The rider on the white horse

Commentators are not entirely agreed on the identification of the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2.

There are those who see the rider on the white horse symbolizing Christ and the victorious spread of his gospel message. Their rationale for this understanding is that the color white in Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible represents holiness and purity. Furthermore, they point to Revelation 19:11-16, where the rider on a white horse, who is now wearing many crowns, is identified as Jesus.

Then there are those who see the rider on the white horse symbolizing false Christs. Their rationale for this understanding is that the content of Revelation 6 closely parallels that of Matthew 24. The “false Christs” of Matthew 24:4-5 would correspond to the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2. In addition, they note that the rider in Revelation 6:2 is holding a bow (perhaps associated with the “flaming arrows of the evil one” in Ephesians 6:16) and not “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).

While there may not be consensus on the identity of the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2, we can say that Scripture clearly teaches those two positions. There will be people trying to deceive others in Jesus’ name (Matthew 24:23-24; Luke 21:8). Yet, the Lord will reign supreme forever (Revelation 11:15).