Revelation 10:10

So 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.

Study Bible

I took the small scroll from the angel's hand and ate it
The act of taking the "small scroll" signifies a personal acceptance and responsibility for the message contained within. In the context of Revelation, scrolls often symbolize divine revelation or prophecy. The Greek word for "scroll" (βιβλαρίδιον, biblaridion) suggests a diminutive form, indicating that this message, while significant, is part of a larger divine narrative. Historically, scrolls were the primary medium for recording sacred texts, emphasizing the importance of the message John is about to internalize.

It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth
The sweetness "as honey" reflects the initial joy and delight in receiving God's word. In the Hebrew Scriptures, honey is often used metaphorically to describe the desirability and richness of God's laws and promises (e.g., Psalm 19:10). The sweetness indicates the initial pleasure and satisfaction that comes from understanding and receiving divine truth. This imagery is reminiscent of Ezekiel 3:3, where the prophet also eats a scroll that is sweet as honey, symbolizing the pleasantness of receiving God's revelation.

but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter
The bitterness in the "stomach" represents the difficult and often painful reality of living out or proclaiming God's message. The Greek word for "bitter" (πικρός, pikros) conveys a sense of harshness or severity. This duality of sweetness and bitterness highlights the complex nature of prophecy: while the message of God is inherently good and true, its implications can be challenging and distressing, especially when it involves judgment or suffering. This reflects the broader biblical theme that following God's will can lead to trials and tribulations, as seen in the lives of many prophets and apostles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives and records the visions given to him.

2. The Angel
A mighty angel who stands with one foot on the sea and one on the land, symbolizing authority over the earth.

3. The Small Scroll
A scroll given to John to eat, symbolizing the reception and internalization of God's message.

4. The Act of Eating
Represents the acceptance and internalization of God's prophetic word.

5. Sweetness and Bitterness
Symbolizes the dual nature of God's word—its initial sweetness and the subsequent bitterness of its implications.

Teaching Points

The Dual Nature of God's Word
God's word is both sweet and bitter. It brings joy and hope but also conviction and responsibility.

Internalization of Scripture
Like John, believers are called to internalize God's word, allowing it to transform their lives from the inside out.

The Cost of Prophetic Ministry
Sharing God's truth can be a bittersweet experience, bringing both joy and challenges.

The Authority of God's Message
The angel's stance over land and sea signifies the universal authority of God's message, which believers are entrusted to share.

Faithfulness in Proclamation
Despite the bitterness that may come, believers are called to faithfully proclaim God's word, trusting in His ultimate plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of eating the scroll in Revelation 10:10 compare to similar imagery in Ezekiel 3:1-3, and what does this teach us about the nature of receiving God's word?

2. In what ways can the sweetness and bitterness of God's word be experienced in our personal lives and ministries today?

3. How does the authority of the angel in Revelation 10:10 encourage us to trust in the power and reach of God's message?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the "bitterness" of God's word. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How can we ensure that we are faithfully internalizing and proclaiming God's word, even when it is challenging or unpopular?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 3:1-3
Similar imagery where Ezekiel is commanded to eat a scroll, which is sweet as honey, symbolizing the reception of God's word.

Psalm 119:103
Describes God's words as sweet to the taste, emphasizing the desirability of divine revelation.

Jeremiah 15:16
Jeremiah finds joy in God's words, yet also experiences the burden of carrying a difficult message.

Hebrews 4:12
Highlights the power and penetrating nature of God's word, which can be both comforting and convicting.