This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Revelation, the 66th book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 15th February 2026.

About this book

The book of Revelation is often neglected, sometimes feared, but God told the apostle John to write these things down to encourage, not discourage believers. In it we not only learn more our about our Saviour, Jesus, and His righteousness, but also what He expects from the believers that make up His church (the bride of Christ). Furthermore, we gain incredible insight as to how God will not only see that justice is done as He deals with a wicked world, but the joys that await those that love Him. And if there was any further encouragement needed to study it, we are promised that there is a blessing for all who read and hear the words of this book!

About this passage

In this chapter we see that Jesus is the One in control of all that is going on as He opens the seals of the scroll which He previous received from the right hand of God. And He opens each of these seals, we read that they trigger events to occur on the earth, with both mankind reaping what it has sown as it is left to its own devices (without the influence of the church or the restraining hand of the Holy Spirit any longer), but also triggering the beginning of God’s righteous judgement of this earth.

The first four events are symbolised by what have become known as the four horsemen of the apocalypse. And in the case of the first, it is more than just a symbol. As these first four seals are opened the world is deceived into a false peace, followed by war, famine, and death — on an almost unthinkable scale. Then, as we reach verse nine our attention is briefly turned to Heaven where those killed for their faith cry out to God, before in verses 12-17 the earth is shaken to the extent that mankind will be found trying to hide from God.Application questions

• How do you define sin?
• Do you think sin should be judged?
• Do you think God is worthy to judge?
• Do you want to see others saved?