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Reading Plan · Day 363

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Revelation 13-15

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Previously · Day 362 · Revelation 10-12

The previous day's reading showed that the events during the last half of the Tribulation will cause the Antichrist to cease from pursuing those believing Jews who will be hidden in order to focus on the rest of the world. In the KJV, this chapter ended with a period. In the ASV, it ended with a colon signifying the beginning of chapter 13 focused on what distracted the Antichrist, that was possessed by Satan, just after the midpoint of the Tribulation.

Day 363 Read

Where You Stopped

Revelation 13

Commentary · verses 1-18

This chapter was a continuation of the previous chapter which presented Satan's perspective up to just after the midpoint of the Tribulation and denoted by the "13".

The last verse of chapter 12 stated the dragon (Satan possessing the Antichrist) was upset with Israel and stopped pursuing her in order to deal with the rest of the world.

Revelation Timeline Chapter 13 continues Satan's view through the second half: the beasts.

1and he stood upon the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems, and upon his heads names of blasphemy.

1And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Commentary · verse 1

Satan in possession of the Antichrist stood on the sand. The beast came out of the sea. The beast was separate from the Antichrist. The "beast" referred to an entire system. The beast is a mass of people that Satan will use. This beast included the Antichrist.

2And the beast which I saw was like unto 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 throne, and great authority.

2And the beast which I saw was like unto 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, and great authority.

Commentary · verse 2

The Book of Daniel consisted of twelve chapters. The first six chapters documented Daniel's interactions with the heathen kings over Babylon. The last six chapters documented prophecies Daniel had about end times. This second half of the Book of Daniel (Daniel 7:1-8) began with a description of four beasts that were similar to this passage: lion, bear, leopard, and a fourth beast with ten horns that caused destruction. The dragon (Satan) gave the beast power.

3And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast; 4and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? and who is able to war with him?

3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Commentary · verses 3-4

Some look at the seven heads as different dispensations, with the head that was mortally wounded representing the dispensation when Jesus was resurrected. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross finished the beast system. It had no actual power. However, here was that same system that appeared to have power, but everything was being done through deception. The world will worship the dragon (Satan possessing the Antichrist) that gives power to the beast system.

5and there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and there was given to him authority to continue forty and two months.

5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Commentary · verse 5

The "mouth" was the Antichrist possessed by Satan. Forty-two months is 3 1/2 years, which corresponded to the second half of the Tribulation. Rather than continue to pursue those that go into hiding after the midpoint of the Tribulation, Satan will focus on implementing his beast system to control the inhabitants of the world.

6And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven.

6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

Commentary · verse 6

The Antichrist possessed by Satan openly blasphemed God, His temple, and His believers in heaven during the second half of the Tribulation.

7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to him authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Commentary · verse 7

Remember, Christians were raptured before the Tribulation began. Believers during the first half of the Tribulation were raptured at the midpoint, just before these events happen. Both sets of believers avoided wrath. All those who became believers during the second half of the Tribulation were at war with the Antichrist and were able to be overcome physically. Those who died during this time would be raptured with the Two Witnesses near the end of the Tribulation.

8And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.

8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Commentary · verse 8

There appeared to be three groups of people: believers who get killed, Jewish believers in hiding (in Edom and Moab), and followers of the Antichrist. These people who worshipped the Antichrist were people whose names were not written in the Book of Life.

9If any man hath an ear, let him hear.

10If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

9If any man have an ear, let him hear.

10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Commentary · verses 9-10

These two verses were written to people who will live during the second half of the Tribulation in order to encourage these believers that Justice will eventually be executed on those who follow the Antichrist. Remember, the Holy Spirit will only be in the Two Witnesses, so believers will only be able to be led through logic and not through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

11And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like unto a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

11And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Commentary · verse 11

The beast mentioned in verse 11 was the False Prophet. He appeared to be a lamb, but he was actually a dragon. He appeared to be like Christ/God, but he was actually like Satan. We now can see an "Anti-trinity":

  • The Antichrist is self explanatory.
  • This false prophet is the "Anti-Holy Spirit."
  • The abomination that causes desolation that is set up in the temple at the midpoint of the Tribulation is the "Anti-God the Father."

12And he exerciseth all the authority of the first beast in his sight. And he maketh the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose death-stroke was healed.

12And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Commentary · verse 12

The False Prophet has all the power of the beast system (Revelation 13:1) and his focus is to lead people to worship the beast system. The Holy Spirit's focus is to lead us into all truth, which involves worshipping God the Father.

13And he doeth great signs, that he should even make fire to come down out of heaven upon the earth in the sight of men.

13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

Commentary · verse 13

Paul warned of lying signs in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. Notice, this time of lying signs and wonders occurs during the second half of the Tribulation, not before this time, including today. These signs and wonders will be through deception and only once the "Anti-trinity" is in place. Remember, believers will not be able to physically stand before the Antichrist during the second half of the Tribulation.

14And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by reason of the signs which it was given him to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who hath the stroke of the sword and lived.

14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Commentary · verse 14

The deception will be so great, the False Prophet will convince the people on earth to make an image to the beast, to state their will they have renounced God to the point they will make their own god.

15And it was given unto him to give breath to it, even to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as should not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Commentary · verse 15

The False Prophet will cause the image of the beast to speak and kill those who do not worship the image. This sounded a lot like Daniel 3.

16And he causeth all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead;

16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Commentary · verse 16

People will be required to have a mark on their right hand or forehead.

17and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, even the name of the beast or the number of his name.

17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Commentary · verse 17

Without this mark, people will not be able to buy or sell. This requirement to take the mark will require a conscious decision by the individual. Notice, the decision to take this mark occurs during the second half of the Tribulation because of a speaking image of the beast. This will not happen without people knowing about it.

18Here is wisdom. He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred and sixty and six.

18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Commentary · verse 18

The mark of the beast will be 666. This completed the explanation from Satan's perspective that began in chapter 12.

Where You Stopped

Revelation 14

Commentary · verses 1-20

This chapter presented specifics concerning events that occur during the second half of the Tribulation from the perspective of believers.

1And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.

1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

Commentary · verse 1

John saw the Lamb (Christ) with the 144,000. These were raptured after the first half of the tribulation after their converts from Revelation 7:9-10.

2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

Commentary · verse 2

John heard a voice and he heard harps.

3and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth.

3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

Commentary · verse 3

The 144,000 that were redeemed from the earth were the only ones who understood the song.

4These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.

5And in their mouth was found no lie: they are without blemish.

4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Commentary · verses 4-5

The 144,000 were undefiled virgins. They followed Christ wherever He went and were redeemed among men. They were the first-fruits to God and Christ. In their mouths was no guile because they had no flaw before the throne of God. They were pure internally (cause) which led to no guile externally (effect). These events will occur during the second half of the Tribulation, after the war in heaven results in Satan's and his followers' expulsion from heaven.

6And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people;

6And 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,

Commentary · verse 6

Angels will minister to the nations during the last half of the tribulation. This runs concurrently with the Two Witnesses' ministry from Revelation 11.

7and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.

7Saying 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.

Commentary · verse 7

The angels will proclaim the Gospel.

8And another, a second angel, followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that hath made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

8And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Commentary · verse 8

Babylon the great was a false religion, a religion that appeared to be Christian but whose purpose was to deceive people into following the Antichrist. This angel proclaimed the destruction.

9And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand, 10he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name.

9And 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,

10The 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:

11And 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.

Commentary · verses 9-11

The first angel preached the gospel, which was achieve gain: the benefit.

The second angel encouraged believers that were abused that their abusers would be judged.

The third angel warned everyone that if they took the mark, there was not repentance, which was fear of loss: the punishment.

These three approaches by these three angels were referenced as the causes for the patience of the saints...

12Here is the patience of the saints, they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

13And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.

12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Commentary · verses 12-13

A blessing was declared for those believers who give up their lives instead of taking the mark.

Commentary · verses 14-18

Verses 14-18: a preview of the battle of Armageddon, which would occur on the final day of the Tribulation.

14And I saw, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud I saw one sitting like unto a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15And another angel came out from the temple, crying with a great voice to him that sat on the cloud, Send forth thy sickle, and reap: for the hour to reap is come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

16And he that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17And another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

18And another angel came out from the altar, he that hath power over fire; and he called with a great voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Send forth thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and 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.

15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

Commentary · verse 18

The phrase "clusters of the vine of the earth" referred to the earth's people.

19And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great winepress, of the wrath of God.

19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Commentary · verse 19

See Revelation 19:15 concerning the "winepress."

20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and there came out blood from the winepress, even unto the bridles of the horses, as far as a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Commentary · verse 20

Verse 20 described a lake of blood that was as deep as the height of a horse's bridle and about 184 miles long. This will be the result of everyone dying at the battle of Armageddon. The events of this chapter are denoted by the "14" and the arrow.

Revelation Timeline Chapter 14 is the believers' view of the second half, through Armageddon.

Where You Stopped

Revelation 15

Commentary · verses 1-8

This chapter was focused on details of the last days of the Tribulation from the perspective of heaven.

1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having seven plagues, which are the last, for in them is finished the wrath of God.

1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Commentary · verse 1

John saw seven angels with seven plagues that came upon the earth to finish God's wrath at the end of the Tribulation.

2And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.

2And 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.

Commentary · verse 2

John saw those who endured and were victorious over the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name. Again, these people were present in heaven which spoke to a rapture near the end of the Tribulation.

3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.

3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Commentary · verse 3

They will sing the song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) and the Song of the Lamb.

Doctrines on this passage

4Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest.

4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Commentary · verse 4

Verse 4 spoke of the Millennial reign of Christ on earth.

5And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6and there came out from the temple the seven angels that had the seven plagues, arrayed with precious stone, pure and bright, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles.

5And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

6And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

Commentary · verses 5-6

John saw the temple in heaven opened and the seven angels with the plagues came out.

7And one of the four living creatures gave unto the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and none was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels should be finished.

7And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Commentary · verses 7-8

No man will enter the temple until the seven plagues that complete the Tribulation are finished. These seven plagues were represented as seven bowls. The events of this chapter are denoted by the "15".

Revelation Timeline Chapters 15–16 are the seven bowls, poured out in the last days of the Tribulation.

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