Introduction to the "Mark of the Beast"
No book of the Bible sparks as much interpretive reading and controversy as the Book of Revelation. Of particular interest is Chapter 13, verses 11 through 18, which seeks to identify "the name of the beast or the number representing his name."
In addition to providing an overview of the Book of Revelation, this paper will examine different facets of wisdom and understanding that attempt to solve the "number of the beast."
Historical and Social Context of The Book of Revelation
According to Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, the Book of Revelation, also known as "the Apocalypse," is drawn from the mainstream of first-century Christian belief in the presupposition of the risen Christ who, now enthroned in heaven, will return to earth at some future time. In this second coming, Christ will extend God's rule over the earth (2:27, 11:15) and a church in which Gentiles will share covenantal prerogatives of Israel (5:9).
The book was written from exile by John (1:1-2, 1:4, 1:9, 22:8). Conventional wisdom identifies him as John the apostle. The date of writing is generally put somewhere around A.D. 96 during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitan.
The unique voice of the Book of Revelation is born out of a peculiar crisis: a founding û or foundering û church suffering persecution at the hands of a Roman emperor who wants to enforce a cult of emperor worship. In a circular letter, John writes to the persecuted member churches in Asia Minor and directs them to stand true. In the face of increasing hostility,
"Some in the church were advocating a policy
of compromise; this had to be corrected before
its subtle influence could undermine believers'
determination to stand fast in the perilous days
ahead." (Introduction to the Book of Revelation,
the New International Version of the Holy Bible)
The final battle between God a...