ACC ~ Revelation 9 v15

THE DEVIL ALWAYS PREPARED TO HARM THE CHURCH. PRIMASIUS: “The four angels were released” indicates the beginning of the persecution. … He indicates by an apt expression the four times during which the persecution will be continuing, that is, [he indicates] three years and six months. He said “for the hour, the day, the month, and the year,” since a day is gradually filled with hours, and months with days, and finally years with months. It says that they were “prepared” in order to indicate the character of the devil and his angels. For they entangle themselves in ongoing hostilities against the church and constantly desire to do it harm. However, divine power restrains them, lest they wreak havoc as much as they want. Rightly did he previously say that the locusts were similar to horses arrayed for battle, for now when he says that the angels were loosed, he says that he saw horses. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 9.15.

WICKED SPIRITS DESIRE THE DEATH OF HUMANKIND. BEDE: He spoke of four angels, since the persecution will rage in the four parts of the world. These are the same angels whom the seer previously saw standing at the four corners of the earth and restrained from harming the earth and the sea so that the servants of God might be sealed. … [They were ready for the hour, the day, the month, and the year] for the wicked spirits desire the death of humankind at every hour and moment of time. These will be permitted to rage more freely so that the church might be made stronger, but at the proper time, they themselves will be destroyed. And what do you think [such spirits] will do when they are released, when they work such devastation even now when they are bound? EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 9.15.

Rev