The Rise of the Antichrist in Power

Revelation 13:1 is a transitional verse that takes us from the spiritual realm of heaven into the physical realm of earth. In chapter twelve God gave details of what Satan was doing behind the scenes of man's sight in the spiritual realm to thwart the plan of God. Revelation 13:1 moves us from that spiritual realm into the physical and to the rise of a man who will be the physical embodiment of Satan and empowered by him. This man will be the Antichrist.
The word "beast" describes the real character of Antichrist hidden behind a facade of peace. "Beast" describes his real agenda and purpose for existence. He will be the embodiment of all anti-Christian attitudes and agendas. Underlying everything he does will be deception, whatever it costs and whatever lies are required (Revelation 20:8 and Ephesians 4:14). Probably he will be a very charismatic politician promoting a humanitarian agenda (the social gospel; socialism) and promoting world peace. According to I Thessalonians 5:3, "peace and safety" will be his campaign slogan, but war, destruction and world dominion will be his real agenda.