And they worshipped the dragon
The devil, in the idols, images, angels, and saints departed, to
whom they give adoration, as did the Gentiles, whose successors
they are, and whose name they bear; see ( 1
Corinthians 10:20 ) ;
which gave power unto the beast,
as in ( Revelation
13:2 ) ;
and they worshipped the beast;
not only in a civil way, being subject to him as their temporal
lord, to whom they give homage; obedience, and tribute, but in a
religious way; for antichrist sits in the temple to be worshipped
as God, showing himself that he is God, and receives adorations
from his creatures, the cardinals, and others; but woe to them
that worship this beast; see ( Revelation
14:9-11 ) .
Saying, who [is] like unto the beast?
using such expressions as are used of God himself, implying that
there is none like him, ( Exodus 15:11
) ( Psalms
113:5 ) ( Isaiah 40:18
Isaiah
40:25 ) , yea, they ascribe deity to him, calling him our
Lord God the pope, God, and a God on earth; (See Gill on
2 Thessalonians 2:4).
Who is able to make war with him?
And indeed, such was his power and strength once, that he was
more than a match for emperors and kings; and those were badly
off that engaged in a war with him, when his power was such, that
he could depose one, and set up other, kick the crowns of kings,
tread upon the necks of emperors, oblige them to hold his
stirrup, while mounted his horse, and keep them barefoot at his
gate for days together, waiting for admittance; of all which
there are instances.