And when he had opened the fifth seal; and when he opened, as in Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, which see. The second group of visions connected with the opening of the seals now commences. The first group deals with events more immediately attached to this life. By the visions of the first four seals St. John has shown that it is with God's knowledge and consent that afflictions and persecutions are allowed to try the faith of his servants on earth; while yet the ultimate triumph of those who endure is certain. In the last three appearances he goes a step further—he gives his readers a glimpse of events more immediately connected with the life in the world to come. He shows them
the testimony or truth which Christ has imparted to Christians; or