Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Revelation 13:15

Eastern Fathers

Oecumenius

And it says it was given to him to give breath to the image. For they say that many of the idols both sweat and seem to speak by diabolical power.

Commentary on Revelation ↗

Dionysius bar Salibi

This is what is said by the prophet: He will give breath to the image, and the image of the beast will speak—He will make those who are designated by him strengthened through the law. And he will make all who do not worship the beast be killed: then the faith and patience of the saints will appear. He will give breath to the image of the beast—the image of the beast shows a figure of this present kingdom and what the Antichrist is to do then. …

Commentary On The Apocalypse 13:15 ↗

Western Saints

Bede

And cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. Not that image which they say they are making, but that image to which they make the people similar. He thus makes the image of the beast worship the image of the beast, that is, makes the people worship the invention of the devil.

Commentary on Revelation ↗

Hippolytus of Rome

For this is what is meant by the prophet when he says, "He will give life unto the image, and the image of the beast will speak." For he will act with vigour again, and prove strong by reason of the laws established by him; and he will cause all those who will not worship the image of the beast to be put to death.

Hippolytus Dogmatical and Historical Fragments ↗