V. The World in Agony (15:5-16:21)

What John is about to show his readers is something they have already seen glimpses of from several perspectives: the death thrones of an Age.

John's readers saw this from God's perspective as the scroll of human destiny unrolled. 6:12-17 is the section in the opening of the 6th seal which shows us a glimpse of what we are to see from a different perspective.

John's readers noted that this is a part of earth's history which the Church saw as the 7 trumpets.

John's readers caught a glimpse of what this period will look like from the perspective of the resurrected Church: the 3 calling angels of 14:6-11.

They are now to see this period of time from the perspective of the secular world as seen by all still alive on earth (all who have not been raised from the dead). While the Church experienced 7 trumpet calls, the world opposed to God experiences this same period as 7 Plagues.

A. The Setting: 15:5-8

The anchor from which John views all that is about to happen (the 7 plagues) as the world opposed to God will see it, is a magnificent anchor.

John views all that the earth experiences during the time of the 7 plagues from the glorious place called "the tent of witness".