Unholy Trinity: Antichrist's Rise

Chapter 13 begins with a focus on "a beast coming up out of the sea" - a composite wild animal that represents the historic world empires over Israel (united under Roman rule). Verse 3 changes the focus to "one of his heads" - an individual leader of one of those empires who will be killed, resurrect and cause the world to wonder after him. This man is also known in the Bible as the antichrist (1 John 2:18), the man of lawlessness & son of destruction (2 Thess. 2:3), the little horn (Dan. 7:8), the lawless one (2 Thess. 2:8) and one who makes desolate (Dan. 9:27). This leader will arise with the help of the dragon (Satan), who will give him his power, his throne and his great authority. The world will worship him for three reasons: (1) his Satanic position; (2) his death and resurrection; and (3) his ability to war over believers. He will speak arrogant words and blasphemies against God, claiming he is God. Many believers will go into captivity and be killed, having opportunity to show their genuine perseverance and faith in Christ.