Commentaries:
This short sentence separates Jesus' commentary on the Four Horsemen, which are the four seals of Revelation 6:1-8, and His comments on the fifth seal, the tribulation and martyrdom of the saints (Matthew 24:9-10). The implication is that the Four Horsemen will ride roughshod on the earth to commence the time of "sorrows," and it may also indicate a length of time between the fulfillment of the fourth seal and the opening of the fifth. The first four seals, then, might be broken in quick succession and allowed to inflict mayhem for a long period before the fifth seal is opened.
And Jesus' choice of words in verses 4-7 suggests that the Horsemen were let loose long ago!
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Four Horsemen (Part One): In the Saddle?
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Matthew 24:8:
Mark 13:32-37
Ephesians 6:12-13
Revelation 6:1-8
Revelation 6:2
Revelation 6:3-4
Revelation 6:8