Revelation 14:6

Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

Study Bible

Then I saw
The phrase "Then I saw" indicates a continuation of John's visionary experience. The Greek word for "saw" is "εἶδον" (eidon), which implies not just physical sight but a deeper, spiritual perception. This vision is part of a series of revelations given to John, emphasizing the unfolding of divine mysteries. It reminds us of the prophetic nature of Revelation, where God reveals His plans to His servants.

another angel
The term "another" suggests that this angel is part of a sequence of angelic messengers. Angels, or "ἄγγελος" (angelos) in Greek, are divine messengers. This particular angel is distinct from others mentioned earlier, highlighting the structured and purposeful nature of God's communication. Angels play a crucial role in Revelation, acting as intermediaries between God and humanity, underscoring the heavenly origin of the message.

flying overhead
The imagery of the angel "flying overhead" conveys a sense of urgency and visibility. The Greek word "πετόμενον" (petomenon) suggests swift movement, indicating the immediacy of the message. This positioning in the sky symbolizes the universal scope of the angel's mission, visible to all on earth, and reflects the divine authority and reach of the message being delivered.

with the eternal gospel
The "eternal gospel" is a profound concept. The Greek word for "gospel" is "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion), meaning "good news." The adjective "eternal" (αἰώνιον, aionion) emphasizes the timeless and unchanging nature of this message. Unlike human proclamations, this gospel transcends time and culture, offering salvation and hope to all generations. It is a reminder of God's unchanging promise of redemption through Jesus Christ.

to proclaim
The act "to proclaim" is derived from the Greek "εὐαγγελίσαι" (euangelisai), meaning to announce or declare publicly. This proclamation is not a mere suggestion but a divine mandate. It underscores the responsibility of believers to share the gospel actively and boldly, following the example of the angel. The proclamation is a call to repentance and faith, urging humanity to respond to God's offer of salvation.

to those who dwell on the earth
This phrase identifies the recipients of the message as "those who dwell on the earth." The Greek "κατοικοῦντας" (katoikountas) implies a settled, earthly existence. It contrasts with the heavenly origin of the message, highlighting the need for earthly inhabitants to lift their eyes to divine truths. It serves as a reminder that while believers live in the world, their ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

to every nation and tribe and tongue and people
The comprehensive scope of the gospel is emphasized here. The Greek terms "ἔθνος" (ethnos), "φυλή" (phyle), "γλῶσσα" (glossa), and "λαός" (laos) cover all human divisions—national, ethnic, linguistic, and social. This universality reflects God's inclusive love and the global mission of the church. It challenges believers to transcend cultural and racial barriers, uniting in the shared mission of spreading the gospel to all corners of the earth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Angel
A heavenly messenger sent by God. In this context, the angel is tasked with proclaiming the eternal gospel to all inhabitants of the earth.

2. Eternal Gospel
The unchanging and everlasting good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the timeless nature of God's message of redemption.

3. Every Nation, Tribe, Tongue, and People
This phrase underscores the universal scope of the gospel message, indicating that it is intended for all humanity, regardless of ethnic, linguistic, or cultural differences.

Teaching Points

The Universality of the Gospel
The gospel is for everyone, transcending cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries. As believers, we are called to support and engage in missions and evangelism efforts that reach diverse groups.

The Urgency of Proclamation
The angel's mission highlights the urgency of sharing the gospel. We should be motivated to share the good news with those around us, understanding that time is of the essence.

The Unchanging Nature of the Gospel
The term "eternal gospel" reminds us that the message of salvation through Christ does not change. We must hold fast to the true gospel and resist any distortions or false teachings.

God's Sovereignty in Evangelism
The vision of the angel shows that God is actively involved in the spread of the gospel. We can trust in His sovereignty and guidance as we participate in His mission.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the "eternal gospel" in Revelation 14:6 challenge or affirm your understanding of the gospel message?

2. In what ways can you participate in the proclamation of the gospel to "every nation, tribe, tongue, and people" in your own community or globally?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt a sense of urgency to share the gospel. What prompted that urgency, and how can you cultivate it in your daily life?

4. How does the concept of the "eternal gospel" help you discern and guard against false teachings or distortions of the gospel?

5. Considering God's sovereignty in evangelism, how can you rely on His guidance and power in your efforts to share the gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 24:14
This verse speaks of the gospel being preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations before the end comes, aligning with the universal proclamation seen in Revelation 14:6.

Acts 1:8
Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, which parallels the angel's mission to proclaim the gospel to every nation and people.

Galatians 1:8-9
Paul emphasizes the importance of the true gospel, warning against any other gospel, which connects to the "eternal gospel" being proclaimed by the angel.