13:4
So why did the people worship the dragon? Now note that they are not directly worshipping the dragon, but the beast. However, it is the dragon who has given the beast power and authority. So while the world is not aware of it, it is the dragon that they are worshipping. They thought the beast was unique and worthy of worship, and that no one could wage war against him. We see a world that is utterly deceived. Now in John’s day people would think that the Roman Empire was all powerful and no one could challenge it. Today there can be various powers that arise, or ideas that arise, that seem unchallengeable. We should not be fooled.
13:5
Earlier we read that the two witnesses would prophesy for 42 months, here the beast exercises his authority for the same period. The two periods could be coincident or sequential. The first thing to note is that his period of authority is limited. Secondly, it is given to him. He does not have power of his own right. Now in 13:4 we read that it was the dragon who gave the beast authority, it is also true that all this is happening under God’s sovereignty.
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