Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Revelation 13:11
THE LAMB-LIKE DRAGON.
I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth. John sees this
second monster coming up out of the earth, a beast that has two horns
like a lamb, and a voice like the voice of a dragon. There is a close
connection existing between the ten-horned and the two-horned beast.
The latter (1) exercises the power of the first beast before him, (2)
causeth the earth to worship the first beast, (3) says to the earth
that it should make an image of the first beast (Revelation 13:14), (4) gives
life unto the image of the first beast, and (5) causes those who will
not worship the image to be slain (Revelation 13:15). These statements show
that there exists a close connection between the two, and that the last
is the supporter and restorer of the first. We have found the first to
be a symbolical representation of the temporal power of Rome. Most
Protestant commentators see in the second beast the spiritual power of
Rome, the power which gave life to, and built up, the temporal dominion
of the Papacy. The Papal claims are two-fold, both of spiritual and
temporal dominion. St. Peter with the sword and the keys is always
represented as the symbol of the Papal power; the sword of temporal
sway, and the keys of the kingdom. The Pope not only claims to be the
vicar of Christ, but the rightful ruler of the kings of the earth, and
in this capacity, in the days of his greatness, has made and deposed
kings, and granted kingdoms.
And he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. There
is a similitude like the Lamb of God; a counterfeit representation; but
a voice like the old dragon of pagan Rome. Both features show
themselves. It professes to be Christian power. Sometimes its servants
do a really lamb-like work, but then again we hear the dragon's voice.
It can hardly be necessary to state that symbolism could choose no
language more appropriate to represent the harsh, arrogant utterances
of Rome when she puts forth her power, or asserts her authority.
Whoever has heard the harsh orders of the priest to his flock, has
heard the dragon's voice. How appropriately this language describes the
bulls of Popes, or the fulminations of anathemas and excommunications
against their enemies!
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Revelation 13:4
Revelation 13:13
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