V.1-10 This is the Roman Empire coming back into existence — a “beast” rising out of the sea. The sea is a picture of the restless mass of the Gentile nations in western Europe.
V.4 Through this power, the people will turn to the worship of Satan.
V.11 “Another beast” represents an entirely different person from “a beast” in verse 1. This is the “man of sin,” the “Antichrist,” (2 Thess. 2:3-10), the “false prophet” (Rev. 19:20); these 3 names describe the same man. These two powers — the head of the Roman Empire “a beast” (of verse 1) and the Antichrist “another beast” — together with Satan form the trinity of evil. They will control the western world during that awful time until the Lord Jesus comes out of heaven in fury and rage (Rev. 19:11-13; 2 Thess. 2:8), and casts these 2 men, alive, into hell (Rev. 19:20).
V.12-18 These men will have great power.
V.16-17 Everyone will have to have a mark in their forehead. If not, they will not be allowed to buy or sell!
V.18 A lot of people try to tell the meaning of these numbers “666.” But our advice is not to waste time trying to figure out what is not plain. We believe that the true meaning of this number won’t be known until the “beast” appears.