REVELATION

Chapter 10

"The Angel and the Little Book"

INTRODUCTION:

            1. Chapter 10 begins a parenthetical portion that extends through chapter 11:14.

            2. It is not chronological, but not unconnected.

            3. It presents facts that are connected to the whole prophetic scheme.

I. THE APPEARANCE OF THE ANGEL (v.1)

            A. The Discussion - Who is the angel?

                        1. The emphasis placed on the word "another"

                                    a. It means another of the same kind ("allon").

                                    b. Not another of a different kind ("heteros")

                        2. Some consider him to be just an angel of great power and authority.

                        3. Some identify him with the angel of 5:2.

4. "This is evidently the special envoy of Christ, bearing all the credentials of his exalted position." (McGee)

                        5. Some say that Christ never appears in the book of Revelation as an angel.

6. Others suggest that it is, in reality, an appearance of Christ in the form of an angel.

a. Christ often appeared as an angel in the O.T., and it is important to remember that the Tribulation Period closes out the last seven years of the O.T. age.

                                    b. Christ's appearances as an angel in the O.T.:

                                                1) To Abraham - Gen. 18:1-3 (Called "LORD" = Jehovah, v.1)

                                                2) To Hagar - Gen. 16:7-11

3) To Balaam in opposition to his attempt to curse Israel - Num. 22:22

                                                4) To Gideon - Jud. 6:11-22

                                                5) To the parents of Samson - Jud. 13:3-23

                                                6) To Elijah - I Kgs. 19:5-7

c. That Christ does not appear as an angel in the book of Revelation is mistaken. (cf. 8:3)

d. If context means anything, then the angel of 8:3 is the same as the angel of 10:1.

            B. The Description

                        1. This angel appears with the same characteristics as Christ. (cf. Rev. 1:13-16)

                        2. The basic difference is that the angel of 10:1 is clothed with a cloud.

                                    a. Often associated with Christ

b. The cloud was the garment of the divine presence. (cf. Ex. 13:21; 14:19,20,24; 16:10; 19:9; 34:5,6)

                                    c. He ascended in a cloud - Acts 1:9.

                                    d. He returns to set up His kingdom in the clouds. (Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:30)

C. The Determination --Rather than to identify the "mighty (strong) angel" as a created heavenly being, it seems more appropriate to ascribe deity to him in the person of Christ.

II. THE ACTION OF THE ANGEL (vs. 2-5)

            A. His Possession (v.2) "a little book"

1. Some believe it to be the seven-sealed book of Rev. 5:1 which is identified as Christ's title-deed to the earth.

a. However, a different word for book is used here-- "biblaridion," the diminutive form instead of "biblion" which is used of the scroll.

                                    b. The book or scroll of 5:1 was sealed; this book is open (10:2).

2. Some believe it to be the writings of the book of Daniel (cf. Dan. 8:17,26; Dan. 12:9).

                        3. The fact is we are not told what the book is or its contents. (cf. Deut. 29:29)

4. "This illustrates a divine principle that while God has revealed much, there are secrets which God has not seen fit to reveal to man at this time." (Walvoord)

            B. His Proclamation (vs. 3-7)

                        1. The speaking - "seven thunders" (v.3)

                                    a. Thunder is associated with judgments. (cf. Psa. 29:3-9)

                                    b.Perhaps speaks of other judgments not revealed

                        2. The sealing - "write them not" (v.4)

                                    a. It was only given to John to see the contents of the book.

                                    b. John was not allowed to reveal its secrets. (cf. II Cor. 12:1-4)

                        3. The swearing (vs. 5-7) --He takes an oath by Him who is the Creator. (v.6)

a. Some say this angel could not have been Christ as, if it were, He would swear by Himself. (Heb. 6:13)

                                    b. Let us not forget that Christ is also the Creator. (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16)

                                    c. Let us not forget that Christ is also God.

d. Therefore, as both God and Creator, he is indeed swearing by Himself. (cf. Gen. 22:16)

                        4. The sentence (vs. 6,7)

a. Christ has pledged an oath that there would be no longer a delay in the judgments. (Contra. 8:1)

                                    b. There would finally be an understanding of the "mystery of God." (v.7)

                                                1) It has been declared or revealed to the O.T. prophets. (v.7)

2) "The ignorance of God and the disregard of His majestic person which characterize the present age as well as the great tribulation will exist no longer when Christ returns and manifests Himself in glory to the entire earth." (Walvoord)

III. THE AUTHORITY OF THE ANGEL (vs. 2,8)

            A. Indicates the complete authority Christ has over the earth

            B. Indicates that it is His to judge

C. Indicates that it is His to own and possess (cf. Psa. 2:6-8; Both judgment and ownership are reflected in this Psalm.)

IV. THE ADMONITION OF THE ANGEL (vs. 8-11) (cf. Ezek 2:8-10; 3:1-4,14; Jer. 15:16-18)

            A. The Word was to be eaten; suggestive of spiritually eating and digesting its contents.

            B. The Word was bitter to the stomach (v.9), but sweet to the taste (v.9).

                        1. The bitter - speaks of further judgments to come, especially on Israel.

2. The sweet - speaks of the final coming and victory of the Lord Jesus which makes the prospects of the believer sweet.

            C. The Word was to continue to be prophesied by John.

                        1. Only a part of the prophecies to this point have been spoken of.

                        2. There was much more for John to write and speak.