Revelation 15:5
After this I looked, and the temple--the tabernacle of the Testimony--was opened in heaven.
After this I looked
This phrase indicates a transition in John's vision, suggesting a new scene or revelation. It emphasizes the sequential nature of the visions in Revelation, where each vision builds upon the previous one. This phrase is a common literary device in apocalyptic literature, used to draw attention to the significance of what follows.

and the temple
The term "temple" here refers to the heavenly temple, which is a central theme in Revelation. The temple in heaven is seen as the true dwelling place of God, in contrast to the earthly temple. This reflects the Jewish understanding of the temple as the meeting place between God and humanity. The heavenly temple signifies God's presence and authority.

the tabernacle of the Testimony
The "tabernacle of the Testimony" refers to the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, containing the tablets of the Law. This connects to the Old Testament, where the tabernacle was the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. It symbolizes God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises.

was opened in heaven
The opening of the temple in heaven signifies the revelation of divine mysteries and the execution of God's judgment. This opening is a recurring theme in Revelation, indicating that God's plans are being unveiled. It also suggests accessibility to God's presence and the fulfillment of His purposes. The opening of the heavenly temple is a prelude to the outpouring of the seven last plagues, highlighting the seriousness and imminence of God's judgment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives and records the vision.

2. Temple in Heaven
Represents the heavenly dwelling place of God, symbolizing His presence and holiness.

3. Tabernacle of the Testimony
Refers to the heavenly counterpart of the earthly tabernacle, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's covenant and His faithfulness.

4. Heaven
The spiritual realm where God resides, often depicted as the ultimate place of worship and divine revelation.

5. Vision of Revelation
The series of prophetic visions given to John, revealing God's ultimate plan for humanity and the end times.
Teaching Points
God's Holiness and Sovereignty
The opening of the heavenly temple signifies God's holiness and His sovereign rule over all creation. Believers are called to revere and worship Him with awe and respect.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises
The "tabernacle of the testimony" reminds us of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Christians can trust in God's Word and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Heavenly Reality and Earthly Worship
The connection between the heavenly temple and the earthly tabernacle encourages believers to view their worship as a reflection of heavenly realities. Our worship should be sincere and aligned with God's truth.

Preparation for God's Judgment
The opening of the temple precedes the pouring out of the seven plagues, indicating the preparation for God's righteous judgment. This serves as a reminder for believers to live righteously and be prepared for Christ's return.

Access to God's Presence
The opening of the temple symbolizes access to God's presence through Jesus Christ. Believers are invited to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that Christ has made a way for us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the heavenly temple in Revelation 15:5 enhance our understanding of God's holiness and sovereignty?

2. In what ways does the "tabernacle of the testimony" serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?

3. How can the connection between the heavenly temple and earthly worship influence the way we approach worship in our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the opening of the temple in preparation for God's judgment, and how should this impact our daily walk with Christ?

5. How does the access to God's presence through the opened temple encourage us in our personal relationship with God, and what steps can we take to draw nearer to Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-27
Describes the earthly tabernacle, which serves as a pattern for the heavenly temple mentioned in Revelation 15:5.

Hebrews 9:23-24
Discusses the heavenly sanctuary and how Christ entered it, connecting the earthly tabernacle to its heavenly reality.

Revelation 11:19
Also mentions the opening of God's temple in heaven, revealing the Ark of His Covenant, which parallels the opening of the tabernacle of the testimony.

Psalm 11:4
Speaks of the Lord's throne in heaven, emphasizing His sovereignty and holiness, which is reflected in the heavenly temple.

Isaiah 6:1-4
Describes a vision of the Lord in His temple, highlighting His majesty and the worship that takes place in His presence.
The Wrath of GodS. Conway Revelation 15:1-8
Angelic Agencies of RetributionW. Burkitt, M. A.Revelation 15:5-6
Genuine Discipline of SoulDavid Thomas, D. D.Revelation 15:5-6
Final Judgments ProclaimedR. Green Revelation 15:5-8
Genuine Discipline of SoulD. Thomas Revelation 15:5-8
People
John
Places
Patmos
Topics
Behold, Doors, Heaven, Open, Opened, Sanctuary, Tabernacle, Temple, Tent, Testimony, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 15:5-8

     7470   temple, significance

Library
Israel in Egypt
May God the Holy Spirit enable me to exhibit the parallel which exists between the condition of Israel when passing through the sea, and the position of the church of Christ at the present day. Next, we shall compare the triumph of the Lord at the Red Sea with the victory of the Lamb in the great and terrible day of the Lord. And lastly, I shall point out certain prominent features of the song of Moses, which will doubtless be as prominent in the song of the Lamb. I. First, it is our business to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Transcriber's Note:
List of corrections and amendments made: Ephesians: Page 36: added closing quote after "the event of our inheritance" (line 3) 102: "gentle words ot" to "to" 154: "it" added in "what it is to hear" 263: [Preached on Whitsunday] was a footnote. 286: (R.V.) to (R.V.). for consistency with other references. 286: "please to understand" to "do" 287: "we shoud be entitled" to "should" 391: added -- and changed Ephes. to Eph. for consistency with other headings 391: added colon after "Mark its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

All Fulness in Christ
The text is a great deep, we cannot explore it, but we will voyage over its surface joyously, the Holy Spirit giving us a favorable wind. Here are plenteous provisions far exceeding, those of Solomon, though at the sight of that royal profusion, Sheba's queen felt that there was no more spirit in her, and declared that the half had not been told to her. It may give some sort of order to our thoughts if they fall under four heads. What is here spoken of--"all fullness." Where is it placed--"in him,"
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
H^6, Chap. xv. The Seven Vial Angels. This Sixth Vision is Heaven is very briefly described. It occupies this fifteenth chapter, which consists of only eight verses. The structure of the Vision is as follows:-- H^6, xv. 1-8. The Sixth Vision "in Heaven." The Seven Vial Angels. H^6 A xv. 1. The Seven Angels. B 2-4. Worship offered. A 5-7. The Seven Angels. B 8. Worship no longer possible. It is the Vision which introduces us to the most terrible of all the Visions which affect the earth;
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Living One
"I am He that liveth, and was dead" (i. 18). (...) (ho zon), THE LIVING ONE. Like the previous title, it is used as a special designation of the One whose unveiling is about to be shewn to John. Its use is peculiar to Daniel and Revelation. The two books thus linked together by it are linked as to their character and subject matter in a very special manner. It is used twice in Daniel:- Dan. iv. 34 (31 [19] ) and xii. 7; and six time in Revelation:- Rev. i. 18; iv. 9,10; v. 14; x. 6; and xv. 7. [20]
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. II. The Christian's chief employment should be to seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. "Seek first," &c. Upon this he should first and chiefly spend his thoughts, and affections, and pains. We comprehend it in three things. First, He should seek to be clothed upon with Christ's righteousness, and this ought to take up all his spirit. This is the first care and the chief concern. Did not this righteousness weigh much
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Testimony of Jesus Christ
Now, this may mean the testimony concerning Him (the Gen. of the object or relation); or, the testimony which comes from Him (the Gen. of the subject or origin), i.e., which he bore. If we take it as the former, it then agrees with the whole prophetic word, which is concerning Him as "the coming One." If we take it in the latter meaning, then it refers to the nature of the testimony which the Lord Jesus bore when on earth; and does not go outside it. That testimony related to the kingdom and not
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

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