And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Revelation 13:15)
This is the story of the ages. Legislation in matters of religion has ever been followed by persecution. It was so during the Middle Ages: witness the massacre of the Albigenses, Waldenses, and others—by the civil power, to be sure, but prompted by the dominant church of the day. In its attempt to make all earth’s inhabitants give allegiance to the first beast (see on v. 8) second beast will issue a decree threatening with death all who maintain their loyalty to God (see GC 615; PK 605, 606).
Cause.
Having spoken officially through its laws, the image next puts them into effect. Since these are religious laws, they will cut across the conscientious convictions of many. Force will be exercised in the carrying out of these enactments.
Speak.
The first thing this newly formed image does is to “speak,” undoubtedly through its laws and enactments.
Life.
Gr. pneuma, “spirit,”“wind,”“breath.” The symbolical image John saw in vision became animated by the miracle-working power of the second beast. The new organization begins to function, and like its predecessor, threatens with extinction those who refuse compliance.