The Dragon is unsuccessful at destroying Christ and the woman (ch.12), so he raises up these two beasts to do his work for him and seek to destroy those who “hold to the testimony of Jesus.” The first beast represents political power and military might and seeks to attack the church. The second beast (or False Prophet) represents false religion that seeks to lure people into worshipping the Dragon. The opposition is fierce, so “here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.”