The book of Revelation is a fascinating study. Unfortunately, it is often considered "too difficult" to understand. Granted, there are difficult sections but, with good study resources and desire, these can be understood as well. The primary reason for this label of complexity is that the book was written in apocalyptic style- revealed through signs and symbols. In fact, the Greek name for this book is "the Apokalupsis (Revelation) of John." Jesus begins the book by saying he "signified it by His angel unto His servant John" (Rev. 1:1, KJV). The Greek word translated "signified" can simply mean "communicated" (NASB) but is often used with the sense of indicating, signifying, or explaining by way of illustration (John 12:32-33; 21:18-19). Word pictures are used to help someone understand something they could not otherwise understand or, at the least, would have difficulty in understanding. This kind of "sign" or figurative language was often used by the OT prophets and, therefore, is fittingly used in the book of Revelation which borrows so much of its language from the prophets. So, we must constantly remind ourselves, lest we incorrectly interpret the book, that the language of Revelation is symbolic.

I believe Revelation was written by the apostle John circa A.D. 95 while banished to the island of Patmos "because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (1:9-11). It was during this period that Domitian was Emperor of Rome and instituted a worldwide persecution of Christians. The symbolic language of Revelation allowed God to reveal a message of judgment upon Rome and deliverance of His people in such a way that his people could understand it while others, namely the Roman authorities, could not. While there is a great deal of Roman imagery in the book, the Romans could not see it as such without a detailed knowledge of the Old Testament symbolism used in conjunction with it. Both of these sources were very familiar to the early Christians.

Numbers play a great part in the symbolic message of Revelation. Throughout the book, "seven" is representative of God, his people, and perfection (1:4, 12, 16, 20; 2:1; 3:1; 4:5; 5:1, 6 etc.). If we were asked to rate the greatness of God and the greatness of Satan on a scale from zero to seven, we would agree that God would be a seven. But I think many would give Satan a zero. However, God rates Him at six.

In actuality, "the beast" is not Satan. Satan is a "dragon" (12:9; cf. 12:3; 20:2). However, Satan is directly associated with the beast and "gave his authority to the beast" (13:1, 4). The first beast of Revelation 13, "the beast... out of the sea," is clearly the Roman Empire as the "whole earth was amazed" by her, "followed" her, "worshipped" her, and she "made war with the Saints" (13:4, 8, 7; cf. Dan. 7:21). One reason the world became so enthralled with Rome was the creation of the Emperor cult- a religion that worshipped the emperor as a god. Although this religion existed before Domitian, it was he who fully adapted it and demanded the worship of all people in the Empire (13:15). This religion, I believe, is the second beast, "the beast... out of the earth" (13:11-12; cf. 16:13; 19:20).

Those who would worship the emperor were marked (13:16). Whether this was a literal or figurative marking, we cannot be sure. On the other hand, we are sure as to its meaning. People were marked in the sense that it was made publicly and clearly known who were loyal to the Empire and who were not. The mark or "number of the beast" (13:18) is the status of being loyal to Rome and, consequently, to Satan (13:4).

Why are Satan and His followers given a number (666) even remotely close to the number associated with God (7)? God has never wanted us to underestimate the power of Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). And, sometimes, evil seems to be "overpowering" good (Dan. 7:19-21). However, God, and those who stand with Him, will always overcome evil (Dan. 7:22). 666 is "the number... that of a man" (Rev. 13:18). Even the greatest of men are nothing before God (Isa. 40:22-24). As powerful as Satan seems to be at times, his number contains no seven. Satan will never be a match for God.

Today, like those who chose Rome over God, those who are more loyal to this world than God will "drink the wine of the wrath of God" and "the cup of His anger" (Rev. 14:9-11). However, those who have "washed their robes... in the blood of the Lamb" will live "before the throne of God... and... the Lamb... will guide them to the springs of the water of life... and God will wipe every tear from their eyes" (7:14-17). Whose mark of loyalty do you have on you?

- Biblical Insights, Nov. 2012