And after these things— The former chapter concluded the first grand period, and the sufferings of the church under the persecution of the Heathen Roman empire. The second grand period of prophesy begins, and is contained in the events which attend the sounding of thetrumpets; an account whereof is givenin the 8th and 9th Chapter s. In this chapter, it is conceived, that we have an account of a little pause or interval, to describe the state of things, for a short time, between the two periods. After these things, that is, after the prophetic vision which represented the first period, St. John saw, in other visions, what is related in this chapter. This seems a representation of a state of peace and tranquillity throughout the earth, especially in the Roman empire, and of the great number of persons, in every nation, who came in to the profession of Christianity; of the encouraging protection which was given to the Christian church; of thankful acknowledgments for the goodness and power of God, by the whole church, in such eminent instances of favour and protection; and, finally, of the happy state of all the faithful confessors and martyrs, who, after a short time of tribulation for the faith of Christ, andconstancy in his religion, have attained to a state of everlasting rest, in happiness and glory. Thus wisely does this part of prophesy promote the principal design of the whole, to encourage the faith and patience, the hope and constancy of the people of God, under all opposition and suffering. It seems designed to shew, with the certainty of prophetical revelation, that as God directs all things in the world by his providence, so he will direct them to serve the designs of his goodness to his faithful saints; and that the great revolutions of the world shall often be in favour of true religion, and for its protection, and to assure the faithful, that all they suffer for the sake of truth and righteousness, shall soon be rewarded with a state of peace; honour, and happiness. See on ch. Revelation 1:1 and the next note.
Related Commentaries of Revelation 7:1
Revelation 7:1
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.