Bible Study: A mighty angel and his little scroll
Revelation 10
Click here to read the passage.
Click here to read the notes and questions for Revelation 9.
Main Idea: Despite opposition, God has given us his authoritative and trustworthy Word and commissioned us to proclaim it to the nations.
Revelation 10 is another interlude, this time between the sixth and seventh trumpets. The first interlude was in Chapter 7, between the sixth and seventh seals.
Chapter 10 revolves around a mighty angel, a little scroll, and a recommissioning for John to “prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings” (10:11).
There is certainly a change of subject matter from Chapters 8–9, where saw the outpouring of God’s wrath on unbelieving humanity. Now we see a word of encouragement for believers.
We’re told that the ministry of the Word is a ministry of life and death, or as the apostle John records in Revelation 10:9–10, it is bitter and sweet. It is a bittersweet message we are commanded to proclaim again among the nations.
God’s Word Comes with Authority (10:1–4)
Some commentators think the angel could be Michael. Regardless, the description in Chapter 10 is the most detailed and majestic of any angel in the Bible.
Angels are mentioned more than 60 times in Revelation. Demons ascend out of the abyss in Chapter 9, but this angel, as God’s servant, descends from above. He comes to earth with great authority as God’s ambassador.
God’s Word Is Certain (10:5–7)
Verse 6: “… there would be no more delay.”
From Daniel Akin in “Exalting Jesus in Revelation” …
“God’s plan and purpose in creation and redemption, made possible through the blood of the Lamb, is now revealed plainly. It is nothing less than the answer to the prayers of the saints throughout history, “Your kingdom come … on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10).
“The time is now. The kingdom will come. God has willed from eternity past the complete and final defeat of evil. That day is coming. You can trust God to complete His work. We may fail Him, but He will never fail us! His word is certain: God has instigated the final events of world history, and nothing can delay them.”
God’s Word Must Be Assimilated (10:8–11).
The scroll lies open for John. We also have an open book God has prepared for us to read. It is called the Bible.
As John is commanded to take this little scroll for his spiritual edification, God commands us to take his big book and explore its truths. For us there is no intimidating angel to approach. There is an open book ready for the taking. All you have to do is go and get it.
More from Akin:
“We can expect a two-fold reaction when eating and digesting this book. It will be sweet in our mouths, but it can be bitter to our stomachs.
“It is sweet in our mouths because it reveals the gospel—God’s goodness and grace, his love and mercy, his plans and purposes, his will and his ways.
“It is bitter to our stomachs because it is a word of judgment to unbelievers and a word of persecution and suffering for believers.”
Questions
How do you interpret the description of the mighty angel in Revelation 10:1-3? What do you think the symbols (like the rainbow over his head, his face like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire) represent?
What are your thoughts on the seven thunders that speak and are then sealed up (Revelation 10:3-4)? Why do you think John was told not to write down what they said.
In Revelation 10:5-7, the angel makes an oath. What is the significance of this action, and how does it contribute to the unfolding of events in Revelation?
How can you “feed on” the Word of God? Why are the words of Scripture bittersweet?
When have you experienced some of the bitter times of ministry? Do these times necessarily indicate failure?
When have you experienced some of the sweet times of ministry?
The destruction in the previous several chapters may be discouraging for Christians. What confidence and encouragement does Chapter 10 give you?
Though John’s commission is specific to him, it is similar to the Great Commission given to all of God’s people. Where and how has God called you to speak the good news of the gospel to those who currently reject Him?