The Book of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist of the Revelation Given Him by the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

The Revelation of The Lord God Jesus Christ

The Book of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist of the Revelation Given Him by the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

THE APOCALYPSE OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
{WHO IS THE LAST PROPHET OF THE BIBLE UNTIL SAINT ENOCH AND SAINT ELIJAH RETURN AT THE CONSUMMATION OF DAYS}

The Apocalypse is a revelation of things that were, are and will be. We are actually witnessing some of the events foretold in this book, but many still lie in the future. It is Christ who commands John to write to the seven churches, opens the seven seals, reveals the sufferings of the saints, opens the little book, overcomes the beast, reigns during the period of the first resurrection, judges the dead, both great and small, according to their works at His Second Coming, rules over all things from the beginning, presides over all the changing scenes of earth’s history, and is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The book presents Christ as the Coming One; it reveals the dealings of Him who came, and who is to come. It opens with the solemn hope that the Coming One will come soon, and closes with the impressive prediction that the Coming One will come quickly.

The book is one of hope, but also one of warning; its aim is to assure the Church of the advent of her Lord in victory. The precise time of this victory lies hidden with God, but it is certain, although the crown will not be won without a struggle. Heaven will be stormed and carried away through suffering and conflict. And all who keep the words of this book will take part in the conflict and share in the victory.The conflict is presented under the form of symbols. It is not easy to give a full interpretation of all the types, but the general symbols are not difficult to understand. Jerusalem stands as the type of the good cause, and this is the Church of Christ. Babylon appears as the type of the evil cause, and this is the world power. The heavenly Jerusalem has the assistance of divine power. The earthly Babylon has the help of evil powers, the dragon, the beast and the false prophet. The scenes in the great conflict arrange themselves around these types of good and of evil. The numbers, the seals, the trumpets and the bowls are phases in the development and consummation of the conflict.

John has arranged the scenes in a sevenfold structure; even in the subordinate visions he keeps to this arrangement. Commentators, however, are not agreed in marking off the limits of each structure.

The book was written in Greek by St. John the Evangelist, on the island of Patmos, about the year. 96 A.D.

Note on parallel passages and commentary. The parallel passages are based on the full concordance thereof relating to, from the Council of Trent; the commentary is late 1940’s Catholic from the full consensus of the Church Fathers on the seven within seven structure of the book.

Also note that the book at the same time “opens from the middle” so to speak. Just like a megilloth (Hebrew for scroll). The first eleven chapters (1 – 11) which culminate in the general judgement – Rev. 11:18 – 19
And the nations were angry: and thy wrath is come. And the time of the dead, that they should be judged and that thou shouldest render reward to thy servants the prophets and the saints, and to them that fear thy name, little and great: and shouldest destroy them who have corrupted the earth.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were lightnings and voices and an earthquake and great hail. (DRV)
And the second eleven chapters (12 – 22) which culminate in the general judgement (Rev. 20:11 – 14) and the New Heaven and New Earth (Rev. 21, 22)

Both the first and second eleven chapters begin from the time of Christ’s Incarnation but include the fact that He is Immortal and the Creator of Heaven and Earth. See: Rev. 1:4 – 6 John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace be unto you and peace, from him that is and that was and that is to come: and from the seven spirits which are before his throne:
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood (when He became Incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the blessed virgin Mary and went to the Cross for our salvation)
And hath made us a kingdom, and priests to God and his Father. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.(DRV)

And see: Rev. 12:1, 2, 5
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And being with child, she cried travailing in birth: and was in pain to be delivered.
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod (Christ’s Incarnation). And her son was taken up to God and to his throne (Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension). (DRV)

And see: Rev.:21:6:
6 And he said to me: It is done. I am Alpha and Omega: the Beginning and the End. To him that thirsteth, I will give of the fountain of the water of life, freely. (DRV)

These two phrases that is and that was and that is to come (Greek “‘o oon kai ‘o en kai ‘o erchoumenos”) and I am Alpha and Omega (Greek: “egoo eimi to Alpha kai to Omega”) are emphatic declarations of Christ’s Divinity and Immortality for it is the Thrice Holy Trinity – Rv:4:8 And the four living creatures had each of them six wings: and round about and within they are full of eyes. And they rested not day and night, saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. (Greek “‘agious ‘agious ‘agious kurios ‘o theos ‘o pantocrator”) – alone Who possesses Aseity (self existence and Who is therefore alone uncreated) and Who is Immortal of the same Essence/Substance – Nature.
In the above: the “who [that] is”, in Greek “‘o oon”, is the declaration of Aseity. The “who [that] was” and the “who [that] is to come” with the “‘o oon”, self existence, is the declaration of Immortality (having no beginning and no end – always existing). The phrase I am Alpha and Omega has exactly the same meaning. “I am” – “egoo eimi” is the equivalent of Yahweh (God’s proper name) in Hebrew meaning “I am” in the same sense as the above “‘o oon”. Alpha and Omega has the same meaning as Immortality in the above. Pantocrator (translated as Almighty) is the declaration of the Thrice Holy Lord God’s All ruling absolute Sovereignty and includes emphatically the meaning that He is alone uncreated and Creator, ex nihilo, of all of creation. This relates directly to the beginning of the Gospel of St. John and the beginning of the first book of the Torah (the Pentateuch) which is Genesis. See: Genesis 1:1 through 2:4 and St. John’s Gospel 1:1 through vs. 18. All of this and the exact seventy human generations recounted in St. Luke’s Gospel 3:1 – 38 from Adam to Christ (see also the parallel in St. Matthew’s Gospel 1:1 – 25 from Abraham to Christ) and the testimony of the Church Fathers does not allow any pagan evolutionary gods nor even sophist pantheistic idolatrous creationism but only creation by the Creator as He said He did it, and only Redemption in God and His Christ (the Messiah, al-Maseeh) as He said that it is; the false gods or pagan idolatrous religions that willfully reject God and Jesus Christ (those who do not willfully reject Him but seek God in their hearts are judged by God alone) are without grace and they and their followers will be damned forever, who do not repent in this life from those false gods and religions and come to God and His Christ and make confession in Him and be baptized by God’s Spirit {believers in monotheistic Islam who confess the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ as the Son of God and all men of good will who worship only this God (in the full consensus of the Church Fathers) are included as true believers in the true God and therefore saved by their confession of belief in and fulfilling the will of God, Allah (SWT)}. Allah is from biblical Hebrew 'Eloah' and means the true God, All middle Eastern Christians, including Catholics, who are Arabic speakers call on Allah as the name of the true God. Amen.

The Final Trial: Traditional Catholic Prayers: Baptism

Note on parallel passage notation – the ! after a scriptural reference means that is the emphasis or central point for explanation of the passage.

1. Prologue

Prologue

The Book – Its source and Contents

(Note: the Scripture reference to parallel passages is given before each chapter by verse number and repeated with the verses it applies to in the text.)

1 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:19; 4:1; 22:6; Dan. 2:29!
2 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:9; 6:9; 20:4
3 … Scripture reference – Rev. 22:7!; Lk. 11:28!; Rev. 3:11!; 22:10; James 5:8!
4 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:11; 1:8; 4:8; 11:7: 4:5!
5 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:14; Ps. 88:38; Acts 26:23!; Heb. 9:14!; 1Jn. 1:7!
6 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:10!; Ex. 19:6!; Is. 66:21; 1Pt. 2:9; Mich. 4:7!; 1Pt. 4:11!
7 … Scripture reference – Zach. 12:10; Mt. 24:30!; Jn. 19:37
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 21:6; 22:13!; 1:4; 4:8; 11:17
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:2; 6:9; 20:4
10 … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:2; 4:1
11 … Scripture reference – Hab. 2:2; IV Esr. 12:37; Rev. 1:4
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:20
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 15:6; Dan. 10:5!
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Dan. 7:9; Rev. 19:12; Dan. 10:6
15 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Ezek. 1:7!; Rev.:14:2!; Ezek. 43:2!
16 … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 1:20; 2:1; 3:1; 2:12; 19:15; 10:1; Mt. 17:2!
17 … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 2:8; Mt. 17:6,7; Rev. 22:13!; Is. 41:4!
18 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:8; 10:6
19 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:1
20 … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:16; 2:1; 3:1

Rv:1:
1 ¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass [A]: and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John, … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:19; 4:1; 22:6; Dan. 2:29!
2 Who hath given testimony to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever he hath seen. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:9; 6:9; 20:4
3 ¶ Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand. … Scripture reference – Rev. 22:7!; Lk. 11:28!; Rev. 3:11!; 22:10; James 5:8!
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia [1]. Grace be unto you and peace, from him that is and that was and that is to come: and from the seven spirits which are before his throne: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:11; 1:8; 4:8; 11:7: 4:5!
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:14; Ps. 88:38; Acts 26:23!; Heb. 9:14!; 1Jn. 1:7!
6 And hath made us a kingdom, and priests to God and his Father. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:10!; Ex. 19:6!; Is. 66:21; 1Pt. 2:9; Mich. 4:7!; 1Pt. 4:11!

Christ’s Coming

7 Behold, he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him: and they also that pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth shall bewail themselves because of him. Even so. Amen. … Scripture reference – Zach. 12:10; Mt. 24:30!; Jn. 19:37
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. … Scripture reference – Rev. 21:6; 22:13!; 1:4; 4:8; 11:17

I: THE SEVEN LETTERS

1. Preparatory Vision

John Told to Write His Visions

9 ¶ I, John, your brother and your partner in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience in Christ Jesus, was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:2; 6:9; 20:4
10 I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:2; 4:1
11 Saying: What thou seest, write in a book and send to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamus and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea. … Scripture reference – Hab. 2:2; IV Esr. 12:37; Rev. 1:4

Vision of the Son of Man

12 And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:20
13 And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. … Scripture reference – Rev. 15:6; Dan. 10:5!
14 And his head and his hairs were white as white wool and as snow. And his eyes were as a flame of fire: … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Dan. 7:9; Rev. 19:12; Dan. 10:6
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as in a burning furnace. And his voice as the sound of many waters. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:18; Ezek. 1:7!; Rev.:14:2!; Ezek. 43:2!
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars. And from his mouth came out a sharp two-edged sword. And his face was as the sun shineth in his power. … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 1:20; 2:1; 3:1; 2:12; 19:15; 10:1; Mt. 17:2!
17 And when I had seen him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last, … Scripture reference – IV Esr. 10:25; Rev. 2:8; Mt. 17:6,7; Rev. 22:13!; Is. 41:4!
18 And alive, and was dead. And behold I am living for ever and ever and have the keys of death and of hell. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:8; 10:6
19 Write therefore the things which thou hast seen: and which are: and which must be done hereafter. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:1
20 The mystery of the seven stars, which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. And the seven candlesticks are the seven churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:16; 2:1; 3:1
(DRV)

[A] The meaning in the Greek is those things which must happen quickly when they do happen.

[1] -Ver. 4. Asia: the RomanProvince of Asia, the western part of what is now known as Asia Minor. The seven spirits: the Holy Spirit, whose seven gifts are diffused among all the churches; or the phrase may refer to seven angels.
[2] -Ver. 5. Washed: some Greek Manuscripts have “loosed”.
[3] -Ver. 8. The Alpha and the Omega: the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God is the first beginning and the last end. The Latin translator added the meaning of Alpha and Omega.
[4] -Ver. 10. The Lord’s day: Sunday, the first day of the week.
[5] -Ver. 12. The sense is: “To see what voice it was that spoke to me.”
[6] -Ver. 15. The image is that of brass glowing in the refiner’s furnace.

2.

2. The Letters

To the Church at Ephesus

1 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:16, 20; 3:1
2 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:19
3 … Scripture reference –
4 … Scripture reference – 1Tim 5:12
5 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:16; 3:3
6 … Scripture reference –
7 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9; Mt. 13:9!; Rev. 22:14; Gn. 3:22; IV Esr. 8:52
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:17, 18!
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:9
10 … Scripture reference – 1Pt. 3:14!; Jm. 1:12!
11 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:16; 19:15
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:8; 14:12
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:20; 2Pt. 2:15; Jude 11
15 … Scripture reference –
16 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5; 3:3
17 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!; 19:12
18 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:14, 15!; 19:12
19 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:2
20 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:14; 1Tim. 2:12!
21 … Scripture reference – Job 24:23!; Rev. 9:20!, 21; 16:11
22 … Scripture reference –
23 … Scripture reference – Ps. 7:10!; Jer. 17:10!; Rev. 20:12; 22:12; Ps. 61:13!; Mt. 16:27!
24 … Scripture reference –
25 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:11!
26 … Scripture reference – Dan. 7:14!; Ps. 2:8, 9!
27 … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:5; 19:15
28 … Scripture reference –
29 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!

Rv:2:
1 ¶ Unto the angel [1] of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:16, 20; 3:1
2 I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them that are evil. And thou hast tried them who say they are apostles and are not: and hast found them liars: … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:19
3 And thou hast patience and hast endured for my name and hast not fainted.
4 But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first charity. … Scripture reference – 1Tim 5:12
5 Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance and do the first works. Or else I come to thee and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:16; 3:3
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of my God. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9; Mt. 13:9!; Rev. 22:14; Gn. 3:22; IV Esr. 8:52

To the Church at Smyrna

8 ¶ And to the angel of the church of Smyrna write: These things saith the First and the Last, who was dead and is alive: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:17, 18!
9 I know thy tribulation and thy poverty: but thou art rich. And thou art blasphemed by them that say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [2] … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:9
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried: and you shall have tribulation ten days. [3] Be thou faithful unto death: and I will give thee the crown of life. … Scripture reference – 1Pt. 3:14!; Jm. 1:12!
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: He that shall overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. [4] … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7

To the Church at Pergamum

12 ¶ And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:16; 19:15
13 I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is. And thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith. Even in those days when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:8; 14:12
14 But I have against thee a few things: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat and to commit fornication. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:20; 2Pt. 2:15; Jude 11
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites.
16 In like manner do penance. If not, I will come to thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5; 3:3
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh I will give the hidden manna and will give him a white counter: and in the counter, a new name written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!; 19:12

To the Church at Thyatira

18 ¶ And to the angel of the church of Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, [5] who hath his eyes like to a flame of fire and his feet like to fine brass. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:14, 15!; 19:12
19 I know thy works and thy faith and thy charity and thy ministry and thy patience and thy last works, which are more than the former. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:2
20 But I have against thee a few things: because thou sufferest the woman Jezabel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants, to commit fornication and to eat of things sacrificed to idols. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:14; 1Tim. 2:12!
21 And I gave her a time that she might do penance: and she will not repent of her fornication. … Scripture reference – Job 24:23!; Rev. 9:20!, 21; 16:11
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed [6]: and they that commit adultery with her shall be in very great tribulation, except they do penance from their deeds,
23 And I will kill her children with death: and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts. And I will give to every one of you according to your works. But to you I say … Scripture reference – Ps. 7:10!; Jer. 17:10!; Rev. 20:12; 22:12; Ps. 61:13!; Mt. 16:27!
24 And to the rest who are at Thyatira: Whosoever have not this doctrine and who have not known the depths of Satan, [7] as they say: I will not put upon you any other burthen.
25 Yet that which you have, hold fast till I come. … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:11!
26 And he that shall overcome and keep my words unto the end, I will give him power over the nations. … Scripture reference – Dan. 7:14!; Ps. 2:8, 9!
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessel of a potter they shall be broken: … Scripture reference – Rev. 12:5; 19:15
28 As I also have received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. [8]
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 1. Angel: the guardian angel of the church, or the church itself; or, and this is the common view, the bishop of the church. If St. John addresses the bishops, he regards them as the incarnation of their respective churches.
[2] -Ver. 9. The Jews of Smyrna are called the, synagogue of Satan because of their in¬terference with the Christian Church, the true synagogue.
[3] -Ver. 10. Ten days: the period of trial would be limited and would be short.
[4] -Ver: 11. Second death: a death which is other than the death of the body, i.e., the final condemnation of sinners.
[5] -Ver. 18. Son of God: the only place in the Apocalypse where this phrase is used.
[6] -Ver. 22. Cast her upon a bed: I will inflict upon her a fatal illness.
[7] -Ver. 24. Depths of Satan: these teachers call their science the deep secrets of God, but Christ calls it the deep secrets of Satan, i.e., of pride and impiety.
[8] -Ver. 28. The morning star: the glory with which the saints will shine in eternity.

3.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:5!; 5:6; 1:16, 20; 2:1; Tim. 5:6
2 … Scripture reference –
3 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5, 16; 2Pt. 3:9, 10; Rev. 16,15; 1Th. 5:2
4 … Scripture reference – Jude 23
5 … Scripture reference – Rev.3:18; 4.4!; 6:11!; Ps. 68:29; Mt. 10:32!; Lk. 12:28
6 … Scripture reference –Rev. 2:7!
7 … Scripture reference – Rev. 6:10; Isaiah: 22:22!
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:1: 1Cor. 16:9; 2Cor.2:12; Rev. 2:13!
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:9; Isaiah: 60:14!
10 … Scripture reference – 2Pt. 2:9
11 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:3!; 2:25; 22:7!
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 14:1; 22:4; 21:2,10
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2.7
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:5; Col.1:15
15 … Scripture reference –
16 … Scripture reference –
17 … Scripture reference –
18 … Scripture reference – 1 Pt. 1:7; Rev. 3:5!; 16:15
19 … Scripture reference – Prv. 3:12: Heb.12:6
20 … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!; Mt. 24:33; Mk. 13,29; James 5,9
21 … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!
22 … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!

Rv:3:

To the Church at Sardis

1 ¶ And to the angel of the church of Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know thy works, and that thou hast the name of being alive. And thou art dead. … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:5!; 5:6; 1:16, 20; 2:1; Tim. 5:6
2 Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God.
3 Have in mind therefore in what manner thou hast received and heard: and observe and do penance: If then thou shalt not watch, I will come to thee as a thief: and thou shalt not know at what hour I will come to thee. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:5, 16; 2Pt. 3:9, 10; Rev. 16,15; 1Th. 5:2
4 But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy. … Scripture reference – Jude 23
5 He that shall overcome shall thus be clothed in white garments: and I will not blot out his name out [1] of the book of life. And I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. … Scripture reference – Rev.3:18; 4.4!; 6:11!; Ps. 68:29; Mt. 10:32!; Lk. 12:28
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference –Rev. 2:7!

To the Church at Philadelphia

7 ¶ And to the angel of the church of Philadelphia write: These things saith the Holy One and the true one, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, [2] shutteth and no man openeth: … Scripture reference – Rev. 6:10; Isaiah: 22:22!
8 I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name. … Scripture reference – Rev. 4:1: 1Cor. 16:9; 2Cor.2:12; Rev. 2:13!
9 Behold, I will bring of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but do lie. Behold, I will make them to come and adore before thy feet. And they shall know that I have loved thee. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:9; Isaiah: 60:14!
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, [3] I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon the whole world to try them that dwell upon the earth. … Scripture reference – 2Pt. 2:9
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:3!; 2:25; 22:7!
12 He that shall overcome, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God: and he shall go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and my new name. … Scripture reference – Rev. 14:1; 22:4; 21:2,10
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2.7

To the Church at Laodicea

14 ¶ And to the angel of the church of Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, [4] the faithful and true witness, who is the beginning of the creation of God: … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:5; Col.1:15
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 But because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest: I am rich and made wealthy and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold, fire tried, that thou mayest be made rich and mayest be clothed in white garments: and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear. And anoint thy eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. … Scripture reference – 1 Pt. 1:7; Rev. 3:5!; 16:15
19 Such as I love, I rebuke and chastise. Be zealous therefore and do penance. … Scripture reference – Prv. 3:12: Heb.12:6
20 Behold, I stand at the gate and knock. If any man shall hear my voice and open to me the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him: and he with me. … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!; Mt. 24:33; Mk. 13,29; James 5,9
21 To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne: as I also have overcome and am set down with my Father in his throne. … Scripture reference – Lk. 22:30!

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. … Scripture reference – Rev. 2:7!
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 5. I will not blot. . . out: this figure of speech a book and the blotting out is ancient; cf. Ex. 32, 32. Confess his name: an echo of Christ’s words on earth. Cf. Matt. 10, 32.
[2] -Ver. 7. Who opens and no one shuts: an affirmation of the divinity of Christ. Cf. Job
12, 14, where this power is attributed to God alone., ¬
[3] -Ver. 10. My patience: the patience that I manifested.
[4] -Ver. 14. Amen: a Hebrew word, used here as a personal name.

4.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:8!; 1:10; 1:1!
2 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:10; Dan. 7:9!
3 … Scripture reference –
4 … Scripture reference – Rev. 11:16; 3:5!; 7:9!; 19:14
5 … Scripture reference – Rev. 8:5!;1:4; 3:1; 5:6; 8:2
6 … Scripture reference – Ezek. 1:18
7 … Scripture reference – Ezek. 10:14!
8 … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 6:2; Rev. 16:5; Isaiah: 6:3; Rev. 1:4, 8; 11:17
9 … Scripture reference – Dan. 4:31
10 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4
11 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:12; 7:12!; 19:1; Eph. 3:9!; Heb. 3:4

II: THE SEVEN SEALS
l. Preparatory Vision

The Court of Heaven

Rv:4:
1 ¶ After these things I looked, and behold a door was opened in heaven, and the first voice [l] which I heard, as it were, of a trumpet speaking with me, said: Come up hither, and I will shew thee the things which must be done hereafter. … Scripture reference – Rev. 3:8!; 1:10; 1:1
2 And immediately I was in the spirit. [2] And behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and upon the throne one sitting. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:10; Dan. 7:9!
3 And he that sat was to the sight like the jasper and the sardius [3] stone. And there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats, four and twenty ancients [4] sitting, clothed in white garments. And on their heads were crowns of gold. … Scripture reference – Rev. 11:16; 3:5!; 7:9!; 19:14
5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. … Scripture reference – Rev. 8:5!;1:4; 3:1; 5:6; 8:2
6 And in the sight of the throne was, as it were, a sea of glass like to crystal: and in the midst of the throne, [5] and round about the throne, were four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind. … Scripture reference – Ezek. 1:18
7 And the first living creature was like a lion: and the second living creature like a calf: and the third living creature, having the face, as it were, of a man: and the fourth living creature was like an eagle flying. … Scripture reference – Ezek. 10:14!
8 ¶ And the four living creatures had each of them six wings: and round about and within they are full of eyes. And they rested not day and night, saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 6:2; Rev. 16:5; Isaiah: 6:3; Rev. 1:4, 8; 11:17
9 And when those living creatures gave glory and honour and benediction to him that sitteth on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever: … Scripture reference – Dan. 4:31
10 The four and twenty ancients fell down before him that sitteth on the throne and adored him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power. Because thou hast created all things: and for thy will they were and have been created. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:12; 7:12!; 19:1; Eph. 3:9!; Heb. 3:4
(DRV)

[l] -Ver. 1. The former voice: the voice heard in the opening vision, I.e., in Apoc. 1, 10.
[2] -Ver. 2. In the spirit: the soul was absorbed in heavenly things, I.e., he saw with clear sight the revealed vision from Christ in Heaven.
[3] -Ver. 3. What stones are meant: Jasper is described as emerald green, but in Apoc. 21, 11 (343) it is qualified as “clear as crystal.” Sardius is ruby red. They were in the Jewish High Priest’s chestplate.
[4] -Ver. 4. Twenty four elders: these elders represent the holy ones of the Old and New Testaments.
[5] -Ver. 6. In the midst of: one creature on each of the four sides. Four living creatures: representative of animated nature. Four beings hold a primacy in the world, among animals, man; among birds, the eagle; among cattle, the bull; and among wild animals, the lion. But the covenantal meaning is given in St. Irenaeus: The Man is the Gospel of St. Matthew and is equivalent to the covenant of God with Moses in which time Christ was born. The Eagle is the Gospel of St. Mark, the Gospel of the Holy Spirit and is equivalent to the everlasting Gospel of the New Testament although of course the other three are included by St. Irenaeus and all of the Church Fathers as THE four everlasting Gospels of the New Testament. As St. Irenaeus said it is not possible that there are more or fewer than the four Gospels. The Bull is the Gospel of St. Luke and is equivalent to the covenant of God with Noah and represents therefore the Sacrifice of Christ on His Cross for the salvation of those who believe in Him. The Lion is the Gospel of St. John and is equivalent to the covenant of God with Adam, which is the promise of the Saviour to come and redeem Adam and all of the saints and raise all men to judgement. This first covenant is fulfilled during the time of the covenant of Moses by the coming of Christ by His Sacrifice on His Cross as represented by the Bull of the covenant of Noah (who sacrificed to God upon his safe delivery from the flood) and the preaching of all four Gospels, as the Gospel of Christ by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is represented by the Eagle typifying the Gospel of St. Mark; for in St. Mark’s Gospel he begins and ends with the Holy Spirit (see: Mark 1and Mark 16 directly below)

Mk:1:
1 ¶ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
8 I (St. John the Baptist) have baptized you with water: but He (Jesus Christ) shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
9 ¶ And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in Jordan.
10 And forthwith coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens open and the Spirit as a dove descending and remaining on him.
11 And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
12 And immediately the Spirit drove him out into the desert.

Mk:16:
6 … Be not affrighted. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen: he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.
15 And He (Jesus Christ) said to them: Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall he condemned.
19 ¶ And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God.
20 But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed. (by the power of the Holy Spirit who is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ, although as St. Paul and St. Peter point out with different gifts to each but always the Holy Spirit from the Father through the Son Jesus Christ. See: Rom:8:16; Gal:3:5; 1Cor:12:1 – 12; 1Pt. 1:2 and 2Pt. 1:1 – 8 [in 2Pt. 1:3 “the divine power” is “theias dunameoos” in Greek – the Holy Spirit proceeding from God the Father only through the Mediatorship of the Son Jesus Christ]).

5.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:7; Ezek. 2:9
2 … Scripture reference – Rev. 10:1; 5:9
3 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 5:13
4 … Scripture reference –
5 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:2!
6 … Scripture reference – Rev. 7:17; 5:12; 13:8; 3:1; 4:5!
7 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:1
8 … Scripture reference – Rev. 8:3
9 … Scripture reference – Rev. 14:3; Ps. 97:1!; Rev. 5:2!; 14:4;7:9
10 … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:6!; 20:6!
11 … Scripture reference –
12 … Scripture reference – Rev. 19:1!; 5:6; 13:8; 4:11; 7:12
13 … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:3; Phil.: 2:10; Rev. 7:10!; 1Pt. 4:11!
14 … Scripture reference – Rev. 19:4; 4:10!

The Scroll and the Lamb

Rv:5:
1 ¶ And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, [1] written within and without, sealed with seven seals. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:7; Ezek. 2:9
2 And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof? … Scripture reference – Rev. 10:1; 5:9
3 And no man was able, neither in heaven nor on earth nor under the earth, to open the book, nor to look on it. [2] … Scripture reference – Rev.: 5:13
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open the book, nor to see it.
5 And one of the ancients said to me: Weep not: behold the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, [3] hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:2!
6 ¶ And I saw: and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the ancients, a Lamb standing, as it were slain, having seven horns and seven eyes: which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth. … Scripture reference – Rev. 7:17; 5:12; 13:8; 3:1; 4:5!
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:1
8 And when he had opened the book [4] , the four living creatures and the four and twenty ancients fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials full of odours [fragrances pleasing to God almighty], which are the prayers of saints. … Scripture reference – Rev. 8:3

The Three Songs of Praise

9 And they sung a new canticle, saying: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to take the book and to open the seals thereof: because thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God, in thy blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation: … Scripture reference – Rev. 14:3; Ps. 97:1!; Rev. 5:2!; 14:4;7:9
10 And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. … Scripture reference – Rev. 1:6!; 20:6!
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the ancients (and the number of them was thousands of thousands),
12 Saying with a loud voice: The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and divinity [5] and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction. … Scripture reference – Rev. 19:1!; 5:6; 13:8; 4:11; 7:12
13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard all saying: To him that sitteth on the throne and to the Lamb, benediction and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever. … Scripture reference – Rev. 5:3; Phil.: 2:10; Rev. 7:10!; 1Pt. 4:11!
14 And the four living creatures said: Amen. And the four and twenty ancients fell down on their faces and adored him that liveth for ever and ever. … Scripture reference – Rev. 19:4; 4:10!
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 1. Scroll (Heb.: megilloth): the ancient form of the book was a volume or a roll, and this particular roll was written on the inside and on the outside meaning that the message was inviolable and will take place.
[2] –Ver. 3. Look thereon: to examine it and see what it contained.
[3] -Ver. 5. Root of David: the lion is also the symbol of the royal house of David. Christ comes of the seed of David and the prophets described Him as the branch that would spring from the ancient stock. Cf. Isa. 11:1.
[4] -Ver. 8. The Greek text reads, “when he
had taken the scroll.”
[5] -Ver. 12. Divinity: the Greek text reads “wealth.” But it means the wealth of the riches in Christ that St. Paul tells us is the eternal life promised us by Jesus Christ Himself and only in Him. See Eph. 3:8, the word in Greek is the same: ploutos, plouton. It is the adoption unto life eternal that the saints alone have.

6.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 3:5; 6:7, 9, 12, 8:1
2 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 19:11; Zach. 6:3!
3 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 6:1!
4 … Scripture reference – Zach.: 6:2![from there go to Zach.1:8]
5 … Scripture reference – Rev.:6:1!; Zach. 6:2
6 … Scripture reference –
7 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 6:1!
8 … Scripture reference – Zach.: 6:3!
9 … Scripture reference – Rev.:6:1!; 1:2, 9; 20:4
10 … Scripture reference – Rev.:3:7; 19;:2!
11 … Scripture reference – Rev.:3:5!; IV Esr. 2:39;
12 … Scripture reference – Mt.: 24:29!; Mk. 13:24, 25: Rev.: 6:1!; 16:18; Isaiah: 34:4!; Rev.: 16:20
13 … Scripture reference – Mt.: 24:29!; Mk. 13:24, 25
14 … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 34:4!; Rev.: 16:20
15 … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 2:19; Rev.: 19:18
16 … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 2:19; Hosea 10:8; Lk. 23:30
17 … Scripture reference – Joel 2:11

2. The Breaking of the First Six Seals

War

Rv:6:
1 ¶ And I saw that the Lamb had opened [1] one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the voice of thunder, saying: Come and see. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 3:5; 6:7, 9, 12, 8:1
2 And I saw: and behold a white horse, [2] and he that sat on him had a bow, and there was a crown given him, and he went forth conquering that he might conquer. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 19:11; Zach. 6:3!

Strife

3 ¶ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying: Come and see. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 6:1!
4 And there went out another horse that was red. [3] And to him that sat thereon, it was given that he should take peace from the earth: and that they should kill one another. And a great sword was given to him. … Scripture reference – Zach.: 6:2![from there go to Zach.1:8]

Death

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying: Come and see. And behold a black horse. [4] And he that sat on him had a pair of scales in his hand. … Scripture reference – Rev.:6:1!; Zach. 6:2
6 And I heard, as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying: Two pounds of wheat for a penny, [5] and thrice two pounds of barley for a penny: and see thou hurt not the wine and the oil.

Hell

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying: Come and see. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 6:1!
8 And behold a pale horse: [6] and he that sat upon him, his name was Death. And hell followed him. And power was given to him over the four parts of the earth, to kill with sword, with famine and with death and with the beasts of the earth. … Scripture reference – Zach.: 6:3!

The Martyrs

9 ¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. [7] … Scripture reference – Rev.:6:1!; 1:2, 9; 20:4
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord (Holy and True), dost thou not judge and revenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? … Scripture reference – Rev.:3:7; 19;:2!
11 And white robes were given to every one of them one; And it was said to them that they should rest for a little time till their fellow servants and their brethren, who are to be slain even as they, should be filled up. … Scripture reference – Rev.:3:5!; IV Esr. 2:39;

Signs on Earth and in Heaven

12 And I saw, when he had opened the sixth seal: and behold there was a great earthquake. And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair: and the whole moon became as blood. … Scripture reference – Mt.: 24:29!; Mk. 13:24, 25: Rev.: 6:1!; 16:18; Isaiah: 34:4!; Rev.: 16:20
13 And the stars from heaven fell upon the earth, as the fig tree casteth its green figs when it is shaken by a great wind. … Scripture reference – Mt.: 24:29!; Mk. 13:24, 25
14 And the heaven departed as a book folded up. And every mountain, and the islands, were moved out of their places. … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 34:4!; Rev.: 16:20
15 And the kings of the earth and the princes and tribunes and the rich and the strong and every bondman and every freeman hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of mountains: … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 2:19; Rev.: 19:18
16 And they say to the mountains and the rocks: Fall upon us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. [8] … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 2:19; Hosea 10:8; Lk. 23:30
17 For the great day of their wrath is come. And who shall be able to stand? … Scripture reference – Joel 2:11
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 1. The Greek text reads, “when the Lamb had opened.”
[2] -Ver. 2. White horse: this is the horseman of war, for it is Christ Himself Who sends even those (like Titus in 70 A.D against apostate Jerusalem) who don’t acknowledge that it is Him, Christ, Who sends them for vengeance. With the bow, symbolizes the judgement of God upon the apostates, and most emphatically Christ and the victory of His word over the apostates; Cf. Apoc. 19, 11-13 (341).
[3] -Ver. 4. Red one: this horse symbolizes the strife of the infidels against Christ and His faithful (Infidels: especially Judaizing apostate Communist Zionists with all their henchmen including the Nazis) thinking they will overcome Christ and His followers thereby. They will not!!!
[4] -Ver. 5. Black horse: symbolizing death. Ultimately the eternal death of the infidels.
[5] -Ver. 6. A measure of wheat for a denarius: a famine price. For instance “fifty dollars for a five-cent loaf of bread” would indicate, the prices signified. Do not harm the wine and the oil: these are not, like bread necessary for life. In short famine which is visited by the infidels upon Christians to the utter destruction of the infidels, even in this life, by Jesus Christ Himself. One example, of very many, is the great famine caused by the Jew, Joseph Stalin dictator of Communist Russia in the 1930’s, to destroy the Christians in Russia then by death by famine, which only destroyed him and his followers ultimately. There still are Communist Zionists in Russia and Red China who control the governments there, manipulated by the Zionists in false modern “Israel” (2006 A.D.), and actively seek the overthrow of Christ with their Antichrist activities. These all will also utterly fail.
[6] -Ver. 8. A pale green horse: Note in the text “with sword, with famine and with death and with the beasts of the earth” describes siege warfare of the Antichrist against Christians who will not bow the knee to satan. These are the gates of hell, which will not prevail over the Church. See: Mt:16:18:
And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Those who confess Christ and will not bow the knee to baal, that is to satan, to satan’s antichrist, will be preserved by Christ unto life eternal in Christ.
[7] -Ver. 9 – 11 The Martyrdom of the Christians who will not worship the Antichrist
[8] -Ver. 12 – 17 The vengeance of the Lamb, upon those who persecute His followers; His followers who are martyrs rather than succumb to the Antichrist. See: 2Thes:1:7, 8:
And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with the angels of his power:
In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not God and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (DRV)

7.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:4
2 … Scripture reference –
3 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:4; Ezek. 9:4; IV Esr. 6:5
4 … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 2:38
5 … Scripture reference –
6 … Scripture reference –
7 … Scripture reference –
8 … Scripture reference –
9 … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 2:42; Rev.: 5:9; 7:13; 4:4
10 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 5:13; 19:1!; 19:4; 21:5; Ps. 46:9
11 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:10
12 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:11; 5:12; III Esr. 4:59
13 … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 2:44; Rev.: 7:9!
14 … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 37:3; Rev.: 22:14; Gn.: 49:11
15 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 21:3!; Jn.: 1:14
16 … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 49:10!
17 … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 49:10!; Rev.: 5:6; Ps.: 22:2; Rev.: 21:4; Isaiah: 25:8

Sealing of the Spiritual Israel

Rv:7:
1 ¶ After these things, I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that they should not blow upon the earth nor upon the sea nor on any tree. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:4
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying: Hurt not the earth nor the sea nor the trees, till we sign the servants of our God in their foreheads. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:4; Ezek. 9:4; IV Esr. 6:5
4 And I heard the number of them that were signed. An hundred forty-four thousand [1] were signed, of every tribe of the children of Israel. … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 2:38
5 Of the tribe of Juda, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Ruben, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand signed:
6 Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Nephthali, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Manasses, twelve thousand signed:
7 Of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand signed:
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand signed.

Blessedness of the Sealed

9 After this, I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 2:42; Rev.: 5:9; 7:13; 4:4
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 5:13; 19:1!; 19:4; 21:5; Ps. 46:9
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne and the ancients and the four living creatures. And they fell down before the throne upon their faces and adored God, … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:10
12 Saying: Amen. Benediction and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving, honour and power and strength, to our God, for ever and ever. Amen. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:11; 5:12; III Esr. 4:59

The Seventh Seal

13 ¶ And one of the ancients answered and said to me: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? And whence came they? … Scripture reference … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 2:44; Rev.: 7:9!
14 And I said to him: My Lord, thou knowest. And he said to me: These are they who are come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 37:3; Rev.: 22:14; Gn.: 49:11
15 Therefore, they are before the throne of God: and they serve him day and night in his temple. And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell over them. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 21:3!; Jn.: 1:14
16 They shall no more hunger nor thirst: neither shall the sun fall on them, nor any heat … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 49:10!
17 For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall rule them and shall lead them to the fountains of the waters of life: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. … Scripture reference – Isaiah: 49:10!; Rev.: 5:6; Ps.: 22:2; Rev.: 21:4; Isaiah: 25:8
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 4. A hundred and forty-four thousand, a symbolical number which signifies a great multitude, I.e., all the foreknown, and therefore given the grace, in their confession of Christ, to life eternal. In the enumeration of the twelve tribes Ephraim is replaced by Joseph, and Dan is not mentioned at all, for .the “Antichrist is to-come out of Dan” according to the Church Fathers.

8.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 6:1!
2 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:5!
3 … Scripture reference – Rev.:5:8
4 … Scripture reference – Ps.: 140:2
5 … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 10:2; 4:5; 11:19: 16:18!
6 … Scripture reference –
7 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:8, 10, 12; 9:1, 13; 11:15
8 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!
9 … Scripture reference –
10 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!; 9:1; Isaiah: 14:12
11 … Scripture reference –
12 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!
13 … Scripture reference –

Rv:8:
1 ¶ And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence [1] in heaven, as it were for half an hour. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 6:1!

III: THE SEVEN TRUMPETS

1. The Preparatory Vision

2 And I saw seven angels standing in the presence of God: and there were given to them seven trumpets. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:5!
3 And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer: and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God. … Scripture reference – Rev.:5:8
4 And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel. … Scripture reference – Ps.: 140:2
5 And the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar and cast it on the earth: and there were thunders and voices and lightnings and a great earthquake. … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 10:2; 4:5; 11:19: 16:18!
6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound the trumpet.

2. The First Six Trumpets

The First Four Trumpets

7 ¶ And the first angel sounded the trumpet: [2] and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood: and it was cast on the earth. And the third part of the earth was burnt up: and the third part of the trees was burnt up: and all green grass was burnt up. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:8, 10, 12; 9:1, 13; 11:15
8 And the second angel sounded the trumpet: and, as it were, a great mountain, burning with fire, was cast into the sea. And the third part of the sea became blood. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!
9 And the third part of those creatures died which had life in the sea: and the third part of the ships was destroyed.
10 And the third angel sounded the trumpet: and a great star fell from heaven, burning as it were a torch. And it fell on the third part of the rivers and upon the fountains of waters: … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!; 9:1; Isaiah: 14:12
11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood. And the third part of the waters became wormwood. And many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
12 And the fourth angel sounded the trumpet: and the third part of the sun was smitten, [3] and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars, so that the third part of them was darkened. And the day did not shine for a third part of it: and the night in like manner. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!

The Three Woes

13 And I beheld: and heard the voice of one eagle flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice: Woe, Woe, Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, by reason of the rest of the voices of the three angels, who are yet to sound the trumpet!
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 1. Silence: the cries and groans of the earth and even the doxologies of heaven are hushed. This is not a symbol or a prophecy, but a true vision from God in heaven, as are all of the visions of the Apocalypse, and a preparation for what follows.
[2] -Ver. 7. The prohibition of Apoc. 7, 1 is retracted.
[3] -Ver. 12 The light of the heavenly bodies was reduced by one
third its brightness.

9.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7, 10!; 20:1
2 … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 7:36; Gn.: 19:28
3 … Scripture reference –
4 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 7:1, 3!; Ezek.: 9:6
5 … Scripture reference –
6 … Scripture reference – Job: 3:2
7 … Scripture reference – Joel: 2:4
8 … Scripture reference – Joel: 1:6
9 … Scripture reference – Joel: 2:5
10 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:19
11 … Scripture reference –
12 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 11:14
13 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!
14 … Scripture reference –
15 … Scripture reference –
16 … Scripture reference –
17 … Scripture reference –
18 … Scripture reference –
19 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:10
20 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 2:21; 16:9;Dan.: 5:23
21 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 2:21; 16:11

The Fifth Trumpet

Rv:9:
1 ¶ And the fifth angel sounded the trumpet: and I saw a star [1] fall from heaven upon the earth. And there was given to him the key of the bottomless pit. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7, 10!; 20:1
2 And he opened the bottomless pit: and the smoke of the pit arose, as the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke of the pit. … Scripture reference – IV Esr.: 7:36; Gn.: 19:28
3 And from the smoke of the pit there came out locusts upon the earth. And power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth nor any green thing nor any tree: but only the men who have not the sign of God on their foreheads. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 7:1, 3!; Ezek.: 9:6
5 And it was given unto them that they should not kill them: but that they should torment them five months. [2] And their torment was as the torment of a scorpion when he striketh a man.
6 And in those days, men shall seek death and shall not find it. And they shall desire to die: and death shall fly from them. … Scripture reference – Job: 3:2
7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle. And on their heads were, as it were, crowns like gold: and their faces were as the faces of men. … Scripture reference – Joel: 2:4
8 And they had hair as the hair of women: and their teeth were as lions. … Scripture reference – Joel: 1:6
9 And they had breastplates as breastplates of iron: and the noise of their wings was as the noise of chariots and many horses running to battle. … Scripture reference – Joel: 2:5
10 And they had tails like to scorpions: and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men, five months. And they had over them … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:19
11 A king, the angel of the bottomless pit (whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon [3] and in Greek Apollyon, in Latin Exterminans).
12 One woe is past: and behold there come yet two woes more hereafter. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 11:14

The Sixth Trumpet

13 ¶ And the sixth angel sounded the trumpet: and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before the eyes of God, … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!
14 Saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet: Loose the four angels who are bound in the great river Euphrates.
15 And the four angels were loosed, who were prepared for an hour, [4] and a day, and a month, and a year: for to kill the third part of men.
16 And the number of the army of horsemen was twenty thousand times ten thousand. And I heard the number of them.
17 And thus [5] I saw the horses in the vision. And they that sat on them had breastplates of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone. And the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions: and from their mouths proceeded fire and smoke and brimstone.
18 And by these three plagues was slain the third part of men, by the fire and by the smoke and by the brimstone which issued out of their mouths.
19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails. For, their tails are like to serpents and have heads: and with them they hurt. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:10
20 And the rest of the men, who were not slain by these plagues, did not do penance from the works of their hands, that they should not adore devils and idols of gold and silver and brass and stone and wood, which neither can see nor hear nor walk: … Scripture reference – Rev.: 2:21; 16:9;Dan.: 5:23
21 Neither did they penance from their murders nor from their sorceries nor from their fornication nor from their thefts. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 2:21; 16:11
(DRV)

[1] -Ver. 1. A star: Lucifer. This is confirmed by the words, the key of the bottomless pit. This key was given to the fallen star, and therefore the star is an individual.
Bottomless pit: abode of the damned with the devils and the demons.
[2] -Ver. 5. Five months: the general period of a locust plague is about five months.
[3] -Ver. 11. Abaddon: i.e., destruction. Apollyon: I.e., destroyer.
[4] -Ver. 15. Who had been kept ready for the hour: the loosing of the angels would take place at a definite period, the year, month, day and hour of which are known, in accordance with the Providence of God.
[5] -Ver. 17. The Greek text is usually punctuated to read, “I saw. . . the horses and those who sat on them. . . , having. . . ..

10.

1 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 5:2; 18:1; 1:16!; Mt.: 17:2!
2 … Scripture reference –
3 … Scripture reference – Hos.: 11:10!
4 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 10:8; 12:10!; Mt.: 3:17!
5 … Scripture reference – Dan.: 12:7!; Rev.: 1:18
6 … Scripture reference – Dan.: 12;7!; Rev.: 14:7; II Esr.: 9:6!; Acts: 4:24!; 14:14; Rev.: 17:24
7 … Scripture reference – Amos: 3:7; Lk.: 1:70; Rm.: 1:2!; Acts: 3:18, 21
8 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 10: 4!, 5
9 … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 3:3!
10 … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 3:3!
11 … Scripture reference – Dan.: 3:4

3. An Intermediate Vision and the Seventh Trumpet

The Angel with the Little Scroll

Rv:10:
1 ¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his face, as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 5:2; 18:1; 1:16!; Mt.: 17:2!
2 And he had in his hand a little book, open. [1] And he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth.
3 And he cried with a loud voice as when a lion roareth. And when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. … Scripture reference – Hos.: 11:10!
4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me: Seal up the things which the seven thunders have spoken. And write them not. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 10:8; 12:10!; Mt.: 3:17!
5 And the angel whom I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven. … Scripture reference – Dan.: 12:7!; Rev.: 1:18
6 And he swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven and the things which are therein, and the earth and the things which are in it, and the sea and the things which are therein: That time shall be no longer. … Scripture reference – Dan.: 12;7!; Rev.: 14:7; II Esr.: 9:6!; Acts: 4:24!; 14:14; Rev.: 17:24
7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound the trumpet, the mystery of God shall be finished, as he hath declared by his servants the prophets. … Scripture reference – Amos: 3:7; Lk.: 1:70; Rm.: 1:2!; Acts: 3:18, 21
8 ¶ And I heard a voice from heaven, again speaking to me and saying: Go and take the book that is open, from the hand of the angel who standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 10: 4!, 5
9 And I went to the angel, saying unto him that he should give me the book. And he said to me: Take the book and eat it up. And it shall make thy belly bitter: but in thy mouth it shall be sweet [2] as honey. … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 3:3!
10 And I took the book from the hand of the angel and ate it up: and it was in my mouth, sweet as honey. And when I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 3:3!
11 And he said to me: Thou must prophesy again to many nations and peoples and tongues and kings. … Scripture reference – Dan.: 3:4
(DRV)

[1] -ver.2 . Little book, open (Little open scroll): three scrolls (megilloth) are associated in the Apocalypse. The first is the scroll of the course of this world determined by divine Providence, mentioned in the fifth chapter; the last is the scroll of life, mentioned in the twenty-first and twenty-second chapters. Between these two comes another scroll, the little open scroll, the ever-open scroll of God’s promises and the witness of His power.
[2] -Ver. 9f. Sweetness is succeeded by bitterness when John realizes the contents of the little scroll.

11.

1 … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 40:5
2 … Scripture reference – Lk.: 21:24!
3 … Scripture reference –
4 … Scripture reference – Zach.: 4:14
5 … Scripture reference –
6 … Scripture reference – 3 Rg. (1 Kings): 17:1; Exod. 7:20!
7 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 12:17; 13:1!, 7; 17:8; 19:19; Dan.: 7:21
8 … Scripture reference –
9 … Scripture reference –
10 … Scripture reference – Jn.: 16:20
11 … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 37:10!; Acts:5:5!
12 … Scripture reference –
13 … Scripture reference – Rev.:16:18!; Acts: 16: 26!
14 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:12
15 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!; 12:10!; Dan.2:44!; Mic.: 4:7!
16 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:4; 4:10!
17 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 1:4, 8; 4:8; 19:16
18 … Scripture reference –
19 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 15:5; 8:5!; 16:18!

The Measuring of the Temple

Rv:11:
1 ¶ And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that adore therein. … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 40:5
2 But the court which is without the temple, cast out and measure it not: because it is given unto the Gentiles. And the holy city they shall tread under foot, two and forty months: [1] … Scripture reference – Lk.: 21:24!
3 ¶ And I will give unto my two witnesses: [2] and they shall prophesy, a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. … Scripture reference –

The Two Witnesses

4 These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks that stand before the Lord of the earth. … Scripture reference – Zach.: 4:14
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: And they have power over waters, to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. … Scripture reference – 3 Rg. (1 Kings): 17:1; Exod. 7:20!
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast [3] that ascendeth out of the abyss shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them. 7 … Scripture reference – Rev.: 12:17; 13:1!, 7; 17:8; 19:19; Dan.: 7:21
8 And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city which is called spiritually, Sodom and Egypt: where their Lord also was crucified.
9 And they of the tribes and peoples and tongues and nations shall see their bodies for three days and a half: and they shall not suffer their bodies to be laid in sepulchres.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry: and shall send gifts one to another, because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt upon the earth. … Scripture reference – Jn.: 16:20
11 And after three days and a half, [4] the spirit of life from God entered into them. And they stood upon their feet: and great fear fell upon them that saw them. … Scripture reference – Ezek.: 37:10!; Acts:5:5!
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying to them: Come up hither. And they went up to heaven in a cloud: and their enemies saw them. … Scripture reference –
13 And at that hour there was made a great earthquake: and the tenth part of the city fell. And there were slain in the earthquake, names of men, seven thousand: and the rest were cast into a fear and gave glory to the God of heaven. … Scripture reference – Rev.:16:18!;
Acts: 16: 26!
14 ¶ The second woe is past: and behold the third woe will come quickly. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 9:12

The Seventh Trumpet

15 And the seventh angel sounded the trumpet: and there were great voices in heaven, saying: The kingdom of this world is become our Lord’s and his Christ’s, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Amen. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 8:7!; 12:10!; Dan.2:44!; Mic.: 4:7!
16 And the four and twenty ancients who sit on their seats in the sight of God, fell on their faces and adored God, saying: … Scripture reference – Rev.: 4:4; 4:10!
17 We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who art and who wast and who art to come: because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and thou hast reigned. … Scripture reference – Rev.: 1:4, 8; 4:8; 19:16
18 And the nations were angry: and thy wrath is come. And the time of the dead, that they should be judged and that thou shouldest render reward to thy servants the prophets and the saints, and to them that fear thy name, little and great: and shouldest destroy them who have corrupted the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were lightnings and voices and an earthquake and great hail.
(DRV) … Scripture reference – Rev.: 15:5; 8:5!; 16:18!

[1] -Ver. 2. Forty-two months: three years and a half. The forty two months of thirty days each correspond to the twelve hundred and sixty days of the prophesying of the two witnesses and to the three years and a half of the woman in the wilderness. The period of forty-two months is the symbol of a period, limited in length, and under the control of Him who governs all things. Since we are given no reason to see it otherwise, and the Church Fathers teach that it is a literal length of time at the end of this age in the final fulfillment of this prophecy, we must believe that it is.
[2] -Ver. 3. Two witnesses: Elias and. Enoch, according to the Church Fathers and Doctors.
[3] -Ver. 7. Beast: no beast as yet has been mentioned. This beast symbolizes Antichrist.
[4] -Ver. 11. Three days and a half: this refers to the resurrection of the witnesses.