Who is the Beast mentioned in Revelation?
The Beast described in the book of Revelation is likely the Roman armies, and specifically emperor Nero. He was the emperor at the time of the Jewish revolt, and he was responsible for the deaths of many saints and apostles. Here are some key pieces of evidence for this position: 1. NERO THE EMPEROR AT THE TIME OF THE WRITING: He is the fifth king “who is.” Suetonius enumeration of the emperors was: Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius or Caligula, Claudius (the five kings who have fallen at the time that John is writing), Nero (one “who is”), and Galba – one who “has not yet come, but when he does come, he must remain for a little while” – seven months (Rev. 17:10) 2. NERO DEMANDED WORSHIP: Rev. 13:5-8. Inscriptions have been found in Ephesus in which Nero is called “Almighty God” and “Savior.” He and Caligula “abandoned all reserve” in promoting emperor worship – they were the only two who demanded divine honors while still alive. Nero claimed to be Apollo. 3. NEROS PERSECUTION OF THE C
