Revelation 13:5

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

A. His voice is also powerful. He is able to speak great things.

B. Blasphemy can include all types of critical lies. The Greek word means, “to speak against.” Today we use words like libel, defame and slander. Here the civil governments have the power to speak against, to slander, Christians.

C. The authority lasts for 42 months. See our previous discussions about this phrase representing the entire gospel age. See my comments at 11:3.

D. I believe the number 42 is used here because 1) Four is the number of the earth and this material world; 2) Two is the number for strength; thus 3) This beast will work, persecute, threaten and exercise power on earth, over material things with great strength and power. The number is another way to express the 1260 days, and 3 ½ times. They all suggest that civil governments will be with us as long as this world stands. Some of these civil rulers will seek to control and restrict Christians. This will happen until the end of the age.