Timeline of Revelation

In this article, we lay out the chronology of the Book of Revelation. Although the book is not chronological from start to finish, God has given it beautiful order, and we hope you see that through the timeline charts we provide.

There are a total of nine charts. The first is an overlay showing Revelation in its entirety. You will see eight different sections or themes, each designated with a different color. The first theme “Jesus, Lord of His Church” consists of chapters 1-5 and is chronological. The final theme “Jesus, Eternal King” includes chapters 19-22 and is also chronological. The middle chapters (6-18) are not chronological in that the timing of events is not consecutive and/or may overlap at various points. This will make more sense as you view each timeline.

The charts can be downloaded as a packet, or you can view each one individually on this webpage. They are available for download for free. However, we would appreciate any donations to help cover the costs of making these materials available. Thank you!
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David Sheldon
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Important Term: Interlude – An intervening period or event within the flow of the text. Can be historic, present or future.

The Book of Daniel is similar to Revelation and we have several articles and charts on it also: The Chronology of Daniel, Seventy Weeks of Daniel, and The Main Message of Daniel.

Understanding Revelation

Revelation is apocalyptic meaning it uses images and symbols to describe future events. The constant use of symbols can make it seem overwhelming. But, as discussed in 5 Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand, we must keep each symbol and its details within their own context to understand it there first. Then we can piece multiple symbols together to get the big picture! We may not understand every detail and that is ok. We might not fully understand them until they happen. But always remember the purpose of the images/symbols is to reveal truth!

Also, let us not forget the main point of the Book of Revelation – The Revelation of Jesus Christ!

Considering these things as well as the following timeline charts, should give us much confidence in understanding the Book of Revelation! Be sure to have your Bible open as you continue, and may God bless you in the reading of His Word!

Chart #2 – Jesus, Lord of His Church (Revelation 1-5)

Helpful information: The ancients used Scrolls for information. They could be used as books. The Seven Seals held the book from being opened. The content of the actual Scroll is what we find in the rest of the book of Revelation. It is the destined plan and purpose of God in both salvation and judgment through Christ for time and eternity for mankind!

Chart #3 – Seals (Revelation 6:1-8:1)

For further study of Revelation 6:1-8:1, see:
Who Are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Chart #4 – Trumpets (Revelation 8:2-11:19)

Overview:
The trumpets and their individual judgments will be the warning signs of the “day of the Lord” (a short period of time of God’s judgments) is already present upon the earth. The day (single day) of the Lord will soon happen! The first four trumpets emphasize the beginning destructions of the planet with resulting deaths, whereas the final three (called woes) emphasize the incredible increase of pains upon mankind in relation to the judgments. But God has carefully measured out both His protection of His own as well as the extent of His judgments. He sends two witnesses who prophesy! A question arises in the text: Where is the specific statement regarding the third woe? (Can you find it?) We give what we believe to be the answer.

For further study of Revelation 8:2-11:19, see:
Who Are the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11?
What are the Trumpets and Bowls of Revelation?

Chart #5 – Satan (Revelation 12)

Chart #6 – Beasts (Revelation 13-14)

Overview: This particular timeline/overlay is the first and most dramatic and specific reference we have of the connection of the book of Revelation with the Old Testament book of Daniel! The First Beast is the Central Player, the Apex, of man’s rebellion against God. This Beast is a final representative of all the beasts before it with its Seven Heads, and it also has Ten Horns. The Seventh Head (who is also an Eighth) is the Man of Lawlessness, the Antichrist. The Second Beast, the False Prophet, is the Chief Promotion and Implementation Officer of the First Beast. His workings are powerful signs to bring about allegiance to the Ten Horns via a Mark and worship of the Image and the Antichrist. God allows the Beast System to be empowered by Satan himself. However, their kingdom is short-lived from the perspective of their citizens as we get our first glimpse of those who worship the Beast meeting their death by God’s wrath. This particular aspect of the final fallen world system has a doom pronounced upon it: Fallen, Fallen is Babylon the Great! In the midst of all of this, God preserves a select remnant of His own choosing, the 144,000, and has His angels preach an eternal gospel calling people to fear God!

For further study of Revelation 13-14, see:
When and Where Will the Antichrist First be Seen?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1 – Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2 – Ten Horns

Chart #7 – Bowls (Revelation 15-16)

Overview: Just before God pours forth the seven bowls, there is worship of God in heaven for His righteous justice. The bowls are the climax of God’s judgments upon the earth just before the mystery of God is finished, ie. Christ’s second coming. The first six bowls are devastating events brought upon people due to their sin. Then, the world is gathered together for the Battle of Armageddon. The seventh bowl is dramatic and cataclysmic events that signal the extreme nearness of the end of the age.

For further study of Revelation 15-16, see:
What are the Trumpets and Bowls of Revelation?

Chart #8 – Babylon (Revelation 17-18)

Overview: We are shown the Great Harlot and get our second look at the First Beast of Revelation 13. She is sitting upon this Beast as the final False Corporate Religion of the fallen world system, called Babylon. Both her and the Beast have a history depicted. The Beast allows her to ride upon him until he has no further use for her. Her headquarters are identified as Rome. We are next introduced to another Woman. She is depicted as a “Queen City” from which all of the earth’s idolaters have gotten rich. She is “Sensual Babylon” and she meets her doom in a single day by the hand of God. The world observes this destruction and is in anguish because of their loss.

For further study of Revelation 17-18, see:
The Great Harlot
Babylon in Revelation

Chart #9 – Jesus, Eternal King (Revelation 19-22)

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1 – Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2 – Ten Horns
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

The Book of Revelation Can Be a Challenge

It is no secret the Book of Revelation can be difficult to understand. The amount of prophecies and apocalyptic (future events described with images/symbols) writings found in it can be overwhelming. We might even be tempted to dismiss/ignore the book. But should we?

Throughout my life, God has allowed me to study and teach from the Book of Revelation, and I can tell you it should not be ignored! It is full of wonderful truths that give a great understanding of God! God Himself says those who read it will be blessed (Revelation 1:3), so we should not ignore it but rather do all we can to embrace its truth and obtain its blessings.

For this article, I would like to share five “hurdles” people tend to face when approaching the Book of Revelation…

1. Use of Symbols
2. Compilation of Snapshots
3. Connection to other texts of Scripture (or lack thereof)
4. The Order of Events
5. When the Events Occur (or will occur)

I will provide examples of each, and I believe grasping these will give you insight and confidence as you read and study the book!

Also, be sure to check out the timelines I have developed for the Book of Revelation and for the Book of Daniel (similar to Revelation in its apocalyptic approach).

1. Use of Symbols

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He taught in parables – so that only those truly seeking Him would understand the truth (Matthew 13:10-17). A similar thing is happening in Revelation. Jesus, through the author, John (see When Was Revelation Written?), reveals spiritual truth by using symbolism. This is not for the faint of heart, but for those who desire to know the truth being revealed.

Why symbolism? God has chosen to use symbols – such as images, metaphors, & figures of speech – to instill grandeur.

For example, seeing a bear in the wilderness is familiar. Not because we regularly see bears in the wilderness, but because we know what bears look like and we know they live in wildernesses. This is no surprise.

On the other hand, if we see a “beast coming up out of the sea with ten horns, seven heads, ten crowns, with blasphemous names on its head” (Rev. 13), that is a completely different story! Though we may not know exactly what we are looking at, we know it is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!

So while a literal interpretation might be easier to grasp, it may not implant the same response as a symbol.
Remember, symbolism is used in Revelation to reveal spiritual truth. It is not cryptic. Do not read more into it than what is stated. Typically the symbol is only one piece of the larger picture. Be sure to stick to the defining points of that particular symbol. Rest in the fact that God will give the illumination to understand it for its intended purpose.

2. Compilation of Snapshots

Revelation is like a compilation of snapshots in that the same subject matter can be viewed from several different angles (and not necessarily in chronological order which we discuss in #4).

Take Babylon for example. The word ‘Babylon’ is used six times in Revelation in about four different contexts. Each context is a snapshot showing the various evils of Babylon. Seen from different angles, we get a complete picture and the reason for God’s wrath. Babylon was evil and so God destroyed it! (For more about Babylon, see Babylon in Revelation.)

Please note that separate snapshots, not about the same thing, might use similar terminology. For instance, the ‘woman’ mentioned in Revelation 12:1 is not the same ‘woman’ in Revelation 17:3.

Other times, however, it “might be” referring to the same thing. For example, ‘beast’ is used multiple times throughout Revelation. It sometimes refers to the same beast, but not always. We must be very careful when making any connections. (For more on beasts in Revelation see: The Beast From the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet, The Beast From the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads)

The main point here is to view each snapshot in its particular context one at a time. Then we can begin to fit the puzzle together and see the book’s main message – which is of ultimate importance.

3. Connecting to Other Scripture

Sometimes we want to connect Revelation with words/themes in other books of the Bible. We should be careful in doing this. For instance, Revelation 6 and Zechariah 1&6 speak of colored horses and riders. It is easy to assume they are speaking of the same thing. While they are similar, they are not the same exact thing. They are vivid imagery of the ministry of angels sent from God to observe and carry out certain tasks. We must be cautious to make any connections beyond that.

Similarly, Revelation 11:1-6 speaks of two witnesses called two olive trees and two lampstands. Most Bibles have cross-references to Old Testament texts that also have olive trees and lampstands. One is Zechariah 4. But does Zechariah 4 relate to Revelation 11? It could. But we might not know exactly how. The olive trees do seem to have similar anointing and duties before the Lord. The bottom line is we must be careful in connecting something in one place of the bible to something in another place. (See Who are the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11?)

4. The Order of Events

The events described in Revelation are not all given in chronological order. This is determined by observation and interpretation, and by names and date markers throughout, rather than the text stating it specifically. (See Is Revelation in Chronological Order?) In the chart below, you will see the first five chapters are in chronological order, and the last four are in chronological order. But chapters 6-18 overlap one another.

One way to understand this is to look at chapter 12 as an example. It is a story that goes back to a woman, Israel, giving birth to Christ and the conflict that ensues between them and Satan. It is a series of events, which started over 90 years before the Book of Revelation was written, and continues until the end of the age. So, while the events of this chapter are in chronological order themselves, chapter 12 does not fall in order after chapter 11 and before chapter 13.

5. When the Events Occur

Have the events in Revelation already occurred? Some people think so (the false notion of preterism). Revelation 1:3b does say “the time is near.” But God has a way of “bringing” future events into the present – to encourage His people now. Such as in the Book of Haggai which you can read about in our article God’s Promises For Today. (Link coming soon)

So how do we know when the events occur/will occur? The text gives the clue. In Revelation 1:19, John sees things which are. This includes the introduction of Revelation 1 along with the letters to the seven churches in western Asia Minor which existed at that time in Revelation 2-3.

The things which will take place after these things (Revelation 1:19) come with the sixth seal (Revelation 6:12) and are those things which will occur close to the very end of the age and beyond. Examples would be the rise of the Antichrist, the tribulation, Christ’s return and His millennial kingdom, the rebellion and judgment, and the eternal state.

Jesus’ own words in Matthew 24 help explain the difference between the things that must soon take place and the things which will take place after these things. It is not explicit, but let’s think for a moment. The disciples ask Jesus what will be the sign of His coming and the end of the age, and there are nearly 10 verses where Jesus describes what will happen before He gets to “and then the end will come” (the events of the first five seals). Then He reminds them of Daniel’s prophecy about the abomination of desolation, great distress, cataclysmic events, and the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with great glory.

Closing Remarks

I believe considering these five things will give a more confident and complete view when reading the Book of Revelation. It is indeed the final word of the canon of Scripture and we should not disregard it. The Apostle John was not able to! When he heard the voice and turned around, he saw the exalted Lord Jesus Christ, and fell at His feet like a dead man (Revelation 1:17).

We too should humbly bow before our King and read Revelation with the expectation that sovereign God will completely fulfill every word of His prophecy and bless those who are faithful to Him. The Lord says He will look upon the one who is humble, contrite in spirit, and trembles at His Word (Isaiah 66:2).

This article was originally published April 19, 2022.
The charts provided in this article are part of a 9-page packet which you can download here:

For More on Understanding Revelation

Understanding the book of Revelation – How can I do it? – Compelling Truth

The Beast from the Earth in Revelation 13 is one of three main players in the global system at the end of this age, along with the Beast from the Sea and the Great Harlot. The Beast from the Earth is a “beast” in that it will be a demonically empowered rule of authority.

The Beast from the Earth will be headed up by a man called the False Prophet (see The Beast from the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet). He will exercise the same Satanic authority as the Antichrist. Neither of them will appear demonic to the world, however. They will come across as glorious and awe-inspiring. The False Prophet will draw the world to worship the Antichrist (Revelation 13:3-4).

How can the False Prophet possibly bring the entire fallen world into complete adoration and worship of the Antichrist? It is through an image and a mark (Revelation 13:15-17). What is this image? And what kind of mark could be forced on all people throughout different cultures? We answer these questions in this article.

Image of the Beast – Worship

Mankind has a long history of worshiping images – from things created in the form of animals to statues of kings or emperors. Quite often, worship has included things created by man’s own hands.

We see this in Scripture with the building of the tower of Babel. It was a corporate gathering with a single purpose: to build a city and a tower that reaches to the heavens (Genesis 11:1-9). There was one focus/one system of worship, with every aspect of culture engaged.

Another example is found in Daniel 3 where King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image to be worshiped. Based on evidence within the text, it is surmised by many theologians this golden statue was actually an image of himself. The worship of it was forced. All were to bow down and worship this image. When Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-nego refused to do so, they were thrown into a fiery furnace.

With the “image to the Antichrist,” it will be more of the same kind of thing. However, it will be on a much grander scale. It will be the final, ultimate, corporate, planned, and worldwide worship of an image, all led by the False Prophet.

14 And he deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause all who do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. Revelation 13:14-15 NASB

The word “image” here (Greek – eikon) is the same word used for physical images, as well as the image of man, or the God-Man, Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:23; 8:29; Colossians 1:15; 3:10). But not a lot of detail is given about this “image of the beast.”

Is this a physical statue, a digital image, or something else? We do not know, and instead of trying to figure out the specifics, we should simply focus on the spiritual reality. Fallen mankind will displace worship of the true and living God, with worship of the fallen and corrupted image of God in man.

This is nothing new. Romans 1:25 states, “For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

The world, even in its fallenness, seeks after spirituality and destiny. But it is apart from God. It is through one’s own self. Worshiping the image of the Antichrist will be the embodiment of this rebellion and self-worship. This is in direct violation of the first and second commandments.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,” Exodus 20:4-5a

It makes sense that worship of self/man is the ultimate extreme rebellion against God. It was within the temptation of Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden – “You shall be as God!” (Genesis 3). The False Prophet (and Satan) will reiterate the Serpent’s lie of fake life/destiny for those who worship the image of the Antichrist. But the devil cannot deliver on his word. After all, he is the father of lies.

There is a process and coordination that leads up to this kind of false worship. We know from earlier in Revelation 13 that the world has already been prepped for the worship of the Antichrist, as well as – whether the world realizes it or not – worship of the dragon (Satan):

3 I saw one of his heads as if it had been fatally wounded, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; 4 they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” Revelation 13:3-4 NASB

Mark of the Beast – Allegiance

The ‘mark of the beast’ will also be required during the end of the age, symbolizing ultimate allegiance to the beast system. Placed either on the forehead or right hand, it will enable one to buy or sell. Without the mark, one cannot do so.

16 And he causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 and he decrees that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. Revelation 13:16-18 NASB

There is much speculation about this mark. In Greek, the word charigma is used for things like an image on a coin, a stamp, an etching, scratch, imprint mark, a brand or tattoo. The mark of the beast could be some imprint that is quite visible or something rather hidden like a microchip. Either way, it will be very real – no one can buy or sell without it.

Scripture says the mark will correspond to either the name of the beast or the number of his name (666). When the time comes and as events unfold, the truth of what the name/number is will be more clear to the saints.

But there are two main points to consider:

1. 1. Actual number – In ancient languages, letters were assigned a corresponding number. It was called gematria. We are familiar with Roman numerals: I, V, X, L, C, D, & M. But the languages of Scripture, Hebrew and Greek, also used gematria. It is believed that the actual letters of the Antichrist’s name, when assigned numbers, will add up to six hundred and sixty-six.
   2. Symbolic number – The text says “…it is the number of (a) man.” In Greek, there is no ‘a’ before the word man. It simply says “it is the number of man” – not a particular man. So the name/number of the mark may also be symbolic in that it indicates that “man” is attempting to act like or displace God.

So the “wisdom” of the passage might very well include the fact that 666 represents the whole of mankind in a rebellion against God. After all, the number 6 is common to man – man was created on the sixth day, six is prominent in the measurements and worship of the image of Nebuchadnezer (Daniel 3), and human measuring is full of multiples of 6 – months, inches, degrees, etc. The number three in Scripture would seem at times to represent God. So three 6’s is man playing the role of God.

The mark, though required, will gladly be taken by those of this world. By receiving the mark, they prove their allegiance to the beast (Antichrist), along with their complete and total rebellion against God. This, however, finalizes their eternal destiny.

9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11

Those Who Refuse

What about those who refuse to take the mark or show worship to the beast? True saints who have the Holy Spirit will not willingly fall into line with the rest of the world. Those who refuse to worship the image will be killed (Revelation 13:15) and “…no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark” (Revelation 13:17)

The text does not say when the death sentence will occur, or how long one can survive without being able to buy or sell. Only time will tell. It will obviously be a time of severe testing for those who do not fall in line with the Antichrist’s system.

But our great and awesome God knows all of this and will not abandon His own. He has given believers His Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen during trials. There will ultimately be eternal comfort and joy for the saints of God in Christ.

12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” “ And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” Revelation 14:12-13

[Side Note: The ten horns mentioned in Daniel probably come into play during all of this reign of the Antichrist (see The Beast from the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns). The ten horns are kings/leaders, perhaps super oligarchs, who have regional authority in conjunction with the Antichrist and False Prophet. Unlike current “nation-states” whose leadership has political and military authority, these specifically have economic authority. Global economic control will be to such a degree that the “nation-states” of the world, along with the multinational corporations, give their full support to the system! (Ultimately, it would seem there will only be seven as the Antichrist will uproot three of them. Daniel 7:8,20,24)]

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Is Revelation in Chronological Order?
Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns
The Beast from the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

We cover the Beast from the Sea in a three-part article:

1. 1. The Beast From the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads
   2. The Beast From the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns
   3. The Beast From the Sea Part 3: The Antichrist

And you can read all about the Great Harlot’s title, influence, character, status, and demise in The Great Harlot.

We will now discuss the Beast from the Earth, which involves a leader (The False Prophet), a mark, and an image. This article is mostly about the False Prophet. You can also read The Beast From the Earth Part 2: The Image and the Mark.

What is the Beast From the Earth?

Beasts in the book of Daniel symbolize kings/kingdoms (empires). When it says ‘four great beasts were coming up from the sea’ (Dan. 7:3), it is referring to the four kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome that arose. The ‘Beast from the Earth’ in Revelation 13 also means a kingdom – the final world kingdom – and specifically, one aspect of rule in the final world kingdom. Another aspect of rule is the Beast from the Sea and its leader, the world ruler – the Antichrist. We will see what this means as we continue.

Why Does This Beast Come ‘From the Earth’?

We previously pointed out that the Beast from the Sea is ‘from the sea’ in that it will most likely arise in an unknown, sudden, mysterious, and/or often deadly manner. The Beast from the Earth is ‘from the earth’ in that it will come across as more relatable and somewhat familiar. This is especially seen through its leader, the False Prophet.

Who is the False Prophet?

The leader of the Beast from the Earth will be a particular man with a specific name and distinct characteristics.

And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire, which burns with brimstone. Revelation 19:20 NASB

 

This leader will be called the False Prophet, and he will be demonically energized and authoritative. He will actually work together with the dragon (Devil) and the beast (Antichrist) as seen in Revelation 16:13 and 20:10. We might view these three as the “unholy trinity.”

For a detailed description of the False Prophet’s character and doings, we go to Revelation 13:11-18.

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. 12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the presence of people. 14 And he deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause all who do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And he causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 and he decrees that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. Revelation 13:11-18 NASB

 

The False Prophet has “two horns like a lamb” meaning his persona (mask) is mild and gentle, yet he will be extremely forthright and ultimately deadly. He will work in conjunction with the Antichrist and persuade the world to allegiance to the Antichrist.

The False Prophet will be extremely convincing and successful in his pursuits because of the signs he performs. Scripture does not specify the exact nature of these signs. They could be great technological feats that the world (for the most part) does not have knowledge of yet. They could be some fabrication of what appears to be supernatural. They could be actual demonic power, permitted by God, to carry out judgments upon man’s rebellion. We are not sure. Because God does not give us specifics, we should not concern ourselves with it as such. What we should understand is that the signs are seductive (vs 14) and demonic (just like the Beast from the Sea, vs 12), and while Satan will use them for his deception, God uses them for His ultimate purposes. (For further study see Job 1 & 2, 2 Timothy 3:8,9, and Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7. Also see, What is the difference between miracles and magic? by Got Questions)

The False Prophet will also create a very persuasive image of the beast (vs 15) for the purpose of worship. He will kill those who do not worship the image of the beast (Antichrist). He will also provide an identifying mark for people who cannot buy or sell without it. More on the mark and the image in an article to come.

We do know not the exact timing of these things, but any saint alive during them has a clear call to steadfastness found in Revelation 13:10, “If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.”

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Is Revelation in Chronological Order?
Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns
The Beast from the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

The four horsemen of the apocalypse are some of the more well known characters from the book of Revelation, found in Revelation 6:1-8.

The scene begins in the previous chapter where we see God on His throne holding a seven-sealed scroll in His right hand. All seven seals must be broken in order to see what is written on the scroll. But the overwhelming question “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” It is determined the only one who is worthy to open the scroll and reveal its contents is “the Lamb who was slain”!

It is in the opening of the first four seals that we see the four horsemen. John sees each rider as they are told to “come,” and he hears their commission. One is on a white horse, and he goes out conquering and to conquer. One is on a red horse, and he is to take peace from the earth. One is on a black horse, and he has a pair of scales in his hand. And the one an ashen horse is given authority over ¼ of the earth to kill.

So, what is the purpose of these riders? Who are they? We hope to correctly understand the assignment of the riders, their identity, and when they carry out their mission.

What is the Purpose of the Four Horsemen?

A couple of visions in Zechariah with similar imagery help us understand the purpose of these four horsemen.

In Zechariah 1:7-11, Zechariah saw angel riders on different colored horses. The Lord sent out these horsemen to patrol the earth. They report back to the angel of the Lord that “all the earth is still and quiet.”

In another vision in Zechariah 6:1-8, Zechariah sees four chariots/horses (with riders). Each of these ministering spirits are angels that perfectly obey a mission given by God. They go patrol the earth, but also carry out judgments: “See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north.” Zechariah 6:8b NASB

These two visions convey at least three ideas:

1. 1. God carries out His will through agents. He is in charge and they report to Him.
   2. These particular agents are angels that ride chariots or horses of various colors.
   3. The angels are commissioned to patrol and carry out judgments throughout the earth.

We surmise that the four horsemen in Revelation are similar to these horsemen in Zechariah. It is probably safe to say that each of these instances is a glimpse in time. God was and is continuously using angels to carry out His sovereign purposes.

What Does Each Horseman Represent?

It does not say exactly who the first three riders are. The fourth rider is the only one given a name. However, based on the description of each horse and rider, we can gather what each represents.

First Horseman (White Horse) – Revelation 6:1-2

Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, ‘Come!’ I looked, and behold, a white horse, and the one who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:1-2 NASB

The identity of the first horseman is the most disputed of all the riders. This is because there are no details given as to what he conquers. Later in this article we will address the white horse and rider in length.

Second Horseman (Red Horse) – Revelation 6:3-4

When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, ‘Come !’ And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that people would kill one another; and a large sword was given to him. Revelation 6:3-4

The second horseman is given a large sword as a weapon to remove tranquility from the relationships of people and nations. As a result, they kill one another. So people are murdering or having others murdered and going to war. The red horse/horseman represents lawlessness/bloodshed/war.

Third Horseman (Black Horse) – Revelation 6:5-6

When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, ‘Come!’ I looked, and behold, a black horse, and the one who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine. Revelation 6:5-6

The black horse/horseman represents scarcity/famine. This is shown by the items on the scales weighed in relation to each other. Simple things have gotten quite expensive and even critical for survival.

Fourth Horseman (Ashen Horse) – Revelation 6:7-8

When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come!’ I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and the one who sat on it had the name Death, and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, and famine, and plague, and by the wild animals of the earth. Revelation 6:7-8

This rider is named Death and Hades. He rides an ashen (pale-green) horse which is the color of a corpse. His judgments are death by various means such as plagues and being killed by wild beasts, etc.

What about the Rider on the White Horse?

The rider on the white horse is the most difficult to understand. We know he is conquering something, but we don’t know what because it doesn’t say. He has a bow, a symbol of battle. But there is no mention of any arrows. And he is given a victors’ crown (in Greek crown is stephanos which was used to describe the victor of a race/competition) before he ever goes out conquering and to conquer. So who could this rider be?

Many Christians think this rider is Jesus Christ since he is on a white horse. There is an instance when Jesus is on a white horse – at His Second Coming (Revelation 19:11). But if this rider is Christ, then He would have had to open the seal and immediately be seated on the horse. This is probably not the case.

Other Christians think the rider is the Antichrist. There is a problem with this synopsis. When Jesus teaches about the end of the age, what is the first thing He says?

And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people.” Matthew 24:4-5 NASB

And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people.” Matthew 24:11 NASB

The problem with thinking the rider is the Antichrist is because it says many false prophets will come and mislead many. Yes, the Antichrist takes over in great deception. But he is only one man, and he is able to deceive so well because of the many deceptions that have already occurred. before him. Further, if all four horsemen are unleashed after the beginning of the tribulation, there would be wars. But during the first half of the tribulation, as the Antichrist is rising in power, there is a sense (false as it is) of world peace (Revelation 13:2b-4, Revelation 13:7b-8). Worldly turmoil doesn’t fit well with what will actually be taking place when the Antichrist first takes the reigns of his rule.

So, the main point is that Jesus says to the disciples is to make sure they are not being misled. There you have it: spiritual deception.

The rider of the white horse is a deceiver, mimicking the Lord Himself. He represents not just one man, but all spiritual deception. Many will be misled by many false prophets. The deception comes in stealth (no arrows), clothed as something it is not. It conquers without its victims ever realizing it. People think they are receiving the truth, but they are really receiving poison! This rider is given a wreath as a victorious hero, all the while the victims unaware they have been duped! Thus, the world is prepared for the Antichrist – due to all of the spiritual deception throughout the years. (See What does it mean that there will be false christs in the end times?” by GotQuestions)

Still others have suggested that the white horse represents the gospel and the victorious saints during the ages. This is a wonderful truth of course, and we clearly see in the book of Revelation that there indeed is a wonderful endurance and victory for the saints. And we have seen that in the history of the church as well. But that would make one of the horsemen different in their intent. That is, the second, third, and fourth horsemen – being lawlessness/bloodshed/war, scarcity/famine, and death – are God’s sovereign judgments of the sin and rebellion of mankind. The white horseman is no exception. He represents spiritual delusion as God’s judgments upon people who refuse to acknowledge God.

God is orchestrating the length, magnitude and timing of these works through His agents – the four horsemen. They bring about his ultimate design and purpose upon fallen mankind over the course of the centuries.

When Do The Four Horsemen Carry Out Their Mission?

In order to answer this question, we will look at the other instance we have in the New Testament of Jesus reviewing the unfolding of the end of the age. These teachings are found in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-31, Mark 13:1-27 & Luke 21:5-28).

When Jesus’ disciples asked, “when will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age,” how did Jesus reply?

And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:4-8 NASB

The disciples, more than likely, were expecting a fairly soon “coming again” of Christ. But Jesus basically teaches: events/delay, events/delay. He says there will be great deception, wars and rumors of wars. All must take place. But the end is not yet. Then there will be wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes (all plural) in various places. But still, all these are the beginning of sorrows. There will be a delay. The delay has already been almost 2,000 years.

So, what is similar between these teachings of Jesus and the four horsemen?

1. 1. Nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom; famines; earthquakes; plagues (Mark 13:8; Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:10-11)
   2. Death (Mark 13:12; Luke 21:16-17)
   3. Wars and revolts (Luke 21:9)

Sound familiar? These events are a part of the “delay” which has been nearly 2,000 years. So, we can say the horsemen have been carrying out their mission from the time the seals were opened until the time of the end. If you were to do a study of the history of the timing of these four horsemen you would find many of the early pastors and theologians from the post-apostolic church through to the Reformation and beyond believed that these four horsemen were already riding! The popular version of them not being unleashed until after the rapture at the beginning of the tribulation is a more recent prevailing perspective.

To conclude:

1. 1. The four horsemen of Revelation are similar to the Zechariah riders in that they have an ongoing mission of patrolling the earth and bringing specific judgments by God.
   2. The mission the four horsemen carry out is referenced in Jesus’ teachings regarding the delay of the end of the age. They occur immediately, and are not pushed into the distant future.
   3. Although the identity of the white horse is not clearly seen in Revelation 6, there is textual evidence (the first warning from Jesus in His Olivet Discourse) that it corresponds with Jesus’ teachings of spiritual deception.

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1 – Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2 – Ten Horns
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

2 Thessalonians 2 states specifically that the man of lawlessness, the Antichrist, will be revealed in the end times.

Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 NASB

This begs the question: At what point in time will the Antichrist be revealed and in what circumstances? Please follow along closely as we discover what Scripture tells us regarding the revealing of the Antichrist.

Details of Antichrist’s Revealing

There are a few key items surrounding the revealing of the Antichrist. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 says, “For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed.” What will not come? The day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Unless what? Unless the apostasy comes first. And the man of lawlessness is revealed.

So what is “the day of the Lord” and what is “the apostasy”?

When Paul uses the expression “the day of the Lord,” we must understand that Biblically speaking this can refer to the very last day of this present evil age, or it can mean a very brief period of time – where God enters into judgments with this world. Here in 2 Thessalonians 2, “the day of the Lord” means the day of Christ’s second coming and our gathering together with Him.

In the previous verse, when Paul says “has come,” it conveys the idea that the day of the Lord has already occurred or is presently occurring. But Paul is reassuring the Thessalonians that this is not the case. He is telling them that certain things must take place before that day of the Lord. The apostasy being one of them.

What is an apostasy? In Greek, the word “apostasy” can mean either a religious or political “falling away” from a previously held position, i.e. a defection. In the New Testament, it is used in the sense of a religious departure from truth (Matthew 24:11; Acts 21:21; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 6:6). Other words used to describe apostasy could include abandon, depart, fall away, and mislead.

Here in 2 Thessalonians 2, apostasy means a religious falling away that occurs along with, or even just before, the revealing of the Antichrist. And it’s not just an apostasy, but the apostasy. Paul describes both “the apostasy” and “the man of lawlessness” using a definite article – the. This means that, although there will be many apostasies and lawless men, these are unique. Since they are just before Christ’s return, it probably means they are significant and the final ones.

So, two things will happen before Christ’s Second Coming – the apostasy and the man of lawlessness being revealed. Are these two things related? When do they occur? In order to answer these, we must understand what it means when it says the Antichrist “exalts himself” and “takes his seat in the temple of God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

What Kind of Seat?

Does the Antichrist take a literal seat in a literal temple? In the Old Testament, there was a “mercy-seat” in the Jewish temple. It was the place on the top of the arc of the covenant, where the blood of atonement was sprinkled one day a year. (Exodus 25:17-22; Leviticus 16:1-2) That mercy-seat is altogether different from the seat described here. (See What is the mercy-seat? by GotQuestions.)

In Greek, the idea of “seat” can mean ‘the position to exercise authority or rule.’ It’s a similar idea in the Old Testament.

But you said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly…I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14 NASB

Because your heart is lifted up and you have said, “I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods.” Ezekiel 28:1-2

“Seat” does not necessarily mean a literal one for sitting, i.e. a throne. It is best understood as a position of authority. This is the case in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 as well. The Antichrist takes a position of authority.

Notice it says he “displays” himself as something in this seat. He positions himself in the temple of God and displays himself as being God – in a position that only God should rightfully have. This should be of no surprise to us though. In the Greek language, “anti” not only means “against,” but also “in the place of”, i.e. substitute, the Antichrist.

What Kind of Temple?

In what temple does the Antichrist take his seat and display himself as God? Is it a literal temple? A church building? Or is it a symbolic place?

Let’s look at the word “temple” in the New Testament. The same Greek word (ναὸς – naos) is used to refer to several different things:

1. 1. The literal Jewish temple – “…which is more important, the gold, or the temple that sanctified the gold?” Matthew 23:17
   2. Jesus – “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.” Matthew 26:61
   3. Individual believer – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…” 1 Corinthians 6:19
   4. The entire church as God’s people – “Do you not know that you (plural) are a temple (ναὸς) of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

So which one is this temple in 2 Thessalonians 2? The context is critical for determining the meaning. In the letters to the Thessalonians, Paul is concerned for the church being deceived and falling away. He is reminding the church of a “mystery of lawlessness” that “is already at work.”

“Then that lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not accept the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,….” 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11a NASB

Paul says “they will believe what is false” (vs 11). Who will believe what is false? People who “did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (vs 10) will believe what is false. And where are these people? Where are people most likely to receive the love of the truth to be saved? It is not in the world, nor is it in the Jewish temple. It is in the midst of the church. (4th definition – “you are a temple of God” where “the spirit of God dwells in you.”) The temple that the Antichrist takes his seat in is the visible church.

The Mystery of Iniquity

How can this be? If the temple is the church, how can the Antichrist place himself in authority there?

Both John and Paul recognized deception was already at work in the church – as a precursor to the Antichrist. Read the following three verses.

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:18 NASB

…which you have learned is coming and is even already now in the world. 1 John 4:3

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7 NASB

The deceivers were not who they claimed to be. The same will be true of the Antichrist. He will come with “all power and false signs and wonders” (vs 9) and all deception. He will (initially) appear to be advancing and promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ! However, he does this only for his own purpose of advancing himself. What greater slap in Jesus’ face could Satan attempt to pull off than to use Christ’s own name and His church to establish submission to the Antichrist?

You might wonder how this could possibly happen. The Antichrist succeeds with his deception in the church because his ways are that of the “mystery of iniquity.” The “mystery of iniquity” was explained three and a half centuries ago by Thomas Manton, the great Puritan pastor and prolific writer, in his commentary on 2 Thessalonians:

“What is the mystery of iniquity? I answer – The design of usurping Christ’s kingdom, and his dignities and prerogatives over the church, to countenance the kingdom of sin and darkness, under the mask of piety and religion. Surely it is something, quite contrary to the gospel, which is the ‘mystery of godliness.’ 1 Timothy 3:16. So that this mystery is such a course and state design as doth frustrate the true end and purpose of the gospel, and yet carried on under a pretense of advancing and promoting it.”

Is this happening even now? Think about what is currently taking place in the church. The visible church is consumed with being seeker-friendly, growing huge numbers, having grand experiences, embracing cultural issues, etc. The modern evangelical church is currently steeped in apostasy, and this is evident from some rather sobering statistics taken from Ligonier/Lifeway survey!!!

It is becoming obvious that the actual love and proclamation of the truth is secondary and even disappearing in the visible church. What Thomas Manton detailed about the mystery of iniquity and that which is contrary to the gospel, is clearly in the visible church today! It is increasing at an unprecedented rate and in great deception! We should not be amazed when one person ends up being the centerpiece of a widespread final apostasy.

This line of thinking may be a surprise to some readers who think the Antichrist will come as an obvious evil world-wide rule, like a Hitler. But that will not be where and how the Antichrist first appears. Initially, his role will be religious and seamless.

Others believe that the Antichrist is revealed when he takes a seat in a literal temple in Jerusalem at the midpoint of the tribulation. They think this is the abomination of desolation spoken of Daniel 9:27 & Matthew 24:15. But the first part of Daniel 9:27 says “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.'” This would be at the beginning of the tribulation. If he’s made a covenant with Israel, wouldn’t he be revealed at this time? Or at least wouldn’t there be some indication that a world leader is emerging at this time and not in the middle of the tribulation?

In order for the Antichrist to take his seat in the temple, God removes His restraint and allows it. God is holding it all back until His perfect timing. After the Antichrist takes his seat in the temple, he takes on his role as the Beast (Rev. 13). As the world ruler, he will be allowed to elicit an overwhelming allegiance – which truly only belongs to God Himself.

But none of this is a surprise. Jesus spoke of this regarding the end times the first time He came.

“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25 Behold, I have told you in advance.” Matthew 24:24-25 NASB

Though there are many warnings about deception, there are also many promises for true saints. Those who wish to remain faithful to Jesus Christ will be put to the test no doubt. But he who endures to the end – shall be saved (Matthew 24:13)!

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1 – Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2 – Ten Horns
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

In Revelation 11, we find two of God’s anointed men referred to as the two witnesses. Before we delve into who these two witnesses are, we should understand the scene.

The chapter opens with John being instructed to take a rod and measure the inner court of the Temple. He is to leave the outer court, the court of the Gentiles, unmeasured. What is the purpose of this measuring?

In the Old Testament, God used measuring as a symbol of preserving His people. For instance, it was God’s way of keeping guard of His people in Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:1-5) and maintaining true worship in the Temple (Ezekiel 40-43). Measuring was also used to symbolize disaster/ judgments (2 Kings 21:10-15). It meant God was going to bring His judgments, but He would also protect His people.

In the same way, John’s measuring of the inner court in Revelation 11 represents God’s safeguarding His people during the end times, with those outside of the temple being given over for judgment/destruction.

Enter the two witnesses. They come onto the scene to “carry out” this measurement – meaning their job is to proclaim this message of preservation/judgment.

What Do the Two Witnesses Do?

God has, in the past, clearly anointed hand-picked leaders for His work and purposes. These two witnesses are no exception. God grants them His authority for a specific task.

And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth….These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying;…power over the waters turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague….” Revelation 11:3-6 NASB

These two witnesses prophesy a message of both salvation and judgment for a specified period of 1,260 days. They are clothed in sackcloth as a symbol of mourning and a call to repentance. Why are they called olive trees and lampstands (vs 4)?

In Zechariah 4, we find similar imagery. These two olive trees are “the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth” (Zechariah 4:14). Here it is referring to Joshua, High Priest, and Zerubbabel, governor of Judah. They are commissioned by God to go “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit” says the Lord. They are types of the two witnesses we find in Revelation.

The two witnesses in Revelation are also specially commissioned to carry out the “will of the Lord of the whole earth.” As two olive trees and two lampstands, they have the flow of the olive oil (authority of the Holy Spirit) and they are the vessels of light (lampstands of God’s truth) for their God ordained ministry. They do this with accompanying signs. They have authority to shut off rain, turn the waters into blood, and send plagues. Their message is a sharp weapon against their enemies (fire comes out of their mouths). It will be torment for those who refuse to listen (Revelation 11:10b).

Unfortunately, fallen mankind rejects the two witnesses (and really God!) because they don’t “believe” in such a God who could send His judgments! They are too rebellious to the true God to admit they are wrong and repent!

Who are the Two Witnesses?

So who might these two witnesses be? Their ministry is similar to that of Moses and Elijah. Moses was the instrument for turning waters into blood and bringing all kinds of plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7-11). Elijah called down fire (1 Kings 18:20-40) and shut up the skies to cause a drought and famine (1 Kings 17:1-7). Both Moses and Elijah appeared at the Transfiguration of Jesus – talking with the Lord (Matthew 17:1-3)! They showed up once already after they were gone from the earth. Could they show up again?

Some Jewish people believe Elijah would appear in the future based upon Malachi 4:5 (cf. Mark 9:11-13; Matthew 11:7-14), while a prophet like Moses would come again (Deuteronomy 18:18 cf. John 6:14; John 7:40). Some theologians have determined both of the two witnesses will be men of the time that are simply types of Moses and Elijah. Still others believe the two witnesses are Enoch and Elijah because they did not die but were taken to heaven (Genesis 5:23; 2 Kings 2:11). Whoever these two witnesses might be, they show up at the right time!

When Do The Two Witnesses Prophesy?

It says the two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days (vs 3). At what point in time is this? It likely corresponds with the 7 year tribulation period at the end of the age because it is broken into two 3½ year time periods – or 1,260 days (Daniel 9:27). (Also see Seventy Weeks of Daniel) But is it the first part or the second part?

If it is the second half of the tribulation, there is a problem. The end of the tribulation is the day of Christ’s return. The two witnesses are killed at the end of their prophesying, which would be the same day as Christ’s second coming. God’s global judgments would have already been poured out over the whole earth and Christ would have already defeated His (and their) enemies. There would be no point in them being raised back to life 3½ days later. So is it more plausible they prophesy during the first half of the tribulation?

As the Antichrist and ten kings come into world power at the beginning of the tribulation, the world will definitely need to hear the Word of the Lord proclaimed. For the two witnesses to show up at this time to prophesy that God’s judgments are at the door seems likely. And, when the beast kills them at the end of their 1,260 days of prophesying, God breathes life into them after 3½ days to display His power! Although they were a torment to the world, some end up fearing and giving glory to God (Revelation 11:11, Revelation 11:13)! God preserved (measured) some people through the testimony of the two witnesses and the display of His power!

To conclude, soon after the testimony of the two witnesses, during the final 3½ years of the tribulation, rebellious Jerusalem (where their Lord was crucified – Revelation 11:8) will be trampled under foot by the Antichrist (those people represented by the outer court not measured for protection). But God’s people are protected and preserved for true worship of the living God (See also Revelation 12:6) in fulfillment of the measuring of the inner court!

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1 – Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2 – Ten Horns
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

Seven Trumpets & Seven Bowls

The Book of Revelation speaks of what are called “trumpets” and “bowls”. They are specific events of God’s judgments that will take place at the end of the age. There are seven of each.

We aren’t told how long the trumpets and bowls will last, but we know it will be a brief period of time just before Christ’s Second Coming.

In this article, we provide a comparison chart of these events and discuss how they relate to each other and to the end times. You will also see where the “three woes” fit in and what “the days of the voice of the seventh angel” are. Be sure to have your Bible open while reading our articles, and may God bless you in the reading of His Word!

Trumpets and Bowls Comparison

The trumpets, found in Revelation 8:6-9:21; Revelation 11:14-19, and the bowls, found in Revelation 16:1-21 are not close to each other in the book, yet they are very much linked. The trumpets, occurring before the bowls, refer to ⅓ of something being destroyed, while the bowls indicate more complete destruction. Take a look at the following chart.

You can see in this chart there are multiple similarities between the trumpets and the bowls. Notice that the bowls are intensifications of the trumpets. So while the trumpets are judgments in and of themselves, they are also warnings of greater disaster to come. The full wrath of God does not come until the bowls.

Also, did you notice the first two woes are trumpets but the third woe is not? The first and second woes, Trumpets 5 & 6, are found in Revelation 9. Then we read in Revelation 11:14 that the third woe is coming quickly. But when?

Where and What is the Third Woe?

We are given a hint as to what the third woe is in Revelation 10:5-7:

Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will no longer be a delay, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He announced to His servants the prophets.

When the seventh angel blows the seventh trumpet, the mystery of God is finished. Everything is done. But before the seventh trumpet is blown, comes “the days of the voice of the seventh angel” – which is where we find the third woe. This begs the question: What are “the days of the voice of the seventh angel”?

What are the Days of the Voice of the Seventh Angel?

Revelation 11:14-18 tells us that God’s wrath (the bowls) come before the seventh angel sounds the trumpet. It is during the “days of the voice of the seventh angel” that the bowls of God’s wrath occur (Rev. 16). So, we can say three things:

1. 1. Before everything is finished, including the third woe, the days of the voice of the seventh angel occur.
   2. During the days of the voice of the seventh angel, the bowls of wrath occur.
   3. We could therefore surmise that the bowls of wrath = the third woe.

And these are the days when the mystery of God is finished. This “mystery” is the reality that there is no longer any delay as to the fulfillment of the things spoken by the prophets of old concerning the end of the age! And when the final disasters are finished, the seventh trumpet announces that Christ begins His reign upon the earth!

For further study see: What is the Day of the Lord? By Got Questions

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
When was the Book of Revelation Written?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1 – Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2 – Ten Horns
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

John’s Experience & The Rapture of the Church

In Revelation 4:1-2 we read about an experience of the Apostle John. John finds himself before the throne of God. Some believe this experience of John’s represents what will happen to the church – that the church will be raptured from the earth before the seven-year tribulation. Is this true? Let’s look at the text.

 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and someone was sitting on the throne. Revelation 4:1-2 NASB

John is commanded to “come up here” and then said to be “in the Spirit.” Through supernatural experience, he finds himself before the throne of God.  The purpose was so that he could receive revelation and then write it down. So is this indicative of the church being removed from the earth? To answer this, we should consider three important matters.

1. 1. Other “in the Spirit” texts of Scripture
   2. Revelation 4:1 compared to 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 (which describes the rapture)
   3. When the events of Revelation 6, Seals 1-4, take place

1. “In the Spirit” Texts of Scripture

This same “in the Spirit” language is also found in a few other passages of Scripture:

• when John is still on the island of Patmos – Revelation 1:10
• when John is carried away to a wilderness – Revelation 17:3
• when John is carried to a mountain – Revelation 21:10
• Paul had an experience of the third heaven similar to this experience of John’s – 2 Corinthians 12:1-4

Each of these things occurred so that John could receive revelation. They do not signify anything other than the rare occurrence of giving revelation. Revelation 4:1-2 is no different. It was a supernatural event for John for a specific purpose – to receive revelation from God to write it down. We cannot read anything more than that into the text.

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

Next, we should look at the primary passage that describes the rapture of the church – 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. 15 For we say this to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 NASB

In this text, Jesus descends from heaven and the resurrected saints meet Him in the air. In Revelation 4:1, John is called up, through an open door, and he goes to heaven where he sees Jesus the Lamb of God. Jesus is not said to descend from heaven nor does John meet Him “in the air.” As you can see, the particulars of these two texts are not the same; and thus do not indicate the same event.

3. Seals 1-4

How we view John’s experience in Revelation 4:1-2 affects how we view the passages following it. Those who think it depicts the rapture, also tend to place the events of Revelation 6 as occurring later, during the final 7-year tribulation period. Is this the case? Are the first four seals – the four horsemen – only at the time of the end?

We should go to the gospels to see what Jesus taught about the end days (Mark 13, Luke 21, and Matthew 24). Matthew 24:3-8 is a critical passage. The disciples ask Jesus what will be the sign of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus begins by talking about things that will happen before the end. He lists several events – wars, famines, earthquakes – and then says, “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains” (vs 8). They are “not yet the end” (Matthew 24:6, Mark 13:7). They are the things that must “soon take place” (Revelation 1:1) because “the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

Have not these things – wars, famines, earthquakes – already started? Of course, they have. And these are the same events found in the first four seals. They started at the time of the opening of the first four seals soon after John received the revelation (around 91-96 A.D.), and they have been unfolding in human history ever since. (See Who Are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation? for more study connecting Jesus teachings about end times and “many will come in My name” to Revelation 6)

In conclusion, it is our understanding according to these Scriptural evidences, that John’s experience in Revelation 4:1-2 does not depict the rapture of the church, but was only for the purpose of giving him revelation to write down.

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
The Beast from the Sea: Part 1 – Seven Heads
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?

In order to determine when the book of Revelation was written, we should first consider where the Apostle John was when he wrote it and why he was there. This is seen in the book of Revelation itself:

“I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Revelation 1:9 NASB

John was on the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony. His testimony to Christ got him prison time there! He was sent during the scattered persecutions of the emperor Domitian. History tells us that Domitian was emperor from 81 A.D. until he was assassinated in 96 A.D. So it was at some point during that 15 year period that John wrote. But can we pinpoint it down even more?

An early Christian apologist, Irenaeus (130-202 A.D.), gives us insight as to when John received the revelation. At that time, Christians were attempting to determine the name of the Antichrist (Greek names associated with 666). Irenaeus thought a search was futile. He said in his book Against Heresies (about 180 A.D.) that if it were necessary we know the name, “it would have been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision (i.e the Apostle John). For that was seen no very long time since, but almost in our day, towards the end of Domitian’s reign.” (See CCEL – ANF01 – Irenaeus Against Heresies, Book 5, XXX, 3)

So, it was towards the end of Domitian’s reign that John received the vision. We could surmise about 91-96 A.D. We should note that Irenaeus’ testimony is very significant and here’s why. Irenaeus was from Smyrna (one of the seven churches in Revelation) and knew the bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp. Polycarp (69-155 A.D.) was a disciple of none other than the Apostle John! So Irenaeus would have gotten information about the Apostle John directly through Polycarp!

Now, when did John actually write the book? Was it soon after he received the vision? The most credible testimony we have is from the pen of Jerome (347-420 A.D.), a historian who translated the Bible into Latin – the Vulgate. He wrote:

“In the fourteenth year then after Nero Domitian having raised a second persecution he (the Apostle John) was banished to the island of Patmos, and wrote the Apocalypse, on which Justin Martyr and Irenaeus afterwards wrote commentaries.” (See BibleHub – Lives of Illustrious Men – Chapter 9 – John)

So according to Jerome, John wrote the book while he was still on the island of Patmos – around 91-96 A.D.

What happened to John after he wrote the book of Revelation? Jerome continues,

“But Domitian having been put to death…, he (John) returned to Ephesus…founded and built churches throughout all Asia, and, worn out by old age, died in the sixty-eighth year after our Lord’s passion and was buried near the same city.” Jerome, Lives of Illustrious Men, IX.

John was released from Patmos (approx. 96 A.D.) and returned to Ephesus from where he did missionary work throughout Asia (Minor). He was in the very areas of the seven churches that received the letters of Revelation 2-3! John died 68 years after Jesus’ death, approximately 100 A.D., from old age (around 90 years old) and was buried somewhere near Ephesus.

The Scriptures and historical records have all of the disciples put to death except for one – the Apostle John.

Please note, the teachings of preterism say the date of the writing was much earlier. Preterists believe many of Revelation’s prophecies had already been fulfilled by 91-96 A.D. Preterists see things such as the Antichrist, the tribulation, and the Second Coming of Christ as history or understood as allegory. (See What is Preterism? By Got Questions)

However, Irenaeus (who knew Polycarp, who knew the Apostle John) thought many of John’s visions were yet to be fulfilled. Irenaeus, when referring to the ten kings of Revelation 13, noted that the Antichrist will (still future) come along and claim himself as the head of their kingdom. So Irenaeus not only put the Revelation around 91-96 A.D. but also still saw the rise of the Antichrist as a future event. He was definitely not a preterist. (See CCEL – ANF01 – Irenaeus Against Heresies, Book 5, XXX, 2)

For More on the Book of Revelation & End Times

Five Reasons Why Revelation is Hard to Understand
The Beast from the Sea: Part 1 – Seven Heads
End Time Events: A Brief Overview
War on Israel – Ezekiel 38
The Church’s New Agenda
Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?