Revelation 10:1-11
Q.1. What impact would the descriptions of the angel have on John? What did he make of the thunder? What is the meaning of the mystery of God? – (Rev.10:1-7)
Some suggest that this is describing Christ. However, the ‘strong angel’ is literally another of the same that John had already seen (Gk. ‘allos’ not ‘heteros’). The rainbow would remind John of the limitation God has placed on future judgment (c.f. Gen.9:8-17). He saw an imposing angel, who has a small scroll, likely the remaining judgments of the seventh trumpet, fanning out into the final seven caustic bowls of judgment (c.f. Rev.9:12-13). He thunders out, and roars like a fearsome lion, which would leave John in no doubt that God is in absolute control (Rev.10:1-3). John understood the message of the thunder but was told not to write the message down – When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.” (Rev.10:4 c.f. Acts 22:9). The angel made a solemn oath to the Creator God – … that there will be delay no longer (Rev.10:6). When the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet – … then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets (Rev.10:7). Biblical ‘mystery’ is the concealed truth that God has unveiled through Christ and His apostles. John was told that the sinners of this age will finally be destroyed and that God will establish His righteous reign on earth.
Q.2. When does this vision take place? What was John told to do with the scroll? How could its taste be both sweet and bitter at the same time? – (Rev.10:8-11 c.f. Rev.9:12-13; 11:2-3)
We learn that this is at the mid-point of the Great Tribulation period of seven years. The seventh trumpet will usher in the seven bowl judgments in the final forty-two months or 1260 days. (by Jewish reckoning – c.f. Rev.11:2-3). John was instructed to take the small scroll that was open in the hand of the mighty angel and – … “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth, it will be sweet as honey.” (Rev.10:9 c.f. Ezk.3:1-3). The sweetness describes the elation believers will feel at Christ’s ultimate triumph and the vindication of the righteous … the bitterness is the reality that countless ungodly people will perish, perhaps including some of our loved ones (Rev.10:9-10 c.f. 2 Thes.1:5-10). Every time another Endtimes prophecy is fulfilled it is both good and bad news – good news for God’s people, and bad news for all Christ rejecters. The apostle John was commanded to sound a note of warning and consolation – … “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” (Rev.10:11).