4 People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is likeq the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemiesr and to exercise its authority for forty-two months.s 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven.t 7 It was given power to wage waru against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.v 8 All inhabitants of the earthw will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life,x the Lamby who was slain from the creation of the world.b z

9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.a

10 “If anyone is to go into captivity,

into captivity they will go.

If anyone is to be killedc with the sword,

with the sword they will be killed.”d b

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulnessc on the part of God’s people.d