Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 13
The Book of Daniel often refers to the proud words of the antichrist (the great ruler who will lead the world’s people to oppose Christ). It is not enough for antichrist to act cruelly or to oppose God’s people, as other evil rulers do. He also will declare his complete hate towards God, heaven, and the people of God. He will do that in a manner that nobody has ever done before him (Daniel 11:36).
Paul also refers to Daniel 11:36 in his description of the antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He adds that the antichrist will declare himself to be god. For that reason, he will oppose every religion except his own. The Bible does not teach that all religions are alike. It teaches that the only right religion is to serve the true God. The antichrist will oppose both true religion and false religions. He will even take his place in God’s temple (the house of God) for that purpose.
Many people, of course, speak proud words, even against God, but their words are not reality. The events of their lives prove that they are weak people. They are weaker even than other people upon earth; clearly, they cannot be greater than God.
However, the antichrist really will be more powerful than anyone on earth has ever been. He will have political authority over everyone in the world; his government will rule the whole world.
The antichrist will even have authority to fight against God’s people and to defeat them. Daniel 11:31-35 says more about this. It will be the worst period of time that has ever happened (Daniel 12:1). However, it will only last for 42 months (Revelation 13:5; Daniel 12:7). Then Christ will come and he will defeat the antichrist and all his evil forces (19:11-21).
Next part: How God’s people will live during their greatest troubles (Revelation 13:8-10)
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© 2016, Keith Simons.