Revelation 17:13

13 They have one purpose--to give their power and authority to the beast.

Revelation 17:13 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 17:13

These have one mind
The princes of these kingdoms, and their subjects, become, in time, of one religion; first they were Arians, and then Papists; and for a long series of time there was great unity between them, with respect to religious sentiments, being zealously attached to the church of Rome, its principles and practices:

and shall give their power and strength unto the beast;
the Papal antichrist, the eighth king, and seventh head; to him they have given power to exercise all ecclesiastical authority in their kingdoms; as to ordain bishops, and deliver the pall to whom they will; to excommunicate offenders, and even lay their kingdoms under an interdict when they pleased; and have assisted and defended the popes of Rome with all their force, with all their might and main, and to the utmost of their power, and have engaged in what have been called the holy wars, at their motion; they have given their riches and wealth, which are called the forces of strength, ( Job 36:19 ) which they have, by various methods, drained them of; hence the whore of Rome came to be decked with gold, and pearls, and precious stones; yea, they have given them their kingdoms, and have received them from them, and become tributary to them.

Revelation 17:13 In-Context

11 The beast that was and is no longer is the eighth king. It belongs with the seven kings and goes to its destruction.
12 "The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet started to rule. They will receive authority to rule as kings with the beast for one hour.
13 They have one purpose--to give their power and authority to the beast.
14 They will go to war against the lamb. The lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are called, chosen, and faithful are with him."
15 The angel also said to me, "The waters you saw, on which the prostitute is sitting, are people, crowds, nations, and languages.
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