Revelation 17:8
Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)
Jy het 'n dier gesien. Hy het voorheen gelewe en hy lewe nie nou nie, maar hy sal uitkom uit die onderwêreld, en dan sal God hom doodmaak. Al die mense op die aarde sal baie verbaas wees wanneer hulle die dier sien, want die dier het voorheen gelewe, hy lewe nie nou nie, maar hy sal weer lewe. Wie sal verbaas wees oor die dier? Dit is die mense wie se name nie geskryf is in die boek van die lewe nie. God het party mense se name in die boek van die lewe geskryf voordat Hy die wêreld gemaak het.
What Does This Mean?
This verse talks about a beast that once existed, then disappeared, but will come back again and eventually face destruction. The speaker is John in Revelation, warning those on earth not to be deceived by this powerful yet doomed creature.
Explained for Children
Imagine you see a scary monster in your dream one night. Then it disappears for a while, but suddenly comes back to scare everyone again before it vanishes forever. God wants us to know that even if something looks really strong and frightening, He still has the final say over what happens.
Historical Background
John wrote Revelation on Patmos around AD 95 to encourage and warn Christians in Asia Minor about spiritual forces at work. The cultural context was Roman persecution of early Christianity and various cults influencing society.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can apply this by recognizing when media or political figures seem powerful but are actually corrupt or doomed. We should stay alert and not be swayed by their charisma, remembering God's ultimate control over all things.
Topics
salvationhopefaithprophecydeceptionpersecution
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'bottomless pit' mentioned in Revelation 17:8?
The 'bottomless pit' or abyss refers to a place of imprisonment for evil spirits, as seen also in Luke 8 and Revelation 9. It symbolizes deep darkness where evil forces are confined until their appointed time.
How can we avoid being deceived by the beast mentioned?
To avoid deception, stay grounded in God's Word, seek wisdom from above, and pray diligently for discernment. The key is to remain firmly rooted in faith, knowing that all false powers are ultimately doomed.
Who or what does 'they that dwell on the earth' refer to?
This phrase often refers to people who are not faithful followers of God but instead follow after worldly things and false leaders. It contrasts with those whose names are written in the Book of Life, representing true believers.
What does it mean that their names were 'not written from the foundation of the world'?
This means these individuals were never part of God's chosen ones from eternity past. It underscores the idea of predestination and God’s sovereign choice, highlighting a stark contrast between believers and unbelievers.