Revelation 13:16 “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
Background
The book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the last book in the Christian bible and contains prophetic visions of events that will unfold in the end times. The book was written by John, one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, and according to many scholars and historians, believed to be the only disciple, besides Judas who committed suicide, to not be martyred. He was however, according to early Christian writers, poisoned and boiled in oil, neither of which harmed him. John was banished to the Island of Patmos by Emperor Domition for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While he was in exile on the island of Patmos, he received visions of past and future events.
The future events John saw in his visions were apocalyptic events that describe the end of humanity as we know it, the destruction of the earth, and a creation of a new heaven and new earth. The Beast mentioned in Revelation 13 is also known as the antichrist, a charismatic leader who will convince most of humanity that he is some sort of savior that will bring peace to the earth. He will do this by first brokering a peace deal with Israel that will allow them to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem for worship.
After the antichrist convinces most of humanity to follow him, he will begin a reign of terror the likes of which has never been seen in history. He will force all of humanity to receive a mark on their right hands or foreheads without which no one will be able to buy or sell anything.