◄ Revelation 10 ►
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The Angel and the Small Scroll (Ezekiel 3:1–15) 1Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire. 2He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices. 4When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” 5Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven. 6And he swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: “There will be no more delay! 7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets.” 8Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the small scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land.” 9And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”a 10So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter. 11And they told me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” Footnotes: 9 a See Numbers 5:24 and Ezekiel 3:3. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Revelation 10 Summary The Angel and the Small Scroll Verses 1–3 – The Mighty Angel Descends John sees “another mighty angel descending from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire” (v. 1). The angel’s right foot stands on the sea, his left on the land, and he calls out with a loud voice like a roaring lion. Seven thunders answer his cry. Verses 4 – The Seven Thunders Sealed When the seven thunders speak, John prepares to write, but a voice from heaven commands him, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down” (v. 4). Verses 5–7 – An Oath of No More Delay The angel raises his hand to heaven and swears by the eternal Creator that “there will be no more delay, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God will be fulfilled” (vv. 6–7). Verses 8–11 – The Little Scroll Eaten A voice tells John to take the open scroll from the angel. John obeys, and the angel instructs, “Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey” (v. 9). John eats; it is sweet, yet turns bitter, and he is told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings” (v. 11). Revelation 10 is a fascinating and mysterious chapter in the final book of the Bible. It describes the appearance of a mighty angel and the events that unfold as he interacts with the apostle John. The chapter is heavy with symbolism and presents a complex narrative that intertwines celestial visions with prophetic utterances. Historical Setting within Revelation Chapter 10 falls between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments. The pause echoes the interlude between the sixth and seventh seals (chapters 7–8:1). God repeatedly pauses judgment to highlight His mercy, His control, and the certainty that His plan will be completed exactly on time. The Mighty Angel’s Identity • Some see a high-ranking angel; others view this as a Christophany—a temporary appearance of Christ—because of the cloud, rainbow, and sun-like face (compare 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 1:16). • The angel’s stance—one foot on sea, one on land—signals authority over the whole earth, echoing Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • Whether angelic or divine messenger, the figure underscores heavenly sovereignty in the midst of earthly chaos. Symbolism of the Rainbow and Pillars of Fire • Rainbow: Reminds readers of God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:13–17), stressing His faithfulness even during judgment. • Pillars of fire: Recall Israel’s wilderness journey (Exodus 13:21). God guided His people by fire, so the image assures guidance for believers facing tribulation pressures. • Cloud wrapping: Often marks divine presence (Exodus 19:9; Matthew 17:5). The Seven Thunders • Throughout Scripture, thunder signals God’s voice (1 Samuel 2:10; John 12:28-29). • The content is deliberately withheld; like Paul’s unspeakable words in 2 Corinthians 12:4, certain heavenly realities remain hidden. The sealed thunders teach the limit of human curiosity and affirm Deuteronomy 29:29: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God.” The Angel’s Oath and “No More Delay” • Raising a hand to swear draws on courtroom imagery (Genesis 14:22; Daniel 12:7). • “No more delay” announces the final sequence of trumpet and bowl judgments. God is patient (2 Peter 3:9) but not indefinite. Justice and restoration are on schedule. The Little Scroll • Unlike the larger sealed scroll of chapter 5, this scroll is open. Its small size suggests a specific, fresh revelation for John to internalize. • Eating the scroll mirrors Ezekiel 3:1-3. God’s words taste sweet because truth satisfies; they turn bitter as judgment is digested emotionally. • John’s renewed commission (“You must prophesy again”) broadens the scope from Israel to all nations, lining up with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Connections to Old Testament Prophets • Ezekiel parallels: vision, scroll, eating, message to rebellious people. • Daniel 12: Angel with raised hand, sealed words until the end time. Revelation unlocks what Daniel sealed. • Jeremiah 15:16-17: God’s words consumed with delight yet resulting in isolation and sorrow—sweet and bitter together. Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Seals and scrolls: Clay and papyrus documents with visible seals have been found throughout the Mediterranean. An open scroll indicated completed authentication and readiness for public reading. • Oaths by raising a hand: Depicted in ancient reliefs from Mesopotamia, confirming a gesture familiar to John’s audience. • Roman legal practices demanded formal proclamations “on land and sea” for empire-wide effect, matching the angel’s stance atop sea and land. Theological Flow into Chapter 11 • The command to prophesy again sets the stage for measuring the temple, the ministry of the two witnesses, and intensified global messaging. • The mystery of God (10:7) stretches into 11:15: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” Practical Lessons • God still holds undisclosed plans; trust Him with the unknown. • Internalizing Scripture is essential—sweet to receive, often challenging to live out. • The call to prophesy remains: believers are to speak truth to every “people, nation, tongue, and king,” confident that history moves toward God’s pre-set culmination. Cross-References for Personal Study • Divine pauses in judgment: Revelation 7; Habakkuk 3:2. • Sweet-and-bitter experiences: Psalm 119:103; Lamentations 3:19-24. • Finality of God’s mystery: Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 1:9-10. Conclusion Revelation 10 assures readers that God’s timetable is untouched by earthly events. He holds undisputed authority, reveals exactly what His people need, withholds what is best kept secret, and commissions His servants to keep speaking until the final trumpet sounds. Connections to Additional Scriptures Daniel 12:9 Similar to Revelation 10, Daniel is told that certain words are sealed until the end times, emphasizing the theme of divine mystery. Ezekiel 3:1-3 Ezekiel is also instructed to eat a scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God's message before proclaiming it. Matthew 24:36 Jesus speaks of the unknown day and hour of His return, reminding us of the mysteries that belong to God alone. Teaching Points The Mighty Angel Revelation 10:1 describes a mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head. This imagery signifies divine authority and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Little Scroll In Revelation 10:2, the angel holds a little scroll that is open. This scroll represents God's revealed will and the mysteries that are to be disclosed at the proper time. Seven Thunders Revelation 10:3-4 mentions the seven thunders that uttered voices, but John is instructed not to write down what they said. This highlights that some divine mysteries are not yet meant for human understanding. The Oath of the Angel In Revelation 10:5-7, the angel swears by the Creator that there will be no more delay, and the mystery of God will be accomplished. This emphasizes the certainty and imminence of God's plan. John's Commission Revelation 10:8-11 describes John's instruction to take and eat the scroll, which is sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This symbolizes the dual nature of God's Word—joyful in its promises but sobering in its judgments. Practical Applications Trust in God's Timing Just as the mysteries of the seven thunders are sealed, we must trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan for our lives. Embrace the Whole Counsel of God Like John, we are called to consume God's Word fully, accepting both its comforting and challenging aspects. Proclaim God's Message We are commissioned to share the truths of Scripture, even when they are difficult, trusting that God's Word will accomplish its purpose. People 1. The Mighty Angel This figure is described in Revelation 10:1 as "another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire." The Greek term for "angel" is ἄγγελος (angelos), which means "messenger." This mighty angel is often interpreted as a powerful heavenly being, distinct from Christ, who delivers a significant message. 2. John The apostle John is the recipient of the vision and the one who interacts with the mighty angel. In Revelation 10:8-10, John is instructed to take the little scroll from the angel and eat it. The act of eating the scroll symbolizes internalizing the message, which is sweet in his mouth but turns bitter in his stomach, indicating the dual nature of prophecy—joyful in revelation but often sorrowful in its implications. Places 1. Heaven The chapter begins with a mighty angel descending from heaven. This indicates that the origin of the vision and the authority of the message come from a divine or heavenly realm. The Greek word for heaven, "οὐρανός" (ouranos), signifies the sky or the abode of God. 2. Earth The angel stands with one foot on the sea and one on the land, symbolizing authority over the entire earth. The earth here represents the physical world and humanity. The Greek word "γῆ" (gē) is used for earth, indicating the land or ground. 3. Sea The sea is another element over which the angel stands, symbolizing chaos or the nations. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents tumultuous or unpredictable forces. The Greek word "θάλασσα" (thalassa) is used for sea. 4. Sky The angel raises his right hand to heaven, indicating a connection between the earthly and the divine. The sky, as part of the heavens, is a place of divine witness and authority. Events 1. The Mighty Angel Descends A mighty angel comes down from heaven, described as being "robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire" (Revelation 10:1). The imagery here is significant, with the cloud and rainbow symbolizing divine presence and covenant, while the sun-like face and fiery legs indicate glory and judgment. 2. The Little Scroll The angel holds a "little scroll, which lay open in his hand" (Revelation 10:2). The Greek word for "scroll" (βιβλαρίδιον, biblaridion) suggests a small book or document, indicating a specific message or revelation. 3. The Angel's Roar and the Seven Thunders The angel cries out with a loud voice, "like the roar of a lion," and when he does, "the seven thunders spoke" (Revelation 10:3). The lion's roar signifies authority and power, while the seven thunders represent a complete and divine utterance, though their message is sealed. 4. The Sealing of the Seven Thunders John is about to write down what the seven thunders said, but a voice from heaven instructs him to "seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down" (Revelation 10:4). This indicates that some divine revelations are meant to remain hidden. 5. The Angel's Oath The angel raises his right hand to heaven and swears by "Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it" (Revelation 10:5-6). This solemn oath emphasizes the certainty and authority of the forthcoming events. 6. The Declaration of No More Delay The angel declares, "There will be no more delay!" (Revelation 10:6). This signals the imminent fulfillment of God's mystery and the culmination of His divine plan. 7. The Mystery of God to be Fulfilled The angel states that "in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets" (Revelation 10:7). This refers to the completion of God's redemptive purposes as foretold in Scripture. 8. John Eats the Little Scroll John is instructed to take the scroll from the angel and eat it. The scroll is "sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter" (Revelation 10:9-10). This act symbolizes the reception of God's word, which is both delightful and challenging due to its implications. 9. John's Commission to Prophesy John is told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings" (Revelation 10:11). This commission underscores the ongoing prophetic mission to declare God's message to the world. Lessons from Revelation 10 1. The Mighty Angel's Authority In Revelation 10, we encounter a mighty angel descending from heaven, clothed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head. This imagery reminds us of God's sovereignty and authority over all creation. The angel's stance, with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, signifies dominion over the entire earth. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God's authority is absolute and unchallenged. "The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1). 2. The Little Scroll's Significance The angel holds a little scroll, open in his hand, symbolizing the revelation of God's plan. This scroll is a reminder that God's Word is accessible and meant to be understood. As we delve into Scripture, we are invited to partake in the wisdom and guidance it offers. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Let this encourage us to seek understanding and apply God's Word in our daily lives. 3. The Seven Thunders' Mystery When the seven thunders speak, John is instructed not to write down what they said. This teaches us that some aspects of God's plan remain a mystery. While we may not have all the answers, we can trust in God's perfect timing and wisdom. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8). Embrace the unknown with faith, knowing that God holds the future. 4. The Oath of No More Delay The angel raises his hand to heaven and swears by Him who lives forever, declaring that there will be no more delay. This emphasizes the certainty and imminence of God's promises. As believers, we are reminded to live with urgency and purpose, knowing that God's plan is unfolding. "The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12). 5. The Sweet and Bitter Scroll John is instructed to eat the scroll, which is sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This duality reflects the nature of God's Word—it brings joy and hope, but also challenges and conviction. As we internalize Scripture, we are transformed, sometimes in ways that are uncomfortable but ultimately for our good. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). 6. The Call to Prophesy Again After consuming the scroll, John is told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This underscores the ongoing mission of sharing God's message with the world. We are called to be witnesses, spreading the good news of salvation through Christ. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Let this inspire us to be bold in our testimony. 7. The Global Scope of God's Plan The events in Revelation 10 highlight the global scope of God's redemptive plan. The message is not limited to a single group but extends to all humanity. This reminds us of the inclusivity of the gospel and our role in reaching diverse communities. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). 8. The Assurance of God's Faithfulness Throughout Revelation 10, we see the assurance of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the chaos and uncertainty in the world, we can trust that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. "The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Let this truth anchor us in times of trial. 9. The Urgency of Repentance The unfolding events in Revelation serve as a wake-up call to repentance. God's patience is immense, but there is an urgency to turn to Him. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Let us seize the opportunity to align our lives with His will. 10. The Hope of Christ's Return Finally, Revelation 10 points us to the hope of Christ's return. The angel's declaration of no more delay assures us that Jesus will come again to establish His kingdom. This hope fuels our perseverance and joy as we await the fulfillment of God's promises. "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Let this hope be our anchor and motivation. Topics 1. The Mighty Angel with the Little Scroll Revelation 10:1 introduces a "mighty angel" descending from heaven, described with a rainbow on his head, a face like the sun, and legs like pillars of fire. The imagery here is significant, drawing from Old Testament descriptions of divine appearances, such as in Ezekiel 1:28 and Daniel 10:6. The Greek word for "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) can mean "messenger," indicating a divine envoy with an important message. 2. The Angel's Authority and Proclamation In Revelation 10:2-3, the angel holds a "little scroll" and stands with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizing authority over the entire earth. The angel's loud voice is compared to a lion's roar, emphasizing the power and authority of the message. The Greek term for "roar" (μυκάομαι, mykaomai) conveys a sense of overwhelming power. 3. The Seven Thunders Revelation 10:3-4 mentions "seven thunders" that speak, but John is instructed not to write down what they said. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical literature. The Greek word for "thunder" (βροντή, brontē) is associated with God's voice in the Old Testament (e.g., Psalm 29:3). 4. The Oath of the Angel In Revelation 10:5-7, the angel raises his right hand to heaven and swears by God, who created all things, that there will be no more delay. This oath underscores the certainty and imminence of God's plan. The Greek word for "swear" (ὀμνύω, omnyō) indicates a solemn promise or declaration. 5. The Mystery of God Revelation 10:7 refers to the "mystery of God" being fulfilled, as announced to the prophets. The term "mystery" (μυστήριον, mystērion) in the New Testament often refers to divine truths previously hidden but now revealed, particularly concerning God's redemptive plan through Christ. 6. John's Commission to Eat the Scroll In Revelation 10:8-10, John is instructed to take the scroll from the angel and eat it. The scroll is sweet in his mouth but turns bitter in his stomach, symbolizing the dual nature of God's message—joyful in its promise but bitter in its judgments. The act of eating the scroll echoes Ezekiel 3:1-3, where the prophet is similarly commanded. 7. The Call to Prophesy Again Revelation 10:11 concludes with a command for John to "prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings." This emphasizes the universal scope of the prophecy and the ongoing nature of John's prophetic mission. The Greek word for "prophesy" (προφητεύω, prophēteuō) means to speak forth by divine inspiration. Themes 1. The Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll Revelation 10 introduces a "mighty angel" descending from heaven, described with vivid imagery: "robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire" (Revelation 10:1). This angel holds a "little scroll" that is open, symbolizing a message or revelation from God. The Greek word for "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) can mean messenger, indicating a divine message being delivered. 2. Divine Authority and Sovereignty The angel's stance, with "his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land" (Revelation 10:2), signifies God's authority over all creation. This imagery underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, as the angel's position represents dominion over both the sea and the earth, reflecting God's ultimate control over the universe. 3. The Seven Thunders When the angel cries out, "the seven thunders spoke" (Revelation 10:3). The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature. The thunders represent a complete and powerful message from God, though John is instructed not to write down what they said, indicating that some divine mysteries remain unrevealed. 4. The Oath of the Angel The angel raises his hand to heaven and swears by "Him who lives forever and ever" (Revelation 10:6), affirming the certainty and truth of God's eternal nature. This oath emphasizes the reliability and unchanging nature of God's promises and plans, rooted in the Greek concept of an unbreakable covenant. 5. The Mystery of God The angel declares that "the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets" (Revelation 10:7). This theme highlights the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, which has been progressively revealed through the prophets. The Greek word for mystery (μυστήριον, mystērion) refers to a divine truth that is revealed by God. 6. John's Commission to Prophesy John is instructed to "take the scroll and eat it" (Revelation 10:9), symbolizing the internalization of God's message. The act of eating the scroll, which is "sweet as honey" in his mouth but turns "sour" in his stomach (Revelation 10:10), represents the dual nature of prophecy—joyful in its revelation but bitter in its implications of judgment. This theme underscores the responsibility of the prophet to deliver God's message faithfully. 7. The Call to Prophesy Again John is told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings" (Revelation 10:11). This theme emphasizes the ongoing mission of the church to proclaim God's message to all nations, reflecting the universal scope of the gospel and the church's role in God's redemptive plan. Prayer Points Pray for Understanding Ask God for wisdom and discernment to understand His Word and the mysteries He reveals. Pray for Patience Seek God's help in trusting His timing and His plan, even when we do not have all the answers. Pray for Boldness Request courage to proclaim God's truth faithfully, regardless of the challenges or opposition we may face. As we study Revelation 10, let us be reminded of the awe-inspiring nature of God's plan and our role in His unfolding story. May we be faithful stewards of His Word, trusting in His promises and proclaiming His truth with boldness and love. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can an angel physically stand on land and sea simultaneously (Revelation 10:2) without defying known laws of physics? 2. If the “seven thunders” speak words that remain sealed (Revelation 10:4), how can we reconcile that with the Bible’s claim to reveal truth? 3. Why would John be commanded to eat a scroll (Revelation 10:9), given no clear precedent in mainstream historical or cultural records? 4. How does the portrayal of an angel descending from heaven with a rainbow (Revelation 10:1) align with other biblical visions that depict heavenly beings differently? 5. If the message was sealed until the end (Revelation 10:4), why has no new revelation or finding clarified its meaning through archaeological or historical evidence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the description of the mighty angel in verses 1-3 portray the majesty of divine beings? 2. What is the significance of the angel standing on both the sea and the land? 3. Why do you think John was instructed not to write down what the seven thunders said? 4. How does the concept of 'sealed words' relate to the mystery of God? 5. How does the angel swearing by the Creator reflect on God's sovereignty? 6. How does the 'little scroll' episode reflect the prophetic calling in your understanding? 7. Discuss the symbolism of the scroll tasting sweet as honey but turning sour in the stomach. 8. How does the mandate for John to prophesy again demonstrate the importance of prophecy in the Bible? 9. How does the intersection of Heaven and Earth in this chapter reflect on the nature of divine revelations? 10. How can you apply the lesson of 'sweet yet sour' experiences in your current life situation? 11. How can the angel's description inspire us in our perception of divine beings and their interactions with us? 12. What can we learn about handling mysteries from John's response to the seven thunders' words? 13. How does the concept of God's unfolding mystery resonate with your personal faith journey? 14. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of divine revelation and prophecy? 15. What role do you think you play in God's grand plan as depicted in this chapter? 16. Can you identify a situation in your life where a positive experience ('sweet as honey') turned into a difficult one ('sour in the stomach')? 17. How does the angel's oath about 'no more delay' relate to the concept of divine timing in your life? 18. How can we responsibly handle divine revelations in our personal life, as modelled by John? 19. How does Revelation 10 prepare us for the trials and tribulations prophesied in later chapters? 20. How can understanding the symbolic nature of Revelation 10 affect your perception and interpretation of other biblical texts? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions