The Little Scroll

The account of The Angel and the Little Scroll is found in Revelation 10, during a pause between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments. This interlude contains rich symbolism and prophetic significance, offering insight into God’s plan and the responsibility of His people.

1. The Mighty Angel

  • Description of the Angel (Revelation 10:1-3):
    • “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.”
    • Key Elements:
      1. Clothed in a cloud: Symbolizes divine majesty and connection with God’s presence.
      2. Rainbow above his head: Reflects God’s covenant promise (Genesis 9:13) and His mercy amidst judgment.
      3. Face like the sun: Represents the angel’s authority and glory, possibly reflecting God’s radiance.
      4. Fiery legs: Suggest stability, strength, and judgment.
  • Authority of the Angel:
    • The angel holds a little scroll and stands with one foot on the sea and one on the land, symbolizing God’s sovereignty over all creation.

2. The Little Scroll

  • The Scroll Opened (Revelation 10:2):
    • The scroll is open, unlike the sealed scroll in Revelation 5, suggesting its contents are ready to be revealed.
    • The “little scroll” likely contains additional prophecies or specific messages related to the unfolding of God’s plan.
  • The Angel’s Roar and Seven Thunders (Revelation 10:3-4):
    • The angel roars like a lion, signifying power and authority.
    • The seven thunders speak, but John is told not to write down their message, leaving their content a mystery.
    • This shows that some aspects of God’s plan remain hidden, emphasizing His sovereignty.

3. The Oath of the Angel

  • Revelation 10:5-7:
    • The angel raises his hand to heaven and swears by God, the Creator of all things, that “there will be no more delay.”
    • The seventh trumpet will signal the completion of God’s mystery, fulfilling the prophetic purposes declared to His servants.

Key Themes:

  1. God’s Sovereignty:
    • The angel’s oath reaffirms God’s control over time and history.
  2. The Fulfillment of Prophecy:
    • The “mystery of God” refers to the culmination of God’s redemptive plan through Christ, as foretold by the prophets.

4. John Eats the Scroll

  • Revelation 10:8-10:
    • John is instructed to take the scroll and eat it, as was done by the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:1-3).
    • The scroll is sweet as honey in his mouth but becomes bitter in his stomach.

Symbolism of Eating the Scroll:

  1. Internalizing God’s Word:
    • Eating the scroll represents fully receiving and internalizing God’s message.
  2. Sweet and Bitter Experience:
    • The message is sweet because it contains God’s truth, promises, and ultimate victory.
    • It is bitter because it involves judgment, suffering, and the responsibility of proclaiming difficult truths.

5. John’s Commission

  • Revelation 10:11:
    • John is told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
    • This reinforces his role as a prophet to deliver God’s message to the world, regardless of its reception.

Theological Significance

  1. God’s Sovereignty and Mystery:
    • The episode emphasizes that God is in control and His plans are unfolding according to His perfect timing.
    • The “mystery of God” will be fully revealed at the sound of the seventh trumpet, signifying the completion of His redemptive work.
  2. Sweetness and Bitterness of God’s Word:
    • God’s Word brings hope and salvation (sweetness) but also judgment and responsibility (bitterness).
    • This dual nature reflects the reality of the Gospel message: good news for believers but a warning for the unrepentant.
  3. Role of God’s Servants:
    • Just as John internalized and proclaimed the scroll’s message, believers are called to absorb God’s Word and share it faithfully, even when it is difficult.

Application for Believers

  • Embrace God’s Word:
    • Like John, believers must receive and internalize God’s Word, finding strength and encouragement in His promises.
  • Proclaim Truth Boldly:
    • Sharing God’s message may involve both joy and difficulty, but it is a crucial part of fulfilling His mission.
  • Trust in God’s Timing:
    • The angel’s declaration reminds believers to trust that God’s plans will unfold perfectly, even if parts of them remain a mystery.

Conclusion

The account of The Angel and the Little Scroll in Revelation 10 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, the dual nature of His Word, and the responsibility of His servants to faithfully proclaim His message. It offers encouragement and a call to perseverance as believers anticipate the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.