Section: Chapter Four - Heaven
FIVE - THE LARGE SCROLL
I (1) saw in the right hand
of Him who sat on the throne a (2) book written inside and on the back,
(3) sealed up with seven seals.
1. Saw = This is the first
of thirty-nine occurrences of the phrase "and I saw." It
serves to remind the reader that John describes exactly what he sees
with his own eyes. He saw the book and he saw the sealsall seven
of them. This requires that all seals be on the outside of the scroll.
This requires that all seven seals are broken before John will know
the contents of the scroll.
2. Book written inside
and on the back = There are probably as many questions about this
phrase as there are letters that compose it. However, the questions
can be grouped under three headings: (a) function, (b) content, and
(c) form. Of the three, function is the easiest question to answer.
a. Function: First, a
sequential nature is established. With the seven seals, the author
indicates the seals are opened one after another. This format will
be repeated in relation to the trumpets and bowl judgments that
follow. The book is built around these three sequences. Second,
Christ, who is uniquely able to break the seven seals, is clearly
established as a sovereign who executes the will of the One seated
on the throneGod, the Father. The Father has willed that the
Son oversees its execution. John 5:22, 27 and Acts 10:42 indicate
that Jesus is Judge of all. This is the central purpose of the Revelation:
to reveal the Sons execution of the Fathers judgment
against both the living and the dead. This naturally leads to the
question of content.
b. Content: Once it is
accepted that the seven seals are not a part of the contents of
the scroll, but in fact are conditions to its opening, the reader
is able to discern two things. First, John does not explicitly indicate
what is contained in the scroll. However, with the breaking of the
seventh and final seal, the first direct attack against the earth
begins in the form of a trumpet judgment. That the trumpets are
judgments of God will be detailed later. Second, since Revelation
8-20 contains the judgment of God against wickedness, the scroll
must contain the eschatological judgment of God, else the contents
of the scroll are never disclosed. This seems highly unlikely given
the importance of the scroll indicated in Revelation 5. Ezekiel
2:9-10 speaks of a scroll similar to Revelation 5. Ezekiels
scroll contained "lamentations, mourning, and woe." All
three terms are associated with disaster. All three express deep
grief on the part of the afflicted.
c. Form: The exact form
of the scroll is debated. However, taken at face value several points
are obvious. First, the basic book form during Johns time
was the scroll. The fact that all seven seals were visible argues
for a scroll. The fact that the contents of the scroll could not
be known until it was opened argues for a rolled up scroll. There
is no historical evidence of a sealed scroll within a sealed scroll.
3. Sealed up with seven
seals = there is historical evidence of scrolls containing seven seals.
In both the Jewish and Roman worlds, seven sealed scrolls were very
common. Specifically, Roman law mandated that wills be validated by
the seals of five or seven witnesses. Jewish magic also employed the
motif of seven seals.
And I saw (1) a strong angel
proclaiming with a loud voice, "(2) Who is worthy (3) to open the
book and to break its seals?"
1. A strong angel = this
is the first of three "strong angels" introduced in the
Revelation. Revelation 10:1 introduces a second "strong angel"
in connection with the second scroll of the Revelation. The third
and final "strong angel" appears in Revelation 18:21 as
the prophet of doom for Babylon, the great city. These angels are
not identified by name, but by duty. They proclaim Gods revelation.
An interesting text that
helps with the identity of this particular class of angelic being
is Daniel 10:21. Here an angelic being, who identifies himself as
one sent to proclaim revelation to Daniel, states, "Yet there
is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except
Michael your prince." The New American Standard Translation indicates
that the word stands should be translated shows himself
strong. The Hebrew verb means to be strong. However, the
Hebrew verb can be intensified, which in this case gives the sense
to show oneself strong. That Michael is classed with this angelic
being suggests that these two angels are a special classstrong
2. Who is worthy = this
rhetorical question focuses on the qualifications for the task. Naturally,
the one who owns the scroll can break the seals. However, the question
presupposes that someone else is necessary to set in motion the events
connected with breaking of the seals.
And (1) no one in heaven
or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look
into it. Then (2) I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy
to open the book or to look into it;
1. No one = John indicates
that no one answered the angelic question. The divisionin heaven,
on earth and under the earthserves to highlight the universal
absence of a legitimate response. Think of all the great men of human
history who acted as if they could and would answer. However, Jesus
who is able and worthy to open the book does not answer the angelic
2. I began to weep greatly
= the importance of the book and the absence of anyone to open it
is highlighted by Johns deep weeping. This particular vision
is written in such a way by John that the importance of the Lamb is
And (1) one of the elders
said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, (2) the Lion that is from the
tribe of Judah, (3) the Root of David, (4) has overcome so as to open
the book and its seven seals."
1. One of the elders =
evidences that this group of beings are capable of acting individually.
2. The Lion that is from
the tribe of Judah = Judah is referred to as a lion in Genesis 49:9.
There Jacob offers a great prophetic prediction about Judahs
future, which includes the promise of a future ruler. Jesus is that
3. The Root of David =
is the second Davidic title applied to Jesus here. The great Old Testament
support for this title in reference to Jesus is replete. Isaiah 11:1,
Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12 are clear references.
The reference to Judah
and David establishes Jesus as a royal descendant of King David. This
requirement is stated throughout the New Testament (Luke 1:32; Acts
2:30-32; Romans 1:3; and 2 Timothy 2:8). However, it is not solely
based on His genealogy that makes Him worthy to open the book.
4. Has overcome = this
verb gives the reason that this particular Judeo-Davidite is worthy
to open the book. This verb means to conquer. The particular
Greek construction means, "to conquer absolutely." John
does not explicitly state what the Judeo-Davidite did to conquer here,
but an indirect allusion is given in verse 6.
And I saw between the throne
(with the four living creatures) and the elders (1) a Lamb standing,
(2) as if slain, having (3) seven horns and seven eyes, which are the
seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
1. A Lamb standing = this
is the first of twenty-nine times arnion (lamb) occurs in the
Revelation. With the exception of Revelation13:11, all refer to Jesus:
a. The Lamb standing,
b. The Lamb worshipped, 5:8
c. The Lamb praised, 5:12-13
d. The Lamb, 6:1, 7, 9,
e. The Lamb wrathful, 6:16
f. The Lamb honored, 7:10
g. The Lamb sacrificed, 7:14
h. The Lamb provider, 7:17
i. The Lamb, 8:1
j. The Lamb sacrificed, 12:11
k. The Lambs book, 13:8
l. The Lamb standing, 14:1
m. The Lamb leads, 14:4
n. The Lamb provider, 14:4
o. The Lambs presence, 14:10
p. The Lambs song, 15:3
q. The Lambs war, 17:14
r. The Lambs marriage, 19:7
s. The Lambs marriage supper, 19:9
t. The Lambs wife, 21:9
u. The Lambs apostles, 21:14
v. The Lamb is temple and light, 21:22-23
w. The Lambs throne, 22:1, 3
From these references,
we can discern that lamb is Johns title of choice for
the Lord in the Revelation. In the common phrase, "the Lamb of
God," a Greek synonym is used. Thus, the term arnion is
unique to the Revelation and the New Testament as a title for the
This Lamb is standing.
Given the great detail offered in chapter 4 of the Revelation, some
have argued that the Lamb must have been absent until chapter 5 of
the Revelation. There is no way to be sure. The New Testament presents
the Lord in two positions in heaven. Stephen declared that he saw
the Lord "standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56, 5:31).
Mark 16:19 declares that "the Lord
was received up into
heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." Thus, the Lord
is presented as both standing and sitting. Perhaps, the Lords
position is indicated by what He is about to do. In this case, He
is standing because He is about to take the scroll from the hand of
2. As if slain = this phrase
qualifies the messianic title. The phrase literally says, "as
slain." There is no doubt indicated by the Greek that the Lamb
was in fact slain. The point is that He was slain, but now He is alive.
In the Jewish worldview, a slain lamb related to their sacrificial
system. In the Jewish sacrificial system, a lamb or sheep was used
in several different sacrifices, i.e., Passover and burnt, sin, and
guilt offerings. These sacrifices have as their goal either peace
or purification. Thus, by the sacrifice of a lamb, one sought
peace with God or purification from sin. Revelation 7:14 declares
that the blood (the sacrificial death) of the Lamb makes robes (the
person) white (pure or acceptable to God, the Father). This points
3. Seven horns and seven
eyes = a horn is a symbol of power (Jer 48:25, Dan 7:7-8) and seven
horns represent absolute power. Seven eyes are explained as
"the seven spirits of God sent to the whole earth." The
ability to see the "entire earth" at the same time indicates
absolute sovereignty. Therefore, the slain, but alive Lamb is both
the absolute power and sovereign of the earth.
And (1) He came and (2) took
the book out of (3) the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
1. He came = movement is
suggested by this term. Jesus is reported to be standing "in
the middle of the throne, (Rev 5:6)." The sense seems to be that
Jesus is standing in the middle between the thrones of the elders
and throne supported by the four living creatures.
2. Took the book = this
particular verb expressions action with the emphasis on the result.
Took does not suggest force, but the appropriate action in
response to an outstretched hand. In other words, God is holding the
book out waiting for the Lord to take it.
3. The right hand = symbolizes
When He had taken the book,
(1) the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before
the Lamb, each one holding a harp and (2) golden bowls full of incense,
which are the prayers of (3) the saints.
1. The four
the Lamb = This is the only scene presented in the Revelation where
the heavenly court fall down before the Lamb. The term worship
is not used in the description of the action of the heavenly court,
but the Lamb receives the honor no less.
2. Golden bowls
of the saints = Revelation 8:3 will speak again of the prayers of
the saints. Look there for more details.
3. Saints = the Greek says
literally, "the holy ones." This term occurs thirteen times
in the Revelation (5:8, 8:3, 4; 11:18; 13:7, 10; 14:12; 16:6; 17:6;
18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9). This is clearly Johns term of choice
to designate those who belong to Jesus Christ throughout the ages.
Notice the different descriptions:
a. Their prayers are
collected and held in heaven, 5:8, 8:3.
b. They are rewarded by God, 11:18.
c. They are the object of Satan/Antichrists persecution, 13:8.
d. They persevere and remain faithful during persecution, 13:10,
e. They are the object the worlds persecution, 16:6.
f. They are the object of "the great harlots" persecution,
g. They rejoice over Gods punishment of the harlot, 18:20.
h. They are among the designated kill of the harlot, 18:24.
i. Their righteous deeds are the dress of the wife of the Lamb,
j. They live in Jerusalem during the 1000 year kingdom, 20:9.
This term is used of Israelites
in Daniel 7:21-22, 25, 27 and 8:24. They are depicted as the object
of Antichrists persecution and Gods benevolence. At the
time of Daniels writing, saints referred to only those
of Israel. This point has been seized on by pretribulationists who
insist that the term saint be limited to those of Israel in
the Revelation. Pretribulationists reason that the church will have
been raptured to heaven before Revelation 5 occurs. It is argued that
those persecuted by Satan/Antichrist during Daniels Seventieth
Week will not be part of the "bride of Christ" because the
church age ends at the Rapture, which pretribbers argue most occur
before Daniel Seventieth Week begins.
This whole line of reasoning
is fundamentally flawed. While Daniel 7 and 8 can correctly be limited
to Jews at the time of writing, whether the term saints as
used in Revelation can be extended to include New Testament believers
must be left to exegesis, not theological presuppositions. The term
saints or holy ones is used throughout the New Testament
to refer to an individual believer, a small group or the entire body
of Christ. (Notice: Acts 9:13, 32, 41; Rom 8:27; 12:13; 15:26; 16:2,
15; 1 Cor 6:1-2; 14:33; 2 Cor 1:1; 13:12; Eph 1:15; 3:18; 4:12; 5:3;
6:18; Phil 4:22; Col 1:4; 1 Tim 5:10; Philem 5, 7; Heb 6:10; 13:24;
And they sang a new song,
saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals;
for (1)You were slain, and (2) purchased for God with Your blood (3)
men from (4) every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have
made (5) them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and (6) they will
reign upon the earth."
1. You were slain (sphazein)
= indicates the basis upon which the Lamb is worthy to open the seals.
The Lamb is worthy because of three things He did. First, literally
the Greek says, "You were slaughtered
" This Greek
verb implies a violent and merciless death (Louw-Nida, § 20.72).
This term is used to describe the Lords death in chapters five
and thirteen. It is used of believers in Revelation 6:9 and 18:24.
The fact that the term is used to describe both the deaths of the
Lord and believers indicate that the mode of death is not indicated.
While the death of the Lord resulted from crucifixion, it is clear
that the death of all believers is not the result of crucifixion.
It is used to describe the actions of Cain against his brother in
1 John 3:12. Cain killed his brother by cutting him.
2. (You) purchased (agorazein)
= is the Greek verb used throughout the New Testament to designate
the activity of the Lord in His death for sinners. The term means,
in a figurative sense, "to cause the release of someone by paying
a price." In this case, the price was the Lords life.
3. Men = the reader will
notice that this word appears in italics in the NASB. This indicates
that the word does not appear in the original Greek. The reason this
word is inserted is because the Greek does not contain an object of
the verb. This is not reflected correctly in the King James Bible.
However, the sense of the text demands that an object be inserted
to make the sense complete. It is common sense that God purchased
men (and women, boys and girls) with the death of the Lord.
4. Tribe and tongue and
people and nation = these four ethnic units cumulatively emphasize
the universality of the group purchased by the Lords death.
It is important to recognize that a group of individuals were purchased.
5. You have made them
to be a kingdom = this is the third and final action describing
the Lords work that establishes His worthiness to break the
seals. He made them. This act was done at the time the purchase
was made. This helps all believers understand their position in Christ.
We were bought before we were born and established as a kingdom. This
is good news for the broken of our world. We are a kingdom and we
are priests of God.
6. They will reign upon
the earth = this is the final and ultimate outcome of the Lords
work at death. The undisputed "they" and "them"
in the original Greek of verse 10 demand that the objects of verse
9 be objective in nature. This means that the four living creatures
and the twenty-four elders do not include themselves in the list of
those purchased by the blood of the Lamb.
Notice that the locale
of the saints' reign will be the earth. This would strongly argue
against an amillennial interpretation of the book of Revelation, which
sees the reign of the saints restricted to heaven.
Then I looked, and I heard
the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures
and the elders; and the number of them was (1) myriads of myriads, and
thousand of thousands,
= Johns use of great size numbers should not be under appreciated.
Daniel emphasized the innumerability of the angelic beings that attend
the God of heaven and so does John.
Saying with a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches
and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." And every
created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth
and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him
who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory
and dominion forever and ever." And the four living creatures kept
saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Section: Chapter Six - The First Six Seals