Episode 500 - The Beast’s One World Economic System

In this episode of Luke21, Steve Wood continues his in-depth series on the Book of Revelation. Turning to Revelation chapter 13 in today's episode. Steve explains the rise of the Beast’s one-world economic system, how it fits into biblical prophecy, and why understanding this chapter is essential for Christians navigating today’s cultural and spiritual challenges. If you’ve ever wondered about the mark of the beast or global economic control, this episode provides a clear, faithful Catholic perspective grounded in Scripture and tradition. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

In this powerful episode of Luke21, Steve Wood unpacks Revelation 13 and its vivid prophecy about the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the Beast’s final world kingdom. Many Christians read Revelation without realizing that the key to understanding its end-times imagery is found in the book of Daniel—especially Daniel 7. Steve walks through the striking parallels between Revelation 13 and Daniel’s vision of four terrifying beasts rising from the sea. By comparing these prophetic texts, we see that Revelation’s Beast is not a brand-new figure but a composite of Daniel’s earlier warnings—pointing toward a final, Satanically inspired world empire permitted to rise for a brief, God-ordained season. A clear, eye-opening look at biblical prophecy for today’s world—and the unshakable hope that God’s eternal Kingdom will ultimately triumph over every earthly power. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

We’re bringing back this classic episode since its insights are needed now more than ever. Many people claim to know exactly when Jesus will return. In this episode, Steve Wood addresses modern “date-setters” by turning to St. Paul’s teaching in the Thessalonian letters, offering a clear and faithful approach to understanding biblical prophecy. Instead of giving us a timetable for the Second Coming, Scripture calls believers to stay awake, live faithfully, and prepare their hearts for Christ’s certain—but unknown—return. This episode helps listeners cut through confusion about the end times and refocus on the biblical way to await the Lord: with hope, vigilance, and holiness. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

What is really meant by the “Mark of the Beast” in Revelation 13—and why does it matter for Catholics today? In this episode, Steve Wood breaks open one of the most debated passages in biblical prophecy, explaining what Revelation 13:16-18 teaches about the Antichrist, allegiance, apostasy, and the spiritual dangers Christians will face before Christ’s Second Coming. Drawing from Scripture, the Early Church Fathers, the Didache, Hippolytus, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, the Catechism (CCC 675–677), and comments from Pope Benedict XVI, Steve shows why the warning in Revelation 13 is not limited to first-century Rome.  This episode offers a clear, accessible explanation of one of the most misunderstood passages in Revelation—and why its message is essential for every believer preparing for the ultimate battle between Christ and the forces of evil. Listen now to better understand the Mark of the Beast, the rise of the Antichrist, and the Church’s prophetic teaching for the end times. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

Steve Wood explains the powerful end-times deception described in Revelation 13, focusing on the rise of the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and their worldwide counterfeit signs and wonders. Learn how the Beast’s fake “resurrection,” the False Prophet’s “mega signs,” and global spiritual deception could mislead even Christians—and why Scripture and Sacred Tradition must guide discernment in the last days. A clear, timely warning for anyone studying biblical prophecy and the end times. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

In Revelation 13, the “beast” is described as having a mouth full of blasphemies—echoing Daniel’s prophecy of the proud and defiant king. Steve Wood explains how this final Antichrist fulfills what Antiochus foreshadowed, and why God allows such evil to reign for a limited time. During this dark period, the saints—true followers of Christ—will face intense persecution. Yet Scripture reveals that they conquer by being conquered, just as their Savior did. This episode explores the mystery of endurance, the meaning of “it was given” and “it was allowed,” and how the Church’s final trial fulfills the Catechism’s teaching on the Antichrist (CCC 675). For more resources on biblical prophecy, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com. 

In this powerful episode of Luke21, Steve Wood unpacks one of the most sobering and misunderstood passages in the Book of Revelation — the rise of the Beast. Drawing from Revelation 12 and 13, Steve explores how the ancient conflict of Genesis 3:15 unfolds through history, reaching its climax in the appearance of the Antichrist — a deceptive “pseudo-Christ” who presents himself as the world’s Great Monarch. Discover why this world leader will seem like a dream come true — bringing promises of peace, prosperity, and unity — yet will ultimately embody the greatest deception in human history. Steve connects these prophecies to Daniel’s visions, early Church Fathers, and modern Church teaching, including insights from Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Karol Wojtyła (St. John Paul II). For more resources on biblical prophecy, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

In this episode of Luke21, Steve Wood continues his deep dive into Revelation 12, exploring the second great sign in heaven: the red dragon poised against the woman who gave birth to the male child. Steve explains how Revelation 12 not only reveals the cosmic battle between good and evil but also connects to Genesis 3:15, the seed prophecy that spans the entire Bible. The woman symbolizes both Mary and all true Christians, while the dragon represents Satan and his intensifying attacks against God’s people. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

In this episode of Luke21, Steve Wood explores the fascinating link between Scripture and science through Colin R. Nicholl’s groundbreaking book The Great Christ Comet: Revealing the True Star of Bethlehem. Drawing from Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 12, Steve discusses how the “woman clothed with the sun” and the “great red dragon” may point to real celestial events surrounding the birth of Christ—and what these signs reveal about God’s plan of salvation. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

Steve Wood unpacks the meaning of the seventh trumpet in Revelation, where the heavenly voices proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” What does this moment reveal about the already and not yet nature of God’s Kingdom? Discover how apocalyptic literature, from Daniel to Revelation, gives us cyclical visions of the same final reality—Christ’s victory, the judgment of evil, and the resurrection of the dead. This episode explores why Revelation 11 marks the end of this age, how the trumpets connect to Paul’s writings, and how God’s temple imagery points to His presence with His people forever. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.