Alpha and Omega

"They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." ~ Acts 17:11

This is an Israel friendly site!

From the Rapture to the Second Coming

Revelation 10: "The Mighty Angel and The Little Scroll"

Topical Index

He Will Wear a Crown
In the Name of My King
He Speaks With Thunder
Seal It Up
The Time to Act Is Now
God's Mystery Accomplished
Be a Doer of The Word
Eat The Book
Get The Word
For Them to Read       

Let's Get Started

In Chapter 1 John was given a message by one like a son of man. He was told to write down what he saw and pass it on to the seven churches. This vision became known as Revelation. Now at the start of Chapter 10, John will see a mighty angel who will present him with a book that will contain another message for him to another pass on.

He Will Wear a Cloud

Revelation 10:1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.

John saw a mighty angel in Revelation 5:2. Now we read that he will see another mighty angel. We do not know the identity of this angel, but we do know that he will have great authority. He will be allowed to stand in the presence of God and will speak for God. He will probably be an archangel who will come down from heaven wearing some unusual garments.

First, this mighty angel will be clothed in a cloud. In the Bible, clouds have been associated with at least two things: the presence of God and the return of Jesus. God came down to Mt. Sinai in a cloud (Exodus 19:9-11) and led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud (Exodus 13:21); Jesus ascended to heaven in a cloud (Acts 1:8-11) and will return in the clouds (Matthew 24:30). This mighty angel's clothing could be a reminder that he will be a messenger from God, or it could also be a reminder that Jesus will be returning soon.

Second, this mighty angel will either wear a "hat" that looks like a rainbow or he will have a rainbow circling his head. The rainbow (Genesis 9:11-16) is a reminder that God promised to never destroy the world with a flood again. He even placed a rainbow around his throne (Revelation 4:3) as a reminder. We can only speculate about the rainbow on the mighty angel's head, but it probably will symbolize that God is a God of grace, a God who keeps his promises, a God who will not let the world destroy itself, and a God whose Son is coming back.

Third, this mighty angel's face will shine like the sun. When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments, his face shined (Exodus 34:29-33) from being in the presence of God. When John saw Jesus on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9-16), Christ's face shined like the sun. The shekinah glory of God on this mighty angel's face will indicate he has been in the presence of God.

Fourth, this mighty angel's legs will be as pillars of fire. When John saw Jesus on the Isle of Patmos, his feet were like burning bronze, a symbol of judgment. This angel's fiery legs will represent God's plan to take control of the earth through divine judgment.

Key Symbols:

• A Mighty Angel
• robed in a cloud
• rainbow above his head
• his face like the sun
• legs like fiery pillars

What Others are Saying:

David Hocking: In the book of Revelation, angels are angels, not symbols of events, things, places, or persons. ^10-1
J. Vernon McGee: All of these features of identification are his credentials and connect him to the person of Christ as his special envoy. ^10-2

Remember This…

• God('s)
• is a God of grace.
• will keep his promises.
• will not let the world destroy itself.
• Son, Jesus, is coming back.

In The Name of My King

Revelation 10:2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,

The mighty angel will carry a small open book in his hand. While he is holding it, he will plant his right foot on the sea and his left foot on dry land. This is a symbolic gesture that has been played out in the movies many times. The main character sails to some new island or far-off country. When he arrives he leaves his ship, gets into a rowboat, and his sailors row him to land. Then he steps out of the rowboat onto dry land, and claims that island or country in the name of his ruler. The same is true of this angel. He will have one foot on the sea and one foot on the land as he stakes a claim in the name of his King because the earth is the Lord's (Psalm 24:1).

He Speaks With Thunder

Revelation 10:3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.

This mighty angel will shout with a loud voice like the roar of a lion to speak on behalf of the King of kings. At the same time he speaks, a voice in heaven will roar like the seven thunders. The seven thunders is a symbol for the voice of God (Psalm 29:3; Job 37:5). The Almighty will make a strong statement when this angel speaks.

Key Symbols:

• A Mighty Angel
• a voice like the roar of a lion
• Seven Thunders
• the voice of God

What Others are Saying:

David Hocking: Such "thunders" do come forth from the throne of God (Revelation 4:5) and dramatically emphasize the importance of God's message and purposes (Revelation 8:5). ^10-3
David Jeremiah with C. C. Carlson: This is like a seven-gun salute in the skies. ^10-4

Seal It Up

Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."

God will make an emphatic remark in his voice of seven thunders that even John will be able to hear. Unfortunately, John will be told not to write it down. No one knows why John was prevented from recording what he heard, but just remember that thunder is also a symbol of God's wrath (Job 26:14), and what he utters will probably coincide with divine judgment.

What Others are Saying:

Hal Lindsey: It must be something so potent that the world simply can't take it at this point. Whatever it is, I think it won't be long before we can ask the angel personally what this unmentionable message is. ^10-5
Tim LaHaye: Since the Apostle John was commanded by the voice to seal up their utterances, it is foolish to conjecture any further. ^10-6
Oliver B. Greene: Already set before us are blood, tears, famine, heartache, and heartbreak; killing, misery, hail, fire, burning mountains, demon monstrosities, men begging to die and unable to do so. Surely what John was forbidden to write must have been beyond human imagination and understanding. ^10-7

The Time to Act Is Now!

Revelation 10:5, 6 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay!

Just as a witness raises his right hand to take the oath to tell the whole truth in a courtroom, this angel will raise his right hand toward heaven to swear to tell God's truth. His oath will emphasize the fact that he has the authority and power of God behind him.

There will be no more delay! It will be the answer the martyred Tribulation Saints have been waiting for. God will no longer delay his vengeance for their persecution and death. To the believers on earth who have been running, hiding, and waiting, these words will mean they will no longer have to wait for God to move against the wicked. And to the unbelievers on earth, they will mean God is now going to fulfill his wrath with no more delay.

This message should be a word of consolation to the saved and a word of terror to the lost. In a moment, the awesome, final judgments of God will start falling and nothing will stop them.

Key Point

• When it is time, it is time. God will not be delayed.

Key Symbols:

• A Mighty Angel
• right hand raised to heaven
• There will be no more delay!

What Others are Saying:

David Hocking: Although at times we wonder if God knows or cares about what is taking place on earth, the Bible assures us that he does. ^10-8

Remember This…

• The Tribulation Saints asked in Revelation 6:10, 11: How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood? Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed was completed. Now that the time of vengeance has come. There will be no more delay!

God's Mystery Accomplished

Revelation 10:7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets."

Jesus has now opened all seven seals, and six of the angels have sounded their trumpets. The last trumpet will bring the seven bowl judgments. But before the seventh angel blows his trumpet, a voice from heaven will declare, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. One of God's great secrets will unfold during the seventh trumpet judgment exactly as the prophets predicted (Jeremiah 51:25; Isaiah 13:19, 20).

The Bible identifies several mysteries. One of them is called the mystery of iniquity or the mystery of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:7). It is a mystery why God allowed Satan to cause the fall of mankind, a mystery why he allowed sin to do so much damage in the world, a mystery why he will allow his people to be persecuted and martyred in the Tribulation Period, and a mystery why he will allow the Antichrist and the False Prophet to reign. All of these mysteries will finally be answered when we reach heaven.

What Others are Saying:

J. Vernon McGee: As this passage of Scripture indicates, the fact that there is something that we don't know about because it has been sealed means that God has a whole lot to tell us yet. When we get into his presence, we will find out. ^10-9

Something to Ponder

• So Many Things We Do Not Know:
• The mystery of the Rapture—1 Corinthians 15:51
• The mystery of Israel's blindness—Romans 11:25
• The mystery of God's wisdom—1 Corinthians 2:7
• The mystery of Christ and the Church—Ephesians 5:31, 32
• The mystery of Christ in us—Colossians 1:26, 27
• The mystery of the kingdom of heaven—Matthew 13
• The mystery of godliness—1 Timothy 3:16

Be a Doer of The Word

Revelation 10:8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: "Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land."

Now John must be more than just a listener, he must also be a doer (James 1:22). The same voice of the seven thunders tells John to go and take the open book out of the mighty angel's hand. The same is true for all believers. Serving God requires doing, not just listening. The Word of God should be like a cavalry bugle blowing for an attack, sparking believers to action.

Eat The Book?

Revelation 10:9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey."

Whether John will move from heaven to earth or whether he will already be on earth is a matter of debate, but he will go to the mighty angel and request the little book. This is a form of receiving a commission or special task from God. John was switched from being a spectator of these amazing things to being a participant in them. God does that with all of his people. Before Jesus ascended to heaven he instructed his disciples to go and preach the good news to everyone (Mark 16:14-20). Christians are not saved to be waited on; they are saved to serve.

The angel tells John to take the book and eat it. This may sound off-the-wall, but it's not new to the Bible. Jeremiah ate the words of God (Jeremiah 15:16). Ezekiel ate a scroll (Ezekiel 3:1-15) from God. The implied idea is that the Word of God must be taken to heart (not left outside one's body, Ezekiel 3:10). The Bible will profit us little unless it becomes part of us, so it must be brought inside of one's self and assimilated. We need to read the Bible, and then obey its instructions (Romans 2:13).

The instruction to eat the little book will come with a warning that the Word of God will taste sweet (Psalm 119:103) but will turn sour once digested. Learning the Word of God with its plans and mysteries can be enjoyable and exciting, but understanding the reality of its judgments is sickening. Isn't it sweet to know that Satan will soon be bound and chained, but bitter to contemplate what people will go through beforehand? Isn't it sweet to know that final victory is assured, but bitter to contemplate the plagues, pain, loss of life, and eternal destiny of the lost? It was pleasant for John to receive the message from God, but painful for him to contemplate the steps toward fulfillment.

Key Point

• We need to read the Bible, and then obey its instructions.

What Others are Saying:

David Jeremiah with C.C. Carlson: Preaching the prophetic truth is a bitter-sweet experience. ^10-10
David Hocking: Perhaps the full impact of what John experienced is a reminder to all who proclaim God's wonderful Word and speak of his coming judgment and wrath. We must speak it with a measure of sorrow and bitterness. A broken heart is a prerequisite to the proclamation of God's judgment and wrath. ^10-11

Remember This…

• John was called up into heaven in Chapter 4, but in this chapter he saw an angel coming down from heaven. The angel planted his feet on the land and sea, and John even took a book out of his hand. Some experts seem to think John had a vision of this in heaven, while others are not sure he did not come back to earth. This apparent discrepancy is still debated today.

Get The Word

Revelation 10:10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.

John did what he was instructed to do. He took the little book and ate it. It tasted good at first, but later it was sickening. But there's more to this verse.

True prophets hear the voice of God just like John did. What did John do? He got the Word of God (took it from the angel). This is the only place to find a prophetic message. Go and get the Word of God. Digest it. Here is a test. If everything comes up roses, you have eaten the wrong thing. True prophets prophesy because God loves the lost. He cares about what will happen to them.

Something to Ponder

• When the prophet Ezekiel was called (Ezekiel 2:1-9) he was told to stand on his feet while God spoke to him. Then the Spirit raised him up and spoke to him. He told Ezekiel, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Ezekiel was told to speak God's words whether the people listened or not.
• When the prophet Jeremiah was called (Jeremiah 1:3-19) he was told God had appointed him to be a prophet before he was born. Jeremiah did not want the assignment and said he was too young. But God told him he would tell Jeremiah what to say. Even though Jeremiah was only about twenty, he still obeyed.

For Them to Read

Revelation 10:11 Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."

When John was told to eat the book, he was also given a commission from God. He was told to prophesy about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This was his great privilege, his great calling, and his great responsibility.

John was not told to deliver the message to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings but about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This is what John does in the remaining chapters of Revelation. During the Tribulation Period, many peoples, nations, languages, and kings will open these last chapters and read what John had to say about them.

Study Questions

• What will the glow on the mighty angel's face indicate?
• Who has the voice of seven thunders?
• What are some of the mysteries that will not be answered until we reach heaven?
• What are the two commissions God gave to all Christians through John?

Go to Answers

Chapter Wrap-up

• Another mighty angel will come down from heaven adorned in strange garments and holding a little scroll. He will claim the land and sea for God. (Revelation 10:1, 2)
• The angel standing on the sea and land will raise his right hand and declare that there will be no more delay for the judgment of earth. (Revelation 10 :5, 6)
• John will be told to take the scroll from the angel which signifies a Christian's duty to act upon God's Word and not just listen to it. (Revelation 10:8)
• When John eats the scroll it will taste sweet at first but will turn his stomach sour. This exemplifies that learning God's Word can be exciting, but understanding the realities of the judgments is sickening. (Revelation 10:9)
• God assigned John the task of prophesying about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. (Revelation 10:11)

One Nation Under God

Remember: God always answers knee-mail!

Website designed and hosted by Commerce Connections ®

©Commerce Connections ® Copyright 1998 to 2007. All rights reserved.

Commerce Connections ® is a division of: The OAKIPOSA Business Group ®

The Price Was Paid