This is the gospel that went out through the work of the white horse (Revelation 6:2; Revelation 19:11–16; also Revelation 14:6–7). The book of Acts relates the early progress of this gospel, including the deaths of the first martyrs. In Revelation 6:9–10 John was shown these same martyrs assembled “under the altar” in heaven, calling out to God for justice. In the present passage the Lord answers their plea and gives them justice.
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.