And they worshipped the dragon,.... The devil, in the idols, images, angels, and saints departed, to whom they give adoration, as did the Gentiles, whose successors they are, and whose name they bear; see 1Co 10:20;which gave power unto the beast, as in Re 13:2;and they worshipped the beast; not only in a civil way, being subject to him as their temporal lord, to whom they give homage; obedience, and tribute, but in a religious way; for antichrist sits in the temple to be worshipped as God, showing himself that he is God, and receives adorations from his creatures, the cardinals, and others; but woe to them that worship this beast; see Re 14:9.
Saying, who [is] like unto the beast? using such expressions as are used of God himself, implying that there is none like him, Ex 15:11, yea, they ascribe deity to him, calling him our Lord God the pope, God, and a God on earth; See Gill on "2Th 2:4".
Who is able to make war with him?