Reading for May 4th

TWO BEASTS ARISE In 12.18-13.18: We first see the dragon preparing for battle. Read Revelation 12.18-13.10 The beast from the sea is the ancient sea monster leviathan, already used as a model for the dragon (12.3), The first description echoes that of the dragon, but this is modified by details from Daniel's beasts (Dan 7.1-7). In verse 3: One of its heads refers to an individual ruler who is cut off, probably referring to the killing of Julius Caesar, whose death did not kill the beast of the empire. Its mortal wound refers to the wound of the beast, not to the head. In verse 5: Forty-two months is the period of evil (see 11.2). In verse 6: The blasphemies are the claims to divinity inherent in the cult of the emperors: Julius was divine and later emperors are sons of the divine Julius. In verse 7: That the beast is to make war on the saints is expected, but it is surprising that it will conquer them (but see 11.7). In verse 9: Let anyone who has an ear, listen repeats the chorus of all seven messages to the churches (chs. 2-3). In verse 10: Both escape and armed rebellion are futile; persistence is called for. Comments or Questions..