When Graffiti Sparks Theology: Understanding 666 and the Antichrist
It started with some vandalism—an upside-down star and the number 666 scrawled on our signs. Hardly professional, probably just some teenagers messing around. But it gave us an unexpected opportunity to unpack the meaning behind one of the most misunderstood symbols in Christian imagination.
What is 666 (or 616)?
Most people know 666 as the "number of the beast" from Revelation. What fewer know is that early manuscripts of Revelation actually vary—some say 666, others 616. Both numbers point to a person: Nero Caesar. The original readers of Revelation would have recognized this instantly, especially through a system called Hebrew gematria, where every letter has a numerical value.
In this system, the Greek spelling of Nero (Neron) adds up to 666, while the Latin version totals 616. Scribes likely adjusted the text based on their audience's language. The message was clear: the beast was Nero.
But Revelation isn’t just talking about a Roman emperor. It’s talking about empire itself.
The Beast from the Sea: A Critique of Empire
The image of the beast with seven heads and ten horns represents more than just a person. It’s a symbol of the systems and structures that diminish our imagination, pressing us into a belief that the world can never be different.
Revelation says no. It tells us the kingdom of God is not just possible—it’s inevitable. Empires rise and fall, but the commonwealth of Christ endures.
There was even a legend in the first century called Nero Redivivus—that Nero hadn’t died but would return. The writer of Revelation uses this legend not because they believe Nero was hiding, but to make a deeper point: tyranny is cyclical. When one head of the beast falls, another rises. That’s how empire works. It’s not about one person; it’s about a pattern.
The Spirit of Antichrist
And what about the antichrist? Interestingly, the word never appears in Revelation. It shows up only in the epistles of John, where it refers not to a future villain, but to anyone who stands against the spirit of Christ.
Not believing Jesus came in the flesh? That’s antichrist. Deceiving others? Antichrist. This isn’t about one apocalyptic figure; it’s about a posture, a spirit, a way of being in the world.
Whenever systems oppress the vulnerable, that’s antichrist. When we trade compassion for convenience, that’s antichrist. When we close ourselves off to difference, when we let bitterness take root instead of love—those are all ways the spirit of antichrist can take hold.
From Fear to Introspection
So instead of letting fear guide our theology, Revelation invites us to introspection. Are we participating in systems that pull us away from the love of Christ? Or are we moving with the Spirit—toward justice, toward peace, toward hospitality and grace?
Because ultimately, the good news is that God wins. The kingdom is coming. And we don’t have to wait for some distant future. We can start living it now—in our neighborhoods, in our relationships, in our hearts.
And a Final Word of Thanks
Oh, and if you were worried about our signs? One of our neighbors—who doesn’t even attend our church—came out and cleaned them before we even had a chance to react. That’s the spirit we’re talking about. That’s love in action.
So yes, thank you to our neighbor. And strangely enough, thanks to the amateur satanists too. You gave us a reason to talk about hope, and a reason to remember that even in graffiti, God can find a story worth telling.
