Why is the first beast described as having been mortally wounded and yet survived?
Revelation 13:14 (ESV)
14and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
This description of the first beast is calculated to persuade the second beast’s hearers that the first beast is truly worthy of worship; to survive a mortal wound is (like Jesus) to claim divine characteristics.
14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.