of 4–5 set the stage for the Great Tribulation at the end of human history (6–19), after the church has been taken up to heaven in the Rapture (see Isaiah: Background; exposition on Matt. 24–25 and on 1 Thess. 4:13–18). Having been mentioned nearly 20 times in 1–3, the church now disappears from the scene until 19:7, where it reappears as the glorious bride of Christ. 4:2–5 A throne surrounded by thrones. John saw the glory of God the Father on his throne (4:2–3). He found the sight too overwhelming