The Last Days
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Lesson 37 | 08/24/25
Revelation 6:5-11 | Wrath and Martyrs | Seals 3-5
We are continuing our study in Revelation chapter 6 watching Jesus loose the seals of the scroll. The first four seals unleashed the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: 1) a One World Leader (the Antichrist); 2) War; 3) Famine; 4) Death. We have looked at the first two seals so far, and now this week we will wrap up the Four Horsemen and then look at the fifth seal and we will be introduced to the Tribulation Martyrs of Revelation.
We ended our lesson last week with the second seal being opened, in which I believe this unleashes the Ezekiel 38 war. A time when Israel is enjoying “peace” in their land, a time of peace manipulated by the covenant made with the Antichrist, a time of peace that God is using to focus the attention of the whole world on the land of Israel so that He can pour out His wrath to the Jew first and also the nations. And as the nations are drawn to Israel to make war with the Jews, God is protecting His people from these waring nations and pouring out His cup of fury on them. And He is doing this for one purpose... that the world might recognize that Jesus is Lord. They may not accept it, but they know that this is the Lord’s doing, Ezekiel 38:23- Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” ’
As a result of this massive war and probably others in that time, this leads us to the next seal releasing famine and economic crisis...
5-6) 5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
This third horse is black which symbolizes famine, Lamentations 4:8-9. A common cause of famine is not necessarily a lack of rain, but history tells us the most common cause of famine is the effects of politics and war. We saw just a hint of this with COVID.
7-8a) 7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him.
This fourth horse is pale in color, χλωρός, putrid green color symbolizing death.
8b) And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth..
This is massive devastation to the whole world. 25% of the world’s population (2 billion people) will die by these first four seals. Which I estimate is probably within the first year of the 7-Year Tribulation. This is why this Day is called, a Day of darkness and gloom, devastation, trouble and distress.
But what about the believers who are on the earth during this time? Will there be Christians that have to endure this time of Tribulation? The answer is yes, which brings us to the next seal being opened... seal #5
9-11) 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
These are the Tribulation Martyrs. Christians who are on the earth during this time of Tribulation, but they die for their testimony and faith in Jesus. This word testimony is μαρτυρία. We get the word martyr from this word because as Christians, especially in the first few centuries, to bear witness of Jesus meant certain death and the same will be true during the Tribulation.
But some might ask how will there be Christians on the earth after the rapture? There will be a combination of lukewarm Christians left behind and not taken in the rapture, Rev 2:16; 2:22-23; 3:3; 3:10, as well as many who will see God’s Hand and be awakened to the Truth. So what happens to these believers while they are living in this Day of the Lord with the Antichrist, war, famine and death all around? They will die as a result of being in the earth during this time, either through war, famine, pestilence, or martyrdom. There is only one group of Christians that are specifically given special protection during this time. These are the 144,000 that are sealed from the effects of God’s wrath, Rev 7:3-4. But this is only for a small period of time, because they too will die for their faith, Rev 14:1-5.
To be a Christian during this time means a time of great trouble. But this is much different than the persecution that we are called to as Christians in this Age. Jesus tells us in John 16:33- These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” But the time of the 7-Year Tribulation is much different because this is the Time of the Lords’s Wrath on an unbelieving world, Isaiah 13:9. And Jesus has been warning us of this Day since the time of the Prophets and He has given us a provision of escape from this Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, Zeph 2:1-3. This is not a Day that we want to be on the earth. This is why Jesus is warning us now in this age to repent and “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass,” Luke 21:36. And other warnings and admonitions in the 7 letters to the 7 churches:
Revelation chapter 6 is the first mention of these Tribulation Martyrs, but all through the book of Revelation John writes about these faithful believers dying for the Name of Jesus, Rev 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 12:17; 13:7-10; 14:1-13; 15:2-4; 17:6; 20:4-6. Death to Christians living during this Tribulation is the means by which they are brought into the Presence of God. Death is their way of being rescued from the evil of this world and brought up to be with the Lord. This may sound strange, but as Christians, death is not the end. Death is just the pathway to Eternal Glory, and in God’s mercy He is giving them the means to escape the evil of this world.
Isaiah 57:1–2-1 The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. 2 He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
As the Righteous are being slaughtered for their faith, the world will be rejoicing, but little do they know that God is redeeming them from the world and receiving them into His Glory and His rest.
Revelation 14:3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
Notice their death was the means by which they were redeemed away from the earth. In verse 4 he goes on to say they were redeemed away from men. Death is one of the means by which Jesus is gathering His saints to Himself and He is well pleased with their faithfulness, even unto death...
Revelation 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
During the Tribulation, death becomes a means of escape and rescue from the evil of this world. But to the unbelievers, there is even a point when God’s wrath is so bad that men are begging to die, but God doesn’t grant them even the privilege of death, Revelation 9:6- In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
The Tribulation Martyrs will be greatly honored for their faithfulness, but even then, God doesn’t want us to have to go through this torment. This is why He has provided a means of escape before this Day comes. This doesn’t mean we will avoid persecution, 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-16, but it does mean that God will catch the faithful away to be with Him in Glory before He pours out His wrath on the world, Rev 3:10.
There are some distinctions that I want to point out with the Tribulation Martyrs. Notice John describes these Tribulation Martyrs as souls under the alter... “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain...” The altar described here is the true altar of Incense. Moses made a copy of this one that he saw in Exodus 30. It is a place of worship and a sacrifice of praise. And notice the Tribulation Martyrs are described as souls, but they do not have their glorified bodies yet. They have not been resurrected like those who were caught away at the rapture. Their resurrection will come at the end of the Tribulation, Rev 20:4.
Also, notice the robe that is given to them... Revelation 6:11 Then a white robe (στολαὶ λευκαὶ) was given to each of them... In English, you cannot tell a difference, but this is a different white robe that what is given to the 24 Elders. The Elders are given a ἱμάτιον kingly garment, Rev 4:4, but the Tribulation Martyrs are given a white στολή robe. Still an honorable robe, but not as prestigious as a ἱμάτιον kingly garment. It is interesting to point out that the στολή robe given to the Tribulation Martyrs is the same robe given to the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:22. And in many ways the Prodigal Son is a type of a Tribulation Martyr in that they both squandered their inheritance on the world and fell away from the Father, but then later turned back and repented and the Father received them gladly. But because they squandered their inheritance, when they returned, they were given a place in the kingdom. Still a child, but no longer owners or heirs of the kingdom and the garment represents this.
These are some of the differences between the 24 Elders who represent the raptured Bride of Christ, and the Tribulation Martyrs...
24 Elders
In verse 10, notice their plea to God is vengeance on their enemies. They are asking, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Vengeance is the Lord’s. The Martyrs know this and they are making their plea, Psalm 13, but God’s loving and comforting hand gives them a robe and He tells them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Jesus says Rest. Rest in the arms of Jesus. There are still many more to come into the Kingdom, but don’t let that concern you. God is gathering His people, redeeming them from the earth, for this world is not worthy of these faithful martyrs, Heb 11:38, and He is bringing them safely into His Eternal Rest.
PREVIOUS LESSON 36 ← GO TO → NEXT LESSON 38
We ended our lesson last week with the second seal being opened, in which I believe this unleashes the Ezekiel 38 war. A time when Israel is enjoying “peace” in their land, a time of peace manipulated by the covenant made with the Antichrist, a time of peace that God is using to focus the attention of the whole world on the land of Israel so that He can pour out His wrath to the Jew first and also the nations. And as the nations are drawn to Israel to make war with the Jews, God is protecting His people from these waring nations and pouring out His cup of fury on them. And He is doing this for one purpose... that the world might recognize that Jesus is Lord. They may not accept it, but they know that this is the Lord’s doing, Ezekiel 38:23- Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” ’
As a result of this massive war and probably others in that time, this leads us to the next seal releasing famine and economic crisis...
5-6) 5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
This third horse is black which symbolizes famine, Lamentations 4:8-9. A common cause of famine is not necessarily a lack of rain, but history tells us the most common cause of famine is the effects of politics and war. We saw just a hint of this with COVID.
- This third seal is a result of God’s Judgement and He is using the effects of war to escalate scarcity and inflation.
- A loaf a bread = a day’s wage $150-200
- Do not harm the oil and wine- this is not distinguishing classes of people
- Oil and wine in this Mediterranean area are not luxuries, but staples of life
- God is lessening the severity of this judgement by not harming or being unjust, ἀδικέω, to the oil and the wine
- Oil and wine in this Mediterranean area are not luxuries, but staples of life
7-8a) 7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him.
This fourth horse is pale in color, χλωρός, putrid green color symbolizing death.
- Death is riding this horse and Hades is following him.
- These Judgements are coming on the unbelieving people of the world. This is why Hades is following Death, to gather the souls of the unbelievers who die.
- Those who die rejecting Jesus will be brought down to Hades, the place of the dead, to await their summons to be called to the Great White Throne Judgement and cast into the lake of fire, Rev 20:11; Daniel 12:2
- After this final Judgement, Death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, Rev 20:14
- Those who die rejecting Jesus will be brought down to Hades, the place of the dead, to await their summons to be called to the Great White Throne Judgement and cast into the lake of fire, Rev 20:11; Daniel 12:2
8b) And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth..
This is massive devastation to the whole world. 25% of the world’s population (2 billion people) will die by these first four seals. Which I estimate is probably within the first year of the 7-Year Tribulation. This is why this Day is called, a Day of darkness and gloom, devastation, trouble and distress.
- Almost 2 billion ungodly people will die from these Judgements
- In comparison,
- WWI resulted in an estimated 20 million deaths (1% of the population)
- WWII resulted in an estimated 80 million deaths (3% of the population)
- Four Horsemen Judgements will result in 2 billion deaths (25% of the population)
- For perspective of how big 1 billion is... 1 million seconds is 11.5 days, 1 billion seconds is 31.7 years!
But what about the believers who are on the earth during this time? Will there be Christians that have to endure this time of Tribulation? The answer is yes, which brings us to the next seal being opened... seal #5
9-11) 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
These are the Tribulation Martyrs. Christians who are on the earth during this time of Tribulation, but they die for their testimony and faith in Jesus. This word testimony is μαρτυρία. We get the word martyr from this word because as Christians, especially in the first few centuries, to bear witness of Jesus meant certain death and the same will be true during the Tribulation.
But some might ask how will there be Christians on the earth after the rapture? There will be a combination of lukewarm Christians left behind and not taken in the rapture, Rev 2:16; 2:22-23; 3:3; 3:10, as well as many who will see God’s Hand and be awakened to the Truth. So what happens to these believers while they are living in this Day of the Lord with the Antichrist, war, famine and death all around? They will die as a result of being in the earth during this time, either through war, famine, pestilence, or martyrdom. There is only one group of Christians that are specifically given special protection during this time. These are the 144,000 that are sealed from the effects of God’s wrath, Rev 7:3-4. But this is only for a small period of time, because they too will die for their faith, Rev 14:1-5.
To be a Christian during this time means a time of great trouble. But this is much different than the persecution that we are called to as Christians in this Age. Jesus tells us in John 16:33- These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” But the time of the 7-Year Tribulation is much different because this is the Time of the Lords’s Wrath on an unbelieving world, Isaiah 13:9. And Jesus has been warning us of this Day since the time of the Prophets and He has given us a provision of escape from this Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, Zeph 2:1-3. This is not a Day that we want to be on the earth. This is why Jesus is warning us now in this age to repent and “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass,” Luke 21:36. And other warnings and admonitions in the 7 letters to the 7 churches:
- Ephesus: repent and do the first works, Rev 2:5
- Pergamos: repent or else I will come to you quickly and fight against them, Rev 2:16
- Thyatira: repent or I will cast you into Great Tribulation, Rev 2:22
- Sardis: hold fast and repent or I will come upon you like a thief in the night, Rev 3:3-4
- Laodicea: repent and open the door to Me, Rev 3:19-20
- Philadelphia: I will keep you from the hour of trial... hold fast what you have so no one will take your crown, Rev 3:10-11
- Smyrna: Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life, Rev 2:10
Revelation chapter 6 is the first mention of these Tribulation Martyrs, but all through the book of Revelation John writes about these faithful believers dying for the Name of Jesus, Rev 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 12:17; 13:7-10; 14:1-13; 15:2-4; 17:6; 20:4-6. Death to Christians living during this Tribulation is the means by which they are brought into the Presence of God. Death is their way of being rescued from the evil of this world and brought up to be with the Lord. This may sound strange, but as Christians, death is not the end. Death is just the pathway to Eternal Glory, and in God’s mercy He is giving them the means to escape the evil of this world.
Isaiah 57:1–2-1 The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. 2 He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
As the Righteous are being slaughtered for their faith, the world will be rejoicing, but little do they know that God is redeeming them from the world and receiving them into His Glory and His rest.
Revelation 14:3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
Notice their death was the means by which they were redeemed away from the earth. In verse 4 he goes on to say they were redeemed away from men. Death is one of the means by which Jesus is gathering His saints to Himself and He is well pleased with their faithfulness, even unto death...
Revelation 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
During the Tribulation, death becomes a means of escape and rescue from the evil of this world. But to the unbelievers, there is even a point when God’s wrath is so bad that men are begging to die, but God doesn’t grant them even the privilege of death, Revelation 9:6- In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
The Tribulation Martyrs will be greatly honored for their faithfulness, but even then, God doesn’t want us to have to go through this torment. This is why He has provided a means of escape before this Day comes. This doesn’t mean we will avoid persecution, 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-16, but it does mean that God will catch the faithful away to be with Him in Glory before He pours out His wrath on the world, Rev 3:10.
There are some distinctions that I want to point out with the Tribulation Martyrs. Notice John describes these Tribulation Martyrs as souls under the alter... “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain...” The altar described here is the true altar of Incense. Moses made a copy of this one that he saw in Exodus 30. It is a place of worship and a sacrifice of praise. And notice the Tribulation Martyrs are described as souls, but they do not have their glorified bodies yet. They have not been resurrected like those who were caught away at the rapture. Their resurrection will come at the end of the Tribulation, Rev 20:4.
Also, notice the robe that is given to them... Revelation 6:11 Then a white robe (στολαὶ λευκαὶ) was given to each of them... In English, you cannot tell a difference, but this is a different white robe that what is given to the 24 Elders. The Elders are given a ἱμάτιον kingly garment, Rev 4:4, but the Tribulation Martyrs are given a white στολή robe. Still an honorable robe, but not as prestigious as a ἱμάτιον kingly garment. It is interesting to point out that the στολή robe given to the Tribulation Martyrs is the same robe given to the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:22. And in many ways the Prodigal Son is a type of a Tribulation Martyr in that they both squandered their inheritance on the world and fell away from the Father, but then later turned back and repented and the Father received them gladly. But because they squandered their inheritance, when they returned, they were given a place in the kingdom. Still a child, but no longer owners or heirs of the kingdom and the garment represents this.
These are some of the differences between the 24 Elders who represent the raptured Bride of Christ, and the Tribulation Martyrs...
24 Elders
- Have Glorified Bodies
- Seated on thrones (promised to the overcomer, Rev 3:21; 20:4)
- Wearing Stephanos victor’s crowns (promised to the overcomer, Rev 2:10; 3:11; Zech 6:14LXX; 1 Cor 9:25)
- Wearing ἱμάτιον kingly garments (promised to the overcomer, Rev 3:5)
- Only Souls- no body, Rev 6:9; 20:4
- Standing before God, Rev 6:9; 7:9; 15:2
- No Crowns
- Wearing στολή robes (Rev 6:11; 7:14; same as the Prodigal Son, Lk 15:22)
In verse 10, notice their plea to God is vengeance on their enemies. They are asking, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Vengeance is the Lord’s. The Martyrs know this and they are making their plea, Psalm 13, but God’s loving and comforting hand gives them a robe and He tells them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Jesus says Rest. Rest in the arms of Jesus. There are still many more to come into the Kingdom, but don’t let that concern you. God is gathering His people, redeeming them from the earth, for this world is not worthy of these faithful martyrs, Heb 11:38, and He is bringing them safely into His Eternal Rest.
PREVIOUS LESSON 36 ← GO TO → NEXT LESSON 38