Revelation 5
BSB1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it. 4 And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals." 6 Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne. 8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth." 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!" 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Study Notes — Revelation 5
- 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 5
- Themes from Revelation 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Revelation 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Revelation chapter 5 begins with the introduction of a scroll sealed with seven seals, which only the worthy can open. The search for one who is worthy to open the scroll reveals that no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy, except for Jesus Christ, who is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David. Jesus takes the scroll from the right hand of God, and the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before Him, singing a new song. The song proclaims Jesus as the worthy one, who has redeemed people for God by His blood, from every tribe, language, people, and nation. The chapter concludes with the heavenly host praising Jesus and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
Context for the Chapter
Revelation chapter 5 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which is a prophetic letter written by John to the seven churches in Asia. The chapter is a pivotal moment in the book, as it introduces Jesus Christ as the worthy one who will fulfill God's plan of salvation. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it references the Old Testament prophecies and emphasizes Jesus' role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to reflect on the worthiness of Jesus Christ and His role in God's plan of salvation. As we consider Jesus' worthiness to open the seven-sealed scroll, we are reminded of His sacrifice and the redemption of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people by His blood. This chapter calls us to worship Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Revelation chapter 5 is about the worthiness of Jesus Christ to open the seven-sealed scroll. Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll, and He has redeemed people from every nation, tribe, language, and people by His blood. As seen in Revelation 5:9, Jesus' redemption of people demonstrates His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
Voices from the Church
“The worthiness of Christ is the foundation of our hope, for He is the one who has redeemed us by His blood and made us worthy to receive eternal life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lamb of God is the only one who is worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll, for He is the one who has fulfilled God's plan of salvation and redeemed people from every nation, tribe, language, and people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Introduction of the Scroll (Revelation 5:1-5) — The chapter begins with the introduction of a scroll sealed with seven seals, which only the worthy can open.
- The Search for the Worthy One (Revelation 5:2-4) — The search for one who is worthy to open the scroll reveals that no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy, except for Jesus Christ.
- The Introduction of Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:5-7) — Jesus Christ is introduced as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David, emphasizing His role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people.
- The Heavenly Worship (Revelation 5:8-14) — The chapter concludes with a heavenly worship scene, where the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and the heavenly host praise Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
- The Conclusion (Revelation 5:13-14) — The chapter concludes with the heavenly host praising Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
Core Doctrines
- The Worthiness of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus Christ is the only one who is worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll and fulfill God's plan of salvation.
- The Redemption of People
- The chapter emphasizes Jesus' role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people, highlighting His sacrifice and the redemption of people by His blood.
- The Heavenly Worship
- The chapter concludes with a heavenly worship scene, emphasizing the worthiness of Jesus Christ to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
- The Plan of Salvation
- The chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which is a prophetic letter written by John to the seven churches in Asia, emphasizing God's plan of salvation and Jesus' role in it.
Lessons from Revelation 5
- The Importance of Worthiness — This chapter teaches us the importance of worthiness in God's plan of salvation, emphasizing Jesus' role as the worthy one who has redeemed people from every nation, tribe, language, and people.
- The Role of Jesus Christ — The chapter highlights Jesus' role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people, emphasizing His sacrifice and the redemption of people by His blood.
- The Heavenly Worship — The chapter concludes with a heavenly worship scene, emphasizing the worthiness of Jesus Christ to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
- The Plan of Salvation — The chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which is a prophetic letter written by John to the seven churches in Asia, emphasizing God's plan of salvation and Jesus' role in it.
- The Practical Application — This chapter calls us to worship Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise, and to reflect on the importance of worthiness in our daily lives.
Themes from Revelation 5
- The Worthiness of Christ — This chapter teaches us about the worthiness of Jesus Christ to open the seven-sealed scroll and fulfill God's plan of salvation.
- The Redemption of People — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people, highlighting His sacrifice and the redemption of people by His blood.
- The Heavenly Worship — The chapter concludes with a heavenly worship scene, emphasizing the worthiness of Jesus Christ to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
- The Plan of Salvation — The chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which is a prophetic letter written by John to the seven churches in Asia, emphasizing God's plan of salvation and Jesus' role in it.
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter calls us to worship Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the concept of worthiness mean in the context of Revelation chapter 5?
- How does Jesus Christ demonstrate His worthiness to open the seven-sealed scroll?
- What is the significance of the heavenly worship scene in Revelation chapter 5?
- How does this chapter relate to the larger narrative of the book of Revelation?
- What practical application can we take from this chapter in our daily lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Introduction of the Scroll (Revelation 5:1-5)
| 5:1 | The chapter begins with the introduction of a scroll sealed with seven seals, which only the worthy can open. |
| 5:2 | A strong angel proclaims with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' |
| 5:3 | No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or look inside it. |
| 5:4 | I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. |
| 5:5 | Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.' |
2. The Introduction of Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:5-7)
| 5:6 | Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. |
| 5:7 | He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. |
3. The Heavenly Worship (Revelation 5:8-14)
| 5:8 | And when He had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. |
| 5:9 | Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people. |
| 5:10 | And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.' |
| 5:11 | Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. |
| 5:12 | They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. |
| 5:13 | In a loud voice they were saying: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!' |
| 5:14 | Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seven-sealed scroll in Revelation chapter 5?
The seven-sealed scroll represents God's plan of salvation, which only Jesus Christ is worthy to open and fulfill. As seen in Revelation 5:9, Jesus' redemption of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people demonstrates His worthiness to open the scroll.
Who is the worthy one in Revelation chapter 5?
The worthy one in Revelation chapter 5 is Jesus Christ, who is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David. As seen in Revelation 5:5, Jesus is the only one who is worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll and fulfill God's plan of salvation.
What is the heavenly worship scene in Revelation chapter 5?
The heavenly worship scene in Revelation chapter 5 is a scene where the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and the heavenly host praise Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. As seen in Revelation 5:13, the heavenly host sings a new song, saying: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 5:5 → Genesis 49:9-10 | The Lion of the tribe of Judah is a reference to the prophecy in Genesis 49:9-10, which speaks of the Messiah as a lion. |
| 2 | Revelation 5:6 → Isaiah 53:7 | The Lamb who was slain is a reference to the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, which speaks of the Messiah as a lamb who is led to the slaughter. |
| 3 | Revelation 5:9 → Psalm 33:12 | The song of the heavenly host is similar to the song of the psalmist in Psalm 33:12, which speaks of the blessedness of the nation whose God is the Lord. |
| 4 | Revelation 5:10 → Exodus 19:5-6 | The concept of a kingdom of priests is a reference to the prophecy in Exodus 19:5-6, which speaks of the Israelites as a kingdom of priests. |
| 5 | Revelation 5:12 → Psalm 145:13 | The heavenly host's praise of Jesus Christ is similar to the psalmist's praise of God in Psalm 145:13, which speaks of God's kingdom as an everlasting kingdom. |
| 6 | Revelation 5:13 → Psalm 148:13 | The heavenly host's praise of Jesus Christ is similar to the psalmist's praise of God in Psalm 148:13, which speaks of the Lord's name as being exalted above all blessing and praise. |
| 7 | Revelation 5:14 → Ezekiel 1:5-14 | The four living creatures are similar to the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:5-14, which are described as having the likeness of a man. |
| 8 | Revelation 5:5 → John 1:1 | The concept of the Word of God is a reference to the prophecy in John 1:1, which speaks of Jesus Christ as the Word of God. |
| 9 | Revelation 5:9 → Hebrews 9:22 | The concept of redemption by blood is a reference to the prophecy in Hebrews 9:22, which speaks of the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins. |
| 10 | Revelation 5:13 → Philippians 2:9-11 | The heavenly host's praise of Jesus Christ is similar to the praise of Jesus Christ in Philippians 2:9-11, which speaks of every knee bowing to Jesus Christ. |
Sermons on Revelation 5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the |
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Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a pow |
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Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h |
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Worship (Part 3 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a perso |
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Women That Make a Difference by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and responsibilities of being a mother. She shares anecdotes of her own experiences, highlighting the constant demands and inte |
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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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(Biographies) Adoniram Judson by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the deposit of the gospel with fences. He warns against the consequences of not protecting the truth of the gospel |
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(Worship - Part 1): He Is Lord, Worship Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the purpose of God creating man, which is to worship Him. However, due to the fall of man through sin, humanity has failed to fulfill this p |
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A Bad Family Tree by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reason why Jesus had to come. He highlights the guilt and shame that sin brings and uses the story of Tamar |
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(Revelation - Part 8): Book With Seven Seals by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the fourth and fifth chapters of the Bible, which are considered as one continuous passage. The preacher describes the s |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 5
In Revelation chapter 5, we see the introduction of the seven-sealed scroll, which represents God's plan of salvation. The search for one who is worthy to open the scroll reveals that no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy, except for Jesus Christ. Jesus is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David, emphasizing His role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people. The heavenly worship scene, where the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and the heavenly host praise Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizes His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. As Matthew Henry comments, 'The song of the heavenly host is a new song, a song of redemption, a song of praise to the Lamb who was slain.' This chapter teaches us about the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the importance of worship, and the plan of salvation, emphasizing the central role of Jesus Christ in God's plan of salvation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Search for the Worthy One
The chapter begins with a search for one who is worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll, highlighting the importance of worthiness in God's plan of salvation. The search reveals that no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy, except for Jesus Christ.
The Introduction of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is introduced as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David, emphasizing His role as the redeemer of people from every nation, tribe, language, and people.
The Heavenly Worship
The chapter concludes with a heavenly worship scene, where the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and the heavenly host praise Jesus Christ and the Lamb, emphasizing His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.