Revelation 13. This chapter records the appearance of two beasts: (a) the one rising from the sea (Revelation 13:1-10), (b) the other springing from the earth (Revelation 13:11-18). The first beast is conquered by the dragon, the second beast derives its authority from the first. The chapter throughout is reminiscent of Daniel 7. The first beast is generally identified with the Roman Empire and the second with the spirit of paganism which inculcated the cult of Cæ sar-worship. The portrait of the first beast in the concluding verses seems to individualise in the person of Nero; at any rate this appears to be the most plausible interpretation of the number 666. The point of the chapter seems to be this. The dragon, beaten in the heavenly war by Michael and his angels, turns his attention to earth, and endeavours to exterminate the Christian faith by inspiring the Roman Empire to persecute.