEN HORNS...SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB-Rev 17:12,14

• The Lamb shall overcome them-ref Rev 17:14

(Note part 1858-5A-6, "Antichrist," he shall subdue three kings.)
(Note the ** on the toes, which also symbolize the ten horns)

(Fourth Kingdom Shall Do)
1861-5A-6

• Carried the woman-ref Rev 17:7

• DEVOURED AND BRAKE IN PIECES-Dan 7:7; ref 7:19

• DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH-Dan 7:23

• TREAD...DOWN the whole earth-Dan 7:23

• STAMPED THE RESIDUE WITH THE FEET OF IT-Dan 7:7; ref 7:19

• BREAKETH IN PIECES-Dan 2:40; ref 7:23

• SUBDUETH ALL THINGS-Dan 2:40

• IT SHALL...BRUISE-Dan 2:40

• SHALL...SCATTER THE POWER OF THE HOLY PEOPLE-Dan 12:7

• Then shall ALL THESE THINGS BE FINISHED-Dan 12:7

• WONDERS (3 ½ years)-Dan 12:6,7

(The End)
1862-5A-6

• THE TEN HORNS...(Jesus) SHALL OVERCOME THEM-Rev 17:12,14

• THAT DETERMINED SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE-Dan 9:27

• THE BEAST WAS TAKEN-Rev 19:20

• The Antichrist SHALL BE BROKEN WITHOUT HAND-Dan 8:25

• THE BEAST WAS SLAIN-Dan 7:11

• THE BEAST...SHALL...GO INTO PERDITION-Rev 17:8; ref 17:11

• THE BEAST.HIS BODY DESTROYED-Dan 7:11

• THE BEAST WAS.CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE-
  Rev 19:20

• The beast's BODY...GIVEN TO THE BURNING FLAME-Dan 7:11

• THE BEAST...SHALL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVER AND EVER-
  Rev 20:10

• THE JUDGMENT SHALL SIT-Dan 7:26

• THE ANCIENT OF DAYS CAME-Dan 7:22

• THE GOD OF HEAVEN...SHALL BREAK IN PIECES-Dan 2:44

• THE STONE...IT BREAK IN PIECES-Dan 2:45

• THE THRONES WERE CAST DOWN-Dan 7:9

• The STONE shall smite the FEET THAT WERE OF IRON AND CLAY-Dan 2:34

• The STONE shall BREAK THEM TO PIECES-Dan 2:34

(The Saints)
1863-5A-6

• JUDGMENT...GIVEN TO THE SAINTS-Dan 7:22

• THEY SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS DOMINION-Dan 7:26

• THEY SHALL...CONSUME AND...DESTROY IT UNTO THE END-Dan 7:26

• The SAINTS...SHALL TAKE THE KINGDOM-Dan 7:18

• THE SAINTS POSSESSED THE KINGDOM-Dan 7:22

• The people of the saints of the Most High shall BE GIVEN the kingdom-Dan 7:27

• The people of the saints of the Most High shall BE GIVEN the dominion-Dan 7:27

• The saints (or children) shall be JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST-Ro 8:17

• They that have PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION.SHALL BE PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST-Rev 20:6; ref Rev 1:6; 5:5,10

• Those THAT WERE BEHEADED FOR THE WITNESS OF JESUS.REIGNED WITH CHRIST A THOUSAND YEARS-Rev 20:4

• Those that SUFFER (or endure) SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM-2 Tim 2:12

• THOSE THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD, THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH-Ps 37:9

• THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH-Ps 37:11

• THE SAINTS SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD-1 Cor 6:2

• Some shall HAVE.AUTHORITY OVER.CITIES-Lk 19:17,19

• Some will be given POWER OVER THE NATIONS-Rev 2:26

• Some will be a RULER OVER MANY THINGS-Mt 25:21,23

Note, there are many more items in the Scriptures concerning the Antichrist, what he does, and his empire. Most included here are from Daniel and the Revelation.

13:6. AND HE (or it) OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD, TO BLASPHEME (or slander, or insult) HIS NAME, AND HIS TABERNACLE (or dwelling place), AND THEM THAT DWELL (or live) IN HEAVEN. TM, T2.

13:6. AND HE (or it) (which is the Antichrist)

OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD, TO BLASPHEME (or slander, or insult)
HIS NAME, AND HIS TABERNACLE (or dwelling place),
AND THEM THAT DWELL (or live)
IN HEAVEN.

13:7. AND IT WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM (or it was allowed) TO MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS (or God's holy people), AND TO OVERCOME (or conquer, or defeat) THEM: AND POWER (or authority) WAS GIVEN HIM OVER ALL KINDREDS (or every tribe) (or people), AND TONGUES (or language), AND NATIONS. Ref Dan 7:21,25. TM, T2.

13:7. AND IT WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM (or it was allowed)

TO MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS (or God's holy people),
AND TO OVERCOME (or conquer, or defeat)
THEM. It is also written, THE SAME HORN (which is the Antichrist) MADE WAR WITH THE SAINTS, AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM-Dan 7:21. THE SAINTS...SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND for 3 ½ years-Dan 7:25. During the Tribulation, especially the second part, the saints will be persecuted and butchered. The Antichrist will overcome them, and they will be given into his hand. They will not be able to buy or sell. Most will be killed by having their head chopped off.

There are some people that falsely teach the saints will not be raptured prior to the Tribulation, but will go through it. This can mislead people by causing them not to watch as the Bible commands. They lack understanding of how terrible the Tribulation will be.

The vast majority of people that get saved, during the Tribulation, will not go through it, but will be killed. It appears that many, when faced with horrible persecutions, starvation, and execution; when faced with their children being taken from them and possibly being tortured, will renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. Multitudes will take the mark of the beast and worship the image. For a short time, they will save their earthly life, but they will lose it for eternity.

The born-again Jews had been told to flee when the abomination of desolation occurs. The Bible seems to indicate that if they delay, even for a moment, they could be caught and killed. The Gentile saints should also have to run and hide for their lives, during the last three and a half years. Most, apparently, will be caught and killed. The Antichrist wants all saints eliminated.

The verse continues, AND POWER (or authority)
WAS GIVEN HIM OVER ALL KINDREDS (or every tribe) (or people),
AND TONGUES (or language),
AND NATIONS. The Antichrist is given authority or power over the entire world; he becomes both the political and religious leader.

There is much talk these days about a one-world government, new world order, global economy, and many international organizations. That government will be established during the Tribulation, but even now can be seen manifesting itself through the European Community.

13:8. AND ALL (or everyone, or all inhabitants) THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH SHALL WORSHIP HIM (the beast), (all) WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB SLAIN (or slaughtered) FROM THE FOUNDATION (or creation) OF THE WORLD. Ref Jn 5:43; Rev 13:15. TM, T2.

13:8. AND ALL (or everyone, or all inhabitants)

THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH SHALL WORSHIP HIM (the beast), (all)
WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB SLAIN (or slaughtered)

FROM THE FOUNDATION (or creation)
OF THE WORLD. All the world, except those whose names are in the book of life, will submit to the Antichrist. They will worship him. He proclaims himself to be God, and the world receives him. Jesus foretold in the Bible that this would be so, yet people refuse to believe God's Word. It is written, I AM COME IN MY FATHER'S NAME, AND YE RECEIVE ME NOT: IF ANOTHER (the Antichrist) SHALL COME IN HIS OWN NAME, HIM YE WILL RECEIVE-Jn 5:43.

Those that are caught and refuse to worship the image, SHOULD BE KILLED-Rev 13:15.

By His foreknowledge, God knows who are His from the foundation of the world. He knows who will be faithful and who will deny Him.

Verse 6 tells of the blasphemy of the Antichrist. Verse 7 shows the Antichrist will overcome the saints and will have power over the entire world. Verse 8 reveals that all the unsaved shall worship the Antichrist.

13:9. IF ANY MAN HAVE AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR. TM, T2.

13:9. IF ANY MAN HAVE AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR. God's Word has inserted this at this particular place to bring attention to what is being said. He is saying, whosoever is capable of understanding what is being said-let him understand.

13:10. HE THAT LEADETH INTO (or is destined for) CAPTIVITY SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY: HE (or anyone) THAT KILLETH WITH THE SWORD MUST BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD. HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or patient endurance) AND THE FAITH (or faithfulness) OF THE SAINTS (or this is when God's holy people must persevere and trust!-JNT¹⁵⁵). TM, T2.

THE SECOND BEAST
THE FALSE PROPHET
1864-5A-6

13:10. HE THAT LEADETH INTO (or is destined for)

CAPTIVITY SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY: HE (or anyone)
THAT KILLETH WITH THE SWORD MUST BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD. Whatever a person does to a saint, must, in turn, be done to that person. If someone leads a saint into captivity, they, themselves, will go into captivity. If someone kills a saint with a sword, they, likewise, will be killed with a sword.

HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or patient endurance)
AND THE FAITH (or faithfulness)
OF THE SAINTS (or this is when God's holy people must persevere and trust!-JNT¹⁵⁵). Let us run the race that is set before us with patience. God's Word can be trusted. What has been said will surely come to pass. The saints are exhorted to be patient and endure in faith.

13:11. AND I BEHELD ANOTHER BEAST COMING UP OUT OF THE EARTH; AND HE HAD TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB, AND HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON. Ref Rev 16:13,14; 19:20; 20:10; Mt 7:15; Jn 1:29. TM, T2.

13:11. AND I BEHELD ANOTHER BEAST COMING UP OUT OF THE EARTH (or land). Some believe that "coming up out of the earth" denotes that he comes from the land of Israel. It is possible he may be a Jew. The second beast is called the false prophet in Rev 16:13; 19:20; and 20:10. He has the spirit of a devil-ref Rev 16:14. There is no mention of this false prophet prior to the Antichrist being killed and his deadly wound healed. Apparently, he masquerades as being of the light, but he is of the darkness. During approximately the midst of the Tribulation, the Antichrist moves into the temple. This being the case, it would appear that the entire public ministry of the false prophet will be in Israel.

It should be noted that the first beast (the Antichrist) came out of the sea. This may denote the nations. He may have been born and raised in some place other than Israel. His rise to power seems to come through the EEC. He comes from the Old Roman Empire nations, yet he is probably a Jew. It would seem impossible for the Jews to accept any person as their Messiah, if he were not from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The second beast,
AND HE HAD TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB. One would think of a lamb as being harmless. The Scriptures warn, BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING, BUT INWARDLY THEY ARE RAVENING WOLVES-Mt 7:15. This false prophet seems to have the deceptive outward appearance of purity and great power and the meekness and humility of a lamb. There are varied opinions of the meaning of the two horns.

John the Baptist said of Jesus, BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD-Jn 1:29. However, while this beast (or false prophet) may take on the appearance of a lamb, it is written,
AND HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON. He speaks as the devil. He is a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. He is an actual person-he is called the "false prophet."

THE TRINITY OF GOD; THE TRINITY OF SATAN
1865-5A-6

13:12. AND HE EXERCISETH ALL THE POWER (or authority) OF THE FIRST BEAST BEFORE HIM (or in its presence, or on his behalf), AND CAUSETH (or makes) THE EARTH AND THEM WHICH DWELL THEREIN (or its inhabitants) TO WORSHIP THE FIRST BEAST, WHOSE DEADLY (or fatal) WOUND WAS HEALED. Ref Jn 16:13,14. TM, T2.

13:12. AND HE EXERCISETH ALL THE POWER (or authority)

OF THE FIRST BEAST (which is the Antichrist)
BEFORE HIM (or in its presence, or on his behalf),

AND CAUSETH (or makes)
THE EARTH AND THEM WHICH DWELL THEREIN (or its inhabitants)

TO WORSHIP THE FIRST BEAST, WHOSE DEADLY (or fatal)
WOUND WAS HEALED. The false prophet brings glory to the Antichrist. He causes the people of the world to worship the Antichrist. He is the third person of Satan's trinity.

Consider the Holy Spirit. He is the third Person of the Trinity of God. It is written, HOWBEIT WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, IS COME, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH: FOR HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF; BUT WHATSOEVER HE SHALL HEAR, THAT SHALL HE SPEAK: AND HE WILL SHOW YOU THINGS TO COME. HE SHALL GLORIFY ME: FOR HE SHALL RECEIVE OF MINE, AND SHALL SHOW IT UNTO YOU-Jn 16:13,14.

In v.12, once again, the deadly wound of the Antichrist is mentioned. This caused the world to be amazed, and, as a result, people worshiped the Antichrist and Satan-ref Rev 13:3,4.

13:13. AND HE DOETH GREAT WONDERS (or miracles, or miraculous signs), SO THAT HE MAKETH (or causing) FIRE (to) COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN ON THE EARTH IN THE SIGHT OF MEN (or as people watch, or in full view of men-NIV). TM, T2.

13:13. AND HE (the false prophet)

DOETH GREAT WONDERS (or miracles, or miraculous signs),
SO THAT HE MAKETH (or causing)
FIRE (to)
COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN ON THE EARTH IN THE SIGHT OF MEN (or as people watch, or in full view of men-NIV).

Elijah also called fire down from heaven in the Old Testament. He did many miracles. The Jews look for the coming of Elijah prior to the coming of Messiah, leaving a vacant seat for him at the Passover feast. The false prophet may also represent a counterfeit Elijah or John the Baptist. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit of God from his birth.

13:14. AND DECEIVETH THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH (or the people living on earth-JNT¹⁵⁶) BY THE MEANS OF THOSE MIRACLES (or signs) WHICH HE HAD POWER TO DO IN THE SIGHT (or on behalf) OF THE (first) BEAST. TM, T2.

THE IMAGE TO THE BEAST
OR ANTICHRIST
1867-5A-6

13:14. The verse continues, SAYING TO THEM (or he ordered them) THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH, THAT THEY SHOULD MAKE AN IMAGE TO THE BEAST (honoring the beast), WHICH HAD THE WOUND BY A SWORD, AND (yet) DID LIVE (or that was struck by the sword but came alive again-JNT¹⁵⁶). TM, T2.

13:14. AND (the false prophet)

DECEIVETH THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH (or the people living on earth-JNT¹⁵⁶)

BY THE MEANS OF THOSE MIRACLES (or signs)
WHICH HE HAD POWER TO DO IN THE SIGHT (or on behalf)
OF THE (first)
BEAST (which is the Antichrist).

Jesus did great miracles, and many believed on Him. The Antichrist will do great wonders; many will be deceived by these and will believe that he is the real Christ.

THE FALSE PROPHET'S PURPOSE
(From the Revelation)
1866-5A-6

• Has the spirit of a devil-ref 16:13,14

• To deceive people-ref 13:11-14

• To speak as the Antichrist-ref 13:11,12

• To exercise the power or authority of the Antichrist-ref 13:12

• To cause the earth to worship the Antichrist-ref 13:12

• To do great wonders or miracles-ref 13:13; 19:20

• To make fire come down from heaven-ref 13:13

• To deceive the people of the earth-ref 13:14; 19:20

• To say to the people THAT THEY SHOULD MAKE AN IMAGE TO THE BEAST-13:14

• To GIVE LIFE UNTO THE IMAGE-13:15

• To cause ALL...TO RECEIVE A MARK-13:16

• To stop anyone from buying or selling unless they have the mark-ref 13:17

• To go forth to gather the people to the battle of the great day, which is Armageddon-ref 16:13,14

SAYING TO THEM (or he ordered them)
THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH, THAT THEY (the people)

SHOULD MAKE AN IMAGE TO THE BEAST (honoring the beast). The false prophet ordered the people to make an image, honoring the Antichrist. No description of it is given. It might resemble the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream or, perhaps, even the Antichrist himself.

The verse continues,
WHICH HAD THE WOUND BY A SWORD, AND (yet)
DID LIVE (or that was struck by the sword but came alive again-JNT¹⁵⁶). This is the third time the wound is mentioned.

13:15. AND HE HAD POWER TO GIVE LIFE (or breath) UNTO (or into) THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST, (so) THAT THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST SHOULD (or even) BOTH SPEAK, AND CAUSE THAT AS MANY AS WOULD NOT WORSHIP THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST SHOULD BE KILLED (or put to death). Ref Rev 16:13. TM, T2.

THE MARK
THE NAME OF THE BEAST
THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME
1869-5A-6

13:15. AND HE (the false prophet)

HAD POWER TO GIVE LIFE (or breath)
UNTO (or into)
THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST. At this point, apparently, the image of the beast is completed. The false prophet had the power of Satan to actually give "life, breath, or spirit" to the image. The image of the Antichrist comes to life. The power of Satan will be invoked by the false prophet.

Some think this image will be a super computerized robot that can speak. There is no great power or miracle needed, in this generation, to make such an object. Such things already exist.

Nevertheless, when the Scripture says that the false prophet gives the image "life," it means exactly what it says. It is a supernatural event, involving supernatural power.

The Antichrist was killed. People were astonished when he came back to life. They were amazed at the great wonders and signs that were done by the false prophet. It can be expected that people will be further terrified and amazed at the image of the beast receiving life and the awesome powers they see. Undoubtedly, they will think that this is the great power of God. They will believe that Satan is the true God and the Antichrist is the real Christ.

The word "life," used in this verse, comes from the Greek word "pneuma." This word means "a current of air, breath, even spirit or demon (life, spirit, breath, air)." The verse continues, (so)

THAT THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST (or the image of the Antichrist)
SHOULD (or even)
BOTH SPEAK, AND CAUSE THAT AS MANY AS WOULD NOT WORSHIP THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST SHOULD BE KILLED (or put to death). The instrument used to put people to death should be the guillotine-ref Rev 20:4.

The image comes to life and is able to speak. Note carefully, the image causes those that would not worship it (the image) to be put to death. The image causes people to worship itself. The image has life. It craves worship so much that anyone who refuses to worship it is put to death.

Satan craves worship. Satan is a spirit. Remember the trinity of Satan? Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet-ref Rev 16:13. The false prophet directs worship to the Antichrist. The Antichrist honors Satan. The spirit of Satan appears to enter the image of the beast. The image receives life and speaks. Thus, when the verse says that the image causes people to be put to death, it evidently means that Satan is causing people to be put to death, because they refuse to worship him. Again, the spirit of Satan appears to occupy the image of the beast. We may say, the image itself is indwelled by Satan. Whether everyone in the world will be required to worship the image is not made clear. If they are, then how they all will be able to worship the image, during this time, is not explained.

By worshiping the beast and his image, the people appear to be attributing the work of God (the creation) to the devil.

Remember that Nebuchadnezzar, THE KING MADE AN IMAGE OF GOLD.HE SET IT UP IN THE PLAIN OF DURA, IN THE PROVINCE OF BABYLON. Then the people, nations, and languages were commanded THAT AT WHAT TIME YE HEAR THE SOUND OF THE CORNET, FLUTE, HARP, SACKBUT, PSALTERY, DULCIMER, AND ALL KINDS OF MUSIC, YE FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP THE GOLDEN IMAGE THAT NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE KING HATH SET UP: AND WHOSO FALLETH NOT DOWN AND WORSHIPPETH SHALL THE SAME HOUR BE CAST INTO THE MIDST OF A BURNING FIERY FURNACE-Dan 3:1,5,6.

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION
1868-5A-6

Daniel mentions the sanctuary and then the ABOMINATION THAT MAKETH DESOLATE-Dan 12:11; ref 11:31. The ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION is also mentioned in Mt 24:15 and Mk 13:14. The Antichrist moving into the temple is certainly an abomination.

Setting up an image of the beast (which is indwelled by Satan) in the temple and causing the people to worship it-God forbid-this is an abomination!

13:16. The subject now changes to the mark.

AND HE (which is the false prophet)
CAUSETH (or forced)
ALL (or everyone),
BOTH SMALL AND GREAT, RICH AND POOR, FREE AND BOND (or slave),

TO RECEIVE A MARK IN (or on)
THEIR RIGHT HAND, OR IN (or on)
THEIR FOREHEADS. No one will be exempt from the requirement of taking the mark. The KJV indicates the mark is "in." Some other translations use the word "on." Which is correct will be known when it happens. From kings to slaves, every person is required to receive the mark.

13:17. AND THAT NO MAN MIGHT BUY OR SELL (or preventing anyone from buying or selling-JNT¹⁵⁷), SAVE (or unless) HE THAT HAD THE MARK, OR (that is, or which is) THE NAME OF THE BEAST, OR THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME. Ref Rev 15:2. TM, T2.

13:17. The purpose of the mark is

THAT NO MAN MIGHT BUY OR SELL (or preventing anyone from buying or selling-JNT¹⁵⁷),
SAVE (or unless)
HE THAT HAD THE MARK, OR (that is, or which is)
THE NAME OF THE BEAST, OR THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME. Three items are mentioned here.

1. THE MARK,

2. THE NAME OF THE BEAST,

3. THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME. Some translations, however, appear to limit it to two, in that the "mark" is the name of the beast or the number of his name. Rev 15:2 mentions two, as it is written, HIS MARK, AND OVER THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME. There could possibly be two or three types of marks. If so, each could have a particular purpose. Remember, the Scriptures have said that the Antichrist comes in his own name.

Some may have the mark, 666, which is the number of the name of the Antichrist.

Others may have the mark, which is the actual name of the Antichrist.

Consider, a person will not be able to buy food, gasoline, clothes, or anything. They may not be able to make payments of any kind to anyone. They may not be able to pay their taxes, house payment, or rent on their home. They will not be able to sell anything. People might not be permitted to receive their wages without the mark.

At this time, a system that could be utilized for this is already partially in place in many areas. Many stores already use scanners to add up purchases.

There is a bar code on most items available for purchase throughout the world. This universal products code (UPC) contains the numbers 6-6-6 in it. Presently, the two end bars and the center bar represent the number six. It can be expected that even the remote marketplaces in Africa will come under this system during the Tribulation.

Some believe that many transactions may, in some way, go through a giant computer. Such computers do exist today. The speed and amount of information that computers can process seems to be increasing at an incredible rate. Indeed, technology is advancing rapidly. It is possible that the world will come under a global money or credit system. Such a system could be initiated within the European Community (EC) and then spread to other countries. The use of money, as we know it today, may disappear. It may be that all financial transactions will be done by some other method related to the mark.

Computer chips and various forms of bio-technology are already being experimented with, which can place a mark on or beneath the skin. By the time the midst of the Tribulation arrives, many new scientific methods should exist that we have no knowledge of now.

It is possible that, when a person goes to buy something, their right hand or forehead will be scanned, then the transaction can take place. The EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) system is operational in many places. Such organizations as the Trilateral Commission are already at work. The number of things leading to this one-world system, unknown to most people, is astonishing.

Exactly how this will all come about is not made clear by God's Word. What is made clear is, if a person does not take the mark, they cannot buy or sell anything. This system will continue for approximately 3 1/2 years, through the end of the Tribulation.

13:18. HERE IS WISDOM (or this is where wisdom is needed-JNT¹⁵⁸). LET HIM THAT HATH UNDERSTANDING (or insight) (should) COUNT (or calculate) THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST: FOR IT IS THE NUMBER OF A MAN (or person); AND HIS NUMBER IS SIX HUNDRED THREESCORE AND SIX (or 666).
TM, T2.

THE LAMB AND THE HUNDRED FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND
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13:18. HERE IS WISDOM (or this is where wisdom is needed-JNT¹⁵⁸).

LET HIM THAT HATH UNDERSTANDING (or insight) (should)
COUNT (or calculate)
THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST: FOR IT IS THE NUMBER OF A MAN (or person);
AND HIS NUMBER IS SIX HUNDRED THREESCORE AND SIX (or 666).

This number has been calculated by many Bible scholars. It appears, the Holy Spirit has not yet given the understanding of who "666" is (600 60 6).

Many maintain that the number representing man is 6.
The number of the name of the Antichrist is 666.
The number representing God is believed to be 7. His number for perfection and completion is 7.

Those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will get the victory over HIS MARK, AND OVER THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME-Rev 15:2.

Through this, we see there will be a one-world religion.
There will be a one-world government.
There will be a one-world economic system. Even as these things are being written, as we watch world events, this is the direction it is heading in these latter days.

WARNINGS ABOUT TAKING THE MARK
AND WORSHIPING THE IMAGE
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The rewards for taking the mark and worshiping the image are as follows. A person can buy and sell for the second part of the Tribulation. He will not have to flee to keep from being killed by decapitation. However, even taking the mark and worshiping the image will not prevent many of these people from being killed; as the end of the Tribulation approaches, one-third of the world's population will die. Neither will it protect them when the sores fall upon men. Neither will it protect them from the multitude of plagues that will come upon the world. The end result of being deceived is the eternal lake of fire.

AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN HIS HAND, THE SAME SHALL DRINK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH OF GOD, WHICH IS POURED OUT WITHOUT MIXTURE INTO THE CUP OF HIS INDIGNATION; AND HE SHALL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ANGELS, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAMB: AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH UP FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT, WHO WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND WHOSOEVER RECEIVETH THE MARK OF HIS NAME-Rev 14:9-11.

AND THE FIRST WENT, AND POURED OUT HIS VIAL UPON THE EARTH; AND THERE FELL A NOISOME AND GRIEVOUS SORE UPON THE MEN WHICH HAD THE MARK OF THE BEAST, AND UPON THEM WHICH WORSHIPED HIS IMAGE-Rev 16:2.

AND THE BEAST WAS TAKEN, AND WITH HIM THE FALSE PROPHET THAT WROUGHT MIRACLES BEFORE HIM, WITH WHICH HE DECEIVED THEM THAT HAD RECEIVED THE MARK OF THE BEAST, AND THEM THAT WORSHIPED HIS IMAGE. THESE BOTH WERE CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE-Rev 19:20. This is the end result of those that are deceived, who take the mark and worship the image. This is the due reward of the Antichrist and false prophet, which deceived the world.

THE REWARDS OF NOT TAKING THE MARK
AND WORSHIPING THE IMAGE
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Those that refuse to take the mark will not be able to buy or sell. It will be almost impossible for them to survive during the second part of the Tribulation.

Those that refuse to worship the image of the beast will, undoubtedly, have to flee for their lives. If they are caught, they will be beheaded unless they worship the image. Many will be beheaded. Many will be betrayed by their close friends and relatives, including their own children or parents. By being killed and dying in faith, however, they get the victory-eternal life with Jesus. They shall return in their new spiritual bodies with Jesus at the time of Armageddon and shall reign and rule with Him for one thousand years.

By the grace of God, a few will manage to escape and survive. These will go into the Millennium and will begin to repopulate the earth.

AND I SAW AS IT WERE A SEA OF GLASS MINGLED WITH FIRE: AND THEM THAT HAD GOTTEN THE VICTORY OVER THE BEAST, AND OVER HIS IMAGE, AND OVER HIS MARK, AND OVER THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME, STAND ON THE SEA OF GLASS, HAVING THE HARPS OF GOD-Rev 15:2.

AND I SAW THRONES, AND THEY SAT UPON THEM, AND JUDGMENT WAS GIVEN UNTO THEM: AND I SAW THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE BEHEADED FOR THE WITNESS OF JESUS, AND FOR THE WORD OF GOD, AND WHICH HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST, NEITHER HIS IMAGE, NEITHER HAD RECEIVED HIS MARK UPON THEIR FOREHEADS, OR IN THEIR HANDS; AND THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST A THOUSAND YEARS-Rev 20:4. These were killed, but they had gotten the victory.

AND BEFORE HIM SHALL BE GATHERED ALL NATIONS: AND HE SHALL SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER, AS A SHEPHERD DIVIDETH HIS SHEEP FROM THE GOATS: AND HE SHALL SET THE SHEEP ON HIS RIGHT HAND, BUT THE GOATS ON THE LEFT. THEN SHALL THE KING SAY UNTO THEM ON HIS RIGHT HAND, COME, YE BLESSED OF MY FATHER, INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD-Mt 25:32-34. These survived the Tribulation and go into the Millennium.

14:1. AND I LOOKED, AND, LO, A LAMB STOOD ON THE MOUNT ZION, AND WITH HIM AN HUNDRED FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000), HAVING HIS FATHER'S NAME (or who had His name and His Father's name-JNT¹⁵⁹) WRITTEN IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS. Ref Rev 7:1-9. H, T2.

14:1. AND I LOOKED, AND, LO, A LAMB (which is Jesus)

STOOD ON THE MOUNT ZION. Note the following, "a voice from heaven, harpers, before the throne, the four beasts, the elders, and redeemed from the earth." Collectively, these indicate a heavenly Mount Zion. There is also an earthly Mount Zion, the temple site. It is a hill in Jerusalem. It is mentioned in the Bible approximately 153 times. There are also times when "Zion" seems to represent Jerusalem, such as Isa 1:26,27 and Ps 126:1. The verse continues,

AND WITH HIM (with Jesus)

AN HUNDRED FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000). The 144,000 are now pictured with Jesus on Mount Zion. They
HAVING HIS FATHER'S NAME (or who had His name and His Father's name-JNT¹⁵⁹)
WRITTEN IN (or on)
THEIR FOREHEADS. Note, 144,000 (12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel) are also mentioned in Rev 7:1-8. The one exception is the tribe of Dan. It was left out. In Rev 7:3, the 144,000 are called THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD. They are SEALED...IN THEIR FOREHEADS. We are told that they have the name of the Father in their forehead. It appears the 144,000 are pictured before the heavenly Mount Zion.

The Scriptures do not seem to indicate how they got there. Were they beheaded? Were they raptured or translated in some way? We can only speculate.

Some consider that v.1 is the earthly Mount Zion after the return of Jesus, and then v.2 switches to a heavenly scene. This, however, may be inconsistent, in that v.3 seems to depict the 144,000 in heaven, singing. Others consider that the 144,000 did not die yet, but are upon the earthly Mount Zion, singing.

14:2. AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, AS THE VOICE OF MANY (rushing) WATERS, AND AS THE VOICE OF A GREAT (or pealing) THUNDER: AND I HEARD THE VOICE (or sound) OF HARPERS HARPING (or playing) WITH (or on) THEIR HARPS. H, T2.

14:2. AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, AS THE VOICE OF MANY (rushing)

WATERS, AND AS THE VOICE OF A GREAT (or pealing)
THUNDER: AND I HEARD THE VOICE (or sound)

OF HARPERS HARPING (or playing)
WITH (or on)
THEIR HARPS. Again, note the use of harps in heaven. The harpers are not identified. These may be some of the saints that were martyred during the Tribulation. Harps are also mentioned in Rev 15:2.

14:3. AND THEY SUNG AS IT WERE A NEW SONG BEFORE THE THRONE, AND BEFORE THE FOUR BEASTS (or living creatures), AND THE ELDERS: AND NO MAN (or no one) COULD LEARN THAT SONG BUT THE HUNDRED AND FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND, WHICH WERE RE-DEEMED (or ransomed, or purchased) FROM THE EARTH (or world). H, T2.

14:3. AND THEY (the 144,000)

SUNG AS IT WERE A NEW SONG BEFORE THE THRONE. Here they appear to be before the throne of God in heaven.
AND BEFORE THE FOUR BEASTS (or living creatures),
AND THE ELDERS: AND NO MAN (or no one)
COULD LEARN THAT SONG BUT THE HUNDRED AND FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND, WHICH WERE REDEEMED (or ransomed, or purchased) (or, we might say, were paid for and taken)

FROM THE EARTH (or world). The precise timing of verses 1-5 is very difficult to determine. It appears to be sometime during the second part of the Tribulation. Jesus is still in heaven. The 144,000 have fulfilled their mission upon the earth during the first part of the Tribulation.

14:4. THESE ARE THEY (or the ones) WHICH WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN; FOR THEY ARE VIRGINS (or they keep themselves pure). THESE ARE THEY WHICH FOLLOW THE LAMB WHITHERSOEVER HE GOETH. THESE WERE REDEEMED (or ransomed, or purchased) FROM AMONG MEN (or humanity), BEING (offered as) THE FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD (or as firstfruits for God) AND TO THE LAMB. H, T2.

14:4. THESE ARE THEY (or the ones)

WHICH WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN; FOR THEY ARE VIRGINS (or they keep themselves pure). These appear to have never married or been intimate with a woman. Some consider the virginity mentioned here is not of a sexual nature, but rather is talking about spiritual purity. However, the fact that women are mentioned would indicate it means exactly what it says.

THESE ARE THEY WHICH FOLLOW THE LAMB (which is Jesus)
WHITHERSOEVER HE GOETH. THESE WERE REDEEMED (or ransomed, or purchased)
FROM AMONG MEN (or humanity),

BEING (offered as)
THE FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD (or as firstfruits for God)
AND TO THE LAMB (or Jesus). This could signify that they were the first to be saved after the Rapture.

SINGLENESS, MARRIAGE, FORNICATION, AND ADULTERY
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The previous verse does not imply that being single is better than being married; for it is written, IT IS NOT GOOD THAT THE MAN SHOULD BE ALONE-Gen 2:18.

However, the Bible does speak of those that have the calling to remain single or gift of singleness. The disciples of Jesus said, IF THE CASE OF THE MAN BE SO WITH HIS WIFE, IT IS NOT GOOD TO MARRY. BUT HE (Jesus) SAID UNTO THEM, ALL MEN CANNOT RECEIVE THIS SAYING, SAVE THEY TO WHOM IT IS GIVEN. FOR THERE ARE SOME EUNUCHS, WHICH WERE SO BORN FROM THEIR MOTHER'S WOMB: AND THERE ARE SOME EUNUCHS, WHICH WERE MADE EUNUCHS OF MEN: AND THERE BE EUNUCHS, WHICH HAVE MADE THEMSELVES EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN'S SAKE. HE THAT IS ABLE TO RECEIVE IT, LET HIM RECEIVE IT-Mt 19:10-12.

FOR I WOULD THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN AS I MYSELF. BUT EVERY MAN HATH HIS PROPER GIFT OF GOD, ONE AFTER THIS MANNER, AND ANOTHER AFTER THAT. I SAY THEREFORE TO THE UNMARRIED AND WIDOWS, IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY ABIDE EVEN AS I-1 Cor 7:7,8.

ART THOU BOUND UNTO A WIFE? SEEK NOT TO BE LOOSED. ART THOU LOOSED FROM A WIFE (or unmarried)? SEEK NOT A WIFE (or do not look for a wife-NIV). BUT AND IF THOU MARRY, THOU HAST NOT SINNED; AND IF A VIRGIN (or a girl) MARRY, SHE HATH NOT SINNED. NEVERTHELESS SUCH SHALL HAVE TROUBLE IN THE FLESH (or problems of married life): BUT I SPARE YOU. BUT THIS I SAY, BRETHREN, THE TIME IS SHORT (or there is not much time left-JNT¹⁶⁰): IT REMAINETH, THAT BOTH THEY THAT HAVE WIVES BE AS THOUGH THEY HAD NONE (or from now on a man with a wife should live as if he had none-JNT¹⁶¹). BUT I WOULD HAVE YOU WITHOUT CAREFULNESS (or what I want is for you to be free of concern-JNT¹⁶²). HE THAT IS UNMARRIED CARETH (or concerns himself) FOR THE THINGS THAT BELONG TO THE LORD, HOW HE MAY PLEASE THE LORD: BUT HE THAT IS MARRIED CARETH (or concerns himself) FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE OF THE WORLD (or the world's affairs), HOW HE MAY PLEASE HIS WIFE-1 Cor 7:27-29,32,33; AND HE FINDS HIMSELF SPLIT-1 Cor 7:34 JNT¹⁶³ (or his interests are divided-NIV).

THERE IS DIFFERENCE ALSO BETWEEN A WIFE AND A VIRGIN. THE UNMARRIED WOMAN (or girl who has never been married-NIV) CARETH (or concerns herself) FOR THE THINGS OF THE LORD, THAT SHE MAY BE HOLY BOTH IN BODY AND IN SPIRIT (or both physically and spiritually-JNT¹⁶⁴): BUT SHE THAT IS MARRIED (or the married woman) CARETH (or concerns herself) FOR THE THINGS OF THE WORLD, HOW SHE MAY PLEASE HER HUSBAND. AND THIS I SPEAK FOR YOUR OWN PROFIT; NOT THAT I MAY CAST A SNARE (or put restrictions) UPON YOU, BUT FOR THAT WHICH IS COMELY (or for your own benefit), AND THAT YE MAY (in a proper manner) ATTEND UPON (or serve) THE LORD WITHOUT DISTRACTION (or with undivided devotion)-1 Cor 7:34,35.

But know this, if a born-again Christian still chooses to get married, it must be to someone in the Lord. As it is written, IF HER HUSBAND BE DEAD, SHE IS AT LIBERTY TO BE MARRIED TO WHOM SHE WILL; ONLY IN THE LORD-1 Cor 7:39. BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS?-2 Cor 6:14.

Beware of fornication: no unrepentant fornicator shall be in heaven. It is written, FORNICATORS...shall not INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD-1 Cor 6:9,10. Fornication is sex outside of a marriage that is recognized by God. A marriage recognized by God will be in accordance with God's Word, not ungodly traditions of men.

NOW CONCERNING THE THINGS WHEREOF YE WROTE UNTO ME: IT IS GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO TOUCH A WOMAN. NEVERTHELESS, TO AVOID FORNICATION, LET EVERY MAN HAVE HIS OWN WIFE, AND LET EVERY WOMAN HAVE HER OWN HUSBAND. BUT IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN, LET THEM MARRY: FOR IT IS BETTER TO MARRY THAN TO BURN-1 Cor 7:1,2,9.

BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, SAVING FOR THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, CAUSETH HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY: AND WHOSOEVER SHALL MARRY HER THAT IS DIVORCED COMMITTETH ADULTERY-Mt 5:32. AND I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, EXCEPT IT BE FOR FORNICATION, AND SHALL MARRY ANOTHER, COMMITTETH ADULTERY: AND WHOSO MARRIETH HER WHICH IS PUT AWAY DOTH COMMIT ADULTERY-Mt 19:9. AND IF A WOMAN SHALL PUT AWAY HER HUSBAND, AND BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, SHE COMMITTETH ADULTERY-Mk 10:12.

14:5. AND IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE (or lie): FOR THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT (or defect, or blameless) BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD. H, T2.

THE MESSAGES OF THE ANGELS
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14:5. In an age when cursing and blaspheming God is commonplace, it is interesting to note in this verse,

AND IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE (or lie):
FOR THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT (or defect, or blameless)
BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD.

These 144,000 are probably alive, right now, in Israel. Many of them may be orthodox Jews in the Holy Land today. Though they are zealous for God, at this time, BLINDNESS IN PART IS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL-Ro 11:25.

(Summary of the 144,000)
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• 144,000 on the earth

• 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, excluding Dan

• They are sealed in their forehead

• They are the servants of God

• The 144,000 are with the Lamb

• They are pictured on Mount Zion

• They have the Father's name written in their foreheads

• They sung a new song

• They were before the throne

• No one could learn that song except the 144,000

• They were not defiled with women

• They were virgins (it appears they were not married)

• They follow Jesus

• They were ransomed or purchased from among men

• They are the firstfruits unto God

• There was no guile or lie found in their mouth

• They are without fault or defect (or they are blameless) before the throne of God

14:6. AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in midair), HAVING THE EVERLASTING (or eternal) GOSPEL TO PREACH (or proclaim) UNTO THEM THAT DWELL (or live) ON THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND KINDRED (or tribe), AND TONGUE (or language), AND PEOPLE. T.

14:6. AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in midair),

HAVING THE EVERLASTING (or eternal)
GOSPEL TO PREACH (or proclaim)
UNTO THEM THAT DWELL (or live)
ON THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND KINDRED (or tribe),
AND TONGUE (or language),
AND PEOPLE. Some of what will be proclaimed is in v.7.

This angel is pictured flying in midair. The message that comes forth is the everlasting Gospel. This Gospel will be preached to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

Whether this is 1) a literal angel preaching as he flies in the air, or 2) a symbolic angel, or 3) an angel overseeing the 144,000 or others preaching this message, is not made clear. The third conclusion would most likely be the correct one. God's anointed should be bringing forth this message. The time period for this first angel appears to be the first part of the Tribulation. It seems certain that this message will be preached up to the midst of the Tribulation. It may continue to be preached in the second part of the Tribulation by the two witnesses.

MANY NAMES OF THE GOSPEL
1875B-5A-6

The word "gospel," which means "good news," is never mentioned in the Old Testament. It is mentioned in the New Testament approximately 101 times. It is mentioned in the Revelation once. The first place the word gospel is used is in Mt 4:23. It is called the Gospel of the kingdom. There are many gospels mentioned.

There is the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM-ref Mt 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mk 1:14. This is the Christ-centered Gospel (or message of the millennial kingdom) in which Jesus Christ shall set up His kingdom and reign. This was preached when Jesus came the first time. The message was rejected. Jesus was crucified. However, this message will again be preached during the Tribulation to all nations, AND THEN SHALL THE END COME-Mt 24:14. It can be expected that this Gospel will be preached both by the 144,000 Jews and the two witnesses.

THE EVERLASTING (or eternal) GOSPEL-Rev 14:6. This is the Christ-centered Gospel (or message) that is also proclaimed during the Tribulation. It is written, Rev 14:6,7-AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, HAVING THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL TO PREACH UNTO THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND KINDRED, AND TONGUE, AND PEOPLE, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM; FOR THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT IS COME: AND WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN, AND EARTH, AND THE SEA, AND THE FOUNTAINS OF WATERS.

THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION-Gal 2:7,8. This is the Christ-centered Gospel sent to the circumcised (or Jews). It is written, BUT CONTRARIWISE, WHEN THEY SAW THAT THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER; (FOR HE THAT WROUGHT EFFECTUALLY IN PETER TO THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE CIRCUMCISION, THE SAME WAS MIGHTY IN ME TOWARD THE GENTILES:).

THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION-Gal 2:7. This is the Christ-centered Gospel sent to the uncircumcised (or Gentiles).

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD-Acts 20:24. Many of the other Gospels can be cataloged under this heading. It is the Christ-centered glorious Gospel of salvation and peace.

THE GOSPEL OF GOD-Ro 1:1; 15:16; 2 Cor 11:7; 1 Thes 2:2,8,9; 1 Pe 4:17.

THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF THE BLESSED GOD-1 Tim 1:11.

THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF CHRIST-2 Cor 4:4.

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST-Ro 1:16; 15:19,29; 1 Cor 9:12,18; 2 Cor 9:13; 10:14; Gal 1:7; Phili 1:27; 1 Thes 3:2.

THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST-2 Thes 1:8.

THE GOSPEL OF HIS SON-Ro 1:9.

CHRIST'S GOSPEL-2 Cor 2:12.

THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION-Eph 1:13.

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE-Ro 10:15; Eph 6:15.

MY GOSPEL-Ro 2:16; 16:25.

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST-Mk 1:1.

All of the above are different names for the same Christ-centered message.

Then there is the OTHER GOSPEL-Gal 1:8,9, which signifies distortions or perversions of the true Gospel.

And ANOTHER GOSPEL-2 Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6, which signifies distortions or perversions of the true Gospel.

14:7. SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM; FOR THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT (or when He will pass judgment-JNT¹⁶⁵) IS COME: AND WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN (or the heavens), AND EARTH, AND THE SEA, AND THE FOUNTAINS (or springs) OF WATERS. Ref Ps 89:7; Lk 12:5; Rev 15:4. T.

THE SECOND ANGEL
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14:7. The angel is

SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE. Note the emphasis on a loud voice. This message needs to be shouted and proclaimed loudly. In doing so, perhaps some that have been deaf, that is, their ears have been closed, will begin to hear.

(1) FEAR GOD. (Spiritual warfare). Fearing God is a message that is seldom heard in the Laodicean lukewarm generation. Preaching on the fear of God has all but ceased. Occasionally, reverencing God is heard in place of the fear of God. Perhaps, these two verses convey the fear of God. It is written, GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS, AND TO BE HAD IN REVERENCE OF ALL THEM THAT ARE ABOUT HIM-Ps 89:7. It is also written, BUT I WILL FOREWARN YOU WHOM YE SHALL FEAR: FEAR HIM, WHICH AFTER HE HATH KILLED HATH POWER TO CAST INTO HELL; YEA, I SAY UNTO YOU, FEAR HIM-Lk 12:5. The word "fear" means exactly what it says. In a few verses, the words denoting "fear God" can be translated as "reverence." However, in most cases, it means to "be afraid." In some, it means to "tremble." Many people, in this lukewarm church age, want to make God appear less than He really is; they want to elevate themselves. In other cases, people are deceived by traditions that they have been taught or want to believe. (Note Rev 15:4.)

(2) AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM; FOR THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT (or when He will pass judgment-JNT¹⁶⁵)
IS COME. The Tribulation is a time of God's judgments and wrath. The world is also being admonished to glorify and worship the God of heaven. God's judgment is at hand. Note, "glorify Him" and "judgment" are connected.

(3) AND WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN (or the heavens),
AND EARTH, AND THE SEA, AND THE FOUNTAINS (or springs)
OF WATERS. In the Laodicean church age, the teaching that God is the Creator has been replaced by Satan's lie of evolution. These four items that are referred to as being made-heaven, earth, the sea, and the fountains-are also mentioned many times in the Revelation during the Tribulation. Three of these are affected by the first four trumpet judgments and other judgments as well. The angel is confirming that God made these things. The devil did not make them.

This message may be a warning not to glorify and worship the Antichrist and Satan for these things. Many people are not thankful for these things, God has given them. Perhaps this is one reason that judgments come upon three of them. The truth of God's creation is once again proclaimed-God made all things.

14:8. AND THERE FOLLOWED ANOTHER ANGEL, SAYING, BABYLON (the Great) IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN, THAT GREAT CITY, BECAUSE SHE MADE ALL NATIONS DRINK OF THE (maddening) WINE OF THE WRATH (or passion) OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries, or immorality) (or God's fury caused by her whoring-JNT¹⁶⁶). Ref Rev 17:16,18; 18:2,5,7,8,10,16,18,19,21; Isa 21:9; Jere 51:8. T2.

THE THIRD ANGEL
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14:8. AND THERE FOLLOWED ANOTHER ANGEL. This is the second angel that comes forth. The angel is

SAYING, BABYLON (the Great)
IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN, THAT GREAT CITY. (Please note the commentary in part 3C, "The Great Whore and City" and "The Babylonian Cult.")

In Rev 18:2, we see these words, BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN. Then Rev 17:18 identifies the woman as THAT GREAT CITY. That GREAT CITY is repeated in Rev 18:10,16,18,19, and 21. The great city is Rome. The whore within the city is the religion that is intermixed with Rome, which the people of the world have embraced-the Roman Catholic Church. The city and whore shall be destroyed; as it is written, THE TEN HORNS...SHALL HATE THE WHORE, AND SHALL.BURN HER WITH FIRE-Rev 17:16. BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN-Rev 18:2. HER SINS HAVE REACHED UNTO HEAVEN-Rev 18:5. HOW MUCH SHE HATH GLORIFIED HERSELF-Rev 18:7. THEREFORE...SHE SHALL BE UTTERLY BURNED WITH FIRE-Rev 18:8. FOR IN ONE HOUR IS THY JUDGMENT COME-Rev 18:10.

The Babylon that is fallen is the whore of Rome. The second Babylon that is fallen is that great city of Rome, but could also denote the old Babylon. Some, who may not understand the Babylonian cult becoming part of the Roman Catholic Church, have mistakenly thought the Babylon mentioned here would be a rebuilt Babylon in Iraq. Careful study of Revelation chapters 17-19, however, should show plainly that the old Babylon does not fit this description. Any attempt to rebuild the Babylon of old does not nullify that this is Rome. One might wonder, if the city of Rome will be renamed Babylon during the Tribulation.

The verse continues,
BECAUSE SHE MADE ALL NATIONS DRINK OF THE (maddening)
WINE OF THE WRATH OF HER FORNICATION (or adulteries) (or God's fury caused by her whoring-JNT¹⁶⁶). This, again, is referring to Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. The maddening wine represents the intoxicating, addictive power of her sin-her fornication, her adultery, and her vast system of spiritual corruption, which has a powerful hold upon the earth. The city and whore are depicted as a woman that commits adultery against her husband, or as one that has committed spiritual fornication or adultery against God. The city and whore of Rome have committed adultery against Almighty God. They have committed spiritual defection. God's wrath shall be poured out upon her. She is destroyed.

Exactly when this happens, during the Tribulation, is difficult to pinpoint. It appears to be sometime during the second part of the Tribulation. It may be when the Antichrist moves into the temple. Some others believe it could be at the end of the Tribulation. Both positions seem to be possible. Verse 8, however, deals mainly with the city of the whore.

14:9. AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN (or on) HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN (or on) HIS HAND. TM, T2.

14:9. AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE. Angel number three follows number one and two. Once again, we see the words, "with a loud voice." The message here is, the words that the angel has to say are to be proclaimed loudly so that all can hear. The clear message is,

IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN (or on)
HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN (or on)
HIS HAND,

14:10. THE SAME SHALL DRINK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH (or fury) OF GOD, WHICH IS POURED OUT WITHOUT MIXTURE (or undiluted, or full strength) INTO THE CUP OF HIS INDIGNATION (or rage, or wrath); AND HE SHALL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE (or sulfur) IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before) THE HOLY ANGELS, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before) THE LAMB. TM, T2, FE.

14:10. THE SAME SHALL DRINK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH (or fury)

OF GOD, WHICH IS POURED OUT WITHOUT MIXTURE (or undiluted, or full strength)
INTO THE CUP OF HIS INDIGNATION (or rage, or wrath).

Those that choose to ignore His warning, God is clearly and loudly telling them that His wrath or fury shall be poured undiluted into the cup of His rage or wrath. Then these people will have to drink of this cup.

They
SHALL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE (or sulfur). Regarding the degree or severity of punishment for eternity, they shall receive the harshest penalty imposed. These should receive the same punishment as the Antichrist, false prophet, and Satan himself. 

The verse continues,
IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before)
THE HOLY ANGELS, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF (or before)
THE LAMB.

Consider, the loud voice seems to indicate that every person will know this message before he worships the beast and his image and receives the mark. Remember, the false prophet will deceive the world by his miracles. Nevertheless, the two prophets of God will prove they are the true ones of God, as no one, including the false prophet and the Antichrist, will be able to stop them until their ministry is finished. This should be only after all have heard the message and have chosen whether to worship the beast and the image or not. Then the two prophets should be killed. Thus, the people of the earth should know, beyond any doubt, that they were sent by God in heaven. After 3 ½ days, they will come back to life and ascend into heaven.

It may be compared to Moses and Aaron in Egypt. AARON CAST DOWN HIS ROD BEFORE PHARAOH...IT BECAME A SERPENT...THE MAGICIANS OF EGYPT, THEY ALSO DID IN LIKE MANNER-Ex 7:10,11. From this the people might wonder who was really of God. But then, AARON'S ROD SWALLOWED UP THEIR RODS-Ex 7:12. This left no doubt that Moses and Aaron were of God and the magicians were not. Still, they did not believe.

Thus, verses 9 and 10 contain a very stern warning. Yet despite God's distinct warning, most of the earth chooses not to believe what He said. Most ignore it. Nevertheless, God's Word does come to pass, just as it is written. During the Tribulation, receiving the mark and worshiping the beast and his image is an unpardonable sin.

14:11. AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH (or goes, or rises) UP FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT, (those) WHO WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND WHOSOEVER RECEIVETH THE MARK OF HIS NAME. FE.

14:11. AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH (or goes, or rises)

UP FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT. These followers of Satan that were clearly shown the truth, yet chose to disregard it, shall be tormented for time without end. There shall never be a day or a night, for ever and ever, that they shall not be tormented. They will never have any rest. They will never have a moment of relief. Out of the lake of fire, smoke will come forth from their torment, and it shall also rise up for ever and ever. These are those WHO WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND WHOSOEVER RECEIVETH THE MARK OF HIS NAME. 

14:12. HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or when perseverance is needed) OF THE SAINTS (or God's people): HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP (or obey) THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS (or remain faithful to Jesus). Ref Rev 12:17. TM, T2.

14:12. HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or when perseverance is needed)

OF THE SAINTS (or God's people). The saints can rest assured that the disobedient shall receive the just reward for their actions.

HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP (or obey)
THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS (or remain faithful to Jesus). The true saints do keep God's commandments, which testifies of their love for God-ref Jn 14:15. The true Christians do remain faithful to Jesus, even when confronted with death. Note the words, in Rev 12:17-WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST.

14:13. AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAYING UNTO ME, WRITE, BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN (or united with) THE LORD FROM HENCEFORTH (or from now on): YEA, SAITH THE SPIRIT, THAT (now) THEY MAY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS (or efforts); AND THEIR WORKS (or deeds) DO FOLLOW THEM. Ref Phili 1:23. TM, T2.

ANOTHER ANGEL
CAME THE HARVEST
OF THE EARTH
1878-5A-6

14:13. AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAYING UNTO ME, WRITE. The word "write" is used, rather than speak or preach. During the Great Tribulation, there shall be a famine of hearing God's Word. True Christians may be running for their lives. It is written,

BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN (or united with)
THE LORD FROM HENCEFORTH (or from now on). The Great Tribulation (the second part of the Tribulation) is the worst time on the earth, since man has existed. Those that die "in the Lord" are blessed. They shall have rest; as it is written,

YEA, SAITH THE SPIRIT, THAT (now)
THEY MAY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS (or efforts);
AND THEIR WORKS (or deeds)
DO FOLLOW THEM. They shall also be rewarded for the things of the Lord that they have accomplished.

The disobedient will have torment and no rest. The followers of Jesus will have rewards and rest.
As Paul said, TO BE WITH CHRIST; WHICH IS FAR BETTER-Phili 1:23.

14:14. AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD (before me) A WHITE CLOUD, AND (sitting) UPON THE CLOUD ONE SAT LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN, HAVING ON HIS HEAD A GOLDEN CROWN, AND IN HIS HAND A SHARP SICKLE. A.

14:14. AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD (before me)

A WHITE CLOUD, AND (sitting)
UPON THE CLOUD ONE SAT LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN (which is Jesus),

HAVING ON HIS HEAD A GOLDEN CROWN, AND IN HIS HAND A SHARP SICKLE. This appears to be Jesus returning at Armageddon. In Matthew's Gospel alone, the "Son of Man" is mentioned approximately 31 times. The Son of Man is Jesus. He is coming as King, having on His head a golden crown. He is sitting on a cloud, ready to reap. The sharp sickle represents judgment. To cut the harvest down, a sharp instrument is needed.

14:15. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE, CRYING WITH A LOUD VOICE TO HIM THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD, THRUST IN THY SICKLE (or start using your sickle), AND REAP: FOR THE TIME IS COME FOR THEE TO REAP; FOR THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH IS RIPE. Ref Gen
15:16. A.

14:15. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE, CRYING WITH A LOUD VOICE TO HIM THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD, THRUST IN THY SICKLE (or start using your sickle),

AND REAP: FOR THE TIME IS COME FOR THEE TO REAP; FOR THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH IS RIPE. This is the fourth angel mentioned in chapter 14. The angel came from the temple with instructions. They appear to come from God the Father to Jesus. Those instructions seem to be most urgent, as he cries with a loud voice. The message seems to be saying that the time is at hand, do not delay. The reason there is to be no delay is that the harvest of the earth is ripe. The sin of the people has come to the full-they are completely wicked. The earth has turned to the Antichrist as its savior. They have worshiped the Antichrist and Satan. Their thinking has become totally corrupt. The people of the earth have committed an unforgivable sin, by taking the mark and worshiping the beast and his image. The patience of Jesus has ended. Note, the word from which "ripe" is translated appears to mean "over ripe."

14:16. AND HE THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD THRUST IN HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH (or swung his sickle over the earth-JNT¹⁶⁷); AND THE EARTH WAS REAPED (or harvested). A, JHA.

ANOTHER ANGEL CAME THE GATHERING OF THE GRAPES THE WINEPRESS
1879-5A-6

14:16. AND HE THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD (Jesus)

THRUST IN HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH (or swung his sickle over the earth-JNT¹⁶⁷);
AND THE EARTH WAS REAPED (or harvested). The sickle is swung, and the earth is harvested. From one end of the earth to the other, the people are cut down, even as a field that is ripe for harvest.

Verses 14-16 seem to pertain to the earth. The subject now appears to change to the people of the earth that have gathered in Israel. There, the armies of the world are gathered to make war against Jesus. It is written, AND HE GATHERED THEM TOGETHER INTO A PLACE CALLED IN THE HEBREW TONGUE ARMAGEDDON-Rev 16:16.

14:17. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE WHICH IS IN HEAVEN, HE ALSO HAVING A SHARP SICKLE. A, JHA.

14:17. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE WHICH IS IN HEAVEN, HE ALSO HAVING A SHARP SICKLE. This is the fifth angel mentioned in chapter 14. This angel also comes forth from the temple; however, he comes with a sharp sickle rather than instructions.

14:18. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT FROM THE ALTAR, WHICH HAD POWER (or was in charge) OVER FIRE; AND (he) CRIED (or called) WITH A LOUD CRY (or voice) TO HIM THAT HAD THE SHARP SICKLE, SAYING, THRUST IN (or use) THY SHARP SICKLE, AND GATHER THE CLUSTERS OF THE VINE (or grapes) OF THE EARTH; FOR HER GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE. A, JHA.

14:18. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME OUT FROM THE ALTAR, WHICH HAD POWER (or was in charge)

OVER FIRE; AND (he)
CRIED (or called)
WITH A LOUD CRY (or voice)

TO HIM THAT HAD THE SHARP SICKLE, SAYING, THRUST IN (or use)
THY SHARP SICKLE, AND GATHER THE CLUSTERS OF THE VINE (or grapes)

OF THE EARTH; FOR HER GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE. This is the sixth angel mentioned in chapter 14. Here the root word from which "ripe" is translated appears to mean "the precise time for complete ripeness, or fully ripe." It is slightly different than the word in v.15. This angel comes forth from the altar. He has power over fire. He also has brought instructions. These instructions convey a sense of urgency, as he cries with a loud cry. He also seems to be saying not to delay. The time is at hand. Then he gives the reason: because the grapes on the vine are fully ripe. Their sin has come to the full. They are ready to be cut, thrown into the winepress, and trampled on. The angel from the altar tells this to the angel that came from the temple.

The people, gathered in Israel for Armageddon, are depicted as grapes on a vine: they are fully ripe and ready to be cut down and squashed. The patience of Jesus has ended.

14:19. AND THE ANGEL THRUST (or swung) IN HIS SICKLE (down) INTO (or onto) THE EARTH, AND GATHERED THE VINE (or grapes) OF THE EARTH, AND CAST (or threw) IT INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH (or fury) OF GOD. A, JHA.

14:19. AND THE ANGEL THRUST (or swung)

IN HIS SICKLE (down)
INTO (or onto)
THE EARTH, AND GATHERED THE VINE (or grapes)
OF THE EARTH, AND CAST (or threw)
IT INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH (or fury)
OF GOD. First, the grapes are cut off the vine. Then, they are cast into the great winepress.

14:20. AND THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN (or trampled) WITHOUT (or outside) THE CITY, AND BLOOD CAME (or flowed) OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, (rising) EVEN UNTO (or as high as) THE HORSE BRIDLES, BY THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED FUR-LONGS (or two hundred miles). Ref Joel 3:2,13,14; Isa 63:3-6; Zech 12:11. A, JHA.

14:20. AND THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN (or trampled)

WITHOUT (or outside)
THE CITY (which is Jerusalem),

AND BLOOD CAME (or flowed)
OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, (rising)
EVEN UNTO (or as high as)
THE HORSE BRIDLES (estimated to be 4 to 5 1/2 feet),
BY THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED FURLONGS (or two hundred miles). The actual distance appears to be from 180 to 200 miles.

The winepress varies slightly in different countries. Generally, a winepress is a large, circular or rectangular structure. The walls may be about three feet high or built into the ground. Fully ripe grapes are cut from the vine with a sharp instrument, gathered, and emptied into an enclosure. Barefooted people then enter and begin to stamp the grapes, crushing them completely so that all the juice comes out. In some places this may now be done by machines.

The juice is gathered, and the remains of the crushed grapes are discarded.

Multitudes of people are gathered together in Israel for the Battle of Armageddon to fight against Jesus. They are described as fully ripe grapes that are gathered and thrown into a winepress. Then this multitude (perhaps, hundreds of millions of people) are squashed as grapes. The winepress is a place called Armageddon. They are trampled so completely that their blood will flow approximately 180 miles, rising to about four to six feet deep. It has been suggested that this distance could stretch from Bozrah (Edom) through the Valley of Jehoshaphat, reaching to Megiddo. The sin and rebellion of man against God brought the flood. The continued sin and rebellion of man against God brings the Battle of Armageddon.

The question might be asked, "Who says that people should not fear God?" It is the church of the Laodiceans; neither do they seem to comprehend God's fury and His abhorrence of sin. (Spiritual Warfare).

It is written, I WILL ALSO GATHER ALL NATIONS, AND WILL BRING THEM DOWN INTO THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT, AND WILL PLEAD WITH THEM THERE FOR MY PEOPLE AND FOR MY HERITAGE ISRAEL, WHOM THEY HAVE SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIONS, AND PARTED MY LAND. PUT YE IN THE SICKLE, FOR THE HARVEST IS RIPE: COME, GET YOU DOWN; FOR THE PRESS IS FULL, THE VATS OVERFLOW; FOR THEIR WICKEDNESS IS GREAT. MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION: FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION-Joel 3:2,13,14.

I HAVE TRODDEN THE WINEPRESS ALONE; AND OF THE PEOPLE THERE WAS NONE WITH ME: FOR I WILL TREAD THEM IN MINE ANGER, AND TRAMPLE THEM IN MY FURY; AND THEIR BLOOD SHALL BE SPRINKLED UPON MY GARMENTS, AND I WILL STAIN ALL MY RAIMENT. FOR THE DAY OF VENGEANCE IS IN MINE HEART, AND THE YEAR OF MY REDEEMED IS COME. MY FURY, IT UPHELD ME. AND I WILL TREAD DOWN THE PEOPLE IN MINE ANGER, AND MAKE THEM DRUNK IN MY FURY, AND I WILL BRING DOWN THEIR STRENGTH TO THE EARTH-Isa 63:3-6.

IN THAT DAY SHALL THERE BE A GREAT MOURNING IN JERUSALEM, AS THE MOURNING OF HADADRIMMON IN THE VALLEY OF MEGIDDON-Zech 12:11.

THE ANGELS
1880-5A-6

Rev chapter 14 describes:

In verses 14 and 16, one like Jesus sitting on a cloud.

In both verses 15 and 17, an angel came out of the temple.

In verse 18, an angel came from the altar.

In verse 14, one like Jesus.

In verses 15,17,18, an angel.

In verse 15, the angel from the temple gives instructions.

In verse 17, the angel from the temple gives no instructions.

In verse 18, the angel from the altar gives instructions.

In verse 14, the one like Jesus had a sickle.      In verse 16, he reaped the earth.

In verse 17, the angel had a sickle.                     In verse 19, he gathered the grapes.

There are a total of four beings: one like Jesus and the other three angels.

Two of them work.

Two give instructions. One angel gave instructions to the one like Jesus. The other angel gave instructions to another angel.

Three come out of a specific place.

Where one comes from is not stated.

Two actions are involved: 1) the earth reaped; 2) the grapes gathered.

A third action is: the winepress was trampled.