And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7)
This refers to the sphere of its operations, and applies to the heyday of the papacy, perhaps during the Middle Ages, when it exercised almost undisputed sway over Europe (see Additional Note on Dan. 7), but especially when, in the future, the power of the papacy will be more fully revived (see on Rev. 13:3; 17:8).
Power.
Gr. exousia, “authority.”
War with the saints.
The language here is almost identical with that in Dan. 7:21, “The same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them.” For the fulfillment of this prediction see on Dan. 7:25.