“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7).

“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:” (vs 7)

This prophecy was first conveyed in Daniel 7:21, where the little horn would make war against the saints and prevail. That timing is just before Christ comes, and judgment comes in favor of the saints (Daniel 7:22). Its end-time setting is again noted in Daniel 8:10, where resistance comes during an “appointed time.”

Then in the story of the two witnesses, the beast that ascended out of hell is prophesied to “make war against them” (Revelation 11:7) during a three and a half year period (Revelation 11:3). The beast does succeed in its “shall overcome them, and kill them.” In an “interlude” the woman who controls the beast was “drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs” (17:6). This is a
solemn message.

“Overcoming” the saints is a ghastly insight into the hatred and violence that will fall on God’s faithful at the end. But – their spiritual well-being remains unblemished. Their physical lives are alone threatened. This group of loyal saints represents those who escape into the wilderness (12:14), a symbol of God’s spiritual care and protection. Not all are martyred – but that possibility is a God-permitted act at this time.[1]

Thus, the beast is given license to make war as is the dragon (12:17). We are notified by these words: “And it was given.” God is letting Satan exhibit to the universe what he is really like when given freedom to “be himself.”

“Of those who honor Jesus, and keep the commandments of the Lord, Christ has said, ‘Marvel not if the world hate you.’ We can expect no better treatment from the world than the treatment given to the law of God. Those who vindicate the law of God by keeping the commandments, will be targets for the wrath of the dragon, and opposition to righteousness will not end until evil is destroyed; for as long as human nature is under the control of the enemy of all righteousness, enmity to the righteous will be manifested through the children of men. The offense of the cross has not ceased by any means. Satan has his most efficient batteries masked under pretensions to godliness, and he will cause them to open fire upon the followers of Jesus Christ. The servants of God must expect that they will be reviled, misrepresented, maligned, persecuted, and oppressed; for all who ‘will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’ The people of God will stand firm to the faith only through the grace of God. ‘The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ The great rebel against God is leading his armies to the conflict; but let the followers of Christ bear in mind the fact that he can bruise only the heel, while those who are loyal to Christ by their fidelity and piety shall bruise the head of the serpent. While men are making void the law of God, we must pray, as did David, ‘It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law.’ Through Christ believers will gain the mastery, and inch by inch they will contest the ground, and obtain the victory.”[2]

“With God's presence and favor, His people are safe, although they may suffer persecution for the truth's sake. His goodness and the riches of His grace are their protection and salvation.”[3]

“and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (vs 7)

God permits – but the direct endowment here of sovereign might comes directly from Satan! Can you imagine unleashing the devil’s murderous hatred as a world power? The imagery is stunning and demands the closest ties to Jesus. The list of kindreds, tongues and nations has been used before (5:9, 7:9, 10:11, 11:9, 14:6, 17:15) and always refers to the wicked, unbelieving world. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (I John 5:19).

The beast – the papacy, with the last pope as its head – will achieve what no other power in earth’s history has accomplished – coercive control. This was their original commission from Satan (13:2b). The scope of that mission is unique in world history. Amazing will be this religious power, wielding a final scepter over earth!

A great note of hope is submitted in the first prophecy of this horrendous power in Daniel. Its subversive oppression continues “until the ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom” (Daniel 7:22 – NAS). This refers to the coming of Christ, who is called the “everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6).

The beast does “conquer” the saints by silencing them (Revelation 11:7) through persecution and martyrdom (13:7). But – that is only short-lived (42 months).[4] Intriguingly, by this very act the beast and dragon are conquered because of the “word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death (12:11).

They have victory over the beast (15:2). This replicates the victory that Christ had over Satan. When the saints share the “fellowship of His suffering,” they ultimately share in His victory (Philippians 3:10).