John is now shown the things which shortly to come to pass through the opening of the seven seals. He is being shown things about the past, present, and future (1:19). Chapter six describes the events of the opening of the first six seals, while chapter seven is an interlude between the opening of the sixth and seven seal. Remember, that when the seven seal is opened the mystery of God will be finished as Jesus and the saints will be avenged.
Click for Revelation – Chapter 6 class handout