Revelation 13:12

“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, etc.] Sitting in the same seat, having the same power and authority from the dragon, making war with the saints by preaching and writing against them, by anathemas, excommunications, and bulls, and so overcame and silenced them, or delivered them over to the secular arm to be put to death, ruling over the consciences of men in a tyrannical way, in all nations, kindreds, and tongues, in the empire; and all this before, in the presence, and under the influence of the secular power, of the Papacy, signified by the first beast, and with his good liking, and for his credit and support: and causeth the earth, and them that dwell…”

“power--Greek, "authority." before him--"in his presence"; as ministering to, and upholding him. "The non-existence of the beast embraces the whole Germanic Christian period. The healing of the wound and return of the beast is represented [in regard to its final Antichristian manifestation though including also, meanwhile, its healing and return under Popery, which is baptized heathenism] in that principle which, since 1789, has manifested itself in beast-like outbreaks" [AUBERLEN]. which dwell therein--the earthly-minded. The Church becomes the harlot: the world's political power, the Antichristian beast; the world's wisdom and civilization, the false prophet. Christ's three offices are thus…”

“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him - The same amount of power; the same kind of power. This shows a remarkable relationship between these two beasts; and proves that it was intended to refer to the same power substantially, though manifested in a different form. In the fulfillment of this, we should naturally look for some government whose authority extended far, and which was absolute and arrogant in its character, for this is the power attributed to the first beast. See the notes on Revelation 13:2-4, Revelation 13:7-8. This description had a remarkable fulfillment in the papacy, considered as a spiritual dominion. The relation to the secular power is the same as…”

“13:12-15 The second beast derives its power from the first beast, which in turn answers to the dragon (13:4). 13:12 he required . . . people to worship the first beast: Imperial Rome demanded worship of the emperor Domitian. • whose fatal wound had been healed: This description might refer to Domitian, who was viewed as the reincarnation of Nero (see study note on 13:3). The image is a picture of the constant reemergence of evil, particularly in the latter days (see study note on 17:8).”

“causeth: Rev 13:3, Rev 13:14-17, Rev 17:10, Rev 17:11; Th2 2:4 Revelation 13:13”