What is the Mark of the Beast? — Paul Lamicela

Is the Mark of the Beast a microchip? Who is 666, and why does it matter to us today? Paul Lamicela explains how he thinks about this important part of the Book of Revelation.

The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

[rayweaver]

One of the best explanation of how to understand the book of Revelation I've ever heard!

[IvanEck-hu]

I am not willing to offer any speculation concerning the number of the beast but I would offer my thoughts as to his mark.
I do see identifying markers in those who follow the Lamb. It becomes prominent in their foreheads. What I mean by that is, their thinking and actions express godliness in all that they do. In short, they are loving God with all that they are. This is what I see as the mark left by God.
The beast, on the other hand, leaves his mark also. Those who follow him will express in their thinkings (forehead) and in their doings (right hand), that their thoughts are only evil continually.
As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.

[breadofcomfort]

The Greek word "number" in that passage in Rev means "multitude" and in the NT it's mostly used for a multitude of people. The number 666 is a symbolic representation of all those who receive the mark, just as the 144 000 who are sealed, is a symbolic number.

In the ancient Greek there's a 3rd form of numbers, where beside ordinal and cardinal numbers, you have another that's used for these kind of things. It was also used for military terms, like we have today as wel; for example an "army" or "battalion", in where the amount is indicated but never truly specific.

Hooe this makes sense. Anyways, thank you for sharing and God bless you!

[cbsgpyr]

But what about a literal mark? Since you cannot buy or sell without it?

[FrankPreston-tr]

Its the number of a man, Neros name ads up to 666

[rontimus]

Wrong! Revelation was written before Jerusalem fell, Kenneth Gentry has proven this conclusively in his book “Before Jerusalem Fell”. The debate is settled.
Otherwise, good conversation

[mikael]

Nero is a very bad guess. Ireneus wrote some suggestions of what 666 means bur didnt mention Nero...