As we move on through Revelation, the beast from the sea will be referred to as simply “the beast.” The beast from the land will be referred to on three separate occasions as “the false prophet” (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). What John sees is a blasphemous false trinity: the dragon (Satan), the beast, and the false prophet.

The first beast represents the satanic perversion of the civil or political sphere. The second beast represents the perversion of religion as it directs worship to the first beast. As we saw with the first beast, the second beast engages in a wicked parody of Christ. This second beast is likened to a lamb with horns as was Christ himself in 5:6. His description also fits the Lord’s warning against false prophets in Matthew 7:15, “they come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” His two horns, rather than the first beast’s ten horns, seem to indicate his subordinate position to the first beast. Again, as so often in Revelation, it seems best to me to take this beast or false prophet as a power at work in the world throughout its history. However, it may also be the case that a particular figure will arise at the end of the age who sums up all the false prophets who have gone before.

The number of this beast, 666, is not meant as a puzzle to be solved. It represents fallen humanity in rebellion against God (vs. 18) and a parody of God’s sealing of his people. The economic penalty of refusing to worship the beast calls to mind the power of the trade guilds in the first few centuries. It was a way of marginalizing and impoverishing Christians as punishment for their rejection of the false faith. All of this calls for wisdom on the part of the church (vs. 18). Wisdom is needed to discern the second beast’s deceitfulness as it tempts God’s people into false worship, adulterating their allegiance to Christ.