Satan has been thrown down to earth, and now focuses his efforts on earth. He is authorized to reign over the earth. He uses the power given him to impose upon all to worship him. He makes war on the only ones that resist him, who are the saints written in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. Believers are called to persevere, trusting in God’s judgment of those who persecute them.
Revelation 13:7Revelation 13:7 commentary begins with another granting of authority: Itwas also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. (v.7).
The him in verse 7 refers to the beast. We have seen a grant of authority by God precede every major event in Revelation. This underscores a consistent theme that God is always on His throne, serving as the ultimate authority over all. All that is, God has allowed. But within God’s allowances, created beings make choices. And those choices have consequences.
Here one of the authorizations is for Satan to make war with the saints and to overcome them. The Greek word translated overcome is “nikao” which is also translated as “overpower,” “prevail,” “conquer,” and “victorious.” The word saints translates the Greek word “hagios” that is often translated “holy.” It refers to something that is specially set apart by God. In this case, it refers to God’s people.
Satan was defeated and cast out of heaven by Michael and his angels (Revelation 12:7-9Revelation 12:7-9 commentary). Although evicted from heaven, Satan has now been authorized to take over the earth through the agency of the beast. Part of that takeover will involve warring with the saints of God and overcoming them. Many saints will be killed.
There will be many martyrs that come out of this awful time of tribulation (Revelation 17:6Revelation 17:6 commentary). In the previous chapter we saw that God will provide a place of refuge for some to flee (Revelation 12:14Revelation 12:14 commentary). But that will apparently only apply to a remnant. Many believers will be martyred, many by being beheaded (Revelation 20:4Revelation 20:4 commentary). Those who are martyred during this time will gain special honors for their faithful testimony to Jesus (Revelation 20:4Revelation 20:4 commentary).
The beast will rule the entire earth: authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. Such language calls to mind the original commission God gave humanity to “fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28Genesis 1:28 commentary), yet here it is inverted: instead of the earth filling with godly stewardship, as God intended, the beast fills the earth with the violence of tyranny.
This persecution by the beast might be foreshadowed by earlier rulers, such as the Roman emperors like Nero (reigned A.D. 54-68) and Domitian (reigned A.D. 81-96). Their persecution tested the early church’s perseverance. Those events foreshadow a future, universal manifestation of such persecution on a vastly larger scale.
Again, this authority is given to him (the beast). We know that all authority that is given to humans on earth is delegated to them by God (Romans 13:1Romans 13:1 commentary). The beast will overcome (“nikao”) the saints. But the saints will win a greater victory (“nikao”) by overcoming as Jesus overcame (Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary).
This clash between the saints and the beast is the culmination of Jesus’ assertion that in this world His followers “will have tribulation” (John 16:33John 16:33 commentary). Though the saints are “overcome” by the beast in a physical sense, Revelation promises that those who have a faithful testimony will gain the ultimate victory. Physical defeat in the temporal realm contrasts with victory in the eternal realm. In this tension, believers are invited to cling to the hope that enduring suffering for the sake of Christ brings an everlasting reward (Matthew 5:11-12Matthew 5:11-12 commentary, 19:2819:28 commentary, Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary).
The beast will dominate the entire earth, apparently becoming not only a global dictator but also an object of worship: All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain (v.8).
The sweeping phrase all who dwell on the earth underscores the beast’s worldwide influence. Yet those who belong to Christ, whose names are recorded in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain, will refuse to worship the beast. This will likely be the cause of the war between the beast and God’s people. The beast will demand worship and God’s people will refuse.
We saw in Revelation 13:4Revelation 13:4 commentary the people worshipped the beast out of fear, saying “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” However, those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain will refuse to worship, even though they also are not able to make war and overcome the fierce power of the beast. It will cost many people their lives.
At the end of the last chapter, we saw the dragon enraged that he could not destroy the woman, who represents Israel. So, he turned his attention to persecute “the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17Revelation 12:17 commentary). It seems the basic approach taken by the beast is “Worship me or die.” We saw Satan’s desire to be worshipped when he tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:9Matthew 4:9 commentary). He is now imposing worship by means of force.
The phrase book of life of the Lamb who has been slain appears only here. This could be a special book related to those who overcome during the period Jesus called a time of “great tribulation” in Matthew 24:21Matthew 24:21 commentary. It could also be the same as the “book of life” that is referred to elsewhere in Revelation.
The following is a list where the phrase “book of life” occurs in Revelation, in addition to the occurrence in verse 8 where “book of life” is part of the phrase book of life of the Lamb who has been slain:
Revelation 3:5Revelation 3:5 commentary says those who overcome will be rewarded by not having their names blotted out of the book of life. This indicates that the book of life may include rewards of inheritance that can be lost.
Revelation 17:8Revelation 17:8 commentary has a similar application to the “book of life” as used in verse 8, where those whose names are written in the “book of life” will not be deceived like everyone else in the world.
Revelation 20:12Revelation 20:12 commentary speaks of the “book of life” as one of several books used in the great judgment spoken of there.
Revelation 20:15Revelation 20:15 commentary says that anyone whose name is not written in the “book of life” will be cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:27Revelation 21:27 commentary says that only those whose names are written in the “book of life” will be allowed to enter the city that is the new Jerusalem in the new earth.
The “book of life” appears to have a number of applications. But in every instance, it would seem that the phrase the Lamb who has been slain goes to the core feature of the “book of life”—that the “life” in view is the eternal life made possible by Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on the cross.
Revelation contrasts the Lamb’s willing, redemptive death with the beast’s counterfeit resurrection (Revelation 13:3Revelation 13:3 commentary). Jesus, the true Lamb, was slain for the sins of humanity (John 1:29John 1:29 commentary). This contrasts with the beast’s forced worship that demands capitulation and threatens death for non-conformance. By contrast, the Lamb’s sacrifice confers eternal life based on a non-coerced choice to simply believe (John 3:14-15John 3:14-15 commentary).
The beast demands immediate allegiance and worship through brute force and threat of death. God offers an uncoerced choice, but warns people about the truth of their choices—that by choosing the wide path they are choosing destruction (Matthew 7:13-14Matthew 7:13-14 commentary). This makes the picture of Jesus as a lamb a fitting contrast to the image of Satan as a violent dragon, serpent, or beast.
Eternal life is spoken of in scripture as both a gift and a reward. Passages like John 3:14-16John 3:14-16 commentary speak of eternal life being granted merely by faith, enough faith to look at Jesus on the cross in hope of being healed from the poisonous venom of sin that leads to death. John 3:3John 3:3 commentary pictures this grant of the gift of eternal life as a new beginning that is a spiritual birth of being “born again.” Passages like Romans 2:6-7Romans 2:6-7 commentary speak of eternal life as a reward for faithful living. The “book of life” appears to cover both aspects.
It would fit with the message of Revelation to have a mental model of the “book of life” as follows: a) all who believe on Jesus and receive the free gift of eternal life will have their names written in the “book of life” and b) only those who overcome gain the full reward of the inheritance to fully share Christ’s reign as a servant-king. Loss of rewards may be represented by having one’s name blotted out. The fact that the name was written would still ensure being a child of God, but the blotting out would represent loss of the reward of inheritance.
We can see this distinction in Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary. After saying “we are children of God,” making it clear that he is speaking to believers, Paul adds:
“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary)
We can note that the first part of Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary asserts that all children of God (all who have believed on Jesus) are “heirs of God.” This is made as an unconditional statement.
However, only the believers who “suffer with Him” will also be “glorified with Him.” The “glory and honor” Jesus has been given is to reign over the earth (Hebrews 1:5Hebrews 1:5 commentary, 1313 commentary, 2:92:9 commentary, Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18 commentary). To be “glorified with Him” is to share in His reign, which is a reward He promises to all who overcome as He overcame (Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary). To receive that reward requires persevering through trials.
It is inferred that in this period—the period which Jesus calls the “great tribulation,” which is the last three-and-a-half years of this age—believers are also overcomers. This could be due to the rise of evil being so stark that to believe in Jesus requires laying down one’s physical life. As we observed in the last half of Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary, commentary it is those who suffer as Christ suffered who will share His reign with Him. And we know from Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary that to share Christ’s reign, one must overcome as He overcame.
2 Thessalonians 2:72 Thessalonians 2:7 commentary indicates that the Holy Spirit’s ministry of restraining evil is removed during this time of great tribulation. This appears to greatly expand the opportunity for evil and lawlessness to arise. The lawlessness that arises is not a lack of laws. As we will soon see, the beast will pass many laws and enforce them with capital punishment (Revelation 13:17Revelation 13:17 commentary).
But these laws will run counter to God’s design for the world to be filled with love and harmony. The core of God’s design is for people to love Him and love one another (Matthew 22:37-39Matthew 22:37-39 commentary). The reign of the beast will be a reign of terror. It appears that in this time of great tribulation, to believe will also be to suffer as Jesus suffered.
We are also informed that everyone whose name is written in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain was written there from the foundation of the world (v. 8). This tells us that all who are His have been His from the beginning. And just as the scroll with the seven seals of Chapter 5 contained predetermined events that would bring the age to completion and bring in everlasting righteousness, so the book of life is a part of God’s sovereign plan.
Throughout Revelation we see both people and heavenly beings making choices and experiencing the consequences of their choices. Satan and his followers choose to rebel. Michael the archangel and his angels choose to fight against Satan and overcome him. People on earth choose their response to the Lamb, to receive and follow or revile and oppose.
But we also see that God is always on His throne. We see that all that transpires is first authorized by God. This shows the great mystery, the paradox, that God is fully in control and yet, at the same time, His creatures have a free choice, and their choices make an enormous difference. In the letter to the Romans, after Paul speaks of God’s sovereignty in fulfilling His promises to Israel, he states an apt response to this great mystery:
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36Romans 11:33-36 commentary)
John next exclaims If anyone has an ear, let him hear (v.9).
This call to hear appears throughout Scripture, especially in Jesus’ own teachings (Matthew 11:15Matthew 11:15 commentary). It signifies far more than mere physical hearing; it challenges the reader to receive, internalize, and respond to divine truth. The Greek word “akouo” translated let him hear occurs forty-six times in Revelation.
This includes the first occurrence in Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3 commentary where God’s servants are exhorted to read, hear (“akouo”), and heed or do the things written in this prophecy so they can receive a great promised blessing. In this case (v. 9), it would seem that readers are being exhorted to pay special attention to the next statement: If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints (v. 10).
The fundamental thing God’s servants are exhorted to “read, hear, and do” throughout Revelation is to understand and choose to live as faithful witnesses who do not fear rejection, loss, or death. Believers are admonished to believe that this is the way to gain the great promised blessing, and that the trouble will be worth the cost. To live as faithful witnesses requires enduring faithfully until the job is done, meaning our life is over.
This is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. The Greek word translated saints refers to anything set apart for a special purpose. In this case, it is God’s people. The perseverance is to continue as a faithful witness regardless of the consequences. The faith is to believe that God will a) deliver the promised reward (as in Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3 commentary, 3:213:21 commentary) and b) bring all to justice in due time. The balance of verse 10 speaks of God bringing to justice those who will overcome and imprison and kill God’s saints.
The phrase If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed is translated differently in other versions. The more literal translation is along the lines of “if you capture you will be captured and if you kill you will be killed.”
The context here is about the forces of the dragon/Satan being given authority to overcome God’s people for a time. There will be many who are martyred (Revelation 6:9Revelation 6:9 commentary, 17:617:6 commentary). The point of verse 10 is that God promises that those who participate in this persecution will reap what they sow.
Those who put others into captivity will themselves become captive. We will see later in Revelation that those whose names are not written in the book of life will be captive to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15Revelation 20:14-15 commentary). Those who kill with the sword will die by the sword. We will see in Revelation 19:15Revelation 19:15 commentary that Jesus will return to earth and slay those who oppose Him with a sharp sword coming out of His mouth; His word will be the sword that slays His enemies.
We see throughout Revelation that God has sovereign control over all. Here there is an emphasis on a reciprocity principle, what might be called a “divine golden rule” that God will do to humans as humans do to others. This again emphases that people have real choices and those choices have real consequences. This paradox is resolved by faith in God’s awesome majesty and power (Romans 11:33-35Romans 11:33-35 commentary).
Jesus stated this spiritual reciprocity principle in His Sermon on the Mount:
In Matthew 5:7Matthew 5:7 commentary, commentary Jesus says that those who give mercy will receive mercy.
In Matthew 6:14-15Matthew 6:14-15 commentary, commentary Jesus explains why we should pray to God to forgive us only as we have forgiven others; that being that God will not forgive us if we refuse to forgive others.
In Matthew 7:1-2Matthew 7:1-2 commentary, commentary Jesus says that God will use the measuring stick we apply to others as the measure He will apply in judging us.
Not surprisingly, Jesus, as God and the Living Word, is presenting a principle that had already been established in the Old Testament. Some examples follow:
Numbers 14:28Numbers 14:28 commentary, commentary where God says He will do to them as they spoke against Him.
Numbers 33:56Numbers 33:56 commentary, commentary God says He will do to Israel what He would have done to the Canaanites if Israel fails to drive them out of the land.
Ezekiel 35:15Ezekiel 35:15 commentary, commentary God tells Mt. Seir/Edom that He will rejoice at their demise as they rejoiced over the demise of others.
Jeremiah 50:13Jeremiah 50:13 commentary, 2929 commentary, the word of the LORD spoken through the prophet says God will do to Babylon as she has done to others; she will be decimated and never inhabited again.
The Apostle Paul also elevated this reciprocity principle in application to the deeds of believers; that believers reap what they sow. If we give generously to minister to others, we are sowing seeds that God will multiply into a great harvest of rewards for generosity—what Jesus called laying up treasure in heaven. These rewards for faithful service reflect the same hope as the great rewards and blessings promised to those in Revelation who overcome (Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3 commentary, 3:213:21 commentary).
Believers who sow sparingly will reap a sparse harvest (Galatians 6:8Galatians 6:8 commentary). 1 Corinthians 3:12-151 Corinthians 3:12-15 commentary indicates that believers’ deeds not done as unto the Lord will be like wood and hay that burn up in the fire of Christ’s judgment. Deeds done for the Lord will be like gold and silver that are refined in the fire and endure the judgment.
The word Here in the phrase Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints indicates that something specific is being pointed to (Here) that represents or describes the saints persevering. It would seem to best fit the phrase in verse 8 where those written in the book of life will be the only ones who refuse to worship the beast. Believers who refuse to worship the beast are those who persevere in being a faithful witness.
In verse 7, the beast is given authority to persecute God’s people. Context infers his persecution is aimed at coercing them to worship him. God exhorts His people to continue as faithful witnesses, even to imprisonment or death. It may be that in this period, a period Jesus called the great tribulation, it is required to resist taking the mark of the beast and worshipping him in order to be written in the book of life.
Being justified before God was, is, and always will be a matter of God’s grace. Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God’s promise long before Jesus’s advent to the earth (Genesis 15:6Genesis 15:6 commentary, commentaryRomans 4:3Romans 4:3 commentary). Years after Abraham had been made righteous in God’s sight solely by faith, God granted him great rewards when he obeyed God’s commands (Genesis 22:16-18Genesis 22:16-18 commentary). Justification before God and rewards were granted separately. The same is the case for New Testament believers, as we see in verses like Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary and commentary1 Corinthians 3:151 Corinthians 3:15 commentary.
In the case of the time of great tribulation it might be that spiritual realities have become sufficiently transparent that believing requires obeying. Most particularly, the beast openly requires himself to be worshipped, so people have to make a tangible, physical choice regarding who to believe. It may be that prior to the time of great tribulation, believers in Jesus are taken out of the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:171 Thessalonians 4:17 commentary). So it might be that this is an era where faith in Jesus requires a tangible rejection of worship of the beast and taking his mark.
We see in the Old Testament story of Naaman that he believed in the God of Israel but asked the prophet Elisha for permission to bow to the false god Rimmon to respect his master, but in his heart he would be bowing to Yahweh. Elisha told him to “go in peace,” allowing grace for Naaman to worship God while honoring his king (2 Kings 5:192 Kings 5:19 commentary). It seems that in this time of great tribulation described in Revelation such a format will not be permitted. There is an admonition for God’s people to resist and persevere in being a faithful witness to Him regardless of the consequences.
We have examples from history of such perseverance of the saints. Jesus is the foremost. He endured rejection, shame and death. Hebrews 12:2Hebrews 12:2 commentary says Jesus endured the cross “despising the shame.” This means that compared to the goal He sought, He ascribed no value to the shame heaped upon Him from those who rejected Him. Jesus did not alter His actions one bit in order to avoid such shame.
This was because of the objective He had committed to: “the joy set before Him.” The “joy” is described as being given the reward to sit down at the right hand of the throne of God. This picture reflects Jesus being given authority over the earth.
Because Jesus was a faithful witness who did not fear rejection, loss, or death, and trusted and sought the promised reward from His Father, He was rewarded by being given all authority (Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18 commentary, commentaryHebrews 1:13Hebrews 1:13 commentary, 2:92:9 commentary, Philippians 2:8-9Philippians 2:8-9 commentary). The book of Revelation is describing the events that will lead up to the full implementation of Jesus’s authority and the complete reduction of Satan’s authority. But first, Satan will have seasons of authority over the earth, to deceive and to destroy.
There have also been subsequent examples of patient endurance. All of Jesus’s faithful disciples died a martyr’s death, except John, who is writing this revelation while imprisoned in exile for his faith (Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 commentary). In fact, the Greek word “hypomone” translated perseverance in verse 10 in the phrase Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints is also found in Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 commentary, commentary relating to John partaking in persevering through persecution:
“I, John your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance [‘hypomone’] which are in Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9aRevelation 1:9a commentary)
The example of Jesus’s disciples enduring as faithful witnesses covers those destined for captivity (John, exiled on Patmos) as well as the others who were killed with violence, the sword of martyrdom. Many other Christian martyrs have followed their example throughout history. Their faith triumphed over fear of death because they believed the promises of God. Their example of being a faithful witness is what Revelation urges each believer to emulate (Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 commentary).
Set to dark mode
Revelation 13:7-10 meaning
Revelation 13:7Revelation 13:7 commentary begins with another granting of authority: It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. (v.7).
The him in verse 7 refers to the beast. We have seen a grant of authority by God precede every major event in Revelation. This underscores a consistent theme that God is always on His throne, serving as the ultimate authority over all. All that is, God has allowed. But within God’s allowances, created beings make choices. And those choices have consequences.
Here one of the authorizations is for Satan to make war with the saints and to overcome them. The Greek word translated overcome is “nikao” which is also translated as “overpower,” “prevail,” “conquer,” and “victorious.” The word saints translates the Greek word “hagios” that is often translated “holy.” It refers to something that is specially set apart by God. In this case, it refers to God’s people.
Satan was defeated and cast out of heaven by Michael and his angels (Revelation 12:7-9Revelation 12:7-9 commentary). Although evicted from heaven, Satan has now been authorized to take over the earth through the agency of the beast. Part of that takeover will involve warring with the saints of God and overcoming them. Many saints will be killed.
There will be many martyrs that come out of this awful time of tribulation (Revelation 17:6Revelation 17:6 commentary). In the previous chapter we saw that God will provide a place of refuge for some to flee (Revelation 12:14Revelation 12:14 commentary). But that will apparently only apply to a remnant. Many believers will be martyred, many by being beheaded (Revelation 20:4Revelation 20:4 commentary). Those who are martyred during this time will gain special honors for their faithful testimony to Jesus (Revelation 20:4Revelation 20:4 commentary).
The beast will rule the entire earth: authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. Such language calls to mind the original commission God gave humanity to “fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28Genesis 1:28 commentary), yet here it is inverted: instead of the earth filling with godly stewardship, as God intended, the beast fills the earth with the violence of tyranny.
This persecution by the beast might be foreshadowed by earlier rulers, such as the Roman emperors like Nero (reigned A.D. 54-68) and Domitian (reigned A.D. 81-96). Their persecution tested the early church’s perseverance. Those events foreshadow a future, universal manifestation of such persecution on a vastly larger scale.
Again, this authority is given to him (the beast). We know that all authority that is given to humans on earth is delegated to them by God (Romans 13:1Romans 13:1 commentary). The beast will overcome (“nikao”) the saints. But the saints will win a greater victory (“nikao”) by overcoming as Jesus overcame (Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary).
This clash between the saints and the beast is the culmination of Jesus’ assertion that in this world His followers “will have tribulation” (John 16:33John 16:33 commentary). Though the saints are “overcome” by the beast in a physical sense, Revelation promises that those who have a faithful testimony will gain the ultimate victory. Physical defeat in the temporal realm contrasts with victory in the eternal realm. In this tension, believers are invited to cling to the hope that enduring suffering for the sake of Christ brings an everlasting reward (Matthew 5:11-12Matthew 5:11-12 commentary, 19:2819:28 commentary, Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary).
The beast will dominate the entire earth, apparently becoming not only a global dictator but also an object of worship: All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain (v.8).
The sweeping phrase all who dwell on the earth underscores the beast’s worldwide influence. Yet those who belong to Christ, whose names are recorded in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain, will refuse to worship the beast. This will likely be the cause of the war between the beast and God’s people. The beast will demand worship and God’s people will refuse.
We saw in Revelation 13:4Revelation 13:4 commentary the people worshipped the beast out of fear, saying “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” However, those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain will refuse to worship, even though they also are not able to make war and overcome the fierce power of the beast. It will cost many people their lives.
At the end of the last chapter, we saw the dragon enraged that he could not destroy the woman, who represents Israel. So, he turned his attention to persecute “the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17Revelation 12:17 commentary). It seems the basic approach taken by the beast is “Worship me or die.” We saw Satan’s desire to be worshipped when he tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:9Matthew 4:9 commentary). He is now imposing worship by means of force.
The phrase book of life of the Lamb who has been slain appears only here. This could be a special book related to those who overcome during the period Jesus called a time of “great tribulation” in Matthew 24:21Matthew 24:21 commentary. It could also be the same as the “book of life” that is referred to elsewhere in Revelation.
The following is a list where the phrase “book of life” occurs in Revelation, in addition to the occurrence in verse 8 where “book of life” is part of the phrase book of life of the Lamb who has been slain:
The “book of life” appears to have a number of applications. But in every instance, it would seem that the phrase the Lamb who has been slain goes to the core feature of the “book of life”—that the “life” in view is the eternal life made possible by Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on the cross.
Revelation contrasts the Lamb’s willing, redemptive death with the beast’s counterfeit resurrection (Revelation 13:3Revelation 13:3 commentary). Jesus, the true Lamb, was slain for the sins of humanity (John 1:29John 1:29 commentary). This contrasts with the beast’s forced worship that demands capitulation and threatens death for non-conformance. By contrast, the Lamb’s sacrifice confers eternal life based on a non-coerced choice to simply believe (John 3:14-15John 3:14-15 commentary).
The beast demands immediate allegiance and worship through brute force and threat of death. God offers an uncoerced choice, but warns people about the truth of their choices—that by choosing the wide path they are choosing destruction (Matthew 7:13-14Matthew 7:13-14 commentary). This makes the picture of Jesus as a lamb a fitting contrast to the image of Satan as a violent dragon, serpent, or beast.
Eternal life is spoken of in scripture as both a gift and a reward. Passages like John 3:14-16John 3:14-16 commentary speak of eternal life being granted merely by faith, enough faith to look at Jesus on the cross in hope of being healed from the poisonous venom of sin that leads to death. John 3:3John 3:3 commentary pictures this grant of the gift of eternal life as a new beginning that is a spiritual birth of being “born again.” Passages like Romans 2:6-7Romans 2:6-7 commentary speak of eternal life as a reward for faithful living. The “book of life” appears to cover both aspects.
It would fit with the message of Revelation to have a mental model of the “book of life” as follows: a) all who believe on Jesus and receive the free gift of eternal life will have their names written in the “book of life” and b) only those who overcome gain the full reward of the inheritance to fully share Christ’s reign as a servant-king. Loss of rewards may be represented by having one’s name blotted out. The fact that the name was written would still ensure being a child of God, but the blotting out would represent loss of the reward of inheritance.
We can see this distinction in Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary. After saying “we are children of God,” making it clear that he is speaking to believers, Paul adds:
“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
(Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary)
We can note that the first part of Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary asserts that all children of God (all who have believed on Jesus) are “heirs of God.” This is made as an unconditional statement.
However, only the believers who “suffer with Him” will also be “glorified with Him.” The “glory and honor” Jesus has been given is to reign over the earth (Hebrews 1:5Hebrews 1:5 commentary, 1313 commentary, 2:92:9 commentary, Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18 commentary). To be “glorified with Him” is to share in His reign, which is a reward He promises to all who overcome as He overcame (Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary). To receive that reward requires persevering through trials.
It is inferred that in this period—the period which Jesus calls the “great tribulation,” which is the last three-and-a-half years of this age—believers are also overcomers. This could be due to the rise of evil being so stark that to believe in Jesus requires laying down one’s physical life. As we observed in the last half of Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary, commentary it is those who suffer as Christ suffered who will share His reign with Him. And we know from Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary that to share Christ’s reign, one must overcome as He overcame.
2 Thessalonians 2:72 Thessalonians 2:7 commentary indicates that the Holy Spirit’s ministry of restraining evil is removed during this time of great tribulation. This appears to greatly expand the opportunity for evil and lawlessness to arise. The lawlessness that arises is not a lack of laws. As we will soon see, the beast will pass many laws and enforce them with capital punishment (Revelation 13:17Revelation 13:17 commentary).
But these laws will run counter to God’s design for the world to be filled with love and harmony. The core of God’s design is for people to love Him and love one another (Matthew 22:37-39Matthew 22:37-39 commentary). The reign of the beast will be a reign of terror. It appears that in this time of great tribulation, to believe will also be to suffer as Jesus suffered.
We are also informed that everyone whose name is written in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain was written there from the foundation of the world (v. 8). This tells us that all who are His have been His from the beginning. And just as the scroll with the seven seals of Chapter 5 contained predetermined events that would bring the age to completion and bring in everlasting righteousness, so the book of life is a part of God’s sovereign plan.
Throughout Revelation we see both people and heavenly beings making choices and experiencing the consequences of their choices. Satan and his followers choose to rebel. Michael the archangel and his angels choose to fight against Satan and overcome him. People on earth choose their response to the Lamb, to receive and follow or revile and oppose.
But we also see that God is always on His throne. We see that all that transpires is first authorized by God. This shows the great mystery, the paradox, that God is fully in control and yet, at the same time, His creatures have a free choice, and their choices make an enormous difference. In the letter to the Romans, after Paul speaks of God’s sovereignty in fulfilling His promises to Israel, he states an apt response to this great mystery:
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
(Romans 11:33-36Romans 11:33-36 commentary)
John next exclaims If anyone has an ear, let him hear (v.9).
This call to hear appears throughout Scripture, especially in Jesus’ own teachings (Matthew 11:15Matthew 11:15 commentary). It signifies far more than mere physical hearing; it challenges the reader to receive, internalize, and respond to divine truth. The Greek word “akouo” translated let him hear occurs forty-six times in Revelation.
This includes the first occurrence in Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3 commentary where God’s servants are exhorted to read, hear (“akouo”), and heed or do the things written in this prophecy so they can receive a great promised blessing. In this case (v. 9), it would seem that readers are being exhorted to pay special attention to the next statement: If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints (v. 10).
The fundamental thing God’s servants are exhorted to “read, hear, and do” throughout Revelation is to understand and choose to live as faithful witnesses who do not fear rejection, loss, or death. Believers are admonished to believe that this is the way to gain the great promised blessing, and that the trouble will be worth the cost. To live as faithful witnesses requires enduring faithfully until the job is done, meaning our life is over.
This is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. The Greek word translated saints refers to anything set apart for a special purpose. In this case, it is God’s people. The perseverance is to continue as a faithful witness regardless of the consequences. The faith is to believe that God will a) deliver the promised reward (as in Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3 commentary, 3:213:21 commentary) and b) bring all to justice in due time. The balance of verse 10 speaks of God bringing to justice those who will overcome and imprison and kill God’s saints.
The phrase If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed is translated differently in other versions. The more literal translation is along the lines of “if you capture you will be captured and if you kill you will be killed.”
The context here is about the forces of the dragon/Satan being given authority to overcome God’s people for a time. There will be many who are martyred (Revelation 6:9Revelation 6:9 commentary, 17:617:6 commentary). The point of verse 10 is that God promises that those who participate in this persecution will reap what they sow.
Those who put others into captivity will themselves become captive. We will see later in Revelation that those whose names are not written in the book of life will be captive to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15Revelation 20:14-15 commentary). Those who kill with the sword will die by the sword. We will see in Revelation 19:15Revelation 19:15 commentary that Jesus will return to earth and slay those who oppose Him with a sharp sword coming out of His mouth; His word will be the sword that slays His enemies.
We see throughout Revelation that God has sovereign control over all. Here there is an emphasis on a reciprocity principle, what might be called a “divine golden rule” that God will do to humans as humans do to others. This again emphases that people have real choices and those choices have real consequences. This paradox is resolved by faith in God’s awesome majesty and power (Romans 11:33-35Romans 11:33-35 commentary).
Jesus stated this spiritual reciprocity principle in His Sermon on the Mount:
Not surprisingly, Jesus, as God and the Living Word, is presenting a principle that had already been established in the Old Testament. Some examples follow:
The Apostle Paul also elevated this reciprocity principle in application to the deeds of believers; that believers reap what they sow. If we give generously to minister to others, we are sowing seeds that God will multiply into a great harvest of rewards for generosity—what Jesus called laying up treasure in heaven. These rewards for faithful service reflect the same hope as the great rewards and blessings promised to those in Revelation who overcome (Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3 commentary, 3:213:21 commentary).
Believers who sow sparingly will reap a sparse harvest (Galatians 6:8Galatians 6:8 commentary). 1 Corinthians 3:12-151 Corinthians 3:12-15 commentary indicates that believers’ deeds not done as unto the Lord will be like wood and hay that burn up in the fire of Christ’s judgment. Deeds done for the Lord will be like gold and silver that are refined in the fire and endure the judgment.
The word Here in the phrase Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints indicates that something specific is being pointed to (Here) that represents or describes the saints persevering. It would seem to best fit the phrase in verse 8 where those written in the book of life will be the only ones who refuse to worship the beast. Believers who refuse to worship the beast are those who persevere in being a faithful witness.
In verse 7, the beast is given authority to persecute God’s people. Context infers his persecution is aimed at coercing them to worship him. God exhorts His people to continue as faithful witnesses, even to imprisonment or death. It may be that in this period, a period Jesus called the great tribulation, it is required to resist taking the mark of the beast and worshipping him in order to be written in the book of life.
Being justified before God was, is, and always will be a matter of God’s grace. Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God’s promise long before Jesus’s advent to the earth (Genesis 15:6Genesis 15:6 commentary, commentary Romans 4:3Romans 4:3 commentary). Years after Abraham had been made righteous in God’s sight solely by faith, God granted him great rewards when he obeyed God’s commands (Genesis 22:16-18Genesis 22:16-18 commentary). Justification before God and rewards were granted separately. The same is the case for New Testament believers, as we see in verses like Romans 8:17Romans 8:17 commentary and commentary 1 Corinthians 3:151 Corinthians 3:15 commentary.
In the case of the time of great tribulation it might be that spiritual realities have become sufficiently transparent that believing requires obeying. Most particularly, the beast openly requires himself to be worshipped, so people have to make a tangible, physical choice regarding who to believe. It may be that prior to the time of great tribulation, believers in Jesus are taken out of the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:171 Thessalonians 4:17 commentary). So it might be that this is an era where faith in Jesus requires a tangible rejection of worship of the beast and taking his mark.
We see in the Old Testament story of Naaman that he believed in the God of Israel but asked the prophet Elisha for permission to bow to the false god Rimmon to respect his master, but in his heart he would be bowing to Yahweh. Elisha told him to “go in peace,” allowing grace for Naaman to worship God while honoring his king (2 Kings 5:192 Kings 5:19 commentary). It seems that in this time of great tribulation described in Revelation such a format will not be permitted. There is an admonition for God’s people to resist and persevere in being a faithful witness to Him regardless of the consequences.
We have examples from history of such perseverance of the saints. Jesus is the foremost. He endured rejection, shame and death. Hebrews 12:2Hebrews 12:2 commentary says Jesus endured the cross “despising the shame.” This means that compared to the goal He sought, He ascribed no value to the shame heaped upon Him from those who rejected Him. Jesus did not alter His actions one bit in order to avoid such shame.
This was because of the objective He had committed to: “the joy set before Him.” The “joy” is described as being given the reward to sit down at the right hand of the throne of God. This picture reflects Jesus being given authority over the earth.
Because Jesus was a faithful witness who did not fear rejection, loss, or death, and trusted and sought the promised reward from His Father, He was rewarded by being given all authority (Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18 commentary, commentary Hebrews 1:13Hebrews 1:13 commentary, 2:92:9 commentary, Philippians 2:8-9Philippians 2:8-9 commentary). The book of Revelation is describing the events that will lead up to the full implementation of Jesus’s authority and the complete reduction of Satan’s authority. But first, Satan will have seasons of authority over the earth, to deceive and to destroy.
There have also been subsequent examples of patient endurance. All of Jesus’s faithful disciples died a martyr’s death, except John, who is writing this revelation while imprisoned in exile for his faith (Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 commentary). In fact, the Greek word “hypomone” translated perseverance in verse 10 in the phrase Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints is also found in Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 commentary, commentary relating to John partaking in persevering through persecution:
“I, John your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance [‘hypomone’] which are in Jesus.”
(Revelation 1:9aRevelation 1:9a commentary)
The example of Jesus’s disciples enduring as faithful witnesses covers those destined for captivity (John, exiled on Patmos) as well as the others who were killed with violence, the sword of martyrdom. Many other Christian martyrs have followed their example throughout history. Their faith triumphed over fear of death because they believed the promises of God. Their example of being a faithful witness is what Revelation urges each believer to emulate (Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 commentary).