Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Revelation 13:11-18
The beast out of the earth 13:11-18Most interpreters who see the first beast as an individual also see the second beast as one. Others who see the first beast as a power or movement tend to view the second beast similarly. [Note: E.g., ibid., p. 172.] Many of the Reformers identified the second beast as the papacy or as specific popes. Many modern interpreters view the first beast as the personification of secular power in opposition to the church and the second beast as the personification of... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Revelation 13:14
14. deceiveth them that dwell on the earth—the earthly-minded, but not the elect. Even a miracle is not enough to warrant belief in a professed revelation unless that revelation be in harmony with God's already revealed will. by the means of those miracles—rather as Greek, "on account of (because of; in consequence of) those miracles." which he had power to do—Greek, "which were given him to do." in the sight of the beast—"before him" ( :-). which—A, B, and C read, "who"; marking, perhaps, a... read more