1. The book of Revelation reports John’s vision, at the opening of the second seal: «And there went out another horse that was . And power was given to him that sat thereon to take from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given to him a great .» We can understand the symbolism of the second seal, with the help of the Word of God.

2. The message of the second seal perfectly corresponds to the second letter, addressed to the church of Smyrna, also found in the book of Revelation. Which historical period covers the events foretold by the second letter and the second seal?
   The period from A.D. 1 to 31.
   The period from A.D. 31 to 100.
   The period from A.D. 100 to 313.
   The period from A.D. 313 to 538.

3. During our lesson, we have discovered that the rank of the four beasts corresponds with the rank of the seals they introduce. So the second seal is introduced by the second beast, whose nature carries a symbolism that is very relevant to the period of the second seal. The book of Revelation indicates that «the second beast [was] like...»
   «... a man.»
   «... a lion.»
   «... a calf.»
   «... an eagle.»

4. The color of the second seal’s horse also bears an interesting symbolism. The book of Nahum explains the meaning of this color: «The shield of his mighty men is made , the valiant men are in . The chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.» This color thus represents violence and bloodshed.

5. The sword of the second seal’s rider also indicates that the prophesied period would be marked by violence and bloodshed. The book of the prophet Jeremiah illustrates the meaning of the sword: «For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of , that He may avenge Him of His adversaries: and the sword shall , and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their .»

6. A character of the Bible, using the same words as the second seal, stated that he would take away peace on earth, and bring a sword. Who is that character?
   Jesus.
   Moses.
   John the Baptist.
   Elijah.

7. The Gospel according to Matthew reports the following prophecy from Jesus, which is a good description of the second seal’s period, but also of what believers of all times would experience, until the return of their Savior: «For I am come to set a man at variance his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s shall be they of his own .»

8. The period prophesied by the second seal was marked by severe persecution against the Church. Describing the murder of all those who lose their life for God’s sake, the book of Psalms says, «The wicked have drawn out the and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to such as be of conversation.»

9. The most severe persecution against the Church was announced by both the second seal and the second letter, addressed to the church of Smyrna. This persecution came to an end with the proclamation of the Edict of Milan, which made Christianity the Empire’s official religion. When was that edict issued?
   In A.D. 31.
   In A.D. 100.
   In A.D. 313.
   In A.D. 538.

10. In the book of Revelation, Jesus said to the believers who lived during the period of the second seal, «Fear none of those things which you shall . (...) Be you faithful to , and I will give you a of life.» The faithfulness of the believers during this terrible period will be, for each one of us, a source of inspiration when we face difficult days.

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