Scripture Reading: Revelation 17.
Memory Verse: “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.” (Daniel 7:25)
INTRODUCTION:
The first mentioned activity of the little horn of Daniel 7, is that it plucked up three of the 10 horns. The 10 horns symbolized 10 kings, or kingdoms, that arose after Rome became weak. When Odacer, the leader of the Heruli, stripped Caesar Augustus of regal authority in 476 A.D., there were 10 barbarian kingdoms, all in the area that had been Roman territory. The “little horn” came from among the 10, after the 10 powers were established, but it was not one of them. It overcame three of those kingdoms.
Students of history know there arose in Europe a power known as the Papacy, claiming civil and ecclesiastical authority. This power was born, so to speak, in the time of Constantine, by the decrees that favored the bishops. It grew to maturity in from two to three centuries. It could not develop fully as long as civil Rome remained strong, but a divided Roman Empire gave it opportunity to take over authority and grow. Thus, as the Roman civil power declined, the ecclesiastical authority grew.
The little horn was different from the others in several respects. It appeared stronger than the others, and much more active. Some of the ten, soon ceased to be of importance while the little horn, the Papacy, made itself felt in all the phases of life. There is evidence it did speak against the Most High, for nearly every writer of that period mentioned the boastings of the Papacy. Two such statements are as follows: “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty” (Pope Leo XIII). “This judicial authority will even include the power to forgive sins” (The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 12, page 265).
The Papacy extended its authority to include the personal affairs of men as well as national matters. It claimed its officials: the popes, bishops, and priests, constituted the Church, that only could bring salvation to mankind. Many of those who resisted them were punished and killed.
LESSON QUESTIONS:
- From where did the “little horn” arise, and what did it do? Daniel 7:8. With which of the four beasts was it associated?
- How was the “little horn” different from the ten, and with whom did it make war? Daniel 7:20-21.
- How long was the “little horn” to exercise its supreme power? Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5.
- What similar description did Paul give of this apparent “little horn” power? 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
- When will this “Wicked” be completely destroyed? 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
- What was the “little horn” (Papacy) to do with regard to “times and laws?” Daniel 7:25. With what times and laws has the Papacy tampered?
- Who will be deceived by Satan’s emissaries and believe a lie? 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
- What are some high points in the description of the Papacy, according to Revelation 17:1-6.
- What was Paul’s prophetic warning concerning the apostasy, initiated and carried out by the Papacy? 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:1-4.
- What timely message of warning is given in Revelation 18:4? What relationship is there between the “little horn” power and “Babylon,” as referred to in Revelation 18?