caused the earth … to worship the first beast: Rome under the rule of the emperor demanded that people worship Emperor Domitian.
whose mortal wound had been healed: This description might point to Domitian, who many believed was a return, or reincarnation, of Nero (see study note on Revelation 13:3). The image represents the constant return of evil, especially in the last days (see study note on Revelation 17:8).