Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Revelation 13:2

Eastern Fathers

Oecumenius

And the beast, he says, which I saw was like a leopard, and because of its swift-moving feet, I think, and quick for deceits. And his feet, he says, are like those of a bear, somewhat weak and patient so as even to walk under heaven to plot against men. And his mouth, he says, is like the mouth of a lion; "Your adversary the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," according to what is written. (1 Peter 5:8) And the Dragon is said to have given him his power. …

Commentary on Revelation ↗

Irenaeus

And for this reason the apostle says: "Because they received not the love of God, that they might be saved, therefore God shall also send them the operation of error, that they may believe a lie, that they all may be judged who have not believed the truth, but consented to unrighteousness." For when he (Antichrist) is come, and of his own accord concentrates in his own person the apostasy, and accomplishes whatever he shall do according to his own will and choice, sitting also in the temple of God, so that his dupes may adore him as …

Against Heresies Book V ↗

Western Saints

Bede

And the beast I saw was like a leopard, etc. It is compared to a leopard because of the diversity of nations; to a bear, because of its malice and ferocity; to a lion, because of its physical strength and the arrogance of its tongue. In Daniel, we read that the kingdom of the Chaldeans is compared to a lioness, that of the Persians to a bear, and that of the Macedonians to a leopard.

Commentary on Revelation ↗

Victorinus of Pettau

"His feet were as the feet of a bear." A strong and most unclean beast, the feet are to be understood as his leaders. "And his mouth as the mouth of a lion." That is, his mouth armed for blood is his bidding, and a tongue which will proceed to nothing else than to the shedding of blood.

Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John ↗