Revelation 6:1

I saw. See on ch. 4:1. The vision continues with the same setting presented in chs. 4 and 5, but a new phase of action now begins. The seals of the book (ch. 5:1–5) are being opened.

The Lamb. See on ch. 5:6.

Opened one of the seals. The following statement throws light on the significance of the seals: “Their [the Jewish leaders] decision [to crucify Christ] was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah”. This statement shows that, among other things, the book records the actions of the Jews at the trial of Christ, and that in the great final judgment (see on ch. 20:11–15) these enemies of Christ will be confronted with the record of their evil deeds. It seems reasonable to conclude that the book contains a record also of other significant events in the great controversy through the ages. It appears that John was given a preview of certain of these events. In symbolic form the history of the great controversy was presented before him until it reaches its great climax in the vindication of God’s character at the time of the final judgment (ch. 20:11–15; see on ch. 5:13). The fact that Christ “prevailed to open the book” (ch. 5:5) means that He is conqueror in the controversy and Lord of history.

Like the messages to the seven churches, the scenes revealed when the seals are opened may be regarded as having both a specific and a general application (see on ch. 1:11). The scenes may be viewed as particularly significant of successive phases in the history of the church on earth.

Beasts. See on ch. 4:6.

Come and see. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) as to whether the words “and see” should be included. If they are retained, the command is addressed to John; if not, it is addressed probably to the horse and his rider (v. 2), who, upon being addressed, come forth upon the scene of action. The same division of evidence appears in vs. 3, 5, 7.