The event of John's commission to eat the scroll is a significant moment in the Book of Revelation, specifically found in Revelation 10:8-11. This passage is rich with symbolic meaning and is pivotal in understanding the prophetic role of John, the author of Revelation, as well as the nature of the message he is to deliver.

Biblical Context

In Revelation 10, John describes a mighty angel descending from heaven, holding a small scroll that lies open in his hand. The angel's appearance is majestic and awe-inspiring, clothed with a cloud, a rainbow upon his head, his face like the sun, and legs like pillars of fire. This imagery underscores the divine authority and the heavenly origin of the message contained within the scroll.

The Command to Eat the Scroll

The directive for John to eat the scroll comes after the angel's proclamation and the sounding of the seven thunders, which John is instructed not to write down. In Revelation 10:8-9 , John records, "Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, 'Go, take the small scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land.' And I went to the angel and asked him to give me the small scroll. 'Take it and eat it,' he said. 'It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'"

Symbolism and Meaning

The act of eating the scroll is deeply symbolic, drawing parallels to similar prophetic experiences in the Old Testament, such as Ezekiel's consumption of a scroll in Ezekiel 3:1-3. Eating the scroll signifies the internalization of God's message, indicating that John must fully absorb and embody the divine revelation before proclaiming it to others. The dual experience of sweetness and bitterness reflects the nature of prophetic messages: sweet in the revelation of God's truth and promises, yet bitter in the pronouncement of judgment and the suffering that often accompanies the fulfillment of prophecy.

Prophetic Responsibility

After consuming the scroll, John is told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings" (Revelation 10:11). This charge emphasizes the global scope of John's prophetic mission. The message he carries is not limited to a single group but is intended for all humanity, encompassing diverse cultures and authorities. This universal aspect of John's prophecy aligns with the overarching theme of Revelation, which addresses the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, John's commission to eat the scroll highlights the intimate relationship between the prophet and the divine message. It underscores the responsibility of those who are called to speak on behalf of God to fully engage with and be transformed by His word. The bittersweet nature of the scroll also serves as a reminder of the complexity of God's revelation, which brings both hope and warning.

In summary, John's commission to eat the scroll is a profound moment in the Book of Revelation, encapsulating the essence of prophetic ministry and the weight of delivering God's message to the world. Through this act, John is prepared to fulfill his role as a prophet to the nations, bearing a message that is both sweet and bitter, yet ultimately rooted in the divine purpose and plan of God.