Revelation 10
BSB1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down 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 small scroll, which lay open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3 Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices. 4 When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down." 5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets." 8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the small scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land." 9 And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10 So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter. 11 And they told me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings."
Study Notes — Revelation 10
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Revelation 10
- Themes from Revelation 10
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Revelation 10
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Revelation 10, a mighty angel appears, bringing a little book to John. The angel stands with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizing his authority over all creation. John is commanded to take the book and eat it, which is bitter in his stomach but sweet as honey in his mouth. The chapter also describes the seventh trumpet, which will bring about the third woe. The two witnesses are also introduced, who will prophesy for 1,260 days before being killed and resurrected. The chapter ends with John being told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.
Context for the Chapter
Revelation chapter 10 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the end times and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. The chapter follows the description of the seventh seal and the silence in heaven, and precedes the description of the two witnesses and the seventh trumpet. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations and languages.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to proclaim God's word to all nations, languages, and kings. This chapter is a reminder of the importance of sharing the message of salvation with all people, despite the difficulties and hardships that may come with it. We must be willing to take the little book and eat it, symbolizing our commitment to proclaiming the gospel to the world.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about a mighty angel who brings a little book to John, symbolizing the word of God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings. The two witnesses in the chapter represent the church, which is called to prophesy to all people. As believers, we are called to share the message of salvation with all people, despite the difficulties and hardships that may come with it, as seen in Revelation 10:11.
Voices from the Church
“The little book is a symbol of the word of God, which is sweet as honey in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. It is a reminder that proclaiming the gospel is not always easy, but it is always necessary.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The mighty angel is a symbol of the power and authority of God, who rules over all creation. We must be in awe of God's majesty and power, and recognize our place in the world as his servants.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Mighty Angel and the Little Book (10:1-4) — The mighty angel brings a little book to John, symbolizing the word of God. The angel has authority over all creation, with one foot on the sea and the other on the land.
- The Bitterness of the Book (10:5-7) — The little book is bitter in John's stomach, symbolizing the difficulty and hardship that comes with proclaiming the gospel to a sinful world.
- The Two Witnesses (10:8-11) — The two witnesses represent the church, which is called to prophesy to all nations, languages, and kings. They are a reminder of the importance of proclaiming God's word to all people.
- The Seventh Trumpet (10:12-15) — The seventh trumpet will bring about the third woe, marking the end of the world as we know it. This is a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Call to Proclamation (10:16-11:1) — The chapter ends with John being told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This is a call to action for believers to share the message of salvation with all people.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Scripture
- The little book represents the word of God, which is sweet as honey in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. This emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings.
- The Power of God
- The mighty angel is a symbol of the power and authority of God, who rules over all creation. We must be in awe of God's majesty and power, and recognize our place in the world as his servants.
- The Importance of Proclamation
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings. This is a call to action for believers to share the message of salvation with all people.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God
- The seventh trumpet will bring about the third woe, marking the end of the world as we know it. This is a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
Lessons from Revelation 10
- The Importance of Proclaiming God's Word — The chapter emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings. This is a call to action for believers to share the message of salvation with all people.
- The Power and Authority of God — The mighty angel is a symbol of the power and authority of God, who rules over all creation. We must be in awe of God's majesty and power, and recognize our place in the world as his servants.
- The Role of the Church in Proclamation — The two witnesses represent the church, which is called to prophesy to all nations, languages, and kings. This is a reminder of the importance of the church's role in proclaiming God's word to all people.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God — The seventh trumpet will bring about the third woe, marking the end of the world as we know it. This is a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Call to Action for Believers — The chapter ends with John being told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This is a call to action for believers to share the message of salvation with all people.
Themes from Revelation 10
- The Word of God — The little book represents the word of God, which is sweet as honey in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. This emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings.
- The Power and Authority of God — The mighty angel is a symbol of the power and authority of God, who rules over all creation. We must be in awe of God's majesty and power, and recognize our place in the world as his servants.
- The Importance of Proclamation — The chapter emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings. This is a call to action for believers to share the message of salvation with all people.
- The Role of the Church — The two witnesses represent the church, which is called to prophesy to all nations, languages, and kings. This is a reminder of the importance of the church's role in proclaiming God's word to all people.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God — The seventh trumpet will bring about the third woe, marking the end of the world as we know it. This is a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the little book represent in Revelation 10, and what does it symbolize?
- What is the significance of the mighty angel in the chapter, and what does he symbolize?
- What is the role of the two witnesses in the chapter, and what do they represent?
- What is the significance of the seventh trumpet in the chapter, and what will it bring about?
- What is the call to action for believers in Revelation 10, and how can we respond to it?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Mighty Angel and the Little Book (10:1-4)
| 10:1 | A mighty angel appears, bringing a little book to John. The angel has authority over all creation, with one foot on the sea and the other on the land. |
| 10:2 | The angel cries out with a loud voice, and the seven thunders utter their voices. John is commanded not to write what the thunders said. |
| 10:3 | The angel cries out again, and John is told to take the little book and eat it. The book will be sweet as honey in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. |
| 10:4 | John takes the little book and eats it, and it is sweet as honey in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. |
2. The Bitterness of the Book (10:5-7)
| 10:5 | The angel cries out again, and John is told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. |
| 10:6 | The angel swears an oath, saying that there will be no more delay. The seventh trumpet will bring about the third woe, marking the end of the world as we know it. |
| 10:7 | The mystery of God will be accomplished, and the seventh trumpet will bring about the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
3. The Two Witnesses (10:8-11)
| 10:8 | John is told to take the little book and eat it, and to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. |
| 10:9 | John takes the little book and eats it, and it is sweet as honey in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. |
| 10:10 | John is told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, and to proclaim the gospel to all people. |
| 10:11 | John is told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, and to proclaim the gospel to all people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the little book represent in Revelation 10?
The little book represents the word of God, which is sweet as honey in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. It symbolizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings, as seen in Revelation 10:11.
What is the significance of the mighty angel in the chapter?
The mighty angel is a symbol of the power and authority of God, who rules over all creation. He has one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizing his authority over all the earth, as seen in Revelation 10:2.
What is the role of the two witnesses in the chapter?
The two witnesses represent the church, which is called to prophesy to all nations, languages, and kings. They are a reminder of the importance of the church's role in proclaiming God's word to all people, as seen in Revelation 10:11.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 10:1 → Exodus 3:5 | The mighty angel is a symbol of the power and authority of God, who rules over all creation. This is reminiscent of the burning bush in Exodus 3:5, where God appears to Moses and reveals his power and authority. |
| 2 | Revelation 10:2 → Psalm 107:23-24 | The mighty angel has one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizing his authority over all the earth. This is reminiscent of Psalm 107:23-24, where God is described as the ruler of the seas and the land. |
| 3 | Revelation 10:3 → Isaiah 40:6-8 | The angel cries out with a loud voice, and the seven thunders utter their voices. This is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:6-8, where God's voice is described as like thunder, shaking the earth and the heavens. |
| 4 | Revelation 10:4 → Ezekiel 3:1-3 | John takes the little book and eats it, and it is sweet as honey in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This is reminiscent of Ezekiel 3:1-3, where Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll and prophesy to the people. |
| 5 | Revelation 10:5 → Daniel 12:7 | The angel swears an oath, saying that there will be no more delay. This is reminiscent of Daniel 12:7, where the angel swears an oath that the time of the end will come. |
| 6 | Revelation 10:6 → Psalm 115:3 | The angel says that there will be no more delay, and that the seventh trumpet will bring about the ultimate triumph of God over evil. This is reminiscent of Psalm 115:3, where God is described as the one who does whatever he pleases. |
| 7 | Revelation 10:7 → Isaiah 46:10-11 | The mystery of God will be accomplished, and the seventh trumpet will bring about the ultimate triumph of God over evil. This is reminiscent of Isaiah 46:10-11, where God declares that his plan will be accomplished, and that he will bring about the ultimate triumph of good over evil. |
| 8 | Revelation 10:8 → Matthew 28:18-20 | John is told to take the little book and eat it, and to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This is reminiscent of Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. |
| 9 | Revelation 10:9 → Ezekiel 3:1-3 | John takes the little book and eats it, and it is sweet as honey in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This is reminiscent of Ezekiel 3:1-3, where Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll and prophesy to the people. |
| 10 | Revelation 10:11 → Acts 1:8 | John is told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, and to proclaim the gospel to all people. This is reminiscent of Acts 1:8, where Jesus commands the disciples to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. |
Sermons on Revelation 10
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th |
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The 2nd Coming of Jesus - New World Order by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher outlines several end time events that he believes will happen soon. The first event is that Jesus will bring an abrupt end to time and the judgments wi |
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(Revelation - Part 16): The Sweet and Bitter Book by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a committed and worshiping people for God. He highlights the contrast between the world's pursuit of material wealth |
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(Revelation - Part 15): The Mighty Angel and the Little Book by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of delay and waiting in the fulfillment of God's promises. He refers to a passage in the book of Revelation where John hears the |
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Ezekiel by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from the book of Ezekiel where the prophet is instructed to eat a scroll and speak to the house of Israel. The preacher emphasiz |
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Daniel, a Role Model by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego f |
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(Through the Bible) Revelation 10-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how nature reveals the glory of God and serves as a means for humans to come to know Him. He distinguishes between rational and irrational i |
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Week of Meetings-06 the Old Roman Empire Coming to Life by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vision that Daniel had regarding the future history of Israel until the coming of the Messiah. Daniel saw four winds of heaven striving up |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s |
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(Revelation) Revelation 10:7-11:15 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly digesting and applying the word of God in our lives. He contrasts this with the idea of simply chewing on the word wi |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 10
In Revelation 10, we see the mighty angel, who represents the power and authority of God, bringing a little book to John. The little book represents the word of God, which is sweet as honey in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. The chapter emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings, and the role of the church in this proclamation. The seventh trumpet will bring about the ultimate triumph of God over evil, and the mystery of God will be accomplished. As believers, we are called to share the message of salvation with all people, and to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth, as seen in Revelation 10:11. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Authority of the Angel
The mighty angel has authority over all creation, with one foot on the sea and the other on the land. This emphasizes the power and majesty of God.
The Bitterness of the Book
The little book is bitter in John's stomach, symbolizing the difficulty and hardship that comes with proclaiming the gospel to a sinful world.
The Importance of Proclamation
The chapter emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's word to all nations, languages, and kings. This is a call to action for believers to share the message of salvation with all people.