Revelation 17:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But the Lamb of God, slain for our sake, will conquer them and grant His Kingdom to the elect, since even after the Incarnation the Kingdom and dominion over all remained His.

Even if these future ten kings disagree in their opinions, in one thing they have one mind: to hand over their power and authority to the beast, that is, to Antichrist. They will be defeated by him, and in the end he alone will bring all under his rule.

Even if they submit unwillingly, yet since the ten will suffer the same fate of defeat and destruction, they are said to be of one mind. It is as though the ten submit to Antichrist by consent and unanimity.

It is said: "They will make war with the Lamb." Indeed, before those in question are completely destroyed by Antichrist, they will organize persecutions against the Church.

Here it is plainly said that the power they received from the beast will be handed over to the beast, that is, to that head which seemed to have received a mortal wound and was healed.

By common consent they will offer him every worship of their own will and will show servility [...]. Although the book describes the power of the hostile side, here it clearly foretells the victory of the Lamb.

To emphasize that He will triumph in His followers, it adds: "and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." It rightly mentions the chosen first, because the Lord said: "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Mt 22:14).

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.

"These will make war with the Lamb." Although nothing is known about persecutions of Christians by Nero's immediate successors, Christians were not at peace. They could regard even the condition that came after Nero's terrible persecution as calm.