ProlepsisOpen in the graph →

Step still to come (one reading among others)

War against the saints

The seven-headed beast from the sea, which makes war on the saints (Rev 13:1-7). Illumination from the Bamberg Apocalypse (c. 1000); a scene that has not happened.
Artist’s impression The seven-headed beast from the sea, which makes war on the saints (Rev 13:1-7). Illumination from the Bamberg Apocalypse (c. 1000); a scene that has not happened. — Anonymous illuminator (Reichenau school), Bamberg Apocalypse, c. 1000, Wikimedia Commons · Domaine public

? Not yet happened, no date

See the full entry: sources, objections, answers

In short

The announcement. John, in the book of Revelation, toward the end of the 1st century, announces that the Beast receives power to make war on believers and to overcome them, in all nations. The prophet Daniel had already announced that they would be handed over to an oppressor for “a time, times and half a time”.

What happened. This has not happened yet. The text places this war during the Beast's time of power, and it also links it to the dragon's anger against the rest of the woman's offspring.

What is still debated. the forms of this opposition may vary from region to region, and a mere cultural disagreement with a reading of the Bible is not automatically persecution.

Main objection (in French for now)

Les formes peuvent différer selon les régions — violence, prison, exclusion, pression juridique, conflit de conscience, hostilité sociale — sans que tous les chrétiens subissent la même chose.

The text (World English Bible)

It was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.

Rev 13:7

He will speak words against the Most High, and will wear out the saints of the Most High. He will plan to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.

Dan 7:25