He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
He that leadeth into captivity. A B C, Vulgate, read, 'if anyone (be) for captivity.'
Shall go into captivity - present, 'goeth into captivity.' A, Vulgate; Jeremiah 15:2 is alluded to: 'Aleph (') B C read simply, 'he goeth away,' and omit "into captivity."
He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. So 'Aleph ('); but B C, Vulgate, 'shall kill;' A omits "must:" 'if any (be) for being killed, (it must be) that he be killed.' As of old, so those to be persecuted by the beast have their trials severally appointed by God's fixed counsel. 'Aleph (') B C reading is, a warning to persecutors that they shall be punished in kind.
Here - Herein: in bearing their appointed sufferings lies the persevering endurance of the saints. This is to be the watchword of the elect during this period. The first beast is to be met by patience and faith (Revelation 13:10); the second by true wisdom (Revelation 13:18; Revelation 16:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10).