CASE STUDY

Session 9 delves into the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18), addressing diverse interpretations and potential abuses. By exploring the context and employing gematria, it proposes a straightforward solution—associating the number 666 with the term "beast." The emphasis is on the profound impact of worship, akin to having it symbolically stamped on the forehead and hands.

Classroom

**_Simplifying Revelation: How to Read the Book of Revelation_**

***Session 9:* CASE STUDY: What about the Mark of the Beast? (Revelation 13:16-18)**

I. Introduction

a. Legends, Lore, and Abuses

i. What do we do about the mark of the beast—666?

1. Fear

2. Abuse

3. CONCLUSION: There are as many interpretations of the Mark of the Beast as there are people.

ii. Key Questions:

1. Was the meaning of the number clear for the people of his time or just as confusing to the original readers?

2. Are we missing the forest by focusing on this one tree?

II. The Context of the Mark of the Beast

a. Revelation 13:18

i. Approach

ii. The Number of its Name (Rev 13:17; 15:2)

iii. Gematria (cf. Pompeii graffiti; Gen 14:14; Sibylline Oracles 1.324-9)

b. What is the solution?

i. The answer is simple: “beast.”

ii. If the Greek word for beast—θηριον—is transliterated into Hebrew—תריון—and the letters are added up, it equals = 666.

III. Interpretation

a. Why on the forehead and hands? (Deut 6:4-9; Matt 23:5)

b. Other references in Revelation

i. Revelation 14:1—Seal on their foreheads

IV. CONCLUSION:

a. Who you worship defines you, and it should be as clear as if you had it stamped on your forehead and on your hands.



Session 09

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