sea on which the dragon stands (12:18) symbolize? Then too, this explanation leaves no corresponding meaning for the beast out of the earth in 13:11.6 For these reasons, this symbolic meaning is unsatisfactory. Is the sea a reference to the Mediterranean Sea? Rome is the opponent of primary concern in John’s immediate situation and would be the power that would come to mind as John looked westward from the coast of Asia Minor.7 But this identification is too restricted. In the apocalyptic visions,