Revelation 10:11

And they told me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings."

Study Bible

And they told me
This phrase indicates a divine command or instruction given to John, the author of Revelation. The "they" refers to the heavenly beings or the voice from heaven, emphasizing the authority and divine origin of the message. In the context of Revelation, this highlights the role of angels as messengers of God's will. The Greek word for "told" (λέγουσιν, legousin) implies a continuous or repeated action, suggesting that this is not a one-time instruction but an ongoing mission for John.

You must prophesy again
The word "must" (δεῖ, dei) in Greek conveys a sense of necessity or divine imperative. This is not merely a suggestion but a command that John is obligated to fulfill. "Prophesy" (προφητεύω, prophēteuō) means to speak forth by divine inspiration, often concerning future events or divine truths. The word "again" indicates that John's prophetic mission is not complete; he has more to reveal. This underscores the ongoing nature of God's revelation and the importance of perseverance in delivering His message.

about many peoples
The term "peoples" (λαοῖς, laois) refers to distinct ethnic groups or communities. In the biblical context, it signifies the universal scope of the prophecy. The message is not limited to a single group but is intended for all humanity. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel and God's desire for all people to hear His word.

and nations
"Nations" (ἔθνεσιν, ethnesin) in Greek often refers to Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples. This term broadens the scope of the prophecy to include all political and cultural entities. Historically, this reflects the Roman Empire's vast reach during John's time, symbolizing the global impact of the prophetic message. It emphasizes that God's sovereignty extends over all nations.

and tongues
The word "tongues" (γλώσσαις, glōssais) signifies languages or dialects. This highlights the diversity of human speech and the need for the Gospel to be communicated in every language. It echoes the Pentecost event in Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in various tongues, symbolizing the universal reach of God's message.

and kings
"Kings" (βασιλεῦσιν, basileusin) refers to rulers or those in authority. This indicates that the prophetic message is not only for the common people but also for those in positions of power. It serves as a reminder that all leaders are accountable to God and that His divine plan encompasses all levels of society. Historically, this would have been a bold statement during a time when emperors and kings wielded significant power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The recipient of the vision and the one instructed to prophesy. John is traditionally understood to be the author of the Book of Revelation, receiving these visions while exiled on the island of Patmos.

2. The Angel
A mighty angel who delivers the message to John. This angel is part of the series of visions that John receives, symbolizing divine authority and the transmission of God's message.

3. Peoples, Nations, Tongues, and Kings
These represent the diverse groups of humanity that John is instructed to prophesy about. This indicates the universal scope of the prophecy, emphasizing that God's message is for all of humanity.

4. The Scroll
Earlier in Revelation 10, John is given a small scroll to eat, symbolizing the internalization of God's message. This act prepares him for the task of prophesying.

5. The Act of Prophesying
The central event in this verse, where John is commanded to continue delivering God's message to the world.

Teaching Points

The Universality of God's Message
God's message is intended for all people, regardless of their background or status. As believers, we are called to share the gospel with everyone, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's love.

The Role of Prophecy in the Christian Life
Prophecy is not just about predicting the future but involves speaking God's truth into the present. We are encouraged to seek God's guidance and be bold in sharing His word.

The Importance of Internalizing God's Word
Just as John ate the scroll, we must internalize Scripture, allowing it to transform us before we can effectively communicate it to others.

Obedience to God's Call
John's willingness to prophesy again demonstrates obedience to God's call, even when it involves challenges. We are reminded to be faithful in our own callings, trusting in God's purpose.

The Power of God's Word
The command to prophesy highlights the power and authority of God's word. As believers, we should have confidence in the transformative power of Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to prophesy to "many peoples and nations and tongues and kings" challenge our understanding of the scope of the gospel message?

2. In what ways can we internalize God's word in our daily lives, similar to John's experience with the scroll?

3. How does the role of prophecy in Revelation 10:11 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to be obedient to God's call, even when it involves stepping out of our comfort zones?

5. How can we rely on the power of God's word in our interactions with others, especially those from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:5-10
Similar to John's calling, Jeremiah is appointed by God to be a prophet to the nations, emphasizing the divine commissioning of prophets to speak to diverse peoples.

Ezekiel 3:1-4
Ezekiel is also instructed to eat a scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God's word before delivering it to the people of Israel.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations, parallels the universal scope of John's prophetic mission.

Acts 1:8
The call to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" aligns with the global nature of John's prophetic task.