Epaggelia

Mark is a common non-Jewish name in the 1st century. It’s possible that two (or more) people by this name were involved in the early Church.  Mark himself seems to stay in the background so that Jesus can be in the foreground. We don’t know his name for sure because that is exactly how he wanted it to be. However, no other author than John Mark of Jerusalem has ever been associated with, or suggested for, the Gospel of Mark. John is a Jewish name, so it’s very likely he was a Hellenistic Jew.

When Peter escaped from prison in Jerusalem, Acts 12:1-19, he went to the home of “Mary, mother of John Mark, where many people were praying.” The Title, “The Gospel According to Mark” was probably attached to the Gospel in about the middle of the second century. Most Scholars agree that this is the same Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark. Like some other books of the Bible, the author of Mark seems anonymous. The first discussion of authorship dates back to the time of Papias, a Christian in Hierapolis (within modern Turkey), whose writings date from 110-130AD. Papias wrote about the Lord’s Oracles, in which he states, “Mark became Peter’s interpreter and wrote accurately all that he remembered, not, indeed, in order, of the things said or done by the Lord…” This quote has been preserved in Eusebius’ History of the Church. This suggests that the author of Mark was very close to Peter.  So most scholars accept that the author was someone named Mark. Some scholars wonder whether Papias connected Mark with Peter on the basis of what had been written in 1 Peter 5:13 where he calls him his “son”. The connection is seen in the fact that Peters actions are recorded immediately after an unnamed naked man runs away after Jesus is arrested, but Peter follows on, which may be John Mark the author himself, See Mark 14:51-54. His mother was a wealthy woman with a house large enough to hold meetings for early Christians (Acts 12:12). He traveled with Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem from Syrian Antioch (Ac.12:25). From there, they went to Cyprus (Ac. 13:5). Mark left them in Perga (Ac. 13:13) for unknown reasons, and Paul refused to take him back after that. It resulted in a split between Paul and Barnabas, who left Paul and accompanied Mark back to Cyprus (Ac. 15:37-39). The rift between Mark and Paul appears to have been resolved at some point. Paul mentions that Mark was with him in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. In 2 Timothy 4:11 he requests that Mark come to him in Rome. Later on, secular traditions claim that Mark was in Alexandria Egypt and at some point claims he was martyred in Egypt.

There is nothing from Biblical or Secular history that would prohibit John Mark from being the author of Mark’s Gospel, but scholars are reluctant to make the connection with absolute certainty. One of the arguments trying to prove Mark is the author, comes from the Greek syntax and diction of the Gospel. It is the Greek grammar of a native speaker, not being so sophisticated, so he was probably informally educated. The word that Papias uses in saying that Mark was Peter’s “interpreter,” could also mean “translator.” A native speaker is what is best for translation work. Presumably Peter was so Jewish he may have needed a translator when trying to write in Greek. Peter was indeed so Jewish he needed a vision three times from God to convince him all things God created were “clean” (Ac. 10:9-16) So the unique comment in Mark 7:19 about cleanliness would be expected in this Gospel if it originally came from Peter. This seems like dictation from Peter’s experience.

Our conclusion is that humility reigns supreme as a great virtue in one of the key characters for establishing what the earliest account of the gospel actually is and is not. The family of Christ always needs and uses to great effect, the useful humble talents of people who are honest and willing to render whatever talent they have for the spread of the gospel. This allows Mark to put personal insight from himself or Peter into His writing about the person of Jesus, adding a touch of authenticity, here are three unique features proving how real Jesus is to the author: One: Only Mark gives healing commands of Jesus in the original Aramaic: Talitha koum (Mark 5:41), Ephphatha (Mark 7:34) Two: Only here in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as “the son of Mary” (Mark 6:3). Three: Mark is the only gospel where Jesus himself is called a carpenter (Mark 6:3); in Matthew he is called a carpenter’s son (Matthew 13:55). These points show us as His Family, that a personal touch in our work for our Savior is needed, in order to have a real relationship with Him. Do you?

John was from Judea and his parents worked in Jerusalem but Jesus was from Nazareth, with good weather, it was at least a five day walk, and we know Mary & Joseph went to Jerusalem every year at least once^{Luke 2:41}  The biological relationship between John & Jesus as cousins happened to be of no concern or implication upon the gospel or ministry of Christ, or else it would have been recorded. Jesus called him John the Immersionist^{Luk 7:33} not John my cousin. They obviously knew “of” each other, but John makes it obvious that they didn’t know each other well, until he saw a “dove” descend upon someone whom he was to immerse^{John 1:32-33}  John was fearless in proclaiming his message, and called the Pharisees a “brood of vipers.” This was in reference to the fact that they were making baptism a mere ritual but their lives were just as corrupt as ever – with no signs of true repentance. He challenged people to be all they could be. He must have made quite an impression because “all” of Jerusalem went out to him in order to be baptized. Most Jews were able to recognize him as being a prophet even though there had been no prophets for almost 400 years, without him working one miracle! John’s basic message was REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM IS NEAR^Mat.3:2  so change your mind and change your ways because a big change is coming, ready or not! According to Mark, Jesus began his ministry after John had been imprisoned, so while Jesus was 40 days in the wilderness a great travesty of justice struck John. Josephus, the historian says that John was held in a cell at the castle of Machaerus, the impenetrable fortress located in Perea, east of the Dead Sea. We know John was arrested by Herod for denouncing his marriage to his brother’s wife, Herodias. When John heard of the miraculous signs Jesus was doing, he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus whether he was the One that should come^{Luk 7:19-28} or if they should “wait for another.” Scholars have various thoughts on the nature of this question. In Luke’s gospel, it provides the opening for one of several questions relating to Jesus’ identity. The question allows Jesus the opportunity to pay tribute to John, calling him “more than a prophet”^Mat.11:9  so establishing and confirming his prophetic role. He was “more than a prophet” because he was the forerunner of the Messiah (Christ), who came in the spirit of Elijah. In the meantime, while John was in prison, Herod “feared him and protected” him because he knew John was a righteous man. He even liked to “listen” to him. But Herodias wanted to kill him, no doubt in order to silence his denunciation of her marriage to Herod and to solidify her position as Herod’s legal wife. Her opportunity came the day Herod offered to give her daughter Salome, “anything you want” as a thank you for her seductive dance at his birthday party. Herodias coached her daughter into asking for the head of John; the daughter came up with the idea of having it delivered on a platter. Despite Herod’s “great distress,” he had to save face with his dinner guests and ordered it done. John’s disciples took his body for burial. This is in contrast to Jesus’ disciples who all ran away when he was killed. But this was not the end of Herod’s nightmare regarding John. Later on, he feared that Jesus was the reincarnation of John. Jesus also made reference to John’s authority in his conflicts with the temple priests. Josephus adds that Herod’s forces were eventually defeated by his ex-wife’s father. The people saw it as punishment for killing John and a sign of God’s displeasure. It would have been a case of God’s providential justice! John lived his beliefs and died for them as well. In the family of Christ, there should always be a member who can boldly point people to Jesus and beg them for repentance, if not, then start training someone to do it! John teaches us that no matter how effective, bold and successful any single individual is in the family of Christ, we are all equal in The Father’s eyes^Mat.11:11

Intro:

James, the physical brother of Jesus, calls Abraham a “Friend of God”, a description that seems rare in the Bible. We know from personal experience that we can choose our friends but not our family and it means a lot to us to have friends, they are very valuable for many reasons. Our family are invaluable for strength, love & friendship in trials, and God’s family is priceless, as we are eternal. Having friends in your family makes for the best kind of family we can imagine. In the Bible there are actually only a few people called ‘friends’ by God, Abraham^{Jas 2:23}   Lazarus^{Jn 11:3-11}  The Twelve Disciples^{Jn 15:15} Or at least it seems that way, until you read how Jesus addressed his disciples in a huge crowd, which would obviously have more than just the Twelve^{Lk 12:1-4}  This sentiment is true from John’s perspective, having many friends in Christ^{3Jn 1:14}  Notice the way Paul addresses the church in Rome “Greet Ampliatus my dear friend in the Lord”^{Rm 16:8} He felt that way about Onesimus too^{Phm 1:16}

Jesus himself had a disciple which he felt affectionately closer to than the other disciples^{Jn 13:23} There is obviously nothing wrong with feeling closer to some of our family members, than others, but there is something wrong when we feel nothing towards anyone that is a member of the Church^{2Pt 1:7-9} There is certainly sin within our relationship, if we feel hatred against anyone in the Church. This Series of discussions is an attempt to engender genuine affection and greater love for the Family of God in Christ. We will look at the following people in Scripture, to get God’s perspective on what He intends our relationships to be focused on:

JOHN THE IMMERSIONIST

MARK THE AUTHOR

LUKE THE DOCTOR

ZACHARIAS & ELIZABETH

JOSEPH & MARY

MARY, MARTHA & LAZARUS

MARY OF MAGDALA

JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA & NICODEMUS

AQUILA, PRISCILLA & APOLLOS

BARNABAS & SILAS

TIMOTHY & TITUS

A “Household” during the 1^st Century when Christ lived, was a term used for people that you were associated with on a daily basis. Whether or not you were close to them, is ambiguous, but nevertheless, they were part of your “household”. Your household was not just your biological kin, but anyone that you had personal contact with, such as maids or laborers and tutors. The “Household” of God in Christ is spiritual, eternal and real. Let’s grow, show and share the fruit of the Spirit in His household^{Eph 2:19}  Jesus had this concept taught and used in a practical way for us as Christians^{Mt 12:48-50}  In what ways do we treat each other as “family”?

“River of Water…Proceeding from the Throne” v1, Within this vision of the new Jerusalem we see detail of what God Himself issues out with the Lamb. Water! John 7:37-39 says this speaks of the Holy Spirit. This is who helps grow priceless fruit, Gal. 5:22-23. The blessings from God get bigger and better as the river flows, Ezekiel 47:1-12, Zechariah 14:1-8 & Joel 3:18 all have similar pictures of water flowing from the house of God. It is interesting that the “Lamb” is part of the Throne, clearly showing the New Jerusalem as being present tense, because Paul talks of the future of the Kingdom being submitted to God by Jesus. Here in John’s vision there is no submission, but rather, The Lamb is reigning from the Throne, see 1^st Cor. 15:24ff.

“Twelve Kinds of Fruit” v2, The garden of Eden first had this tree to sustain eternal life, it’s image of fruit is the Spirit’s work being shown with the number 12, meaning authoritative power. The virtues of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Kindness, Gentleness, Self-control, Holiness, Rom. 6:22, Righteousness, Eph 5:9, Heb. 12:11 & James 3:18 and Truthfulness, Eph. 5:9, are the 12 words which the New Testament uses to describe the Fruit. We are being taught that our power lay in the heart of a Christian where his virtue grows, share these virtues so that His power can be experienced and His Kingdom reigns over darkness & sin. “Healing of the Nations”, the world can only find forgiveness, friendship and citizenship in this city if they look upon the leaves representing the gospel, God’s word is often spoken of as food in the New Testament. Remember Adam used leaves to hide his shame or guilt, but here God uses leaves in the sense of healing, He doesn’t just cover up dirty laundry, He offers healing & new life with the gospel.

“Blessed is the one who keeps the words” v7, this is the fourth beatitude from Christ in the Revelation, and it is connected in thought to the necessity of perseverance. Real happiness is to remain steadfast by His strength and not our own, Eph. 6:10-14.

“The Time is Near” v10, Just as near as it was in 1:3, The entirety of this Revelation is applicable in the century the church was born in, as it is in today’s century the church grows in, till Jesus returns. From God’s perspective within this vision, there is no time with God, but He fits His victory for us within our understanding of time, see 2^nd Peter 3:8.

“Still do Evil…Still be Holy v11, This is the same warning Paul gave Timothy in the face of establishing and spreading the eternal Kingdom of Christ, 2^nd Tim. 3:13, and it’s the very reason we must persevere in growing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in order to be holy as He is holy. Our perseverance is guaranteed stronger and better than any force of evil, because the source of our holiness is Christ, not ourself.

“Blessed are they that wash their robes” v14, Promised happiness, deep contentment and eternal satisfaction from the cleanliness of doing what God wants, which is obviously seen in baptism. Robes represent the righteous acts of Christians sanctified and called saints, Rev. 19:8. These are indeed the labor that follows us into the city? Indeed, Rev. 14:13.

“Whoever loves and practices a lie” v15, the grammar literally conveys the idea of living a deceitful lifestyle, a pretence, as a hypocritical flip-flopping church hopping Christian. Remember Ananias & Sapphira, Acts 4:32-5:10. Our holiness should be a growing lifestyle, maturing the fruit of the Holy Spirit and sharing it.

“Things which are Written in this Book” v19, The whole of Revelation is practically written for the 7 churches of Asia primarily, It’s interpretation is for them foremost. Why? Because each congregation has a specific reward described if they remained faithful to the point & purpose of the entire message of visions in the Revelation. Chapter 22 has much in common with Chapter 1, proving it’s also written to all of us. Seven means perfect and total coverage in God’s work, like 7 days in a week of His creation, or the 7s used in Lev. 25:8-18 to discern the Year of Jubilee celebrating God’s work of Justice. Here the 7 churches, represent the work of God in creating the church as a whole for all time till Jesus comes again. Here is what Chapter 22 has in common with Chapter 1. Showing His servants what must soon take place, 1:1, 22:6,16. The Testimony of a Faithful Witness, 1:2,4,9 & 22:16,18,20. The Beatitude of Keeping This Word, 1:3 & 22:7, 9,14. The same “Churches”, 1:4 & 22:16. The Alpha & Omega, 1:8 & 22:13.

“Come Lord Jesus” v20, As John understood Christ coming as “soon” on his own time scale, it couldn’t be fast enough. Do we love the news of Jesus appearing? Or is that a frightful prospect for us? Read 2^nd Timothy 4:8.

It is important to see a link or theme within chapters 19:20, 20:10 & 21:8, the lake of eternal destruction shows the contrast between Christ’s victory for us, and Christ’s punishment for our enemies. There is no room in these chapters for a separate theology of millennialism, pre or post, to cloud our view of reigning with Christ now!

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth” v1, The new Jerusalem was a reality and existing many years before Revelation was written. What this passage reveals is God’s description of the glorious replacement of the Roman world authority, with a new Godly world authority in Christ. The old Jerusalem was for Judaism but the new Jerusalem is for the whole world!

“A Bride adorned for her Husband” v2, The woman, or church is now finished with her trial, being chased and persecuted. How does she look after the battle? Not worn & blood-stained, but beautiful, faithful and new. “The Tabernacle of God is with men” v3, God lives with “anthropos” in the Greek, correctly translated, “humanity”. The word tabernacle is used to show God’s mobility amongst us in the world. The new Jerusalem is truly global. 1^st Cor. 3:16, Eph. 2:20ff, 1^st Pet. 2:5. “He will shall wipe away every tear” v4, God’s comforting strength and indwelling presence is an effectual reality for his children who are facing persecution. Isaiah talks of God wiping away tears for his children on earth, Isa. 25:8, so we have no reason to think this divine act is strictly or literally limited to the future, but rather it’s possible here and now. We do not weep as those with no hope, but rather continually have reason to rejoice. Isaiah repeatedly remarks on God’s present care in comforting his suffering children, Isa. 14:3, 30:19, 35:9, 65:13-19. As there will no longer be any old world order (Rome) there will be no more death from Rome.

“I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life” v6, Herein is the root cause for the effect of comfort in wiping our tears in His dwelling with us. We are made to drink of Him, 1^st Cor. 12:13. Jesus spoke of this water to the Samaritan woman and the Jews at the Feast, Jn. 4:14 & 7:38-39.

“The Second Death” v8, Death itself is personified and it is finished in the lake that destroyed the Beast, false-prophet & the devil, 19:20-20:10. There is a day when the Roman Empire will no longer use martyrdom against the church, Rev. 20:14. Jesus spoke of death as something we will not even “see”, Jon. 8:51. But cowards, the faithless and perverts will see it along with murderers and all liars.

“The Glory of God” v11, The church in God’s view is splendid and secure with high walls. Precious costly jewels surround it as a Bride, after all, his Son paid for it with his blood, 1^st Pet. 1:18-19. “12 gates…12 angels…12 foundation stones” v13-14, The gates never close, v25 because it’s growing! Angels are messengers much like each of the 7 churches have, 2:1-3:14, The authoritative care and security for the holiness given to all who enter, becoming a part of the body of the bride of Christ, this City. 12 names on the gates represent the family nature of all citizens. The foundation stones with 12 apostle’s names show us their authority from Jesus being the chief corner stone, Eph. 2:20. Our apostles & prophets are living in this word we grow from, called the New Testament.

“A golden reed to measure the City” v15 The One who did the measuring is known in 4:2 as God Himself, measuring like Ezekiel measured, Ezk. 40-43. Why? To emphasize the glorious Holiness of those who live in this City. The several 12s in the size of the City tell of our divine and powerful protection of the city and it’s citizens. Never would any enemy even dent the wall, much less gain entry through the open gates. 1500 mile high walls, jeweled and thick as 72 yards, forming a big cube, v16. This speaks of the City as secure as a nation with eternal guards, 1^st Pet. 2:9.

“Nations will walk by it’s light…Kings of the earth will bring their glory into it” v24, The Lamb in the center is the light as the sun shining through glass-like jeweled walls. How would this affect the Nations outside? Blinding brilliance! Jesus is the light of the world, Jn 8:12. Jesus is King of kings and we see Isaiah talk about old Jerusalem becoming victorious with the worlds strength flowing into it, Isa. 60:1-20. This City is the triumphant church of our history and we are now in it. The persecuted church John wrote to needs this glorious identity, which Isaiah prophesied about and the old Jerusalem can’t see with it’s veil of Moses’ law being read, 2^nd Cor. 3:13-16. The darkness outside the City reminds us of the darkness of the plague before the last plague in Egypt, when they gave gifts to the Hebrews leaving for freedom, Ex. 10:21-11:4. We leave our old self for a new life in this City NOW, Jn. 10:10. Peter spoke of God’s glory in our hearts, 1^st Peter 1:8-10, promising us reception of the crown of glory, 1^st Pet. 5:4.

Every symbol in the visions from 4:1 and onwards, has a meaning. The symbols do not show John and is not written for the 7 churches for any kind of physically literal picture. Numbers & times, animals, beasts, monsters and even colors of the world, all have a meaning. The meaning gives us a message, and all the visions are part of a sum total message, one message. Christ wins and we are on His side!

“1000 Years Bound” v2, Satan is not allowed to use Rome to persecute the saints ANYMORE, meaning completeness, Psalm 50:10 & Duet. 7:9

“1000 Years Reigned” v4-6, Notice the past tense of the reign in v4 and the future tense in v6. This is not two different reigns, but rather it’s denoting two different sets of saints sharing in the same reign but under different oppressors which end up being defeated. Rome first and then future persecution till Jesus arrives again. The First Resurrection gives us a new life, wherein the old person that dies in baptism is dead during the 1000 year reign, but when the 2^nd Resurrection occurs, we have a glorious life!

“Little Season of Satanic Freedom” v3-10, God makes clear; he has sealed and saved us right now under Rome and He will make our children (offspring of the woman, 12:17) victorious in the future. He will do it with all Christians throughout time. Ezekiel 1-24 shows the Jews in Jerusalem must fall, then Ezk. 25-32 has foreign nations falling, and in Ezk. 33, Jerusalem is smitten. In Ezk. 34-38, Jerusalem must be comforted. How can he comfort and strengthen them with real security and victory? He tells the now kingless Jews that he offers a restoration of the Kingdom under “David”, to the Jew without hope of ever regaining his national dignity, he offers just this: One nation under one King “David”. But a pessimist would say, “we had all that before with Egypt, Philistines, Assyrians and Babylonians, so what guarantee do we have of the future? So in Ezk. 38-39 the Jews are assured that a Messiah (Davidic Jesus) will reign against an army so huge coming from the four points of the compass relative to Jerusalem, that his children have no chance of winning, but God defeats them without his children having to fire a shot! So here is the place of the “little time/season” wherein the GOG & MAGOG host/battle takes place, v8. So the 1000 years of binding speaks of utter defeat of the present oppressor, but the “little season” speaks of the future temporary victory Satan has over the church until Jesus comes again in our future. Our present enemy may be huge (Eph. 6:12) but they will be defeated.

“Invasion of the Holy City” v9, Any future persecution coming upon the New Jerusalem as in the church or offspring of the woman today (ref; Rev. 12:17 & Heb. 12:22-23) will stand the force and win the fight by the blood of the Lamb.

“Second Resurrection” v12, Our victory sealed in the Judgment Day is real and in a sense is tasted after our second death into a grave with a funeral. We share in the same victory they experienced. Remember with God after the 2^nd death there is no element of time, 2^nd Peter 3:8.

“Throne” v11-13, What happens from before the Throne in God’s presence represents what is already taking place back in v4, but towards the unbelievers which didn’t take the church serious and get their names written in the book of life. They were too busy being deceived by the Devil.

“Lake of Fire” v14-15, showing us a complete and eternal limit to their potential leadership. Never again would the Devil be able to use a “beast” or “false prophet” in the way he used Rome. It is an opinion of many early church writers that the future of the church may hold persecution which Satan is behind, but it will not be as huge as what was happening during the first few centuries of the church’s history. Persecution and martyrdom is still real and just as painful as it’s ever been, but it will never be on the same scale as Satan used it within the Roman Empire! The “Second Death” v14, shows there is no literal first death, it is our spiritual death to our old person. The 2^nd death would represent future pain and suffering or even martyrdom till Jesus comes again. They will be victorious in the Judgment to come, as well as those who are faithful today.

“A Great Voice of a Great Multitude” v1-2, Christ’s church, martyrs, prophets and priests, that is all God’s children give glory in God’s victory. This is reminiscent of the infinite crowd from Rev. 7:4-12. God has avenged his children of the terrible whore, without his servants needing to take vengeance into their own hands, since we will never be defeated by our enemy’s spite. Our Omnipotent God is capable of rendering vengeance since he is motivated by justice and love. Our job is to pray for the government & honor the Emperor, 1st Peter 2:17.

“Her smoke Goes Up Forever” v3-4, Jude speaks of Sodom suffering eternal fire, Jude v7. He is not referring to a literal flame burning through the centuries, rather he is helping us understand how permanent his judgment is and how the punishment he gives is eternal for our enemies. Isaiah 34:8-ff, holds a similar picture of Edom, with eternal smoke & brimstone, but in the same passage he describes nettles and thorns growing there along with animals living amongst them. Literally, both can’t be true, so figuratively what is meant? Utter defeat is rendered to God’s enemies, a defeat which the world will never fully recover from. From this event and into the future, governments built upon Ninevah (Iraq), Tyre & Edom (Jordan), Babylon (Iran), and yes Rome will never experience God’s blessings like they had them historically. “The Almighty Reigns” Pantokrator (Gk) shows an awe-inspiring power implying a relentless grip. His omnipotent hold was used against the iron army of Rome stomping across the civilized world and within a couple of centuries, God in Jesus Christ stopped them in their tracks.

“The Marriage of The Lamb” v7-10, This vision is directly from the happiness of the Lamb and the rejoicing of His saints which needs expressing! In Paul’s mind they were already married, and by God’s consent is shown with rejoicing over a victory that is bound up in their unity, of which nothing can separate them, Romans 7:1ff & Ephesians 5:22-33. “The Righteous Acts of the Saints” v8, The fine linen is representing purity of lifestyle. Our righteous acts are not scriptural worship in communion, or our doctrinal astuteness in our preaching, nor is it our bold evangelism producing baptisms. No, our righteous deeds, are the pure, holy and blameless lifestyles we act out in our daily lives from Monday to Saturday, giving service to the needy, lost widows & orphans of the world. This is pure religion, James 1:27. It is important to discern between worship & service in the Revelation, because God clearly does with the different symbols. Our prayers and praise are symbolized as harps & incense, whereas, our deeds are symbolized as fine linen. New Testament Christians were publicly known for their pure lifestyles. The next lesson to learn is our humility which the angel teaches John in v10, where John gets corrected from worshiping him. If an angel can state his station/position as just another servant, how much more should we be aware of our humble estate before God? See Matthew 18:3-4. “The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy” God’s children are married to the Lamb, the unity which brings the privilege of sharing our faith in Christ, when we do that, we are acting as prophets of the future coming judgment the world will see and our own future deliverance and glory in God’s eyes, you’re acting like a prophet, 1st Corinthians 12:1-3.

“Faithful & True…The Word of God” v11-13, Jesus, the rider of the white horse in the first seal (Rev. 6:1) is the rider of this white horse which is already victorious and supported by armies (Christian saints). They actually don’t participate in the war against the beast and false-prophet, with a leader like Jesus, who needs to do anything? He IS the King of kings and Lord of lords. Notice the persecuting Empire (Beast) and Roman Emperor worship/religion (False Prophet) are taken captive and thrown into the “lake”, but not slain, as were all their followers,

“Ruling with a Rod of Iron, Stomping the Winepress” v15-21, The word “Ruling” in the Greek language actually means ‘shepherding’, and the “Rod”, is actually akin to a royal ‘scepter’, so we have this picture of a Royal Shepherd as the victorious Lamb, venting his anger in war as He stomps to victory! v21. This alludes to the very long time Rome’s influence continued in the face of the inevitable defeat God had worked out. The worldly people (birds) filling up on the flesh of the client-kings, generals, centurions & senators, succumbing to Rome’s power imploding. They are then slain! The war’s victory is assumed by the angel which calls the birds to eat on their corpses! See Psalm 94:1 & Romans 12:19