COMMENTARY

Epistle: Revelation 7:9-17
This is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals. The saints are marked with the seal of God which affords protection from the plagues and coming judgment. During this period of great persecution under the Roman Emperor, Domitian, about 96 A.D., John encourages the struggling church with a heavenly vision of light and glory. A great throng of believers are gathered around the throne of God for worship and praise. They are clothed in white and are waving palm branches, symbolizing righteousness and victory. The heavenly vision of the victorious Lamb of God and the host arrayed in white gives the persecuted church the courage to risk death by offering up their lives to God. God will comfort and sustain his own.

Old Testament: Isaiah 26:1-4, 8-…