15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

A. He, in this verse, refers to the civil government, which was to be worshiped. This beast was given delegated authority. He gave the image breath and life. The image (perhaps, the image of a Roman Emperor on the seal or on coins) was given life and breath by the living and breathing emperor.

B. This beast was given two powers.

1. He was given the ability to put force, fear and power behind the image. Without the emperor, the image would just be a picture or a statue. It is the emperor that gives this image power and dread.

2. He was given the power to kill all who refused to worship the image. Christians, when they refused to bow down to the image of the emperor, were subject to death. It was considered treason to refuse to bow and worship the image of the emperor.

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Old Testament