Under what figures is the first trumpet described?
Answer
"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the
earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." Rev. 8: 7.
NOTES- "Twice, at least, before the Roman Empire became divided permanently into the two
parts, the Eastern and the Western, there was a tripartite division of the empire. The first occurred AD. 311,
when it was divided between Constantine, Licinius, and Maximin; the other, AD. 337, on the death of
Constantine, when it was divided between his three sons, Constantine, Constans, and Constantius." (Albert
Barnes, on Rev. 12: 4) To Constantius was given Constantinople and the East; to Constans, Italy,
Illyricum, and northern Africa; and to Constantine 11, Britain, Gaul, and Spain.
This trumpet describes the first great invasion upon Western or ancient Rome, by the Goths, under
Alaric, from AD. 395 to AD. 410. In 08 he descended upon Italy, the middle "third part," pillaging and
burning cities, and slaughtering their inhabitants. Says Gibbon in his "Decline and Fall of the Roman
Empire," chapter 33, closing sentence: "The union of the Roman Empire was dissolved; its genius was
humbled in the dust; and armies of unknown barbarians, issuing from the frozen regions of the North, had
established their victorious reign over the fairest provinces of Europe and Africa."
What great gift comes with our acceptance of Christ?
What will God allow to come to those who reject truth?
What promise is made to the obedient?
How was the conquest of Medo-Persia by Grecia foretold in this symbolic prophecy?
When the church had received help from the state to this extent, what more did she demand?
Are God's people free from affliction?
Where are the righteous to be recompensed?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle