And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Revelation 19:20)
Or, “the lake which is fire.” This phrase immediately turns the reader’s mind to an identical phrase in ch. 20:10, which in turn seems to call for the conclusion that these phrases refer to the same fiery event, namely, the destruction of the wicked at the end of the thousand years. But to do so presents a problem. The 19th chapter is most evidently discussing events in connection with the second coming of Christ. Hence to hold that the lake of fire mentioned in ch. 19:20 describes an event at the close of the millennium is to lift this verse out of its contextual sequence. It is always better, if possible, to find an explanation that allows any given statement to maintain its historical sequence in a passage of Scripture. As regards ch. 19:20, this is possible on the reasonable premise that there is a fiery judgment from God both at the beginning and at the close of the millennium. There is no inconsistency and certainly no contradiction in speaking of a lake of fire at the beginning and a lake of fire at the end of the millennium.
James White wrote thus on this point: “So, if you please, there are two lakes of fire, one at each end of the one thousand years” (RH Jan. 21, 1862).
That is, apostate Protestantism, which is deluded by Satan and cooperates with him (see on chs. 13:11-17; 16:14). A “prophet” is one who speaks on behalf of another (see on Matt. 11:9). This “prophet” speaks on behalf of the first beast, in connection with the healing of its “deadly wound” (see on chs. 13:12; 17:8), to persuade the world to unite in allegiance to it.
Taken.
Or, “captured.” The phrase of the battle following Christ’s appearance is short and dramatic, for at its very outset the “beast” and the “false prophet” are captured (see on ch. 16:17, 19).