The Vision of John on the Island of Patmos, specifically concerning the opening of the six seals, is a significant prophetic revelation found in the Book of Revelation, chapters 6 and 7. This vision was given to the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos, a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, where he was banished "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 1:9).

The First Seal: The White Horse

The opening of the first seal reveals a rider on a white horse. Revelation 6:2 states, "So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer." This rider is often interpreted as a symbol of conquest and victory. Some scholars suggest this represents the spread of the Gospel, while others see it as a precursor to the tribulations that follow.

The Second Seal: The Red Horse

The second seal introduces a rider on a red horse, symbolizing war and bloodshed. Revelation 6:4 describes, "Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take peace from the earth, and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword." This imagery reflects the turmoil and conflict that will arise, disrupting peace and leading to widespread violence.

The Third Seal: The Black Horse

Upon the opening of the third seal, a rider on a black horse appears, representing famine and economic hardship. Revelation 6:5-6 states, "And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.'" The scales and the mention of food prices indicate scarcity and inflation, affecting the basic necessities of life.

The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse

The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, whose rider is named Death, accompanied by Hades. Revelation 6:8 describes, "So I looked and saw a pale horse. Its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth." This seal signifies widespread death through various means, emphasizing the severity of the judgments.

The Fifth Seal: The Souls Under the Altar

The fifth seal shifts focus from earthly events to a heavenly scene, where the souls of martyrs cry out for justice. Revelation 6:9-10 states, "And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?'" This seal highlights the persecution of believers and their longing for divine retribution.

The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances

The opening of the sixth seal brings about dramatic cosmic disturbances. Revelation 6:12-14 describes, "And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place." These cataclysmic events signify the impending judgment and the awe-inspiring power of God.

The Interlude: The Sealing of the 144,000

Before the seventh seal is opened, Revelation 7 provides an interlude, describing the sealing of 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne of God. This sealing serves as a divine protection for God's people amidst the unfolding judgments.

The vision of the six seals, as revealed to John, presents a vivid and sobering portrayal of the events leading up to the end times, emphasizing themes of judgment, redemption, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over history.Revelation 6:1
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Nave's Topical Index

New Testament History and Prophecy.
... giving to the chief magistrate of the island the title of ... the clue would not be found;
but John was writing ... This is the central vision of the Apocalypse, as I ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter x new testament history.htm

What are vision boards, and are they biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What is Federal Vision Theology? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that without vision the people perish? | GotQuestions.org

Vision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus