Revelation 17:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Daniel also saw the ten horns preceding Antichrist, of which one uprooted three and subjected the rest to himself (cf. Dan 7:7-12). One hour signifies either the shortness of the time or one part of the year, that is, three months. After this the kings will submit to Antichrist as to their lord.

The most wise prophet Daniel foresaw that these ten kings, that is, horns, would come from the Roman dominion. He said that they would rise in the last times, and that Antichrist would rise among them.

For this very reason it is said: "They have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings." Truly, "as kings," because of the fleeting and darkened character of their reign.

Then it is added: "They receive authority with the beast for one hour." Here Antichrist is called the beast. In the preceding chapters John also called him so: "And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb" (Rev 13:11).

That one hour is appointed for them to rule either signifies the shortness of their reign, or else one year is meant figuratively.

This signifies every kingdom of the world, which John has already described above in the image of kings and their subjects. "They will receive authority with the beast as kings for one hour." Here the hour should be understood as the period from the Passion of the Lord, as the apostolic voice says: "Children, it is the last hour" (1 Jn 2:18). Therefore he says that, until the future is fulfilled, they do not receive the kingdom. For although they now rule over many, the mad force of this arrogance will increase when it deceives many by signs.

The kingdoms of the world have not yet shown their full power in persecutions against the Church. Although they now rule over the greater part of mankind, the force of their impious boasting will become sharper when most people are deceived by them through signs.

Some interpret this text thus. When the last persecutions draw near, ten kings will divide the world among themselves, according to the prophecy of Daniel, who speaks thus of the beast: "It had ten horns."

"And behold, another little horn came up among them, and three of the former horns were plucked up by the roots before it" (Dan 7:7-8). These interpreters think that Antichrist will be born in Babylon.

Antichrist could never reign if he did not have those of one mind with him. But the Lamb of God will conquer them, for our God is over all men.

The ten kings are those "who have received no kingdom." Perhaps this refers to the party of Vitellius, which together with him, that is, with the beast, sought dominion. The number ten should be understood as indefinite.