The Angel and the Little Scroll
April 20, 2022
Commentary
The “mighty angel” (v. 1) has brought great discussion among theologians for many years. Some say this is Jesus Christ while others say the use of the word and adjective “another” is evidence that this is not speaking of Jesus. However, the purpose of this mystery is clear and that is to announce the final judgments on the earth. Remember that angels announced His first coming and it seems will again announce His second coming to earth. Attention is focused on the “little book” that is open in the hand of the angel (v. 2). The contents are not indicated but it appears to be the same book as the seven-sealed book in 5:1. This is the title-dead to the earth and makes the indisputable claim to all creation that He is over “all”.
It is interesting to note that the voice of the Angel was like the roaring of a lion (v. 3). The seven thunders could well speak of another series of judgements, but John was stopped from revealing certain parts of this mystery (v. 4). This is the only part of Revelation which still remains sealed. The Lord goes on to say that there will be no more delay in rectifying the wrong that has been taking place in His earth (vv. 5-7). Sin has been running rampant long enough and it is time for His judgements.
7. When the Seventh Trumpet is blown God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled (v. 7). John is told to take “the little book which is open in the hand of the angel” (v. 8). The eating of the scroll is done by faith through meditation. The study of the prophetic Word has a twofold effect. It is both sweet and bitter (vv. 9-10). It both gladdens and saddens. The truth of the Lord being in charge was sweet to John, but the judgements and plagues will be very bitter.
Application
God has revealed all that I need to know to live for Him now. I must not place more speculation about the last days than in living for Him while I wait.
Revelation 10:1– 11 (NET)
1 Then I saw another powerful angel descending from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun and his legs were like pillars of fire. 2 He held in his hand a little scroll that was open, and he put his right foot on the sea and his left on the land. 3 Then he shouted in a loud voice like a lion roaring, and when he shouted, the seven thunders sounded their voices. 4 When the seven thunders spoke, I was preparing to write, but just then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders spoke and do not write it down.” 5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, and the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God is completed, just as he has proclaimed to his servants the prophets.” 8 Then the voice I had heard from heaven began to speak to me again, “Go and take the open scroll in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take the scroll and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” 10 So I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and it did taste as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. 11 Then they told me: “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
Illustration: God only knows the answer
William Phelps taught English literature at Yale for forty-one years until his retirement in 1933. Marking an examination paper shortly before Christmas one year, Phelps came across the note: God only knows the answer to this question. Merry Christmas. Phelps returned the paper with this note: God gets an A. You get an F. Happy New Year. (Today in the Word, October, 1990, p. 10).