The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 8:1
And when. καὶ ὅταν , instead of καὶ ὅτε (as in the other seals), is read in A, C, and gives a certain indefiniteness which does not belong to any of the rest (Alford). ὅτε is, however, found in א , B, P, Andreas. He had opened the seventh seal; he opened. As in the case of the other seals, the silence accompanies the opening (see on Revelation 6:1 , Revelation 6:3 , Revelation 6:5 , etc.). This completes the number, and sets the roll free ( Revelation 5:1 ).... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense - with the prayers - Though incense itself be an emblem of the prayers of the saints, Psalm 141:2 ; yet here they are said to ascend before God, as well as the incense. It is not said that the angel presents these prayers. He presents the incense, and the prayers ascend With it. The ascending of the incense shows that the prayers and offering were accepted. read more