Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 13:17

"and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, [even] the name of the beast or the number of his name." — Revelation 13:17 (ASV)

Those having the “mark” can “buy or sell,” those without it cannot. This statement apparently refers to some sort of socioeconomic sanctions that would, of course, affect the social and economic condition of Christians in the world. Earlier, John alluded to certain such conditions. Smyrna was a greatly persecuted church and was “poor” (2:9); Philadelphia was of “little strength” (3:8); those faithful to Christ in the Great Tribulation are seen in heaven as never again hungering (7:16), while the great harlot grows rich and wallows in luxury (18:3). Other NT writers also hint at socioeconomic sanctions practiced against Christians (Romans 15:26, Hebrews 10:34).