FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. This section relates contextually to chapters 4 and 5. Chapters 4 and 5 describe events in heaven, while Rev_6:1 to Rev_8:1 describes the unfolding judgments of God on the earth. As a matter of fact, Rev_4:1 to Rev_16:21 forms one literary unit.
B. The identity of the first rider (cf. Rev_6:2) is difficult, but assuming it is a symbol of evil, the four riders are symbolic of the persecutions believers face in a fallen, hostile world (cf. Mat_24:6-7). The term "tribulation" (thlipsis) is used consistently and solely of the persecution of Christians by unbelievers.
The sixth seal beginning in Rev_6:12 describes God's wrath on unbelievers. Believers are exempt from the wrath (orgç, cf. Rev_6:16) of God, but they do face the persecution and rage of the unbelieving world.
C. There are three major interpretive problems in this section.
1. how do the seals, trumpets, and bowls relate to each other in history
2. who are the 144,000 of Rev_7:4 and how do they relate to the second group mentioned in Rev_7:9
3. to which period of tribulation and which type of tribulation does the group in Rev_7:14 refer
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Who are the 144,000? Explain your answer from the text of Revelation.
2. How do the 144,000 relate to the large group in Rev_7:9?
3. Why are these symbols so hard for us to interpret?
4. What is the major thrust of chapters 6 and 7?
5. What is meant when it is said that chapter 7 is an interlude? Where are other interludes found in the book?
