Revelation 13:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Revelation 13:1.— In this chapter we have a further account of the state of the church and world, in the third period. The representation of the wild beasts, in this vision, refers to the same times with the two former visions, of the witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, and the woman flying into the wilderness. Power is given unto the beast to continue, or to make war, and prevail forty and two months. This vision gives a more distinct account of the manner and means by which the true church and worshippers of God should be persecuted, and so greatly oppressed, as is represented by the woman's flying into the wilderness, and the slaying of the witnesses: so that this representation, in conjunction with the two former, will afford us a sufficient description of the state of providence and the church, with the useful lessons of caution, patience, and faithfulness, in times of great corruption and danger: which seem to be the principal intentions of the Spirit of prophesy, in the whole of these revelations. See the following note.