The account of the Angel and the Little Scroll is found in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 10. This passage is a part of the apocalyptic visions given to the Apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. The imagery and symbolism in this chapter are rich and have been the subject of much theological reflection and interpretation.

Biblical Account:

In Revelation 10:1-11 , John describes a "mighty angel" descending from heaven. This angel is clothed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head, his face like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. The angel holds a "little scroll" that is open in his hand. The angel's appearance and the elements surrounding him evoke imagery of divine majesty and authority, reminiscent of descriptions of God and Christ in other parts of Scripture.

The angel places his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, symbolizing his dominion over the entire earth. He cries out with a loud voice like the roar of a lion, and when he does, the seven thunders speak. John is about to write down what the seven thunders have said, but a voice from heaven instructs him to seal up what they have spoken and not to write it down. This indicates that some aspects of divine revelation are not meant to be disclosed to humanity at this time.

The angel then raises his right hand to heaven and swears by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and earth, that there will be no more delay. This oath emphasizes the certainty and imminence of God's unfolding plan. The angel declares that in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, as He announced to His servants the prophets.

John is then instructed to take the little scroll from the angel's hand and eat it. The angel tells him that it will be sweet as honey in his mouth but will turn his stomach bitter. This act of eating the scroll symbolizes the internalization of God's message. The sweetness represents the joy and privilege of receiving divine revelation, while the bitterness signifies the difficult and often harsh realities of the prophetic message, particularly concerning judgment and suffering.

After consuming the scroll, John is told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings" (Revelation 10:11). This command underscores the universal scope of the prophetic message and John's role in delivering it.

Theological Significance:

The vision of the Angel and the Little Scroll is significant for several reasons. It highlights the sovereignty of God over creation, as symbolized by the angel's stance over land and sea. The sealing of the seven thunders' message serves as a reminder of the mystery and incompleteness of human understanding of divine plans. The act of eating the scroll reflects the dual nature of prophecy—both sweet and bitter—and the responsibility of the prophet to faithfully convey God's message, regardless of its reception.

This passage also emphasizes the theme of divine timing and the fulfillment of God's purposes. The declaration that there will be no more delay points to the certainty of God's plan coming to fruition, particularly in the context of the end times.

Interpretative Considerations:

Conservative Christian interpretations often view the mighty angel as a representation of Christ or a high-ranking angelic being acting with divine authority. The little scroll is seen as containing specific revelations or judgments pertinent to the unfolding events in Revelation. The emphasis on prophecy to "many peoples, nations, languages, and kings" aligns with the Great Commission and the global scope of the Gospel message.

Overall, the account of the Angel and the Little Scroll serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority, the complexity of His revelation, and the responsibility of His servants to proclaim His truth to the world.