◄ Revelation 15 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Song of Moses and the Lamb Despite the impending doom encapsulated in Revelation 15, the chapter is laden with an underlying tone of hope and celebration. The triumphant saints on the sea of glass, their songs of praise echoing through heaven, are testaments to God's faithfulness even amidst the most severe trials. It challenges believers to hold firm to their faith, for the victory is assured in Christ. The Vision of the Seven Angels with the Seven Plagues (Verses 1-2) John beholds seven angels, each with a severe plague, symbolizing the completion of God's wrath. He also sees those who had triumphed over the beast standing by a sea of glass mixed with fire, signifying their victory and purification through trials. The Song of Moses and the Lamb (Verses 3-4) The triumphant ones sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God's greatness, righteousness, and holiness. They prophesy that all nations will come to worship God, acknowledging His righteous acts revealed. The Heavenly Temple Opens (Verses 5-8) John witnesses the opening of the heavenly temple. From it, seven angels emerge, clad in clean, shining linen and golden belts. One of the four living creatures gives the angels seven golden bowls filled with God's wrath. The temple fills with smoke from God's glory and power, and no one can enter until the seven plagues of the seven angels are completed. Revelation 15, a small but powerful chapter in the final book of the New Testament, presents the prelude to the climactic outpouring of God's wrath. The Apostle John shares his vision of seven angels preparing to unleash the seven last plagues upon the world. Amidst the impending judgment, a glorious scene of victorious saints worshipping God unfolds on a sea of glass, embodying hope amidst chaos. Teaching Points The Sign in Heaven Revelation 15:1 describes another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed. This signifies the culmination of God's judgment and the completion of His divine plan. The Sea of Glass In Revelation 15:2, John sees what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. This imagery represents purity and judgment, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God. The Victorious Saints Those who have victory over the beast and its image and over the number of its name stand by the sea of glass, holding harps given by God (Revelation 15:2). This highlights the reward for faithfulness and perseverance. The Song of Moses and the Lamb The victorious sing the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3-4), a song of deliverance and praise, acknowledging God's mighty works and righteous ways. The Temple in Heaven Revelation 15:5-8 describes the opening of the temple in heaven, from which the seven angels emerge. This emphasizes the divine origin of the judgments and the holiness of God’s presence. Practical Applications Remain Faithful Just as the saints in Revelation 15 remained faithful, we are called to persevere in our faith despite trials and temptations. Worship God The song of Moses and the Lamb reminds us to continually worship and praise God for His mighty works and righteous judgments. Trust in God’s Justice Understanding that God’s wrath is part of His righteous plan can help us trust in His justice, even when we face injustice in the world. Prepare for Christ’s Return The imminent completion of God’s wrath should motivate us to live holy lives, ready for Christ’s return. People 1. Seven Angels Description: These angels are described as having the seven last plagues, which are the final expressions of God's wrath. The Greek term used for "angels" is "ἄγγελοι" (angeloi), meaning messengers. They play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's judgment. 2. Those Who Had Conquered the Beast Description: These individuals are described as having victory over the beast, its image, and the number of its name. They are seen standing beside a sea of glass mixed with fire, holding harps given by God. The Greek word for "conquered" is "νικῶντας" (nikōntas), indicating their triumph over evil. 3. God Description: God is referenced as the one whose wrath is being completed through the seven plagues. The chapter emphasizes His holiness and righteousness, as those who conquered the beast sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God's works and ways. 4. The Lamb Description: While not directly mentioned in the actions of this chapter, the Lamb is referenced in the song sung by those who conquered the beast. The Lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ, who is central to the themes of redemption and victory over evil. Places 1. Heaven Revelation 15:1 begins with a vision in heaven: "Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues..." In this context, heaven is depicted as the realm where divine visions and judgments are revealed. The Greek word used here is "οὐρανός" (ouranos), which often signifies the dwelling place of God and the angels. 2. The Sea of Glass In Revelation 15:2, it states: "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire..." This sea of glass is a symbolic place before the throne of God, representing purity and holiness. The imagery of glass and fire suggests a place of divine majesty and judgment. The Greek term "θάλασσα" (thalassa) is used for "sea," indicating a vast, expansive area. Events 1. Vision of the Seven Angels with Seven Plagues Revelation 15:1 - "Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues—with which the wrath of God will be completed." This verse introduces the vision of seven angels who are given the seven last plagues, signifying the completion of God's wrath. The Greek word for "plagues" (πληγὰς, plēgas) can also mean "strikes" or "blows," indicating severe judgments. 2. The Sea of Glass Mixed with Fire Revelation 15:2 - "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing on the sea of glass with harps of God." The "sea of glass" symbolizes purity and holiness, while the "fire" may represent judgment or purification. The victors over the beast are depicted as standing on this sea, indicating their triumph and purity. 3. The Song of Moses and the Lamb Revelation 15:3-4 - "And they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.'" The song combines elements from the Old Testament (Song of Moses) and the New Testament (Song of the Lamb), celebrating God's mighty works and justice. The Greek word for "nations" (ἔθνη, ethnē) refers to all peoples, emphasizing the universal scope of God's reign. 4. The Temple in Heaven Opened Revelation 15:5 - "After this I looked, and the temple—the tabernacle of the Testimony—was opened in heaven." The opening of the heavenly temple signifies the revelation of God's presence and the preparation for the outpouring of the final judgments. The "tabernacle of the Testimony" refers to the dwelling place of God's covenant. 5. The Seven Angels Given Seven Golden Bowls Revelation 15:6-7 - "And out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues, dressed in clean and bright linen and girded with golden sashes around their chests. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever." The angels are described in pure and holy attire, symbolizing their divine mission. The "golden bowls" (φιάλας, phialas) are vessels of God's wrath, ready to be poured out upon the earth. 6. The Temple Filled with Smoke from God's Glory Revelation 15:8 - "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed." The smoke represents God's glory and power, reminiscent of the Old Testament theophanies. The inaccessibility of the temple underscores the seriousness and finality of the impending judgments. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 15 The Song of Moses, which celebrates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, parallels the song in Revelation 15. Psalm 98:1-3 This psalm of praise for God’s salvation and righteousness echoes the themes of worship and victory found in Revelation 15. Hebrews 12:28-29 This passage encourages us to worship God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and consuming fire, similar to the imagery in Revelation 15. Prayer Points Praise for God’s Righteousness Thank God for His righteous judgments and His ultimate victory over evil. Strength to Persevere Pray for strength and courage to remain faithful in the face of trials and temptations. Heart of Worship Ask God to cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude for His mighty works and deliverance. Readiness for Christ’s Return Pray for a spirit of readiness and holiness as we anticipate the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the seven angels and their plagues in verse 1 reflect God's nature and power? 2. How might the vision of the victorious saints standing by the sea of glass inspire believers facing persecution? 3. What does the song of Moses and the Lamb tell us about God's righteousness and holiness? 4. How does Revelation 15 challenge our perspective of God's wrath and judgment? 5. How might the image of the temple filled with smoke from God's glory and power deepen our reverence for God? 6. Why do you think no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues are completed? 7. How do the themes of judgment and worship intersect in this chapter? 8. How does Revelation 15 tie into the broader narrative of the Book of Revelation? 9. How does the triumphant scene in Revelation 15 contrast with the forthcoming outpouring of God's wrath? 10. How can we apply the perseverance of the triumphant saints to our present-day trials? 11. If you were to write your own song of praise like the triumphant saints, what would it include? 12. How does understanding the context of the song of Moses and the Lamb contribute to its significance in this chapter? 13. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of suffering and tribulation in the Christian walk? 14. In what ways does this chapter offer comfort and hope to believers today? 15. How can we prepare ourselves for trials and tribulations, as indicated in this chapter? 16. How does the finality of the plagues (as described in verse 1) impact our understanding of God's plan for the world? 17. What role does faith play in the face of impending judgment, as described in Revelation 15? 18. How does the scene of heavenly worship encourage you in your personal worship of God? 19. In light of this chapter, how can we handle criticism or hostility because of our faith in the contemporary world? 20. How can Revelation 15 serve as a call to witness to non-believers in today's society? Topics 1. The Seven Angels with the Seven Last Plagues Revelation 15:1 introduces the vision of "seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is completed." The Greek word for "plagues" (πληγὰς, plēgas) indicates blows or calamities, emphasizing the severity of God's final judgments. 2. The Sea of Glass Mixed with Fire In Revelation 15:2, John describes a "sea of glass mixed with fire," symbolizing purity and judgment. Those who have "victory over the beast" stand beside it, holding harps of God. The imagery of fire (πυρός, pyros) often represents purification and divine presence. 3. The Song of Moses and the Lamb Revelation 15:3-4 records the victorious singing "the song of God's servant Moses and of the Lamb." This song praises God's "great and marvelous" deeds and His "righteous acts." The reference to Moses connects the deliverance of Israel with the ultimate deliverance through Christ. 4. The Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony Opened In Revelation 15:5, the "temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened." The Greek term for "testimony" (μαρτυρίου, martyriou) refers to the witness or covenant, highlighting the divine authority and holiness of God's judgments. 5. The Seven Angels Given Seven Golden Bowls Revelation 15:6-7 describes the seven angels emerging from the temple, clothed in pure, bright linen, and receiving "seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God." The bowls (φιάλας, phialas) symbolize the completeness and readiness of God's judgment. 6. The Glory of God Fills the Temple Finally, Revelation 15:8 notes that "the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power," preventing anyone from entering until the plagues were completed. The smoke (καπνὸς, kapnos) signifies God's majestic presence and the seriousness of His impending judgments. Themes 1. The Seven Last Plagues Revelation 15:1 introduces the theme of the seven last plagues: "Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues—with them the wrath of God is completed." The Greek word for "plagues" (πληγὰς, plēgas) indicates blows or calamities, emphasizing the severity and finality of God's judgment. 2. The Sea of Glass Mixed with Fire In Revelation 15:2, the "sea of glass mixed with fire" symbolizes purity and judgment: "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God." The imagery of fire (πυρός, pyros) often represents purification and divine judgment. 3. The Song of Moses and the Lamb Revelation 15:3-4 highlights the theme of worship and victory: "And they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.'" This song combines elements from the Old Testament (Exodus 15) and the New Testament, celebrating God's deliverance and righteousness. 4. The Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony Revelation 15:5-6 describes the opening of the heavenly temple: "After this I looked, and the temple—the tabernacle of the Testimony—was opened in heaven. And out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues, dressed in clean, bright linen and girded with golden sashes around their chests." The "tabernacle of the Testimony" (σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου, skēnē tou martyriou) refers to the dwelling place of God's presence and His covenant faithfulness. 5. The Glory of God Filling the Temple Revelation 15:8 emphasizes God's holiness and glory: "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed." The smoke (καπνός, kapnos) signifies God's majestic presence, reminiscent of the Old Testament theophanies where God's glory filled the tabernacle or temple. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions