The Timeline of the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is a complex and profound text, not meant for cut-and-pasting or altering. Teachers should approach it with care and a deep understanding of its context. As we explore the timeline of Revelation, it's essential to remember the warning in Scripture:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” – Revelation 22:18-19

This caution emphasizes the importance of faithfully preserving the message of Revelation, without modification.

PRE-TRIBULATION

The Seven Seals (Revelation 6:1–8:1)

The First Seal: The White Horse (6:1-2)
The Second Seal: The Red Horse (6:3-4)
The Third Seal: The Black Horse (6:5-6)
The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse (6:7-8)
The Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs (6:9-11)
The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances (6:12-17)

Interlude Begins

The Sealing of the 144,000 (7:1-8)
The Great Multitude in White Robes (7:9-17) – Rapture of the Church

Interlude Ends

The Seventh Seal: Silence in Heaven (8:1)

The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:2–11:19)

The First Trumpet: Hail and Fire Mixed with Blood (8:6-7)
The Second Trumpet: A Mountain Thrown into the Sea (8:8-9)
The Third Trumpet: The Star Wormwood (8:10-11)
The Fourth Trumpet: The Sun, Moon, and Stars Struck (8:12)
The Three Woes Begin (8:13)
The Fifth Trumpet: The First Woe—The Plague of Locusts (9:1-12) – Lasts 150 days

TRIBULATION BEGINS (2 x 42 months)

The Sixth Trumpet: The Second Woe—The Release of the Four Angels (9:13-21)
The Angel and the Little Scroll (10:1-11)
The Seven Thunders (10:3-4)
The Two Witnesses (11:1-14)
The Second Woe Ends (11:14)

THE GREAT TRIBULATION BEGINS (42 Months)

The Seventh Trumpet: The Third Woe—The Kingdom Proclaimed (11:15-19)
The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon (Revelation 12:1-17)
The Woman and the Dragon (12:1-6)
War in Heaven (12:7-12)
The Dragon Pursues the Woman (12:13-17)
The Two Beasts (Revelation 13:1-18)
The Beast from the Sea (13:1-10)
The Beast from the Earth (13:11-18)
The Lamb and the 144,000 (Revelation 14:1-5)
The Three Angels’ Messages (Revelation 14:6-13)
The Harvest of the Earth (Revelation 14:14-20)

The Seven Bowls (Plagues) (Revelation 15:1–16:21)

Preparation for the Bowls (15:1-8)
The First Bowl: Painful Sores (16:1-2)
The Second Bowl: The Sea Turns to Blood (16:3)
The Third Bowl: Rivers and Springs Become Blood (16:4-7)
The Fourth Bowl: Scorching Heat (16:8-9)
The Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain (16:10-11)
The Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates Dried Up (16:12-16)
The Seventh Bowl: Earthquake and Hailstorm (16:17-21)

The Fall of Babylon the Great (Revelation 17:1–19:10)

The Prostitute on the Beast (17:1-18)
The Fall of Babylon (18:1-24)
Rejoicing in Heaven (19:1-10)
The Rider on the White Horse and the Defeat of the Beast (Revelation 19:11-21)

THE TRIBULATION AND GREAT TRIBULATION ENDS

The Thousand Years (Revelation 20:1-6)
The Defeat of Satan (Revelation 20:7-10)
The Judgment Before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15)
A New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1-8)
The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27)
The River of Life (Revelation 22:1-5)
Jesus Is Coming Soon (Revelation 22:6-21)