ACC ~ Revelation 9 v12

WOE COMES TO THE WORLD. BEDE: Since he had foretold that three woes were to come, he now mentions that one woe has already come in the deceit of heresy. However, he says that two woes remain which will come against the perverse during the time of the antichrist and at the day of judgment. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 9.12.

THE SIXTH TRUMPET REVELATION 9:13-21

OVERVIEW: With the blowing of the sixth trumpet, the sixth age of the world is initiated. At that time, the church will send forth her preachers against the antichrist and his lies and against his followers (TYCONIUS, CAESARIUS OF ARLES, BEDE). The church will despise the words and commands of the antichrist and separate herself from those who have apostatized with him (CAESARIUS OF ARLES). Yet this time will be a time of severe trial, for God will command that an evil people be loosed to persecute the church (TYCONIUS, PRIMASIUS). This people will be the embodiment of Satan and of his will and, as Esau persecuted Jacob, it will attack the church (TYCONIUS). For at all times the devil and his wicked angels are prepared and eager to harm the church and to inflict death upon the human race (PRIMASIUS, BEDE). This evil horde will persecute through heresy that is promoted by irreligious kings and worldly prelates, for apart from such the devil is rendered harmless (CAESARIUS OF ARLES). These heretics will be of large number and will claim for themselves the sacraments of the church. Like a concubine who unites herself to a man by way of an illegitimate union, they desire only influence and human praise. However, they bear within themselves their own punishments (PRIMASIUS). As the heretics are of the devil through falsehood, the pagans are of the devil through their wickedness and unbelief. They too will die (BEDE).

At the end of time, the most preeminent of the angels will leave the bliss of the vision of God and be sent to earth for the punishment of the wicked. These avenging angels are fearsome and will accomplish their task irresistibly. Therefore, during the present life we should confess our sins and with contrition in our souls turn to that which is good. For in the future life the time for prudent choice is over; then one only receives the reward for the life one has lived (OECUMENIUS). At that time too, also the antichrist and a multitude of demons will be loosed by divine command to trouble the nations. These will attack not only the Christians but also each other, and in the struggle some will be shown to be faithful and worthy, like ripened wheat, while others will be manifested as wicked and unrepentant and, like chaff, will receive a harsh condemnation. The demons are swift and do their beastly work through evil people who, like horses, are governed and led by their demonic riders. Sinners who have allowed the fruits of their hearts to be consumed by the assaults of the demons invite upon themselves the universal wrath of God. For divine wrath results from idolatry, murder, fornication and theft. And the frenzy that these vices visit upon the nations may perhaps be seen in the devastation of fire and blood inflicted on cities by the barbarians (ANDREW OF CAESAREA).

Rev