Revelation Chapter 10 in the Amplified Bible “The Angel & The Little Book”
Introduction
Revelation Chapter 10 presents an interlude between the judgments of the sixth and seventh trumpets, introducing a mighty angel with a little scroll and John's commission to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This chapter, rich in symbolism, emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the unfolding of history and the importance of God's message to the world. Below is a detailed exposition of Revelation Chapter 10 from the Amplified Bible, its relevance to today's believers, and a brief introduction and summary.
Chapter 10 of Revelation serves as a pause in the sequence of trumpet judgments to introduce a scene filled with mystery and divine authority. The appearance of the mighty angel and the actions involving the little scroll offer insights into the nature of God's revelation and the role of His people in proclaiming His truth. This chapter underscores the continuing revelation of God's plan and the call to faithful witness.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Verses 1-2: “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed in a cloud, with a rainbow (halo) over his head; and his face was like the sun, and his feet (legs) were like columns of fire; 2and he had a little book (scroll) open in his hand. He set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land;”
A mighty angel comes down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, with a rainbow on his head, face like the sun, and legs like pillars of fire, holding a little scroll open in his hand. He sets his right foot on the sea and his left on the land, symbolizing authority over the earth and sea.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: This imagery of the angel reflects God's majesty and authority over all creation. It reminds believers of the sovereignty of God and His control over the natural and spiritual realms, encouraging trust and awe in His divine power.
Verses 3-4: “and he shouted with a loud voice, like the roaring of a lion [compelling attention and inspiring awe]; and when he had shouted out, the seven peals of thunder spoke with their own voices [uttering their message in distinct words].”
The angel cries out with a loud voice, and the seven thunders respond. John is about to write down what the thunders said, but is told to seal up what the thunders have said and not write it down.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: The sealed message of the seven thunders suggests that some aspects of God's plan are beyond human understanding or are not yet to be revealed. This teaches believers the value of mystery in faith and the importance of obedience to God's specific revelations.
Verse 5-7: Then the angel whom I had seen standing on the sea and the land raised his right hand [to swear an oath] to heaven, and swore [an oath] by [the name of] Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be delay no longer, but when it is time for the trumpet call of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God [that is, His hidden purpose and plan] is finished, as He announced the gospel to His servants the prophets.”
The angel swears by God that there will be no more delay and that in the days of the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the mystery of God will be completed.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: This oath signals the fulfillment of God's plan and the end of waiting for His final judgment. It encourages believers to live in anticipation of God's ultimate revelation and the completion of His kingdom, motivating faithful living and witness.
Verses 8-10: “Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking to me, and saying, “Go, take the book (scroll) which is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the little book. And he said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” So I took the little book from the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey; but once I had swallowed it, my stomach was bitter.”
John is instructed to take the little scroll from the angel. Upon taking it, John is told to eat it; it tastes sweet as honey in his mouth, but makes his stomach bitter.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: The act of eating the scroll symbolizes the internalization of God's word, which is sweet in its revelation of truth but bitter in its message of judgment and the suffering that often accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel. This illustrates the dual nature of God's message, calling believers to embrace and proclaim God's word despite its challenges.
Verse 11: “Then they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
John is told he must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: This commission to John underscores the ongoing responsibility of believers to share God's message with the world, regardless of the scope or the challenges involved. It reflects the universal relevance of the Gospel and the call to be witnesses to all people.
Summary
Revelation Chapter 10 offers a moment of divine intervention and revelation amidst the unfolding judgments, highlighting the sovereignty of God, the mystery of His plan, and the call to prophetic witness. The imagery of the mighty angel and the little scroll emphasizes the authority and the bittersweet nature of God's word. For today's believers, this chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing and proclaiming the full message of the Gospel, both its joys and its challenges. It encourages a readiness to act on God's word, a respect for the mysteries of His plan, and a commitment to sharing the truth of God's kingdom with all peoples. The chapter reinforces the call to faithful witness, grounded in the awe-inspiring reality of God's sovereignty and the hope of His ultimate triumph.
If You Have Ears To Hear It, Then Hear It
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