Episode 496 - Will Christians Escape the Antichrist’s Persecution?

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.  

Revelation 11 is one of the most challenging chapters in the Bible. Are the “two witnesses” two historic individuals—or do they symbolize the entire Church called to bear witness through prophecy and even martyrdom? In this episode, Steve Wood explores both interpretations, the sobering implications for the Church’s future, and why Revelation 11 points to a final trial of faith before Christ’s return. Steve also unpacks the dramatic scene of the great earthquake—where judgment and the blood of the martyrs result in something truly unexpected: repentance and glory given to God, the only such instance in Revelation. Drawing connections to Old Testament prophetic numbers, Church teaching, and the writings of St. Augustine, this study highlights how God can bring about conversion even in the darkest hour of persecution. If you’re seeking clarity on Revelation and the hope embedded in its warnings, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com. 

A Beginner’s Guide to the Book of Revelation, Part 18: Eschatological Witness Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11? Moses and Elijah, Enoch and Elijah, or the prophetic witness of the Church? Steve Wood unpacks one of the most debated chapters in Revelation, showing how the eschatological temple points to the Church, how 1,260 days symbolize persecution and witness, and how the Spirit empowers God’s people to stand firm. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com  

Welcome, Friends of Charlie Kirk—and a New Generation Seeking God In this special episode of Luke21, Steve Wood reflects on the cultural and spiritual shockwaves following the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk. What some saw as an attempt to sever a generation from God has instead ignited a movement—a modern “Great Awakening” among young people who are hungry for truth, returning to church, and opening the Bible in record numbers. Rather than focusing solely on the political ramifications, Steve emphasizes the deeper cultural and spiritual awakening that is unfolding, as young people begin to recognize the significance of Kirk's sacrifice in their relationship with God. He discusses the notion that this event may serve as a catalyst, igniting a flood of faith and a return to spiritual roots amidst a world increasingly seeking to sever ties with the divine. For more insights and resources on biblical prophecy, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

Revelation 11 raises the question of the Third Temple: is it a literal rebuilding in Jerusalem or the Scriptural reality of Christ and His Church? Steve Wood explores Ezekiel’s vision, John 2, and Ephesians 2 to reveal the true eschatological temple—and why misunderstanding this prophecy could have global consequences. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

In this episode of Luke21, Steve Wood unpacks Revelation 10, the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. As a mighty angel descends with one foot on the sea and the other on land, Scripture reminds us that God’s sovereignty extends over all creation—even during tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist. Steve also explores the command for St. John to “eat the scroll” before prophesying, showing why true prophecy requires internalizing God’s word. Drawing from Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Pope Benedict XVI, he warns against shallow substitutes for authentic preaching and emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic voices today—in families, parishes, and youth groups. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.