The world ruler (Antichrist) begins his conquest of the nations by peacefully taking control (vv. 1–2). He has a weapon but no ammunition; and men are saying, “Peace and safety!” (1 Thess. 5:1–3). Satan usually declares peace before he declares war, so beware his offers.
Soon the world is at war (vv. 3–4), and suffering results from famine and plagues (vv. 5–8) and cosmic disturbances (vv. 12–17). Jesus said these things would happen (Matt. 24:4–13).
The martyrs are seen “under the altar” because that is where the blood was placed (Lev. 4:7; 17:11). Death for Jesus’ sake is not waste; it is sacrifice and worship. They pray not for personal vengeance but for God’s glorification and vindication. When it appears that God is not working as you think He should, be patient and let Him do His will in His time.
Conterfeit Christ
There are two important riders in Revelation: Antichrist at the opening of the book (6:1–2) and Christ at the close (19:11–16). The prefix anti in Greek means “instead of” as well as “against.” The world ruler is a counterfeit Christ, energized by the master counterfeiter, Satan (2 Cor. 11:13–15). John does not use the term Antichrist; instead, he calls him “the beast” (chap. 13). The world would not receive the true Christ, but it will receive the false Christ (John 5:43).
“Love makes the whole difference between an execution and a martyrdom.”
