Big Idea: Believers are called to discernment so they can distinguish true from false worship in order not to compromise with satanic powers.

Understanding the Text

Revelation 13:11–18 introduces the second beast, the final member of the unholy trinity. This beast appears as the “false prophet” elsewhere in Revelation, pointing to its religious role (16:13; 19:20; 20:10). Mounce summarizes the workings of this evil triad: “As Christ received authority from the Father (Matt. 11:27), so Antichrist receives authority from the dragon (Rev. 13:4); and as the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ (John 16:14), so the false prophet glorifies the Antichrist (Rev. 13:12).”1The beast from the earth uses religious deception to coerce people into false worship.

Outline

v. The beast from the earth (13:11–18…