How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #7
[The Earth Beast] performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in the sight of all; and by the signs that it is allowed to perform on behalf of the beast, it deceives the inhabitants of earth. (NRSV 13:13-14)
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (KJV 13:13-14)
The Earth Beast performs signs (like Jesus did) in order to convince the people he's legit. Sure, magic fire raining down from Heaven is pretty cool. But is it anything compared to mountains falling into the sea?
Quote #8
Then I saw another portent in heaven, great and amazing: seven angels with seven plagues […] And they sing[…] the song of the Lamb: "Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, King of the nations!" (NRSV 15:2-3)
Them that had gotten the victory over the beast […] sing the song […] of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (KJV 15:2-3)
Again, the seven angels (who are pretty awesome in their own right), sing praises to God for every amazing thing he has done so far in the apocalypse. Nice work, Lord!
Quote #9
When I saw [the Whore of Babylon], I was greatly amazed. But the angel said to me, "Why are you so amazed?" (NRSV 17:6-7)
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? (KJV 17:6-7)
Um, fair question. This happens pretty late in the story and John has seen some pretty fantastical sights so far. Why does the Whore of Babylon tip the scales of amazement?