We have evidence that Revelation was written before 70 AD Revelation was written to the first century Christians around 64 AD. Therefore, we can expect the first century Christians to figure out who the beast was in their time. If this was for the 21st century then what good would it be for the first century? I have to tell you when I was a Historic we were taught it was the Pope. Then as a Amalinallist I was taught it was symbolic for 6=Satan 6=Roman Empire 6=Roman Concilia. This would make no sense to the first century readers if the beast was thousands of years into the future. I just want to remind you the bible was written for us not directly to us, as it was for the first century. If we ask ourselves a few questions, like Who could be the person that was evil and his number is 666. Who was the worst person of all. Who ordered all the killings etc. What was going on during the time when Revelation was written? Who was the ruler? Is it possible that the Beast was Nero. He was ruler of Rome from AD 54-68. It was the time when Revelation was written And Nero fits the description because he was literally referred to as a beast. He was a ruthless cruel murderer. He even had his own family killed. He was more violent than anyone ever in history. And guess what. using His name Neron Caesar (Nrwn Qsr)= 666 Nero certainly fits the description in Revelation. Nero demanded that he be worshipped as a god. It was easy for the first century Christians to figure out Nero was the beast. Did you know that some of the oldest bibles used the number 616 instead of 666? Get ready for this, 616 spells Nero in Latin. and as we know, 666 spells Nero in Hebrew. Many believe the number was changed purposely since Latin was the Roman language. The change was made so that the Latin readers would understand that the Beast was Nero, 616. Revelation 17:9 The first century readers of Revelation lived under the rule of Nero (Rome) Rome is know by its seven hills. How could the first century Christians no anything other than this area? This proves to me the beast had to be from there. The seven heads also have a political reference Revelation 17:10 Out of the seven kings, five are dead Now the one that "is" is the sixth king. Do we need to guess who that it? Nero became the sixth emperor after Claudius in 54 AD. Nero remained emperor until his suicide in A.D. 68. The other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue for a while. This would be the seventh king Galfa who took power at Nero's death in June, A.D. 68. History tells us his reign lasted only six months. In fact it was the year of four emperors. Revelation 13:5 tell us that the beast would have authority for forty two months. Here is something to think about, Nero began his persecutions against Christians in November of AD 64. He died in June AD 68, which was exactly 42 months. This point to Nero as the sea beast of Revelation. I believe this forty two months to be the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus, from February AD 67 to August AD 70. Nero has the identity of the sea beast He would make war with the saints Revelation 13:7 He had the title as the persecutor of the saints. This all fits with the first century events as describe by the rest of the bible. Many believe that the antichrist and the beast are the same. The antichrist is not mentioned in Revelation. And the Beast is not mentioned outside of Revelation The antichrist in mention in 1 John 2:18, 4:1-4 We are told there are multiple antichrists that had already come. The antichrist was already in the world. this is the same time of the first century fulfillment. John does say they were in the last hour, which does not mean 21 century. Yes there are many antichrist in our day who oppose Christ. But to say the actual antichrist is still in our future is not biblical. For another fact John is the only writer who mentions the antichrist in the bible.