Merriam-Webster defines counterfeit: made in imitation of a genuine article without authorization and especially with intent to deceive or defraud.

Jesus and the Apostles - The Originals

We know that Satan always tries to counterfeit God.  We see it throughout Scripture but especially in the Book of Revelation where he mimics the Triune God of the Bible with the Beast, the False Prophet, and the Anti-Christ.  There are other players in this final drama that we don't talk too much about, the 10 kings.

The Club of Rome's 10 Kingdoms - Sponsored by the UN

We meet these nefarious 10 kings several times in Scripture, (Dan 2:31-35, Dan 2:40-45; Dan 7:7-8, 19-24; Rev 13:1-2; Rev 17:3,7) but most explicitly in Daniel 7:24 and then again in Revelation 17:12,16.

The imagery of Revelation requires an understanding of the symbols, a horn in ancient culture was a symbol of royal power.  It is why today, crowns have spires resembling horns.  The 10 kings, the False Prophet, and the Anti-Christ are all subservient to the Beast who is Satan.  Thus, we have the counterfeit 12 Apostles, but who are they?

Ancient Kings and Idols with Horns

The bible is quite clear that the man of perdition will not come to power until the great restrainer is taken out of the way.  We now understand that the restrainer is the Holy Spirit-indwelt Church.  Thus, any Christian living today cannot be certain of the identity of these men but something occurs to me that we should explore....


They can read, they know that at some point the world will be given over to them.  Even if they did not live at the time of the end, the Devil would trick them into doing his bidding.  Jesus himself, confirmed this authority when he did not rebuke Satan for his offer to give Jesus the kingdoms of the earth, so we know he has the power.  These wicked men run after the Devil with all of their hearts.

Think of it, twelve highly placed and regarded Satanists wielding the power of the Devil on this Earth.  Preying on the people and each other:  what depraved and horrible things must they have to do to themselves to achieve such a position?

Satan must structure the rules to keep them in line, otherwise, they'd kill each other.  He must dangle rank, wealth, and power in front of them enticingly.  They each strive to achieve the highest place in the Dark Kingdom to come.  They are waiting... right now, there are twelve men who think they will ascend, one will be the Antichrist.