We see that the power of this sea beast was not only against the saints, but he would make war upon, and he would have authority over “every tribe, tongue, and nation.”

The worshipers of the dragon and the sea beast are described as those whose names are NOT (it’s important to insert and remember the word “NOT”) written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world [“All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” verse 8]. Of course, we know that the “Book of Life” refers to that book in which God has, if you will, His “honor roll” of all those who are His. This is the same group, by the way, who were sealed in chapter 7 and verse 4 [“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.”].

Would the worshipers of the dragon and the sea beast, those whose names are NOT written the Book of Life of the Lamb, be a fair understanding of what we know of the Roman Empire that had been, that continued to be, in existence at that time, and would continue on into even the 2^nd Century? I believe it is.

But, there is, and can be made, a broader application, a broader understanding, a broader view, of what this sea beast is. It is a view, an application, that goes beyond just the 1^st and the 2^nd Century, and this application sees governments, it sees kingdoms, it sees empires, of every age at every time in every place. And whenever and wherever a king, a kingdom, a nation, a government, oppresses and persecutes the people of God, then they are represented by this beast of the sea.

A Note of Caution (verses 9-10)

“9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

Verse 10 assures the church that those who lead men captive shall themselves go into captivity and those who kill with the sword will be killed with the sword. Is there a specific application here? Does the Holy Spirit through John have something specific in mind? Or is he simply stating a general principle; is this a truism, so to speak?

Well, vengeance belongs to the Lord, Paul says, Romans 12 and verse 19 [“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”]. And, indeed, this domination, this power, this authority, of Satan and the beast will not last forever. There will be a day of reckoning, there will be a day of judgment, for Satan, for every evil emperor and depot who has ever lived, as well as for all others who have ever lived.

We know that there are some who are “IN captivity” already—those who are worshiping the dragon and the sea beast, those who are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. So, the evil ones, the dragon, the sea beast, all of those who are associated with them who, in effect, leadpeople intocaptivity will themselves end up in captivity. Those who kill by the sword will be killed by the sword. They receive God’s just retribution, and it is this that makes for the patience, for the steadfast endurance, for the perseverance, and for the faith of the saints. You 1^st Century saint in Ephesus and in Thyatira and in Sardis and these other places where this letter was sent, you take heart, because this hardship, this persecution, this suffering, that you are experiencing will not go on forever. There will be an end to it. And there will be a “day of reckoning,” so to speak. [2Thessalonians 1:3-10: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” 1 Peter 1:3-9: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.”]