Bible Study Guide (Revelation 6: White Horse of the Apocalypse)
Who Is on the White Horse of the Revelation 6? (Revelation 6:1)
(Verse 1) As John looks on, he is given a vision unlike anything human eyes have ever seen. It is something like a universe-sized screen that would make the largest IMAX theater fade into insignificance. In this moment of overwhelming clarity and scale, John watches as Jesus breaks the first seal of the seven seals of judgment that hold the scroll tightly closed.
Jesus alone is worthy to open these seals. With the breaking of the first seal, He sets into motion a chain of events the earth has never witnessed since its creation. What follows is not random chaos. It is the deliberate unfolding of what God has long spoken and what humanity, through its rejection of Christ and His offer of salvation, has ultimately brought upon itself. Jesus Himself initiates these judgments.
At the breaking of the first seal, a thunderous voice rings out from one of the living creatures that surround the throne of God. With commanding authority, it cries out: “Come!”
This command is directed at the rider of the white horse of the apocalypse—summoning him onto the world stage.
As you continue reading through the account of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, the significance of their order becomes unmistakably clear. Each rider follows the last with divine precision. This reveals a purposeful progression in God’s unfolding judgment.
The Conquering White Horse of the Apocalypse Without a Quiver (Revelation 6:2)
(Verse 2) John then looks and sees a white horse, and seated upon it is a rider. In the ancient world, a king who arrived on horseback signaled war and conquest. The rider holds a bow in his hand. He is bent toward conquest—but conquest will not be his initial means nor his first strategy.
Significantly, Scripture makes no mention of a quiver filled with arrows. John sees only a bow, and nothing more. This absence is not accidental. It points to the character of this rider as he first enters the world scene as the Antichrist—the man of lawlessness—who will be revealed after the rapture.
At that time, the world will be fractured and chaotic. It will be desperate for stability and order. Into that global disorder steps this rider on the white horse of the apocalypse, the white horse of Revelation. He arrives not with open warfare, but with words. His smooth speech and commanding eloquence become his primary weapon. People will be drawn to him, captivated by his rhetoric, and many willingly follow him.
Yet his true desire for domination and subjugation will not be fully revealed at the outset. That unveiling comes later—at the midpoint of the Tribulation—just as Daniel and Jesus foretold.
Daniel first recorded this revelation as it was given to him by God:
“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” (Daniel 9:27)
Jesus Himself, in the Olivet Discourse, pointed directly to this same moment—when the Antichrist, the abomination that causes desolation, reveals his true purpose in seizing control of humanity:
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. 18 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 19 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:15-22)
The crown given to this rider symbolizes his temporary authority as a ruler and king. His power is real, but it is limited and short-lived. Paul expands on this reality in his letter to the Thessalonians, which we will examine further below.
This Rider On the White Horse Is Not Jesus
Because this rider comes on a white horse, many have mistakenly identified this scene as Christ at His Second Coming—assuming He has returned to conquer the earth and judge evil. But this rider is not Christ.
This scene must not be confused with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ described later in Revelation:
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11-16)
We have to remember, Christ returns at the end of the tribulation. The first seal is opened at the very beginning of the tribulation.
Rapture vs. Second Coming of Christ (Comparison Chart)
When Will this Rider Be Revealed To the World?
Let’s put this scene into context. There’s a really big prophetic event that will occur prior to the white horse showing up on the scene. It will be the rapture that will occur prior to the revealing of the Antichrist (rider of the white horse).
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians explains this in more detail.
“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way (rapture). 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8)
The rider on the white horse of Revelation will only be revealed once the “restrainer” (one who holds it back, aka Holy Spirit) is removed. The Holy Spirit, who resides in the believers, will be removed at the rapture.
Who Sits On the White Horse of the Apocalypse?
The answer to who is the rider on the white horse of the apocalypse is found here in this passage written by Paul. The passage explains much of this scene of the white horse and its rider.
The rider is the antichrist. The man who will be a future global leader. But before he comes on the scene, the rapture must occur. The “One” holding him back from being revealed is the Holy Spirit. Where does the Holy Spirit reside? He resides in the believers in Christ.
When the rapture occurs, the Holy Spirit will be removed from the world. This will create a vacuum. This vacuum will be filled with the spirit of lawlessness in a way that the world has never seen evil. Thus the timing of the revealing and rise of the antichrist.
Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead!
Most of us older folks remember the classic film of 1939 “The Wizard of Oz.” If so, you also remember the most joyous scene when the Munchkins are dancing in the streets. The wicked witch of the east has just been crushed by a house. And everyone is singing the joyous song, Ding-Dong! The Witches Dead!
There will be a similar scene that takes hold across the globe when the rapture occurs. The rider (Antichrist) on the white horse is revealed. At the absence of all that represented what was left of good in the world, joyous celebration will break out.
All of those who willfully and purposely chose to reject God will be ecstatic. The ones who’ve devoted their lives to pushing and promoting an anti-God agenda will take to the streets and celebrate. They will be glad to see all those do-gooders, Jesus freaks, Christ believing Christians are gone and out of their way.
But this celebration won’t last for long.
The Counterfeit Rider of the White Horse of the Apocalypse
I would be remiss not to mention the similarities of the rider of the white horse of the apocalypse in this scene and the one in Revelation 19. Is there a reason for the similarities?
Yes, absolutely! It is and will continue to be the purpose of Satan to copy the work of Christ. Here, he wants to be the one who will come in and conquer and be the ruler of the world. He will first attempt to be a political ruler. Then he will exalt himself and demand he be everyone’s spiritual ruler. But more on that as we continue our journey.
This is not the last attempt of Satan to counterfeit the work of Christ. We’ll see more of this as his plan is revealed by Christ through John’s writing.
As true Christians, we should be encouraged by the events of the world. Because we’re not waiting for the revealing of the antichrist. But we’re waiting for arrival in the clouds of Jesus Christ.
Closing Reflection on Revelation 6:1-2
Friends, the white horse of the apocalypse in Revelation 6:1-2 and the opening of the first seal remind us how easily our attention can be misplaced. Much discussion centers on the rider—often linked with the rise of the Antichrist. The white horse of Revelation has become a focal point of speculation and fear. Yet Scripture calls believers to a higher and holier focus.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that those who belong to Christ are not appointed to wrath, but to salvation. Our blessed hope is not the revealing of the Antichrist, but the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul teaches—true believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. this occurs before the Antichrist fully steps onto the world stage. That means our calling is not to watch the rise of darkness, but to watch for the coming of the Light.
The first seal signals that God’s prophetic clock is moving forward, but it also serves as a reminder to lift our eyes heavenward. We are not to be consumed with worldly powers, political movements, or end-times personalities. Instead, we are to set our minds on things above, living in readiness, holiness, and expectation of Christ’s return.
May our hearts long not for signs alone, but for the Savior Himself. May we be found faithful, watching, and waiting for Him.
Continue Studying: Book of Revelation Chapters 1–11 Study Guides
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your Word and for the clarity it brings in uncertain times. As we study the white horse of the apocalypse, and the opening of the first seal, guard our hearts from fear, speculation, and distraction. Help us to keep our eyes fixed not on the rise of darkness, but on the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Teach us to set our minds on things above and to live as those who are ready, watchful, and faithful. Strengthen our hope in Your promises, and deepen our longing for Christ’s appearing. Until that day, help us walk in holiness, love, and obedience, shining as the light of Christ in a dark world.
We ask this in the precious name of Jesus.
Amen.
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