A Study of Revelation

Author and Facilitator: Stephen Weller
142 Lessons
132,711 words, 702 minutes (11 hours 42 minutes)

Page Index

Introduction
Chapter 1 – The Glorified Christ Among the Lampstands
Chapter 2 – Christ’s Letters to the Churches (Part 1)
Chapter 3 – Christ’s Letters to the Churches (Part 2)
Chapter 4 – The Throne in Heaven
Chapter 5 – The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll
Chapter 6 – The Opening of the Six Seals
Chapter 7 – The Sealing of God’s Servants and the Multitude in White Robes
Chapter 8 – The Seventh Seal and the First Four Trumpets
Chapter 9 – The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets: Demonic Torment and Invasion
Chapter 10 – The Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll
Chapter 11 – The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet
Chapter 12 – The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon
Chapter 13 – The Two Beasts: Antichrist and False Prophet
Chapter 14 – The Lamb and the Harvest of the Earth
Chapter 15 – The Song of Moses and the Seven Last Plagues
Chapter 16 – The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath
Chapter 17 – The Judgment of the Great Prostitute
Chapter 18 – The Fall of Babylon the Great
Chapter 19 – The Return of Christ and the Marriage of the Lamb
Chapter 20 – The Millennium and the Final Judgment
Chapter 21 – The New Heaven and the New Earth
Chapter 22 – The River of Life and Christ’s Final Invitation

Introduction

Bible Project – Introduction to xx

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Overview

The book of Revelation is the final book of the Bible and serves as the climax of God’s redemptive plan revealed throughout Scripture. It was written by John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos because of his faithful testimony to Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:9). Most scholars date the writing to approximately A.D. 95–96, during the reign of Domitian, a time when Christians faced increasing persecution and pressure to worship the emperor. The book was written primarily to encourage believers to remain faithful despite suffering, assuring them that Christ reigns, evil will be defeated, and God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Revelation is addressed to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:11): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. While each church faced unique spiritual challenges, together they represent the church throughout history. Christ’s messages to these churches call believers to repentance, perseverance, holiness, and unwavering faith.

The book is unique in its use of apocalyptic literature, a style rich in symbolism, visions, numbers, and vivid imagery. Much of its symbolism draws from the Old Testament, especially the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah. Rather than merely predicting future events, Revelation unveils the spiritual realities behind earthly events and reveals God’s sovereign control over history.

At the center of Revelation is the exalted Jesus Christ. He is presented as the risen and glorified Son of Man, the faithful witness, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has already secured victory over sin, Satan, and death, and Revelation reveals the final fulfillment of that victory.

The narrative unfolds through a series of visions describing God’s judgments upon a rebellious world, the conflict between Christ and the forces of evil, the perseverance of God’s people, the ultimate defeat of Satan, the final judgment, and the establishment of the new heaven and new earth. Throughout these visions, believers are repeatedly reminded that God remains on His throne and that history is unfolding according to His sovereign plan.

Revelation concludes the biblical story that began in Genesis. What was lost through humanity’s fall into sin is fully restored through Christ. The curse is removed, death is abolished, God’s people dwell forever in His presence, and the eternal kingdom is established. Thus, Revelation is not merely a book about the end times; it is the triumphant conclusion of God’s plan of redemption and the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ in all His glory.

Context

Author: John
Date: Approximately A.D. 95–96
Place of Writing: Patmos
Recipients: The seven churches of Asia Minor and, by extension, the universal church.
Purpose: To encourage believers to remain faithful, reveal God’s sovereignty over history, warn against compromise with the world, and proclaim Christ’s ultimate victory over evil.

Key Context Themes

The sovereignty of God over all history.
The supremacy and victory of Jesus Christ.
The call for believers to remain faithful during persecution.
God’s righteous judgment upon evil.
The certainty of Christ’s second coming.
The defeat of Satan, death, and sin.
The establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
The hope of the New Jerusalem and eternal fellowship with God.

This context provides the theological foundation for understanding every vision, symbol, and prophecy in Revelation. The book was written not to produce fear or speculation, but to inspire steadfast faith, holy living, confident hope, and joyful anticipation of Christ’s victorious return.

Major Themes

1. The Sovereignty of God

The book of Revelation consistently emphasizes that God reigns over all creation and directs the course of history according to His perfect will. Although evil appears powerful for a season, every event unfolds under God’s sovereign authority. From His throne in heaven, God judges evil, protects His people, and accomplishes His eternal purposes. Believers are encouraged to trust His rule even during times of persecution and uncertainty.

Key Verses:

Revelation 4:11
Revelation 11:15
Revelation 19:6
Revelation 21:5

2. The Lordship and Victory of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is presented as the central figure of Revelation. He is the faithful witness, the slain Lamb, the Lion of Judah, the conquering King, and the eternal Bridegroom. Through His death and resurrection He has already secured victory over sin, Satan, and death. His future return will bring complete justice and establish His everlasting kingdom.

Key Verses:

Revelation 1:5-8
Revelation 5:5-10
Revelation 17:14
Revelation 19:11-16
Revelation 22:12-13

3. Worship of God and the Lamb

Worship permeates the entire book. Heavenly beings, angels, redeemed saints, and all creation continually praise God and the Lamb for their holiness, power, justice, and redemption. Revelation demonstrates that worship is the proper response to God’s greatness and stands in sharp contrast to the world’s worship of idols and the beast.

Key Verses:

Revelation 4:8-11
Revelation 5:9-14
Revelation 7:9-12
Revelation 19:1-8

4. The Conflict Between Good and Evil

Revelation portrays the ongoing spiritual battle between God’s kingdom and the forces of Satan. The dragon, the beast, the false prophet, and Babylon symbolize organized opposition against God. Although evil temporarily deceives and persecutes, its ultimate defeat is certain because Christ has already overcome.

Key Verses:

Revelation 12:7-12
Revelation 13:1-18
Revelation 16:13-16
Revelation 20:10

5. The Perseverance of God’s People

One of Revelation’s primary purposes is to encourage believers to remain faithful despite suffering, persecution, and temptation. Christians are repeatedly called to endure with patience, remain loyal to Christ, and overcome through faith.

Key Verses:

Revelation 2:10
Revelation 3:11
Revelation 12:11
Revelation 14:12

6. God’s Judgment on Sin

Revelation reveals God’s righteous judgment against unrepentant humanity. The seals, trumpets, and bowls demonstrate that God’s justice is neither arbitrary nor delayed indefinitely. His judgments expose sin, call people to repentance, and ultimately remove evil forever.

Key Verses:

Revelation 6:15-17
Revelation 8:13
Revelation 16:1-21
Revelation 20:11-15

7. The Final Defeat of Satan

Although Satan actively deceives the nations and persecutes believers, his authority is temporary. Revelation records his final defeat, eternal judgment, and complete removal from God’s creation. Evil will never again threaten God’s people.

Key Verses:

Revelation 12:9
Revelation 20:1-3
Revelation 20:7-10

8. The Hope of Christ’s Return

The second coming of Jesus Christ is one of Revelation’s central promises. Christ will return visibly and victoriously to judge the wicked, rescue His people, establish righteousness, and reign forever. His return provides hope, encouragement, and motivation for holy living.

Key Verses:

Revelation 1:7
Revelation 19:11-21
Revelation 22:7
Revelation 22:12
Revelation 22:20

9. The Eternal Kingdom of God

Revelation concludes with God’s eternal kingdom fully established. Sin, death, sorrow, pain, and separation are forever removed. God’s people will dwell in His presence, enjoying perfect fellowship with Him throughout eternity.

Key Verses:

Revelation 21:1-7
Revelation 21:22-27
Revelation 22:1-5

10. The New Heaven and New Earth

God’s plan culminates in the complete renewal of creation. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven as God’s dwelling place with His redeemed people. This restored creation fulfills God’s promises from the beginning of Scripture and marks the complete restoration of all things.

Key Verses:

Revelation 21:1-5
Revelation 21:9-27
Revelation 22:1-5

11. The Call to Holiness and Faithfulness

The messages to the seven churches demonstrate Christ’s concern for the spiritual condition of His people. Believers are called to reject compromise, remain morally pure, repent when necessary, and live faithfully until Christ returns.

Key Verses:

Revelation 2:4-5
Revelation 2:10
Revelation 3:19-21
Revelation 22:14

12. The Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan

Revelation serves as the climax of the entire biblical story. The promises made throughout the Old and New Testaments find their fulfillment as God defeats evil, redeems His people, restores creation, and dwells eternally with humanity. The Bible begins with creation in Genesis and ends with a new creation in Revelation, demonstrating God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant purposes.

Key Verses:

Revelation 5:9-10
Revelation 11:15
Revelation 21:3
Revelation 22:3-5

These twelve themes provide a theological framework for understanding Revelation as a book of hope, victory, perseverance, judgment, and ultimate restoration. Rather than focusing primarily on speculation about future events, Revelation calls believers in every generation to worship Christ, remain faithful under trial, trust in God’s sovereign control, and live in eager anticipation of Christ’s glorious return.

Chapter 1 – The Glorified Christ Among the Lampstands

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 1 serves as the opening to the final book of the Bible, introducing the revelation that God gave to Jesus Christ to show His servants the events that would unfold according to His sovereign plan. Written by the apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos, this chapter establishes both the purpose and authority of the prophecy. It presents Jesus Christ in His exalted and glorified state as the eternal Lord who reigns over history, holds authority over His church, and possesses the keys of death and Hades. John’s overwhelming vision of the risen Christ emphasizes His majesty, holiness, and divine power while reassuring believers that He is present among His churches, fully aware of their condition and faithful to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Revelation 1 therefore prepares readers for the messages to the seven churches and the prophetic visions that follow by calling them to faithful endurance, confident hope, and reverent worship of the victorious King who is “the Alpha and the Omega,” “the First and the Last,” and the One who is coming again in glory.

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Bible Lessons

1.1 Drawing Our Focus

^1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, ²who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. ³Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:1 – 3 ESV)

With this lesson we begin our verse-by-verse study of Revelation, which is a disclosure of things now unseen that are about to take place. These future events and their contents are with God and are given to Jesus Christ, to show to his chosen servant John by way of his angel.

Jesus Christ is the one being revealed but he is also the one who reveals the information given to him by God. God is seen as one God but in three persons, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We know that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1 – 2, 14 ESV). The Son of God took on flesh through a virgin birth and became the Son of Man, who we know as Jesus. This Jesus, through whom all things were made contained life which is to be the light of men (John 1:3 – 4). In our Revelation study we will meet Jesus as the Son of Man, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb, and the Word of God.

The things that must soon take place are to be made known, by a communication process that starts with God, who communicates it to Jesus Christ, who communicates it to his angel, who communicates it to John, who then communicates it to the church. Those who have read Daniel may notice a difference in what is to be done with received information. Daniel was told to “shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end (Daniel 12:4 ESV). A different direction was given to John. He was told to “not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.” (Revelation 22:10 ESV). The angel communicated this information through visions which John was to put into written form for the first-century church as well as for us today.

John encourages those he sends the prophecy to, to read aloud the words of the prophecy to others. In doing so the one who reads will be blessed as will those who hear and keep what is written. The blessing does not come by just hearing but by hearing and then obeying it. That obedience may lead to death (Revelation 14:13); it requires that we be ready for his return (Revelation 16:15); that we be ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9); that we be prepared to share in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6); that we keep the prophecy of Revelation (Revelation 22:7); and have washed our robes (Revelation 22:14).

The focus of many who come to Revelation is driven by a desire to know about those future events and when they might happen. It was because of this reason that I stopped teaching Revelation over twenty-five years ago. Many of my students did not care about the blessing part of Revelation, which comes through obedience, but only about events and timings. There is much suffering and even death associated with these end-time events that we need to take seriously. If the pre-tribulation rapture position should happen to be wrong, and there are good bible scholars who think they are wrong, then we had better start preparing to experience persecution as so many already are today in other parts of the world. I am so thankful for the time I spent in Asia learning from those who have experience with being persecuted

1.2 Revelation 1:1, Introduction to Revelation

^1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John. (Revelation 1:1 ESV)

Looking at Revelation 1:1 we find the title of the book to be “The Revelation” and the divine author to be Jesus Christ, and the earthly author to be his servant John, one of the original twelve disciples. It is a book that stretches the mind as unseen spiritual forces are revealed that are at work behind the scenes. These forces are seen in historical events and in controlling current and future events. These future events are influenced by these forces as prophesied by various Old Testament prophets like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. These revelations from these prophets will be passed through John through a series of symbolic visions.

In Matthew 28:18 we learn that all authority has been given to Jesus Christ by God and thus he has the authority to describe these future events to John and to us as members of the church, as described in Revelation 1:4 and 9. John’s role is primarily to receive information from the divine author, Jesus Christ, and record it for the church to learn from.

It is accepted by the majority that the author is John the son of Zebedee, the beloved disciple who wrote the gospel of John and the three letters of John, not John the elder as some think today. The reason for this difference of opinion is the writing style of Revelation is quite different from his other writings.

Just as there is some difference of opinion on the author there is also some difference of opinion on when Revelation was written. Some say it was written sometime during the reign of Nero (A.D. 54 – 68), but the majority believe it was written around A.D. 95 – 96.

The unseen spiritual war in which the church is engaged is unveiled in this book. We will see more clearly the conflict between God and his Christ against Satan and his evil allies. We will see how this conflict intensifies as we approach the second coming of Jesus Christ. We are warned of coming suffering and encouraged to be prepared.

Just as Paul wrote to churches in the first century, so is John. Since the illustrations and symbolism are worded for their understanding, it is with care that we draw application to us today. This is where we must be careful to keep our imagination tied to the text.

There is a great deal of symbolism used throughout Revelation which adds a layer of difficulty of understanding and opens itself to our imagination which can be very misleading. Care must be taken to establish meaning for these symbols from familiar New Testament images such as the Oliver discourse.

Because of the use of symbolism there is disagreement over how to interpret them giving rise to schools of interpretation. We will look briefly at these starting with the next lesson.

1.3 Schools of Interpretation

Because of the high use of symbolism in Revelation there has risen four primary schools of interpretation. These are: (1) Historicism, (2) Futurism, (3) Preterism, and (4) Idealism.

(1) Historicism looks at the order of the visions found in Revelations 4:1 – 20:6 and equates them with successive historical events that extend the time period from the apostolic church to the return of Jesus Christ. This interpretation takes chapters 1 – 3 and identifies them with the first century churches. The seven seals, the seven trumpets, the two witnesses, the woman, and the dragon, the two beasts, the seven bowls, the harlot, and Armageddon of chapters 4 – 19 and the millennium of chapter 20:1 – 6 are identified with the Patristic, medieval, Reformation, and modern church ages. Chapters 20:7 – 22:5 in which the dragon is destroyed, all in the graves rise, the white horse judgments, and all things new are equated with the second coming, general resurrection, last judgment, and the new heaven and new earth.

(2) Futurism is similar to historicism in that the order of visions reflect particular historical events. A big difference is the timing of the events related to the visions of chapters 4 – 22. These events are placed in the distant future is relationship to John’s lifetime. For most futurists, the coming events include a seven-year period of intense tribulation, covered by chapters 4 – 19, followed by a millennium, covered by 20:1 – 6, in which Jesus Christ will rule on earth before the general resurrection and the coming of the new heavens and new earth described in 20:7 – 22:5.

There are two views within this interruption: Historical Premillennialism and Dispensational Premillennialism. Both equate chapters 1 – 3 to first century churches, chapters 4 – 19 to the tribulation period, the millennium of 20:1 – 6 to the reign of Jesus Christ on earth, and the events of 20:7 – 22:5 to the general resurrection, last judgments, and the new heaven and new earth. The two differences are found at the beginning and the end of the tribulation period. In Dispensational Premillennialism we find the rapture of believers at the beginning of the tribulation period and we also find the second coming of Jesus Christ and Armageddon at the end of the seven-year period.

(3) Preterism believe that most of the events of Revelation have already occurred during the early years of the Christian church. They equate chapters 1 – 3 to the first century churches, chapters 4 – 11 to Jerusalem’s fall in A.D. 70, chapters 12 – 19 to Rome’s fall in the fourth century, 20:1 – 6 to medieval, Reformation, and modern church age, and chapter 20:7 – 22:5 to the second coming, general resurrection, last judgment, and the new heavens and new earth.

(4) Idealism and historicism have agreement in that Revelation’s visions symbolize the conflict between Jesus Christ and his church on the one hand, and Satan and his evil conspirators on the other; a conflict that endures from the apostolic age to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Idealists do not believe the visions’ literary order needs to reflect the temporal order of particular historical events. This school of thinking would equate chapters 1 – 3 to the first century churches, chapters 4 – 19; 20:1 – 6 to Patristic, medieval, Reformation, and modern church age, and 20:7 – 22:5 to the second coming, general resurrection, last judgment, and new heaven and new earth.

As if this was not enough diversity, we will cover the three millennial views in the next lesson.

1.4 Millennial Views

In the previous lesson we looked at the four schools of interpretation. In this lesson we will look at three millennial views: (1) Premillennialism, (2) Postmillennialism, and (3) Amillennialism. These three views are different ways scholars interpretate Revelation 20:1 – 6.

(1) Premillennialism comes in two flavors: Classical Premillennialism and Pretribulational Premillennialism. Premillennialism and futurism are generally associated and teach that Jesus Christ will return bodily in power and glory before the thousand year, or millennial period, to defeat and destroy the beast and false prophet in the battle on the “great day of God the Almighty” at Armageddon. This is covered in Revelation 16:14 – 16 and 19:11 – 21. The devil will be bound at this time but not destroyed as he is be released at the end of the thousand-year period to draw to him those who do not believe. During this thousand-year period believers, having received their immortal resurrected bodies, will reign with Christ on the present sinful earth. Those who survive the battle of Armageddon and their descendance will be the subjects of this reign. At the end of this thousand-year period, the devil will be released and will produce a worldwide rebellion against Jesus and provoke another war and judgment from God. Following this will be the new heavens and the new earth. Classical premillennialism believe Jesus Christ will return before the start of the thousand-year period and will reign on earth with both believers and unbelievers present. This view also holds that believers will go through the time of “great tribulation” before Jesus Christ returns. Pretribulational premillennialism differ by believing that Jesus Christ comes secretly to remove believers before the seven-year tribulation period. They believe that Jesus Christ will return publicly at the end of the seven years to reign on earth for the thousand-year period with those believers he brings back with him.

(2) In general, the postmillennial view believes Jesus Christ is in heaven during the thousand-year period and reigns through the Spirit and the preaching of the gospel by the church. This view holds that the first resurrection is when a person is born again. Because the devil is bound during this time, the gospel will spread unhindered and the earth will be filled with the knowledge and glory of God. This will result in an amazing transformation of all aspects of human life and relationships. However, these people need to be tested to see if they are true believers. To find out, the devil is released to draw those of unbelief to himself for a great rebellion against those who believe. At this point Jesus Christ returns to earth to administer judgment. Then comes the new heavens and the new earth.

(3) Amillennialism does not believe in a future millennium but hold that Revelation 20:1 – 6 is now as part of the church age. This view holds that the first resurrection corresponds to the martyrs’ death, which brings them to heavenly thrones from which they now reign with Christ. At some point in the future there the church age will end with the resurrection of believers and unbelievers, final judgment, and the appearance of the new heavens and the new earth.

With these schools of interpretation and millennial views, how does one possibly understand the real truth of Revelations? My approach is to come to this study without any preconceived beliefs and to keep my imagination tied to the text and not to other imagination. We will look at our text of study and try to determine what it says and what it does not say.

Before we begin our study, we need one more lesson to lay out a general outline of the book of Revelation

1.5 Outline of Revelation

In the previous lesson we looked at three millennial views, which added one more layer of interpretation difficulty to the four schools of interpretation. In this lesson we will try to remove some of our anxiety by looking at how Revelation is laid out.

As one scans the book Revelation, three major divisions occur: (1) prologue, (2) body, and (3) epilogue.

(1) The prologue includes Revelation 1:1 – 8 and introduces us to the title, transmission and promise of a blessing for those who are obedient to given instructions. Our focus is directed to the seven churches and then a coming king is announced.

(2) The body includes Revelation 1:9 – 22:5 and can be broken up into two parts: (A) things that are and (B) things that shall take place.

(A) The things that are covers the visions of the Son of Man (1:9 – 20) and the letters to the seven churches (2:1 – 3:22).

(B) The things that shall take place is the main body of Revelation (4:1 – 22:5) and can be broken up into seven parts:

The Lamb and the scroll (4:1 – 8:1)
The angels and the trumpets (8:2 – 11:18)
The woman, her son, the dragon, and the beasts (11:19 – 14:20)
The bowls of God’s wrath (15:1 – 16:21)
Babylon the prostitute (17:1 – 19:10)
The defeat and destruction of the beasts, the dragon, and death (19:11 – 20:15)
All things new (21:1 – 22:5)

(3) The Epilogue includes Revelation 22:6 – 21 and repeats themes of his prologue and reaffirms the transmission and trustworthiness of the book. It promises a blessing on those who keep its words and promises the imminent coming of Jesus.

For a much greater introduction to Revelation, please refer to the introduction to the Revelation of John that is found in the ESV Study Bible.

1.6 Revelation 1:1-3, The Prologue

1.7 Revelation 1:4, Grace and Peace

^1:5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ⁶and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we encountered a number of words that needed some explanation. The same will be true in this lesson. John spoke of grace and peace coming, from God, from the seven spirits (the Holy Spirit), and now from Jesus Christ, who is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. Notice that grace and peace came from the Trinity.

As believers, we are all called to be faithful witnesses, but it is Jesus who is truly the faithful witness. It is to be a witness that is to go forth during times of peace as well as times of great suffering. Jesus was faithful in his witness by being willing to die for what he was preaching. Paul pointed this out in 1 Timothy 6:13 ESV: “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession.”

Jesus is described as the firstborn of the dead. Jesus spoke of going to the cross to die in our place to purchase our salvation. In so doing, he provided the way of salvation through spiritual birth which is required for entrance into the kingdom of God. Since Jesus died and rose from the dead, providing for us the means of being born spiritually, he is called the firstborn of the dead. Having validated his claims with signs and wonders, and then rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated his sovereignty over all earthly powers, even over all the kings on the earth.

John now directs his praise to Jesus Christ, who loves us so much he was willing to become our Passover Lamb and take our sin upon him and die in our place and through that death he “redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13 ESV). It was by his blood that we were set free from our sin for “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22 ESV).

Those who believe in what Jesus accomplished on the cross are given the authority to be born again and through that spiritual birth we become members of the kingdom of God and are seen as priests to his God and Father. As priests, the Jews failed to serve God as required and as a result forfeited their role as priests to the members of God’s kingdom; those who have been freed from their sin by the blood of Jesus. Because of all that Jesus has done for us, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.

Right from the very beginning of Revelation we find the central theme to be the death of Jesus in payment for our salvation.

1.8 Revelation 1:5-6, Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness

Right from the very beginning of Revelation we find the central theme to be the death of Jesus in payment for our salvation.

1.9 Revelation 1:7, The Coming of Jesus

^1:7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation 1:7 ESV).

In the previous lesson our focus was on Jesus Christ and what he accomplished for us. We have seen Jesus as the eternal Word, as the Lamb of God who took our sin and died in our place to provide our salvation, and now we will look at his return.

John says, “he is coming with the clouds.” We were with Jesus in Acts 1:9, when he was speaking to those gathered there with him, when all of a sudden “he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” Those clouds are mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 17 ESV: 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” Those clouds are probably not earthly clouds but clouds of glory that surround the presence of God. We saw those clouds on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17:5 ESV: “(Jesus) was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Daniel spoke of this in Daniel 7:13 ESV: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.”

When Jesus comes, “every eye will see him.” How this “seeing him” will happen is not told, but it will happen. Just try to imagine this event which you will one day experience. How can it not fill you with anticipation or great fear, depending on whether you are saved or unsaved? Those who will see him even includes those in the past who are now dead, “even those who pierced him.” John 19:31 – 37 (ESV) details this: 31 “Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, ‘They will look on him whom they have pierced.’”

John then tells us, when Jesus comes, “all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.” “Tribes” could also have been translated as “nations” or “people.” It is probable that all the unsaved, both living and dead, will wail on account of the judgment that he brings before them. Those who mourn are those who crucified Jesus, and that includes everyone who was not born again; all the unsaved people who have ever lived.

The statement “Even so” is rather weak and could be translated “This will certainly come to pass!” (NET). This translation better translates the force or certainty of his coming with pending judgment for the unsaved.

We are going to need one more lesson to finish this section.

1.10 Revelation 1:8, Jesus Is the Alpha and the Omega

^1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the coming of Jesus with the clouds of glory. We spoke of anticipation, but we also saw the agony that will be experienced by the unsaved who witness his coming. In this lesson we will look further at some characteristics of Jesus Christ.

Of himself, Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” “Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and thus used together as a title for Jesus designates him being the comprehensiveness of God. This implies that Jesus is all that God can be. Here in Revelation, the term “Alpha and Omega” is the term used as the self-designation of God and of Christ.

After describing himself as the “Alpha and the Omega,” Jesus then describes himself as “who is” and “who was” and “who is to come.” “Who is” refers to the One existing or being God; “who was” refers to eternity past when he was described as the Word; and “who is to come” as the fulfilment of the promise made in Acts 1:11 ESV: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Jesus made it very clear in Matthew 24 that he will be returning.

In conclusion to this section, Jesus refers to himself as “the Almighty” or “the All-Powerful” (NET); the omnipotent One. We find this expression in Revelation 4:8 ESV: “Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”; Revelation 11:17 ESV: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.”; Revelation 15:3 ESV: “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!”; Revelation 16:7 ESV: “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”; and Revelation 21:22 ESV: “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.”

Do you know this Jesus we speak of here? How awesome is he!

1.11 Revelation 1:9-11, Backstory to the First Vision

^1:9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. ¹⁰I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet ¹¹saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” (Revelation 1:9 – 11 ESV)

What an amazing description of Jesus Christ was given by John in Revelation 1:4 – 8. One cannot help but stop and worship him for who he is and all that he has done for us. That worship is enhanced as we begin this section with a vision John receives of the Son of Man. This section of study is covered by verses from 1:9 to 3:22 and relates to the things that are; things that pertain to the presence of Jesus Christ with and the knowledge of his churches.

John leads up to that vision by first referring to himself as a brother and partner with them in the tribulation, which he describes as coming from his testimony of Jesus. John was suffering for his faith, on the island called Patmos, at the time he wrote Revelation. Patmos is an Aegean island of about 24 square miles, located approximately 40 miles from the mainland of Asia Minor, to which Rome sent political criminals. John most likely had some freedom of movement on the island but was not allowed to leave.

In John 16:33, Jesus said that in him we may have peace, but in the world we will have tribulation. As we experience that tribulation, Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:12 ESV: “if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us.” It is important that we, like John, be prepared to suffer persecution for our faith. In Revelation 3:10 (ESV), John wrote: “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”

John describes himself as being in the Spirit on the Lord’s day. On a particular Sunday, John experienced an intense presence of the Holy Spirit, a state of spiritual exaltation best described as a trance or a prophetic vision. An example of this was given in the Old Testament in Ezekiel 2:13 ESV: “Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great earthquake: “Blessed be the glory of the Lord from its place!” We see this in Revelation 4:2 ESV: “At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.”; Revelation 17:3 ESV: “And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.”; and Revelation 21:10 ESV: “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.”

In the vision here, John said he heard a loud voice like a trumpet coming from behind him. The voice was strong, clear, and resonant as a trumpet. The voice gave instruction to write what was he was about to see, which was probably taking place in his mind. I believe it is ok to use your imagination here and think of how this might have happened, but it happened. What John witness will be covered in the next lesson, and what he sees and hears he is instructed to write it in a book, or a scroll, and send it to seven specific churches.

Looking at a map, it is interesting to note that the order the churches are listed in the same order the churches would be encountered by a courier carrying the scroll from Patmos, as shown by this link. Those seven churches are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

1.12 Revelation 1:12-16, In the Midst of the Lampstands

^1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, ¹³and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. ¹⁴The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, ¹⁵his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. ¹⁶In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:12 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the backstory to the vision John was about to have and what he was to do with what he saw. The voice he heard instructed him to make the vision known to seven specific churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

Hearing the voice behind him in the vision, John turned around to see who was speaking to him. The first thing John saw was seven golden lampstands, which represent the seven churches (verse 20). As John looks closer he sees in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man. The phrase “son of man” points us back to the night vision in Daniel 7. That vision begins with a scene of four beasts who represent four evil kingdoms (Daniel 7:1 – 8). As Daniel continues to look, he sees throne being placed and the Ancient of Days took his seat. Daniel then describes the appearance of the Ancient of Days: “his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9 – 10 ESV).

The Ancient of Days is God, who is served by many angels described as a thousand thousands. There was another group that came before him, described as ten thousand times ten thousand. This second group consisted of those to be judged coming from all the kingdoms of the world. The Ancient of Days was to sort out the right from the wrong. The books that were opened contained the deeds of all of those on the earth, and from them judgment was handed down.

Daniel’s vision continues “and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13 – 14 ESV).

This “son of man” that Daniel sees appears greater than any mere human and combines in one person both human and divine traits. Given to this son of man is more than is given to any human ruler. He is given, not a temporary dominion but an everlasting dominion that will not pass away or be destroyed. That dominion is to be over a kingdom that includes all peoples, nations, and languages. This everlasting kingdom is the kingdom of God with Jesus being its king and those in the kingdom are those who are born again through belief in Jesus.

As we can see, John is seeing a vision that is quite similar to the one Daniel had. John had just described the one Daniel saw coming in the clouds, who John had just described as the Alpha and the Omega (verse 8). Here John is describing that one who came in the clouds, who Daniel saw, as Jesus with divine characteristics.

In the next lesson we will look at these characteristics.

1.13 Revelation 1:12-16, His Characteristics

In the previous lesson we drew a connection between John’s vision and the one Daniel had in Daniel 7. In this lesson we will look at the characteristics of the “son of man” that came before the Ancient of Days to receive an everlasting dominion and kingdom.

This One is described as being “clothed with a long robe and a golden sash around his chest.” This sash would not be a diagonal sash as seen today, but a wide horizontal band of cloth or leather worn on the outside of one’s clothing.

“The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow.” These descriptions are symbolic with the white suggesting age and with that age comes infinite, divine wisdom. We do not know how Jesus looked or how he will look because not a single word of his appearance is mentioned in the New Testament, thus allowing all people groups to identify with him.

“His eyes were like flames of fire” suggesting that Jesus can see everywhere and is angry over the evil he sees. This is illustrated in what Jesus sees in the church in Thyatira. It is with eyes of flaming fire that he sees the sexual immorality in the church there (Revelation 2:18 – 20).

“His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace.” Feet that had spikes driven through them leaving scars that were seen after his resurrection (Luke 24:39 – 40). These same feet will trample his enemies as they become his footstool in Psalm 110:1 and the grapes in the winepress of Isaiah 63:3 ESV: “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments and stained all my apparel.” This demonstration of righteous judgment is seen in Revelation 14:19 (ESV) when “the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God” to be trampled as prophesied in Isaiah.

“His voice was like the roar of many waters.” I think of the sound of a pounding surf and the roar of water going over a great cliff like at Niagara Falls. It is a sound that is strong like a trumpet and deep like the roar of water. It is the same voice that spoke the universe into existence. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Psalm 33:6 ESV). It is the voice that will raise the dead. 28 “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28 – 29 ESV).

“In his right hand he held seven stars.” These seven stars are defined in Revelation 1:20 as the angels of the seven churches. More comment on these angels in the next lesson.

“From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword.” In Hebrews 4:12 the two-edged sword is equated to the word of God and described as “piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” In Ephesians 6:17 we find “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” In this context the word spoken from God is seen as judgment.

“His face is described as like the sun shining in full strength.” We have already looked at his eyes and saw them as a flame of fire. Now we look at his whole face and see the general splendor and brightness of his countenance. The three disciples saw his face shining like the sun when he was transfigured before them in Matthew 17:2. His face being as overpowering as the sun was designed to impress John with a sense of his majesty and glory.

1.14 Revelation 1:17-20, Fear Not, I Am Jesus Christ

^1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, ¹⁸and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. (Revelation 1:17 – 18 ESV)

In the previous two lessons we looked at the symbolism of different aspects of Jesus. We looked at his clothing, his hair, his eyes, his feet, his voice, his right hand, his mouth, and his face. In this lesson we will see how John reacts to what he sees and what he is told to do.

John reaction to the person who spoke to him was the same as the Roman guards reaction at the tomb, where Jesus was laid, when 2 “there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:2 – 4 ESV). Here in the vision, the person who spoke to John comes over to him and places his right hand on him and tells him not to be afraid and explains who he is.

This magnificent person first identifies himself as “the first and the last,” the “Alpha and Omega” which is associated with Jesus in Revelation 1:8, affirming his eternal divinity.

He next refers to himself as “the living one” who was crucified on the cross (died for our sin) but is now alive forevermore (resurrected from the dead). “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him” (Romans 6:9 ESV). “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:9 ESV). Because Jesus rose from the dead, we then know that he can raise those who are born again from the dead.

He next tells John that he has the keys of “Death and Hades.” Hades is understood to refer to the underworld, or the place of departed spirits where the dead are found. Those who go there experience torment as they anguish there in the flame (Luke 16:23 – 24). It is a secure place that no one can escape from, but our Savior holds the keys and can access any time he wishes and can release all whom he chooses and confine anyone there he wishes. 32 “Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:32 – 33 ESV). With those keys the “goats” (the unsaved) are locked up, but the sheep stay with him.

1.15 Revelation 1:19-20, The Command to Write

^1:19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. ²⁰As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:19 – 20 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw John fall at the person’s feet in great fear. The one like a son of man reaches down and places his right hand on him and instructs him to not be afraid and then explains who he is. In this lesson, the person we determined as Jesus, gives John instructions about what he is to do about the things he has seen, the things that are, and those things that are to take place in the future.

Verse 19 does describes two time periods, not three. The things seen can refer to the first vision and the instruction to write letters to the seven churches. The things that are to take place will be given to John in future visions. The dividing point is at Revelation 4:1.

Back in Revelation 1:13, reference was made to “seven lampstands” and in Revelation 1:16, reference was made to “seven stars.” The “seven lampstands” are the seven churches listed in Revelation 1:11. Those seven churches are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The “seven stars” are identified as the angels of the seven churches.

A lampstand is to be a source of light and thus these seven churches symbolize light-bearing churches. In Matthew 5:14 – 16 (ESV), Jesus said, ¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” As believers gather in churches we then have light-bearing churches.

A question we need to answer is, “Who are these angels that are associated with each church?” Let us begin with another question: “Does each believer have a guardian angel?” When children were being brought to Jesus, he said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10 ESV). That would seem to indicate that each of us has a guardian angel who is apparently assigned to us when we are children, possibly at birth or even at conception. In Hebrews 1:14 (ESV) we read, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” It seems that guardian angels are assigned to those who will become believers to watch over them.

There were three distinct times in my life when I could have been killed: once being shot at by accident, once when two cars came over the top of a two-lane bridge side by side towards me, and once at a blind railroad crossing I skidded to a stop just a few feet from the side of the engine of a train that speeded by in front of me. I do not think it was chance that I was not even injured or even killed in any of those events. If we, as believers, have an angel assigned to us then it seems that there is an angel assigned to each church.

Some say that these angels are pastors. I do not see that interpretation in the Scriptures. Of the 188 times the Greek word is used in the New Testament from which angel comes, we do not see them as human messengers. Why should this be the only place where the Greek word should mean pastor? Another reason for believing these are angels and not pastors is that churches outlive pastors. It seems more likely that an angel is assigned for the life of the church, not a series of pastors.

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Questions with Answers

1. Why is the book called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”?

Answer:
The opening verse identifies this book as “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). The word revelation means “unveiling” or “disclosure.” While the book contains many prophecies about future events, its primary purpose is to reveal Jesus Christ in His glory, authority, and sovereign rule. Throughout Revelation, Christ is presented as the risen Lord, righteous Judge, King of kings, and victorious Lamb who fulfills God’s plan for history.

2. What was the purpose of this revelation?

Answer:
God gave this revelation to Jesus Christ, who then sent it through His angel to His servant John so that God’s servants would know “things which must shortly take place” (Revelation 1:1). The purpose was to prepare believers for coming events, encourage perseverance during persecution, and assure them that Christ will ultimately triumph over evil.

3. Who was John, and why was he on the island of Patmos?

Answer:
John was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of John and the letters of 1, 2, and 3 John. He was exiled to the island of Patmos “for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). His exile was the result of faithful preaching rather than criminal wrongdoing, demonstrating that suffering often accompanies faithful service to Christ.

4. What blessing is promised to those who read and obey this prophecy?

Answer:
Revelation 1:3 contains the first of seven blessings found in the book. Those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy are promised God’s blessing because “the time is near.” God’s blessings come not merely from reading Scripture but from obeying its message. Revelation was written to transform lives, not simply satisfy curiosity about the future.

5. Why were the seven churches specifically addressed?

Answer:
The seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:4, 11) were actual congregations located in what is now western Turkey. They represented real churches facing real spiritual challenges. At the same time, many scholars see them as representative of all churches throughout the church age. Christ’s messages to them contain timeless principles regarding faithfulness, repentance, endurance, and spiritual growth.

6. What does John’s greeting teach about the Trinity?

Answer:
In verses 4–5, John extends grace and peace from:

God the Father (“Him who is and who was and who is to come”),
The Holy Spirit (“the seven Spirits who are before His throne”), and
Jesus Christ (“the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth”).

This greeting beautifully demonstrates the unity and work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in bringing salvation and sustaining believers.

7. What titles are given to Jesus in verses 5–6, and what do they reveal?

Answer:
Jesus is described as:

The Faithful Witness—He perfectly revealed the Father and remained faithful unto death.
The Firstborn from the Dead—He is supreme over resurrection and guarantees the resurrection of His people.
The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth—He possesses ultimate authority over every earthly government.

John also reminds believers that Christ loves them, has washed them from their sins by His blood, and has made them a kingdom of priests to serve God.

8. What does Revelation 1:7 teach about Christ’s Second Coming?

Answer:
Verse 7 declares that Jesus will return visibly: “Behold, He is coming with clouds.” Every eye will see Him, including those who rejected Him. His return will be universal, unmistakable, and glorious. Those who oppose Him will mourn because His coming brings both salvation for believers and judgment upon the unbelieving world.

9. What does Jesus mean by saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega”?

Answer:
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Revelation 1:8). This title emphasizes God’s eternal nature and complete sovereignty. He is the beginning and the end, the Creator and the One who brings history to its appointed conclusion. Nothing exists outside His authority or knowledge.

10. Why does John emphasize that he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day”?

Answer:
John explains that he was worshiping and under the Holy Spirit’s influence when he received this vision (Revelation 1:10). This indicates that the revelation came by divine inspiration rather than human imagination. God often reveals Himself to believers whose hearts are devoted to Him in worship and obedience.

11. Why did Jesus command John to write what he saw?

Answer:
Jesus instructed John to write the visions and send them to the seven churches (Revelation 1:11). This ensured that the revelation would be preserved accurately for both the immediate recipients and future generations. The written Word allows every generation of believers to receive God’s truth.

12. What is the significance of the seven golden lampstands?

Answer:
The seven lampstands symbolize the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Lampstands hold light, illustrating that the church is called to shine God’s truth into a dark world. Christ walks among the lampstands, showing His continual presence, authority, protection, and intimate knowledge of His churches.

13. What does the vision of Christ reveal about His divine glory?

Answer:
John describes Christ with symbolic imagery:

A long robe and golden sash representing His priestly and kingly authority.
White hair symbolizing eternal wisdom and purity.
Eyes like blazing fire showing His perfect knowledge and judgment.
Feet like burnished bronze portraying strength and righteous judgment.
A voice like rushing waters revealing irresistible authority.
A sharp two-edged sword from His mouth representing the power of His Word.
A face shining like the sun displaying His divine glory.

Together these images present Jesus as the exalted Lord who possesses complete authority over heaven and earth.

14. Why did John fall at Jesus’ feet as though dead?

Answer:
When John saw the glorified Christ, he was overwhelmed by His holiness and majesty (Revelation 1:17). Throughout Scripture, encounters with God’s glory produce humility and reverence. John’s response reminds believers that worship begins with recognizing God’s greatness and our dependence upon Him.

15. Why did Jesus tell John, “Do not be afraid”?

Answer:
Although Christ appeared in overwhelming glory, He immediately comforted John by placing His right hand upon him and saying, “Do not be afraid” (Revelation 1:17). The One who possesses absolute power is also full of grace toward His followers. Christ’s presence brings both reverence and reassurance.

16. What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the First and the Last”?

Answer:
This title affirms Christ’s eternal existence and deity (Revelation 1:17). He existed before creation and will remain forever. History begins and ends with Him. This declaration assures believers that Christ remains sovereign over every generation and every event.

17. What is the significance of Jesus holding “the keys of Hades and of Death”?

Answer:
Jesus declares that He died and is now alive forevermore and possesses the keys of Death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). Keys symbolize authority. Christ has conquered death through His resurrection and now has complete authority over life, death, resurrection, and eternal destiny. Believers therefore need not fear death because Christ has already secured victory over it.

18. What three-part outline for Revelation is given in verse 19?

Answer:
Jesus tells John to write:

The things which you have seen—the vision of the glorified Christ (chapter 1).
The things which are—the present condition of the seven churches (chapters 2–3).
The things which will take place after this—future prophetic events (chapters 4–22).

This verse provides a natural outline for understanding the structure of the entire book.

19. What do the seven stars represent?

Answer:
Jesus explains that the seven stars are the “angels” or messengers of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Whether these refer to heavenly angels or human leaders, the picture emphasizes Christ’s authority over those responsible for the spiritual care and witness of His churches.

20. What are the major theological lessons of Revelation 1?

Answer:
Revelation 1 establishes several foundational truths:

Jesus Christ is the central subject of all biblical prophecy.
Christ is fully divine, eternal, and sovereign over history.
He walks among His churches and knows their condition.
His death and resurrection have conquered sin and death.
He will visibly return in glory to judge the world.
Believers are called to faithful endurance, confident that Christ reigns.
Worship, obedience, and perseverance are the proper responses to the revelation of the exalted Lord.

These truths prepare the reader to understand the remainder of Revelation with confidence that history unfolds under the sovereign authority of Jesus Christ.

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Chapter 2 – Christ’s Letters to the Churches (Part 1)

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
- 2.1 Revelation 2:1, Ephesus: Characteristic
- 2.2 Revelation 2:2-3, Ephesus: Good Points
- 2.3 Revelation 2:4-7, Ephesus: Rebuke, Required Correction, and Promise
- 2.4 Revelation 2:8-11, Smyrna: A Church Facing Persecution
- 2.5 Revelation 2:8-11, Smyrna: Encouragement for Those Under Persecution
- 2.6 Revelation 2:12-13, Pergamum: The Heresies Make Inroads
- 2.7 Revelation 2:14-15, Pergamum: Their Sin
- 2.8 Revelation 2:16-17, Pergamum: The Correction and Promise
- 2.9 Revelation 2:18-19, Thyatira: Commendation
- 2.10 Revelation 2:20-23, Thyatira: The Rebuke
- 2.11 Revelation 2:24-29, Thyatira: The Promise
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 2 begins the first part of Christ’s direct messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Speaking through the Apostle John, the risen Lord addresses the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of their spiritual condition. He commends their faithfulness where it exists, confronts their failures without compromise, warns of the consequences of unrepentant sin, and promises eternal rewards to those who overcome through steadfast faith. These letters reveal that Christ is actively present among His churches, evaluating not outward appearance but the true condition of the heart. While each message was written to a historical congregation facing specific challenges, they also provide timeless instruction for every generation of believers, calling the church to love Christ wholeheartedly, remain faithful under persecution, reject false teaching and immorality, and persevere in obedience until He comes.

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Bible Lessons

2.1 Revelation 2:1, Ephesus: Characteristic

^2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. (Revelation 2:1 ESV)

With this lesson we begin the section that includes the seven letters to seven churches. In general, each letter can be divided into six parts: (1) the description of Jesus Christ found in Revelation 1:12 – 20, (2) that which is good about the church, (3) that which is not good about the church, (4) a solution to their problem, (5) a consequence of their disobedience to the correction, and (6) a promise for those who overcome.

In this lesson we begin to examine the first letter, which was written to the angel of the church in Ephesus. In our study of Acts, we learned that the Ephesian church was probably started by Priscilla and Aquila and established by Paul who spent more than three years there.

Ephesus was the capital and largest city of the province of Asia, which is now the southwest part of modern Turkey. It had a great seaport, allowing for much travel and commerce by sea. From our study of Acts, we learned that Ephesus was a very immoral city and was dominated by the worship of Artemis, a fertility goddess.

The letter was not delivered personally to an angel but to someone in church leadership, like a pastor or elder. The angel assigned to the church possibly had the responsibility to ensure that the contents of the letter was made known to the members of the church and would help in its understanding and application in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

The words John received for this church came from the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands. We will see that each letter begins with something that connects it back to the description of Jesus Christ covered in Revelation 1:12 – 20. In this case the connection is made to 1:12 (seven golden lampstands) and 1:16 (seven stars).

Jesus knows all about this church, as he does about your church and mine. He also knows about each member in the church, as he does about you and me. He knows that which is good and also that which is bad. John will point out that which is good about this Ephesian church in the next lesson.

2.2 Revelation 2:2-3, Ephesus: Good Points

^2:2 I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not and found them to be false. ³I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. (Revelation 2:2 – 3 ESV)

In the previous lesson we introduced this church and looked at the description of Jesus Christ. In this lesson we will look at what is good about this church.

The first good point listed is “their works” which would be the works of believers within the church. There are many verses we could draw on to illustrate such works. For example, Ephesians 2:10 ESV: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for “good works,” which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Each believer is assigned work to do while here on earth. How well are we doing?

Paul gives us an example: ¹²“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12 – 13 ESV). This work is about our spiritual growth, our sanctification.

James speaks up about the work of faith. ¹⁴“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? ¹⁷So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14 – 17 ESV). If our faith is a living faith it will be validated by our works.

There is so much more that could be said about works. One of those additional thoughts is Jesus knows our works and I wonder what his evaluation of them is. Do we “toil” in our works or is our attitude to get by with as little as we can so as to have more time to enjoy the pleasures and things of the world? As they toil with their work they “patiently endure” (ESV) or show “steadfast endurance” (NET) in their labor.

In addition to being committed to their assigned work, they are also on the lookout for those who would bring undesirable things into the church. They stand against evil and test those who believe they are somebody but are not. These so-called apostles have a personal agenda and what they have to say is false. This reminds us of the false teachers we studies about when we covered 2 Peter and Jude.

This work of ministry that is being carried out by members of this church is for the purpose of holding up the name of Jesus Christ before the unsaved world. This was fairly typical of first-century churches and as a result the gospel spread rapidly. These believers were bearing fruit in the lives of unbelievers though their labors, making the gospel attractive to them.

This church at Ephesus sets a high standard of achievement but there is a downside to their enduring work. This we will cover in the next lesson.

2.3 Revelation 2:4-7, Ephesus: Rebuke, Required Correction, and Promise

^2:4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. ⁵Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. ⁶Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ⁷He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:4 – 7 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the good points of the Ephesian church. In this lesson we will discover something that is not so good that might also be true in our lives.

It seems that the members of the church are so busy working that they have not left time to maintain a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. When they came to salvation, these members had a tremendous love for Jesus, but their work for him has drawn them away from him with the primary focus on their accomplishments. This shift of focus is sin and needs to be repented of and a fresh balanced focus established. We are to serve out of love for him not out of need for accomplishment. As our love for him diminishes his power working through us diminishes and we end up working more from the flesh for our own glory.

If they are not willing to repent of this shift of love for Jesus to their personal gains in ministry then the light of the glory of Jesus Christ will diminish in that church to where the lampstand is removed, and the Spirit will no longer move in powerful ways in the church. As a result, the work dies out and the church becomes primarily a social club, eventually dying out as the members die or leave.

Having delivered this negative blow to the church, John then encourages them with one more positive point. He points out their hate for the works of the Nicolaitans. We will encounter them again in the church at Pergamum. These Nicolaitans seem to be a sect that taught that Christians could engage in immoral behavior with freedom and immunity to punishment. Some associate these Nicolaitans with Nicolaus, one of the seven original deacons in the church in Jerusalem, but this association may have resulted simply on name identification rather than a real historical connection. These Nicolaitans would be another example of false teachers.

John ends each letter with the statement, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. For this church at Ephesus the promise is given to the one who conquers or is victorious in his or her faith. Such a person will be permitted to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of good and evil in disobedience, they were kept from eating from the tree of life as shown in Genesis 3:22 – 24 ESV: 22 “Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” Only those who have eternal life can eat of its fruit.

The tree of life that was in the garden of Eden reappears again in the new Jerusalem in Revelation 22:2 ESV: “on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”; in Revelation 22:14 ESV: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.”; and in Revelation 22:19 ESV: “and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

2.4 Revelation 2:8-11, Smyrna: A Church Facing Persecution

^2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. ⁹I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. ¹¹He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ (Revelation 2:8 – 11 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the letter to the church located in Ephesus. With this lesson we will begin the letter written to the church in Smyrna. As we study this letter we will notice that nothing bad is said about this church.

Smyrna, like Ephesus, was also a port city, located about thirty-five miles north northwest of Ephesus. Smyrna is a city that has almost continuously been inhabited for centuries and has now been largely absorbed into the city of Izmir, Turkey. There are still remnants of ancient life through the city of Izmir today.

The description of Jesus Christ that this letter opens with is: “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life” and comes from Revelation 1:17 – 18. This description is chosen because of the suffering the members of this church are experiencing. They are currently being slandered but greater persecution is coming that may lead to death. As I think about this persecution, I see this church as a foreshadow of persecution that will lead us into the tribulation period.

The “first and the last” denotes the eternal nature of Jesus Christ who through a virgin birth takes on a body of flesh and lived a perfect life and died on the cross for our sin and then three days later rose from the dead. These believers in Smyrna who will suffer tribulation for a short time may experience martyrdom. Their death is not to be feared because of the blessing waiting for them in their resurrection.

Jesus tells these Smartian believers that he knows about their tribulation and their poverty. They may be poor in terms of world standards but because of their endurance through suffering they have become spiritually rich (James 2:5). Peter speaks of this in 1 Peter 1:3 – 7 ESV: ³“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Because of the salvation that Jesus provided through his death and resurrection, those who suffer persecution and even death were born again to a living hope and know that an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, is waiting for them in heaven. Those who have no hope will live in fear as we see being expressed by so many today in the face of the coronavirus. Fear is overcome by hope and the source of that hope is found in Jesus Christ and his love. Maybe this coronavirus is a wakeup call for those who have not been nourishing their relationship with Jesus as they should.

We will continue to study this letter in the next lesson.

2.5 Revelation 2:8-11, Smyrna: Encouragement for Those Under Persecution

In the previous lesson we started our study of the letter written to the church in Smyrna. With this lesson we will complete our study of that letter.

In the letter to the church in Ephesus, it was the Nicolaitans that were causing problems as false apostles and as false teachers. In this church it is those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Those who say they are Jews are claiming to be God’s people but in reality they belong to Satan. In the New Testament, God’s people are defined in relationship to Jesus, not to their genealogy. Using these evil Jews, the devil is about to throw some of them into prison as a test of their faith. Some of them will be martyred as a witness of their faith but through their faithfulness they will receive the crown of life.

This crown of life is an imperishable wreath (1 Corinthians 9:25) referred to as a crown of righteousness in 2 Timothy 4:8. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 ESV). It is a wreath of victory, promised by God, for those who love him.

The phrase “for ten days you will have tribulation” has caused much speculation over its meaning. We should see it as simply a metaphor to represent a short period of suffering when compared to an eternity of blessing in heaven. It is an indication that their suffering will be brief, not necessarily that persecution will be brief, but that death may come quickly instead.

As I think about this letter, I cannot help but think about Christians who will be alive during the tribulation period. They will experience intense persecution just as those in Smyrna are. In Revelation 13:7, God will grant permission to the first beast to make war on the saints and to conquer them resulting in a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, to stand before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes that were made white in the blood of the Lamb. Is either one of these events the result of God’s wrath or the result of evil men? In both cases whether it be Christians in Smyrna or Christians in the tribulation period, those who conquer by remaining faithful will not be hurt by the second death.

We will study this second death when we come to Revelation 20:4 – 6. Those verses in the ESV are: ⁴“Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also, I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. ⁶Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.”

I see this letter to the church in Smyrna as an encouragement to those who will face persecution from then to the time within the tribulation of the last days. If Christians die for their faith both before the beginning of the tribulation period and after it begins then I must seek for a reason, if there is one, why the pretribulation rapture position is so important as to cause disunity and hate between believers of a different position.

2.6 Revelation 2:12-13, Pergamum: The Heresies Make Inroads

^2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. ¹³I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (Revelation 2:12 – 13 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished our study of the second letter, the letter to the church in Smyrna and saw it as a foreshadow of future persecution. With this lesson we begin our study of the third letter, the letter to the church in Pergamum.

Pergamos was located at the center of the province of Asia, some sixty miles north of Smyrna (See map at this link). It was an evil religious center as the cult of the emperor as well as the Greek pagan mysteries flourished there. The great altar of Zeus, the largest altar in the world, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was also located there. The city was an intellectual center and boasted of its great library of some 200,000 volumes. It was also a medical center with the deity of medicine, Aesculapius, being worshiped. This worship commonly took place under the sign of a coiled snake on a pole that was established by Moses in the wilderness. 8 “And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” (Numbers 21:8 – 9 ESV).

The church in Ephesus was a hard-working church but at the expense of their love for Jesus Christ. That church had to deal with the false teaching of the Nicolaitans. The members of the church in Smyrna suffered persecution first by being slandered and then imprisoned and even killed for their faith at the hands of the Jews who were of the synagogue of Satan. They were a church, however, with no faults charged against them. In this letter to the church in Pergamum, evil pressed even harder against its members, and made sharp inroads into the church in the form of Nicolaitanism and Balaamism. With these two heresies in view, the characteristic of the Lord that was chosen for this letter was “the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword (Revelation 1:5); a sword with two sharp blades needed to cut out the two heresies that have infected them.

Jesus Christ knows that this church is located where Satan’s throne is. We covered the things of evil in the paragraph above that provide evidence of such an unseen throne being located there. Even in the midst of such evil influence they, like those at Smyrna, held fast to the name of Jesus, and they did not deny their faith in Jesus, even in the days of Antipas his faithful witness.

Who is Antipas? There is very little said about him in the scriptures. We know he was a faithful witness and as a result he was martyred. The only one else mentioned in the Bible, by name, who was martyred was Stephen in Acts 22:20. The word martyr is mentioned only once in the Bible in Revelation 17:6 in the plural form. Each time martyr(s) is used the writer associates it with the Savior. In some translations the word martyr may be replace with the word “witness.” Like Stephen, Antipas held fast to the Lord’s name, refusing to deny the faith and as a result, he like Stephen was also martyred.

2.7 Revelation 2:14-15, Pergamum: Their Sin

^2:14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. ¹⁵So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (Revelation 2:14 – 15 ESV)

In the previous lesson we witnessed the inroad of two heresies: Nicolaitanism and Balaamism. In this lesson we will look at these heresies and learn what the Lord requires of this church concerning them.

We now come to the rebuke part of the letter, introduced by the phrase: “But I have a few things against you.” The first thing mentioned is their holding to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.

For background on Balaam and how the enemy tried to get him to curse the people of Israel, one needs to read Numbers 22 – 24. We see that God prevented him from pronouncing a curse on the people but in the end “Balaam’s advice caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord” (Numbers 31:16 ESV). Peor was the name of a mountain peak, mentioned in Numbers 23:28, to which Balak, king of Moab led Balaam in his fourth and final attempt to induce Balaam to pronounce a course upon the Israelites threating to occupy his land.

The “stumbling block” was the advice of Balaam to Balak to encourage the sons of Israel to eat food sacrificed to idols and to practice sexual immorality. When the people of Israel came into the land of Moab, king Balak set traps by enticing them into sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols, and “the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods” (Numbers 25:1 – 2 ESV). The sin committed by the people of Israel caused God to discipline them. “Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord” (Numbers 31:16 ESV). These same sins were being committed by some of the members of the church in Pergamum. In addition to those sins, there were some who held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans, who taught that Christians could engage in immoral behavior with freedom and immunity to punishment.

There is much similarity between the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Each represented an evil teacher who had influence towards the people and brought them into bondage through heresy. A subtle difference is the “teaching of the Nicolaitans” refers to their domination over the people as compared to the “teaching of Balaam” referring to seducing the people into sin. There was essentially the same heresy but a different approach in presenting it.

What is the solution to their problem? We will cover that in the next lesson.

2.8 Revelation 2:16-17, Pergamum: The Correction and Promise

^2:16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’” (Revelation 2:16 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we were told what was wrong about this church at Pergamum. They were not vigilant enough and as a result evil entered the church in the form of heresies and drew some into sin and away from Jesus Christ. This is a reminder for us to vigilant that heresies of some form do not draw us into sin and away from the Lord.

Having presented the two heresies that have crept into the church at Pergamum, the Lord instructs them to repent and if they do not then they can expect he will come and wage war against them with the sword of his mouth. The coming soon does not refer to the second coming but to his intervention in some way. An illustration of divine intervention is seen in 1 Corinthians 11:30 – 32 (ESV) in connection with the Lord’s supper: 30 “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.” There are consequences of our sin.

Each letter ends with a promise from the Spirit. This letter ends with the promise to those who conquer, or overcomes, the forces of evil arrayed against them in the form of these heresies. They will receive some of the hidden manna, which is reference to the manna hidden in the ark of the covenant (Exodus 16:33). When Jesus came he referred to himself as the hidden manna. He said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (John 6:51 ESV).

In addition to the life believers at Pergamum have in Jesus Christ, they will also be given a white stone. In those times the victors of athletic events were given a white stone to allow them to enter the banquet. The promise here is their entrance to the messianic banquet as born-again believers. On that stone that each believer receives is a name known to, or understood, only by the one who receives it. It is a name chosen by the Lord that identifies our character. In Scripture, God changed the names of certain people to reflect their new ministry. Two big names are Abraham and Paul. I wonder what my new name will be based upon the Lord’s evaluation of my character.

To those who overcome, God has promised to meet all our needs and bless us eternally with the kindness of his grace in his holy presence.

2.9 Revelation 2:18-19, Thyatira: Commendation

2:18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. (Revelation 2:18 – 19 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the letter to the church in Pergamum. With this lesson we begin the letter to the church located in Thyatira. It is the center letter of seven and is the longest with much being said about their good and especially their bad aspects.

Thyatira was about forty miles east southeast of Pergamum (See map). Politically it was perhaps the least important city of the seven. It was, however, an important trade center with many trade guilds. According to Acts 16:14, a woman named Lydia was from the city of Thyatira and sold purple goods. She was a worshipper of God and had an encounter with Paul in Philippi. At which time the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what he had to say and as a result she became a believer and was baptized.

The words to John for this letter are identified as coming from the Son of God, who is described as having eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like burnished bronze (a reference back to Revelation 1:14 – 15). This is the only place in Revelation where the reference to “Son of God” is found. These characteristics link “the Son of God” with “the one like a son of man” in Revelation 1:13.

He knows their works, their love and faith, their service and patient endurance, and that their latter works exceed the first. Think back to the church in Ephesus. They were commended for their works, their toil, and their patient endurance, but they had abandoned the love they had at first. The Thyatira church did not abandon their love but maintained a strong love and faith as evidenced by their works.

This was a church in which many members were growing spiritually as their latter works exceed those in the past. They did those greater works as they grew in their love and faith. If works is top in priority then love and faith will decline, and the work done will gravitate towards the work of the flesh to its own glory and not work done in the power of the Spirit to God’s glory.

With this strong commendation came a strong rebuke because there were some in the church that became negligent and allowed sin to enter into their lives. This we will cover in the next lesson.

2.10 Revelation 2:20-23, Thyatira: The Rebuke

^2:20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. ²¹I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. ²²Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, ²³and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:20 – 23 ESV)

With the previous lesson we began the letter written by John to the church located in Thyatira. We covered the necessary background and compared their commendation to the commendation given to the church at Ephesus. We noticed that those in Ephesus worked at the expense of their love but here in Thyatira their work was an expression of their love for the Lord. In this lesson we will cover the lengthy rebuke the Lord makes against this church.

The rebuke begins with the identification of a woman, named Jezebel, who has become part of this church as a teacher. “Jezebel was the name of King Ahab’s idolatrous and wicked queen in 1 Kings 16:33; 18:1 – 5; 19:1 – 3; and 21:5 – 24. It is probable that the individual named here was analogous to her prototype in idolatry and immoral behavior, since those are the items singled out for mention” (Footnote 69 for Revelation 2 found at this link). It is also probable that Jezebel could be the name of an actual prophetess who was leading people astray with her teaching and practice.

Jezebel refers to herself as a prophetess who deceives, through her teaching, the Lord’s servants, by endorsing the practice of sexual immorality and the eating of food that has been sacrificed to idols; two heresies promoted by Balaam and the Nicolaitans. The problem at this church is not primarily her teaching but the fact that church leadership tolerates what she is doing.

The Lord says he gave her time to repent, as he does us, but she refuses to repent of her sin. She not only taught that it was ok to practice sexual immorality, but she gave strength to her teaching by practicing what she taught. Because of her sin, she is to be punished by the Lord through sickness, which will be server as indicated by her being bedridden. This punishment will also include those who practice adultery along with her; a punishment so severe that it is described as “great tribulation.”

I believe this is a foreshadow of the great prostitute of Babylon seen in Revelation 17. There she was described as a ⁴ “woman arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. ⁵And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” ⁶And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” (Revelation 17:4 – 6 ESV). The impurities of her sexual immorality is seen in our cultural and our churches today.

Sexual immorality is quite acceptable today and those who practice it are blind to the rebuke given here. Their sin will one day demand a great price, even to the point of death. Punishment will be so widespread and severe that all the churches will know that the Lord searches the mind and the heart of his people and he will give to each according to their works.

We will break at this point and finish the letter to this church in the next lesson.

2.11 Revelation 2:24-29, Thyatira: The Promise

^2:24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. ²⁵Only hold fast what you have until I come. ²⁶The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, ²⁷and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. ²⁸And I will give him the morning star. ²⁹He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 2:24 – 29 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the main part of the rebuke. In this lesson we will finish the rebuke and cover the promise made to this church.

In the previous lesson the rebuke was directed mainly to those who were holding to the teaching of Jezebel and those in leadership who were tolerating her spiritual damage within the church. To those who were innocent, those who did not hold to her teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, the Lord does not lay on them any other burden other than to hold fast to what they have until he returns.

The “deep things” (ESV), or “deep secrets” (NET), of Satan probably refers to those who turn away from the word of God and look elsewhere for the deceptive promises of secret spiritual knowledge taught by false religions that are promoted by Satan. Those of us who are satisfied with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ have nothing to fear and are given no other burden to carry, as long as we maintain a growing relationship with Jesus Christ until he comes.

This brings us to a promise made by the Spirit to each church. To this church in Thyatira the promise is to those who conquer or overcome the forces of evil arrayed against them. They will receive authority over the nations (Gentiles) and the Lord will rule (or shepherd) with them with a rod of iron (or a scepter), as when earthen pots are broken in pieces. This is a quotation from Psalm 2:9 ESV: “You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

This “rod of iron” is mentioned in Revelation 12:5 ESV: “She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.”; and in Revelation 19:15 ESV: “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”

This authority to rule is given to us by Jesus Christ who first received it from his Father. When does this rule take place? According to Revelation 20 it will be during the thousand years that Jesus reigns on earth.

Those who overcome will also be given the “morning star” which is identified in Revelation 22:16 as “the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Those who overcome have the promise of being born again and belonging to Jesus Christ.

This brings us to the end of the fourth letter, the letter to the church located in Thyatira.

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Questions with Answers

1. Why are the messages in Revelation 2 addressed to specific churches?

The seven churches were actual congregations located in Asia Minor that faced real spiritual challenges during the first century. Christ addressed each church according to its unique circumstances while also providing principles that apply to all believers throughout history. Each message begins with the phrase, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” indicating that every church and every Christian should learn from these instructions.

2. What pattern is found in Christ’s messages to the churches?

Each message generally follows a similar pattern:

Christ identifies Himself with a description from Revelation 1.
He commends the church for its strengths (except Laodicea later in Revelation 3).
He exposes areas needing correction (except Smyrna and Philadelphia).
He calls for repentance where necessary.
He gives a promise to those who overcome.

This pattern demonstrates both Christ’s perfect knowledge and His gracious desire to restore His people.

3. Why does Jesus describe Himself differently to each church?

Each description of Christ matches the church’s greatest need.

For example:

To Ephesus, He is the One who walks among the lampstands, reminding them that He is present among His churches.
To Smyrna, He is the First and the Last who died and came to life, encouraging believers facing death.
To Pergamum, He possesses the sharp two-edged sword, emphasizing His authority to judge false teaching.

These descriptions remind believers that Christ possesses exactly the qualities needed for every situation.

4. Why did Jesus praise the church at Ephesus?

Jesus commended Ephesus because they:

Worked diligently.
Persevered under hardship.
Rejected false apostles.
Hated the works of the Nicolaitans.
Remained faithful despite difficulties.

Their commitment to doctrinal purity and faithful service showed genuine devotion to God’s truth.

5. What does it mean that Ephesus had “left its first love”?

Although they remained orthodox and hardworking, their love for Christ had cooled. Their service continued, but the warmth of personal devotion had diminished. Love is the foundation of Christian obedience (Matthew 22:37–40). Without love, even correct doctrine and faithful service lose their spiritual vitality.

Jesus therefore called them to remember where they had fallen, repent, and return to the love that once motivated everything they did.

6. What would happen if Ephesus did not repent?

Jesus warned that He would remove their lampstand from its place.

The lampstand represents the church’s witness before the world (Revelation 1:20). Removal would signify the loss of Christ’s blessing and their effectiveness as His representative. Churches remain spiritually useful only as long as they continue walking in faithful fellowship with Christ.

7. What reward is promised to those who overcome in Ephesus?

Jesus promises access to the tree of life in the paradise of God.

The tree of life, first seen in Genesis, symbolizes eternal life and complete fellowship with God. Sin barred humanity from it in Eden, but Christ restores access through His redemptive work.

8. Why did Jesus have no criticism for the church in Smyrna?

Smyrna was suffering intense persecution yet remained faithful.

Though materially poor, Jesus declared them spiritually rich. Their faithfulness during suffering demonstrated genuine trust in Him. Sometimes faithful churches endure great hardship, yet Christ sees their true spiritual condition far differently than the world does.

9. What does Jesus mean by “the synagogue of Satan”?

Jesus refers to individuals who claimed to worship God but opposed Christ and persecuted His followers.

The expression does not condemn Jewish people as a whole but identifies those whose actions aligned themselves with Satan by resisting God’s Messiah and harming His people. Spiritual allegiance is determined by obedience to Christ rather than ethnic heritage.

10. Why does Jesus tell Smyrna not to fear suffering?

Christ reminds them that He has already conquered death through His resurrection.

Believers may experience imprisonment or martyrdom, but eternal life is secure. Jesus encourages them to remain faithful “unto death,” promising the crown of life to those who persevere.

11. What is the “second death”?

The second death refers to eternal separation from God in the final judgment.

Those who belong to Christ may experience physical death, but they will never experience the second death because Christ has secured their eternal salvation.

12. Why was Pergamum described as the place “where Satan’s throne is”?

Pergamum was a center of emperor worship and pagan religion, including magnificent temples dedicated to false gods.

The city represented intense spiritual opposition to Christianity. Living there required believers to resist continual pressure to compromise their faith.

13. Who was Antipas?

Antipas is described as Christ’s “faithful witness” who was martyred in Pergamum.

Although little else is known about him, his example illustrates courageous faithfulness even in the face of death. His testimony became an encouragement to believers enduring persecution.

14. What was the teaching of Balaam?

The teaching of Balaam refers to leading God’s people into compromise through idolatry and sexual immorality.

Drawing from Numbers 22–25, Balaam encouraged Moab to entice Israel into sinful relationships that corrupted their worship. Likewise, false teachers in Pergamum encouraged Christians to compromise with pagan society.

15. Who were the Nicolaitans?

Although their exact identity remains uncertain, the Nicolaitans apparently promoted moral compromise and participation in pagan practices while claiming such behavior was acceptable for Christians.

Jesus strongly condemned these teachings because they blurred the distinction between holy living and worldly compromise.

16. What is the significance of the hidden manna?

Hidden manna symbolizes Christ’s provision and eternal spiritual nourishment.

Just as God sustained Israel in the wilderness, Christ continually satisfies those who remain faithful to Him. It also points toward the eternal fellowship believers will enjoy in God’s kingdom.

17. What is the white stone with a new name?

Several interpretations exist, but the white stone likely symbolizes acceptance, victory, and personal relationship with Christ.

The new name reflects the believer’s unique identity and eternal fellowship with the Lord—a relationship fully known between Christ and each faithful follower.

18. Why does Jesus praise the church in Thyatira?

Jesus commends them for:

Love
Faith
Service
Perseverance
Spiritual growth

Unlike Ephesus, whose love had diminished, Thyatira’s works were increasing. Their Christian service demonstrated genuine spiritual maturity in many areas.

19. Who is “Jezebel” in Thyatira?

The name likely symbolizes a false prophetess rather than referring to the Old Testament queen herself.

Like the original Jezebel in 1 Kings, she promoted idolatry, immorality, and spiritual compromise. Jesus condemned both her teachings and the church’s tolerance of them.

20. Why is false teaching so dangerous?

False teaching rarely appears openly evil. Instead, it often mixes truth with error, making compromise appear reasonable.

Unchecked false teaching gradually weakens holiness, corrupts doctrine, and leads believers away from wholehearted devotion to Christ. Therefore, churches must combine love with doctrinal faithfulness.

21. What does Jesus reveal about Himself when judging Thyatira?

Jesus describes Himself as the Son of God whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

His fiery eyes symbolize perfect knowledge that penetrates every heart, while His bronze feet picture righteous judgment. Nothing escapes His examination.

22. Why does Jesus say He searches hearts and minds?

Christ sees beyond outward appearance into every motive and intention.

People may deceive others, but no one deceives the Lord. His judgments are perfectly just because they are based upon complete knowledge of every heart.

23. What does it mean to “hold fast” until Christ comes?

Believers are called to remain faithful to biblical truth regardless of cultural pressure, persecution, or false teaching.

Faithfulness involves continuing in obedience, trusting Christ, and refusing compromise until He returns.

24. What reward is promised to the overcomers in Thyatira?

Jesus promises authority over the nations and the gift of the morning star.

Sharing Christ’s reign fulfills God’s promise that believers will reign with Him in His coming kingdom. The morning star likely refers to Christ Himself (Revelation 22:16), indicating intimate fellowship with the risen Lord.

25. What is the central message of Revelation 2?

Revelation 2 teaches that Jesus Christ continually examines His churches with perfect knowledge. He commends faithfulness, exposes spiritual decline, condemns compromise with sin and false teaching, calls His people to repentance, strengthens those who suffer for His name, and promises eternal rewards to those who remain faithful until the end. The chapter reminds every generation of believers that Christ desires churches characterized by love, holiness, perseverance, doctrinal purity, and unwavering devotion to Him.

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Chapter 3 – Christ’s Letters to the Churches (Part 2)

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 3 continues Christ’s messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor, focusing on the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each message reveals the Lord’s perfect knowledge of the spiritual condition of His people, offering both commendation and correction according to their faithfulness. Sardis is warned against the danger of spiritual complacency and the appearance of life without genuine devotion. Philadelphia is praised for its perseverance and steadfast obedience despite limited strength, receiving promises of protection and eternal reward. Laodicea is rebuked for its lukewarm faith, self-sufficiency, and spiritual blindness, yet Christ graciously calls the church to repentance and renewed fellowship, declaring that He stands at the door and knocks. Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of genuine faith, perseverance, repentance, and wholehearted commitment, while assuring every believer who overcomes of an eternal inheritance in His kingdom.

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Bible Lessons

3:1 Revelation 3:1-2, Sardis: Introduction and Rebuke

^3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. ²Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. (Revelation 3:1 – 2 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the fourth letter, the letter to the church located in Thyatira. With this lesson we will begin the fifth letter, the letter to the church located in Sardis.

Sardis was located about 30 miles south southeast of Thyatira. (See map at this link). A small remnant of the ancient city still exists today, but most has been in ruins for over 500 years. “Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities of the Persian Empire, the seat of a Seleucid Satrap, the seat of a proconsul under the Roman Empire, and the metropolis of the province Lydia in later Roman and Byzantine times” (Wikipedia). The city of Sardis was wealthy and also wicked.

The words that John is about to write to Sardis were received from Jesus Christ, who has the seven spirits (Revelation 1:4) of God and the seven stars (Revelation 1:16). The seven spirits of God is a figurative description of the Holy Spirit who is communicating an announcement to each of the seven churches. At the end of each letter is the statement “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” In each case the emphasis of the Spirit is a promise made to those who overcome.

This church is rebuked, by the Lord, for having a reputation of being alive, based upon their works, but his assessment of them is they are spiritually dead or were acting as though spiritually dead. We see the same thing in Matthew 7:21 – 23 ESV: 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Like the people at Sardis, these people were working and thus believed they were spiritually alive.

To those in Sardis, Jesus said, “I know your works” but then adds, “I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.” Their works were not complete because they were being done in the flesh and as a result, they were not bearing fruit to the glory of God. To those in the Matthew 7 passage, there was no opportunity to repent of their sin as Jesus told them to be gone from him, but these in the church in Sardis still had a chance, for he said to them, “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die.” These people labor but are not bearing fruit. The call of grace is presented, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 ESV).

Having been rebuked, Jesus then tells them what they must do to satisfy him. We will cover his recommendation in the next lesson.

3:2 Revelation 3:3-6, Sardis: Correction and Promise

^3:3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. ⁴Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. ⁶He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:3 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we opened the letter to the church in Sardis and saw the connection back to chapter 1 about Jesus having the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. We next covered the rebuke to the church and are now ready to cover what the Lord expects them to do in response to his rebuke.

A point that was left unclear in the previous lesson was the issue of death. What or who did it apply to? Like any church today, Sardis was made up of believers and unbelievers, but it was a dying church. There were still a few believers in the church who have not soiled their garments through the practice of sin but have instead been consistent in their obedience and in their faith. These, according to Jesus, are worthy and will walk with him in white in heaven.

Speaking directly to those have been instructed on the message of grace, they were to keep what they received and heard. They are to wake up and repent for the time will come when he will appear like a thief in the night. He will come unannounced at an hour not known to them. Think about the shame you could experience if he comes, and you are unsaved or if you were a believer and at the time you were committing adultery or some other sin. We need to be ready.

Since the hour is not known when he will come does this mean that the return of Jesus Christ is truly imminent? Some say it is heretical to teach that Jesus can come at any time, but others disagree. This gives rise to the topic of the rapture that will also need our attention at a later time. We will probably address these as special topics between chapters 3 and 4 in our study.

At the end of each letter is a promise to those who conquers or is victorious in his or her faith. To this church is the promise of being clothed in white garments and their name will never be blotted out of the book of life. Their name is secure, and they will have no fear of being thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). They are secure, and Jesus will confess them before his Father and before his angels. ³²“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, ³³but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32 – 33 ESV).

Are we being faithful in our service to him and when times become difficult are we willing to suffer and not deny our faith in him?

3:3 Revelation 3:7, Philadelphia: Introduction

^3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will shut, who shuts, and no one opens. (Revelation 3:7 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the letter to the church in Sardis. With this lesson we will begin the sixth letter, which is to the church in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was the best example of an ancient City of Brotherly Love and was located about 28 miles east of Sardis and survives today as the town of Alasehir. It was a town in Lydia, a kingdom of western Asia Minor. (See map at this link).

Of the seven churches, this is the second and last one in which there is no rebuke. The other church was the church in Smyrna, which was experiencing terrible persecution for its testimony. We will see that this church at Philadelphia maintained a faithful witness in the midst of general apostasy and unbelief.

The words for this letter are from the one identified as the “holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will shut, who shuts, and no one opens.” A uniqueness of this introduction is that it does not refer back to the introductory description in Revelation 1. The words are quoted instead from Isaiah 22:22 ESV: “And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.”

Jesus Christ is described here as the “holy one” who is without sin. The Son of God was sent by the Father into the world and through a virgin birth he took on a body of flesh who we know as Jesus. Through his virgin birth, he was born without a fallen sinful nature and lived a perfect life to qualify him to take our sin and die in our place to provide for our salvation. The holy one of God was willing to sacrifice his life so that we who were dead in our sin could be made alive in him. He took our filthy garments of self-righteousness and clothed us with his righteousness.

Having died for us and then rising from the dead, he has the authority to have the key of David which allows him to determine who will be admitted into the kingdom of God and who will not. Those who enter are then a permanent part of the kingdom as no one can come and take them away.

We will end this lesson here so we can cover their works in one lesson.

3:4 Revelation 3:8-10, Philadelphia: Provision and a Promise

^3:8 I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ⁹Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. ¹⁰Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:8 – 10 ESV)

With the previous lesson we introduced the sixth letter, the letter to the church in Philadelphia. In this lesson we will look at their works.

The Lord knows their works and he is pleased and because of that he has set before them an open door, which no one is able to shut. Referring to Paul’s ministry, an open door is seen as an opportunity for ministry. For example, in 1 Corinthians 16:9 we find “a wide door for effective work has opened” and in 2 Corinthians 2:12 we find “a door was open for me (Paul) in the Lord.” However, in the context of this letter, these Christians, who have been excluded from the synagogue, who are to become pillars in the temple of God, probably stand before an open door into God’s heavenly sanctuary, like we see in Revelation 4:1.

John describes this church as having “little power.” The first church that did not receive a rebuke was the church at Smyrna, which John described as being physically poor yet spiritually rich. This church is described as having “little strength” (NET) yet they were able to hold fast to and keep the Lord’s word, and while under persecution they remained faithful and did not deny his name. This persecution seems to come from those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not. The church at Smyrna was also persecuted by these Jews and in both cases there was no rebuke made to the churches. Do you suppose there is a benefit in our spiritual walk from being persecuted? Because of their faithfulness, a promise is made that one day these Jews will be forced to come and bow down at their feet, and they will learn that they are loved by me, says the Lord. In Isaiah 45:14 and 49:23 are two examples of those in authority who have caused persecution, being forced to come, and bow down before those they caused to suffer.

Because these have remained faithful and patiently endured under persecution, a promise is made to them, That promise reads: “I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” As we look at this statement, please remember what was said in lesson 1: “When interrupting scripture be sure your imagination is tied to the text and not to previous imagination you bring to the text.” Let us carefully consider what the text is pointing to.

The promise begins with “I will keep you.” Who or what does the “you” refer to? Verse 10 begins with the answer to the question by saying, “you have kept my word about patient endurance.” The “you” refers to believers who patiently endure persecution and have kept the Lord’s word and have not denied his name (verse 8).

We are going to take a break here and finish the promise in the next lesson.

3:5 Revelation 3:10, Philadelphia: The Promise for Faithful Endurance

^3:10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we began the commendation which included a promise to those who faithfully endure persecution. We began that promise by defining the meaning of “you.” The remainder of that promise will be covered in this lesson.

What will these faithful persecuted believers be kept from? They will be kept from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world. Who in the whole world will experience the hour of trial? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). “World” then refers to all unbelievers who need salvation. The trial that is coming is future and is to come upon unbelievers. These believers that John is writing to in the church in Philadelphia will not live long enough to experience the hour of trial, so they will be kept from it. What about believers that will live beyond that generation? What about believers in our generation that have faithfully endured persecution? It is clear that any who die before the hour of trial were kept from it. Consider the believer who is alive at the beginning of the tribulation period. John describes a great multitude (Revelation 7:9) who were slain for the word of God and for the witness they had born (Revelation 6:9). These believers were being martyred for their faith just as they are today and just as they were at the time John was writing to the seven churches. We still have not encountered any believers who have experienced the hour of trial. What if a believer was not martyred during the first part of the tribulation period. Will they come to the point where they will be kept alive from the hour of trial?

Before we go any further, we need to ask what “hour” in “hour of trial” means. It seems clear that it does not refer to sixty minutes. Does it refer to seven years as many think? Since there are believers in the seven-year period known as the tribulation period that are to be kept from the hour of trial then the hour of trial, in my opinion, cannot be the seven-year period. What other choice do we have that might refer to the hour of trial? Look ahead to Revelation 15 where John sees a sign in heaven that is great and amazing of seven angels with seven plagues, which represent the wrath of God (15:1). These bowls of the wrath of God are to be poured out on the earth (16:1). In my opinion, the hour of trial that John spoke of that believers are to be kept from is this time or hour in which these bowls of wrath are being poured out.

I have taken a great risk in sharing this opinion without covering all the verses previous to chapter 16. At this point in our Revelation study, I should not say anything further about this topic. If you came to Revelation 3:10 with your imagination formed by things you may have heard or read, you may have interpreted the “kept from the hour of trial” as the pre-tribulation rapture. I am not saying that position is wrong. I am asking you to keep your imagination attached to the text and see what the terms or words are saying in the context.

Revelation 3:10 ends with the phrase, “to try those who dwell on the earth.” Since the promise made to believers is to be kept from the hour of trial, then those who will experience it, who will be tried by it, will be unbelievers.

We leave this lesson with many unanswered questions. The purpose of future lessons will be to lay the groundwork necessary to answer these questions. I look forward to that adventure and the answer to many questions.

3:6 Revelation 3:11-13, Philadelphia: Hold Fast and Receive the Promise

^3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. ¹²The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. ¹³He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3:11 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we finished covering the promise made in Revelation 3:10. In this lesson we will cover the remainder of the letter to the church at Philadelphia and look at another promise.

The Lord said he was coming soon, but that was over two thousand years ago. Looking at this verse in various translations, the “coming soon” is also translated “coming quickly.” When compared to eternity, his return will be soon, but when using our time frame maybe coming quickly would be a good choice. This raises some questions. What is he coming for? Is he coming soon to rapture the church or in judgment or will it be to put to an end those trials which for the present are so painful? There is a difference of opinion on this in the commentaries.

The Lord then gives the command to hold fast to and obey the truth they now have. They are not to relax their effort in growing in the truth and in developing their relationship with the Lord. They are not to allow anything to make an inroad into their life to draw it away from what they have gained so far. “Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what [you] have worked for but win a full reward” (1 John 1:8 ESV). That full reward is the crown of life, or crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8); our salvation.

The one who holds fast to the end is the one who overcomes the forces of darkness that oppose. The one who conquers will become a pillar in the temple of God; a metaphor in which some characteristic of the pillar is used to describe a characteristic of the one who is being honored for overcoming. In that day, a pillar served two functions: (1) support and (2) beauty. As we were assigned work as believers (Ephesians 2:10) we will support the Lord’s work throughout eternity.

When Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, I believe they were clothed with light and thus were not ashamed of their nakedness and were comfortable walking in the garden with God. I believe their sin of disobedience removed that garment of light and exposed their nakedness, resulting in shame and a desire to not be seen by God. In our resurrection we will once again be clothed in the light of God’s glory and will be seen as most beautiful.

The promise is given to the one who conquers, who has salvation, to never be excluded from the temple. This is a precious promise of eternal fellowship with God, but there is more. We will be given three names: (1) the name of God, (2) the name of the city of God, and (3) our new name.

(1) Having God’s name written on us indicates ownership and character. We will be owned by God and seen as his special treasure and molded according to his character. We will never be separated from God.

(2) Having the name of the city of God, the new Jerusalem, written on us indicates our eternal residence. This is where we will find our home along with the homes of all believers where we will live with God.

(3) Our own new name reminds us of Revelation 2:17 where a white stone was given to the one who overcame, which contained their new name. Here everyone is given a new name that more completely describes or represents them.

This new Jerusalem is described as coming down from God out of heaven. This is described in Revelations 21:1 – 2 ESV: 1 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

3:7 Revelation 3:14-16, Laodicea: Their Works Rebuked

^3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. ¹⁵‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! ¹⁶So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:14 – 16 ESV)

With the previous lesson we completed our study of the sixth letter, the one to the church at Philadelphia. With this lesson we will begin our study of the seventh and last letter, which was written to the church in Laodicea.

Laodicea is located forty-five miles southeast of Philadelphia and one hundred miles east of Ephesus. (See map). It was located on the river Lycus in what is now modern Turkey. During the Roman period it was a wealthy city, located on major trade routes that connected it to important cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Sardis. It was a textile production and banking center and provided people with a good standard of living, but that wealth, unlike persecution, hindered their spiritual growth.

“The words of the Amen” is translated in the NET as “This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen.” Back in Revelation 2:1, NET wrote, “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has a firm grasp” in place of “The words of him who holds” (ESV). The tone presented in the NET is one of seriousness. What is being said to the churches is not to be taken lightly, but as a solemn pronouncement. This solemn tone is missing in the ESV.

Jesus Christ is described as the “Amen” of the solemn pronouncement. He is the “faithful and true witness” and his “announcement” (NET) or “words” (ESV) are true, and we are to embrace what is being said. His pronouncement comes with authority because he is “the originator” (NET), the “beginning” (ESV) of God’s creation, its ruler, the one with authority.

Like the church at Sardis, the Lord has nothing to commend them on, and thus begins with a rebuke related to their works, which he finds neither hot nor cold but lukewarm. The city of Laodicea did not have a good supply of water as the water in the Lycus river was muddy and undrinkable. Located to the north was the city of Hierapolis which had a natural hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. Located to the east was the city of Colossae which had cold pure water. Those in Laodicea looked to Colossae for their water and managed to construct an aqueduct to move water from there. The water left Colossae cool and refreshing but warmed along the way, arriving in Laodicea in a lukewarm condition. It is interesting to note that Laodicea was located between a hot and cold supply of water. Between a hot and cold temperature is lukewarmness, the temperature of Laodicea’s water and their works.

When one is thirsty, lukewarm water is not at all refreshing and is not at all desirable. It is so bad that one might desire to spit it out of their mouth. This illustration using water is not to be seen as a metaphor in relationship to their works because to do so would imply that Jesus would commend both hot and cold works, which he would not do. Hot and cold water was used only to provide a contrast for lukewarmness. With water there was a positive use for both hot and cold water, but not for lukewarm. There is not a positive aspect of both hot and cold works; only hot is good.

It has been established that their works are as undesirable as lukewarm water when you are very thirsty; a characteristic that the Lord does not want to see continue there. There is another concern the Lord has about this church, their attitude towards their wealth. We will cover that in the next lesson.

3:8 Revelation 3:17, Laodicea: Their Wealth Rebuked

^3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (Revelation 3:17 ESV)

In the previous lesson it was established that the Lord was very displeased with the quality of their works. In this lesson he will voice a displeasure with their attitude towards wealth and its effect on their spiritual life.

The Lord points to an attitude problem they have. Because of their wealth they are proud and living in a state of comfort and security, they are satisfied and feel they have need of nothing else. In this proud state they do not realize that they are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Let us stop and consider a thought about each of these five words.

Wretched describes a person, in this context, as being in an unfortunate state. Their wealth has blinded them to their sin which should cause them to be broken-hearted, grief-stricken, sorrowful and in a state of mourning. Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death (Romans 7:24 ESV)? This condition and need is far from their minds. James says, “Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom” (James 4:9 ESV). He says this as a way to emphasize the seriousness of our sin.

Pitiable sees one deserving pity. Their condition is serious, and a righteous person would feel sorrow and compassion caused by their unawareness or unconcerned about their sinful condition. There should be the show of compassion over their condition. “And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him” (Matthew 20:34 ESV). “Moved with pity, [Jesus] stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” (Mark 1:41 ESV). Are we moved with pity to help those who cannot see their real need?

They are poor in spiritual terms. They lack spiritual riches like those the Lord bestows on all who call upon his name (Romans 10:12). Riches that are associated with wisdom and the knowledge of God (Romans 11:33). “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV). These riches are related to his grace (Ephesians 2:7), to his glory (Philippians 4:19), to his word (Colossians 3:16), and to his mercy (Ephesians 2:4). We are to be rich in faith (James 2:5). They saw their wealth as sufficient and have no understanding what they are missing.

Blind in a spiritual sense. These at Laodicea can see physical things, but that which is unseen, they are unable to see by faith. Paul speaks of their minds being blinded: “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV). It is a blindness that comes from hating our brother (1 John 2:10): “For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Peter 1:9 ESV). Those qualities are: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5 – 7 ESV).

Naked is to be without clothing of some kind. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 ESV). In the sequence of creating things, it was time to create humans, so God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26 ESV). At the time of creation, “the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25 ESV). It is my opinion that the reason they were not ashamed is because they were clothed in light since they were created in God’s likeness. When they disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit, their nakedness was exposed, and they were ashamed “and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths” (Genesis 3:7 ESV) and they “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God” (Genesis 3:8 ESV). Their sin cause the covering of light to die out leaving them exposed. At salvation God comes to live within us, bringing light into us. That light is veiled because of our sinful flesh, but one day in our resurrected perfect bodies, that light of his glory will shine forth from us and once again we will be clothed with light and not be ashamed.

3:9 Revelation 3:18, Laodicea: Their Need of Three Things

^3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. (Revelation 3:18 ESV)

In the previous lesson we met people who were rich and took pride in their prosperity, thinking they had everything they needed they did not realize that they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. In this lesson we will see that they need three things that are lacking: (1) gold refined by fire, (2) white garments to clothe themselves, and (3) salve to anoint their eyes; necessities that are available by grace through faith.

Having pointed out their miserable condition, that they were not aware of, the Lord then counsels them in how to overcome their condition. Isaiah (55:1) speaks of buying that which is needed without money and without price because it is provided free by God’s grace. Gold refined by fire reminds me of 1 Peter 1:7 where the genuineness of our faith is tested and found to be more precious than gold, and results in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. This gold refined by fire, which I see as faith which God provides through his grace.

They are instructed to also buy white garments to clothe themselves so that the shame of their nakedness may not be seen. At the transfiguration, the face of Jesus shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light (Matthew 17:2). I believe these white garments are an aspect of the light that clothes our resurrected bodies. Without this garment of light obtained through our salvation, which I believe is part of our inheritance reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4), our nakedness is exposed.

They are further instructed to buy salve to anoint their eyes so they may see. The minds of those who do not believe have been blinded by the god of this world so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). Those who minds are blind are unsaved natural persons. They are without the Spirit of God and cannot accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. They consider them foolish and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).

The more I do verse by verse studies I have come to realize how much the church is missing today by not spending time working through books of the bible. Starting with the gospels, then Acts, and now Revelation has provided a wonderful timeline and a continuous story. This is like a Sunday morning sermon series, then at the same time doing book studies of 1, 2, and 3 John, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, James and 1 Corinthians so far is like a Sunday evening sermon series. I find this to be a wonderful way to spend retirement. I pray I do not run out of life or health before the planned work of completing the New Testament is done.

3:10 Revelation 3:19-22, Laodicea: I Stand at the Door and Knock

^3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. ²⁰Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. ²¹The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. ²²He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:19 – 22 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the solution or recommendation from the Lord for them to overcome their problem. With this lesson we will finish this seventh and final letter to the churches. We will look at the desire the Lord has as he stands at the door and knocks.

The Lord Jesus Christ is going to make a statement to those he loves. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). God loves all in the world and Jesus came to die to provide salvation for those in the world who come to belief. Just as you love a child of yours more that your enemy or even your neighbor, God loves his children with a greater love than those who are his enemies. The implication here is the Lord is addressing believers.

Those who are believers, those he loves, he reproves and disciplines. 6 “The Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives. 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline. 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons” (Hebrews 12:6 – 8 ESV). “But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:32 ESV). As believers we can expect to be disciplined when we get out of line. Knowing this it would be wise to follow the Lord’s recommendation to “be zealous and repent.”

The Lord then says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” The question is, “What door is he standing before?” Another way of translating verse 20 is: “Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me” (NET). The context of verse 19 and 20 implies believers and as a result the door is to the home of the believer.

If the believer opens the door, Jesus “will come into him and eat with him.” The expression in Greek does not mean entrance into the person at the time of salvation, as is popularly taken, but entrance into a room or building toward the person for a time of fellowship. The tone here is like that found in Luke 12:35 – 36 ESV: ³⁵“Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning; ³⁶be like people waiting for their master to come back from the wedding celebration, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.” Jesus loves us so much and desires to be in close fellowship with us, but we are often so busy with things of the world that we do not hear his knock or if we do we ignore it. He wants us to open the door and let him bring his love and joy in for a time of great fellowship.

Now, as with all seven letters, we come to the promise made by the Spirit. To the one who conquers or overcomes, the promise is to grant that one to sit with Jesus on his throne just as Jesus conquered and sat down with his Father on his throne. In Matthew 28:18 (ESV) we learn that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Jesus]” and thus he is able to give authority to those he pleases.

“We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV). As a believer our citizenship is now in heaven, but we live here on earth as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Our job is to share the gospel and help reconcile people to God and to each other, and as ambassadors we come with authority to do our work. That authority is implied by our sitting on the throne with Jesus. That authority to rule is hinted at in Luke 19:17. “If we endure we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12 ESV). We are to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). How this plays out will be fully understood when we get to heaven.

This brings us to the end of the section on the letters to the seven chosen churches, and the major section on the things that are. With the next lesson we will begin the next major section which will stretch all the way to Revelation 22:5.

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Questions with Answers

1. Why does Revelation 3 contain messages to only seven churches?

The seven churches represent actual congregations in Asia Minor during the first century, but they also symbolize the complete church throughout history. The number seven in Revelation often signifies completeness or perfection. Christ’s messages address specific local situations while providing timeless spiritual lessons for all believers concerning faithfulness, repentance, perseverance, and overcoming.

2. What does Jesus mean when He says He has “the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” (3:1)?

The “seven Spirits of God” refers to the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit rather than seven separate spirits (Isaiah 11:2; Revelation 1:4). The “seven stars” represent the angels or messengers of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Jesus declares His complete authority over both the Holy Spirit’s ministry and the churches themselves.

3. Why does Jesus tell the church in Sardis that they have “a name that you are alive, but you are dead”?

The church in Sardis had an outward reputation for spiritual vitality, yet inwardly it had become spiritually lifeless. Their religious activities continued, but genuine faith, holiness, and dependence upon God had diminished. Jesus emphasizes that outward appearances cannot hide one’s true spiritual condition from Him.

4. What does it mean to “strengthen the things which remain” (3:2)?

Jesus calls the believers to revive what little spiritual life still exists. Rather than abandoning hope, they are to nurture their remaining faith through repentance, obedience, prayer, and renewed devotion to God’s Word before their spiritual condition completely deteriorates.

5. Why does Jesus warn Sardis that He will come “like a thief”?

This warning speaks of unexpected judgment rather than Christ’s Second Coming. Just as a thief arrives without warning, Jesus would bring discipline if they failed to repent. The image reminds believers to remain spiritually alert and prepared at all times.

6. Who are the few people in Sardis who “have not defiled their garments”?

These faithful believers remained spiritually pure despite the spiritual decline around them. Their clean garments symbolize righteous living and faithfulness to Christ. They demonstrate that even within a spiritually weak church, individuals can remain faithful.

7. What is the promise to those who overcome in Sardis?

Jesus promises three blessings:

They will be clothed in white garments, symbolizing purity and victory.
Their names will never be erased from the Book of Life.
Jesus will confess their names before His Father and His angels.

These promises assure believers of eternal acceptance and public recognition by Christ.

8. Why does Jesus identify Himself to Philadelphia as “He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David” (3:7)?

These titles emphasize Christ’s divine authority and His absolute control over God’s kingdom. Possessing the “key of David” signifies His authority to open and close the entrance into God’s kingdom (Isaiah 22:22). No human authority can overturn His decisions.

9. What is the “open door” Jesus places before the church in Philadelphia?

The open door most likely represents opportunities for ministry and evangelism that Christ Himself provides. It may also symbolize secure entrance into God’s kingdom. Because Jesus opens the door, no opposition can permanently prevent His purposes from succeeding.

10. Why is Philadelphia praised despite having “little strength”?

Their strength was not measured by numbers, wealth, or influence but by their faithfulness. Although they possessed limited worldly resources, they remained obedient, kept Christ’s Word, and did not deny His name. God values faithfulness over earthly power.

11. What does Jesus promise concerning “the synagogue of Satan”?

Those opposing the believers while falsely claiming to represent God would eventually recognize that Christ truly loved His faithful followers. This demonstrates that God’s final judgment will reveal who truly belongs to Him.

12. What does Jesus mean by keeping believers “from the hour of trial” (3:10)?

Jesus promises divine protection during a future period of worldwide testing. While interpretations differ concerning how this protection occurs, the emphasis is that Christ faithfully preserves His people through every trial according to His sovereign purpose.

13. Why does Jesus tell Philadelphia to “hold fast what you have”?

Although they were already faithful, perseverance remained essential. Spiritual success today does not guarantee faithfulness tomorrow. Christ encourages continual endurance until He returns.

14. What reward is promised to those who overcome in Philadelphia?

Jesus promises that they will become permanent pillars in God’s heavenly temple. He will write upon them:

The name of God.
The name of the New Jerusalem.
Christ’s new name.

These promises symbolize eternal security, permanent belonging, divine ownership, and intimate fellowship with Christ.

15. Why does Jesus describe Himself to Laodicea as “the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness”?

Unlike the spiritually compromised church, Jesus is perfectly trustworthy and completely truthful. Everything He says about their condition is absolutely accurate. His assessment cannot be challenged because He is the faithful witness.

16. What does Jesus mean when He says the Laodiceans are “lukewarm” (3:16)?

Their spiritual lives lacked wholehearted commitment. They were neither spiritually refreshing like cool water nor spiritually healing like hot water. Instead, they had become spiritually indifferent, self-satisfied, and ineffective, making them offensive to Christ.

17. Why did the Laodiceans believe they were rich?

The city of Laodicea was known for its great wealth and prosperity. The church had confused material success with spiritual health. Although financially prosperous, they were spiritually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

18. What do the “gold,” “white garments,” and “eye salve” symbolize (3:18)?

Each addresses a specific spiritual deficiency.

Gold refined by fire represents genuine spiritual riches developed through faith.
White garments symbolize Christ’s righteousness and holy living.
Eye salve represents spiritual discernment that enables believers to see their true condition.

Christ alone provides what worldly wealth cannot.

19. Why does Jesus rebuke and discipline those He loves (3:19)?

Christ’s correction is an expression of His love rather than rejection. Divine discipline is intended to restore believers to fellowship, produce holiness, and prevent continued spiritual decline. His rebuke demonstrates His desire for repentance and restoration.

20. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (3:20)?

Jesus pictures Himself seeking restored fellowship with a church that has excluded Him from its life. His invitation is primarily directed to believers and congregations, calling them to repentance and renewed communion with Him. Anyone who responds will enjoy intimate fellowship with Christ.

21. What is the promise to the one who overcomes in Laodicea?

Jesus promises that faithful believers will sit with Him on His throne, just as He overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne. This remarkable promise points to believers sharing in Christ’s future reign and eternal victory.

22. What common pattern appears in all three messages of Revelation 3?

Each message follows a consistent structure:

Christ reveals His divine character.
He evaluates the church’s spiritual condition.
He offers correction or encouragement.
He calls for repentance or perseverance.
He promises eternal rewards to those who overcome.
He concludes by urging everyone to hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.

This pattern emphasizes Christ’s continuing authority over His church and His desire for faithful, persevering disciples.

23. What are the major theological lessons of Revelation 3?

Revelation 3 teaches that Christ perfectly knows every church and every believer. He judges according to spiritual reality rather than outward appearance. He calls His people to repentance, perseverance, and faithful obedience. His discipline flows from His love, His promises assure eternal reward, and His authority guarantees both judgment and salvation. Those who remain faithful despite weakness, opposition, or spiritual complacency will experience everlasting fellowship and reign with Jesus Christ.

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Chapter 4 – The Throne in Heaven

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 4 marks a dramatic transition in the book as the apostle John is invited into heaven to witness the throne room of God. After addressing the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3, the focus now shifts from the earthly churches to the heavenly court, where God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation is revealed. John sees the Lord seated upon His glorious throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders, four living creatures, flashes of lightning, peals of thunder, and the worship of heaven. This vision establishes the foundation for everything that follows in Revelation by reminding readers that, despite the turmoil and judgments that will unfold on earth, God remains enthroned, reigning with perfect holiness, wisdom, and authority. The chapter calls believers to fix their eyes on God’s majesty and to join the eternal chorus of worship, declaring that He alone is worthy because He created all things and all creation exists by His will.

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Bible Lessons

4:1 Revelation 4:1, The Church

^4:1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” (Revelation 4:1 ESV)

With this lesson we begin a major section on future events that stretch to within a few verses of the end of Revelation. We also begin the first of seven minor sections that group these future events. The main feature of this minor section is the angel John sees who has with him a scroll sealed with seven seals. The main focus of this section will be on the opening of the seven seals.

As we approach the first verse of this section, Revelation 4:1, there are some interruption ground rules that we will adhere to that may make some of you uncomfortable or maybe unhappy. I ask you to come to each lesson and honestly seek what the text is saying, not what you want it to say. Please do not bring with you any belief system from your past that you think or have been told is fact to give meaning to the verses being covered. You will see what I mean as we next cover 4:1.

We begin with the two words “After this.” What does the “after this” refer to? Some of you who are already violating my interruption ground rules say, “After the church age.” What comes before “after this” that we have been studying about?

We first met Jesus Christ in 1:8 where he says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Once he proclaims who he is, he causes John to receive a vision of him as the Son of Man. That vision is described in 1:10 – 20. What John sees and learns in that vision is to be written down in seven specific letters to seven preselected churches. The contents of those letters are covered in 2:1 – 3:22.

It is important that we define what a church is that John is writing to. The first place we encounter the word “church” in Scripture is in Matthew 16:18 ESV: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” It is something that is going to be built on a rock of faith. Moving forward to Acts we come to Pentecost and see the Holy Spirit coming and entering into those who believe in Jesus Christ. These believers come together into a fellowship of believers that is referred to as a church in Acts 5:11 ESV: “And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these thing.” A church is then a fellowship of believers who are born again and have the Spirit of God living within them. This is unique to the New Testament following Pentecost.

As we studied Acts we witnessed the growth of the church, primarily under the leadership of Paul. John has just finished writing letters to seven of these churches and experiences another vision and sees something that he will describe next. Do not forget, John is still on the island called Patmos.

4:2 Revelation 4:1, The Open Door

In the previous lesson we put into place some ground rules of interpretation, looked at the meaning of “After this,” and defined what was meant by the word “church.” In this lesson we will begin by looking at the words “I looked.” What John saw was to happen at some time in the future, but that time was not specifically defined. Most of you believe it is a time after various things have happen like possibly the signing of a peace treaty, the rapture of the church, and the beginning of the tribulation period. Maybe, but the verse does not specifically say does it?

Let us assume for illustration that the peace treaty was signed, the rapture of the church occurred, and the tribulation period began. Right at the instant of the rapture were there any members of the church left behind? The answer would be no, but is it possible that some, maybe many, would now believe after the rapture? If there are and they come together as a fellowship of believers would that not be a church as at the time of Pentecost? Would this not indicate that the church does exist, at least at the beginning of the tribulation period? Maybe you say that these believers do not make up a church because they do not have the Holy Spirit living within them. What verse tells you that? To deny these believers the Holy Spirit would cancel the promise made at Pentecost of believers receiving the Holy Spirit at the time of being born again. Jesus promised the Father would send the Holy Spirit and at Pentecost, he would dwell within a believer. Where are we told that believers are now without the Holy Spirit, and at a time when believers most need him.

Returning to 4:1 we know that John just finished writing letters to seven churches that existed at the time John was alive. We also know that John received another vision and the first thing he saw was “a door standing open in heaven!” As he faces the open door, he hears a voice like the one he heard in 1:10, also speaking “like a trumpet.” This voice gives instruction to John and tells him to come up to heaven to where the voice is coming from, and he would be told “what must take place after this.”

The purpose of this verse is to bring John to the place where he would be informed on future events so that he would know what to write to prepare the church for those future events. Why does the church need to know this if it was not going to experience any of it? The belief that a major portion of the western church brings to this verse is that the instruction to “Come up here” is for the church to be raptured before those future events, and thus before the tribulation period. This verse is not saying that. It is directed to John for the purpose of his learning about future events. I am not denying the possibility of a rapture at this time. I am saying this particular verse does not support that event.

We end this lesson with John in heaven to see many things he will write about with the church still on earth to the present time. As our study moves further into Revelation we will gain much more information that will help clarify certain issues that are on our minds.

4:3 Revelation 4:2-6a, The Throne

^4:2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. ³And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. ⁴Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. ⁵From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, ^6aand before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. (Revelation 4:2 – 6a ESV)

In the previous lesson we sharpened our focus on 4:1 and concluded it was instruction given to John to come to heaven to see things and be given information about the future. With this lesson we will begin a time of excitement and anticipation as John has experiences and receives and information. This lesson is long, but I felt I needed to cover the first paragraph of the scene at the throne with one lesson. What an amazing experience John had.

As John heard the voice of 4:1 request him to come up to heaven to where the voice was coming from, he was at once in the Spirit and thus surrounded by its strong influence that resulted in a prophetic vision. Ezekiel speaks of the Spirit lifting him up and hearing a voice like a great earthquake (Ezekiel 3:12), and Paul speaks of being caught up to the third heaven where he heard and saw things that cannot be told (2 Corinthians 12:2 – 4). As in the case of Paul, it is not certain whether John was caught up in his body or out of it or remained where he was on the island called Patmos, but we do know he saw some marvelous things, and unfortunately for us, it was beyond John’s ability to adequately describe what he saw for us to fully understand.

As John passes through the open door into heaven, the first thing he see is a throne with one seated on it, who was “the Lord God Almighty” (4:8). If only we had a photo to look at to see what John saw and now tries to describe to us. The one seated on the throne had the appearance of “jasper and carnelian.” “Jasper was a semiprecious gemstone, probably green in color” (NET footnote 9 for chapter 4). “Carnelian was a semiprecious gemstone, usually red in color” (Net footnote 10 for chapter 4). Around the throne there was a “rainbow” that had the appearance of an “emerald.” Here on earth a “rainbow” requires light and water in just the right relationship and is a symbol of God’s mercy towards mankind even in the midst of judgment. It is described as “a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicolored circular arc” (Wikipedia). “Emerald is a gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl colored green by trace amounts of chromium and/or sometimes vanadium” (Wikipedia). What John is trying to describe is a scene of luminous colors beyond anything we have ever witnessed. Notice that John says nothing about the precise visible features of the almighty, possibly because he had no language that could adequately describe what he saw. These jewels and their colors must be taken together as a means of trying to signify the splendor and majesty of Almighty God.

The scope of John’s focus broadens, and he notices that there were twenty-four thrones arranged around the central throne. On each throne there was one sitting, described as an elder who was clothed in a white garment with a golden crown on their head. Who are these elders? We do not really know because the book of Revelation nowhere specifically identifies who the twenty-four elders are. There are numerous suggestions but nothing factual. The only close agreement is that they are men and not angels.

John’s focus was drawn back to the central throne when from it came flashes of lightning and rumblings or roaring and claps of thunder, which remind us of the time when God gave Moses the ten commandments. “On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled” (Exodus 19:16 ESV). This display from the throne illustrates the terrifying splendor of God’s glory as at Mount Sinai.

John also sees before the throng, seven burning torches of fire, which were described as the seven spirits of God. These seven spirits were mentioned in 1:4 when John said to the seven churches in Asia: “Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne.” Here is another uncertainty as there are several interpretations on what the seven spirits represent. A consents seems to support a seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit and refers us back to Isaiah 11:2 ESV: “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

The floor upon which these thrones rest, John describes as a sea of glass like crystal. This sea of glass can be seen as the floor of heaven and as the ceiling of the crated universe. Moses describes the throne room, the floor under God’s feet, “as if it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness” (Exodus 24:10 ESV). As things worsen in the unfolding of Revelation, we will see a change in the sea of glass, as John says he “saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands” (Revelation 15:2 ESV).

4:4 Revelation 4:6b-8, The Four Living Creatures

^4:6b And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: ⁷the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. ⁸And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:6b – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered what John first saw as he passed through the open door into heaven. In this lesson we will look at other things John sees around the throne.

As John continues to look he sees four living creatures with one on each side of the throne. Trying to understand who or what these living creatures are, has been the subject of much speculation. They were created by God for a particular purpose and occupy a position close to God and are considered to be the highest of the angelic hierarchy. They are described by John as being “full of eyes in front and behind.” How many eyes are there and why so many and in front and behind. See why there is so much speculation. Maybe this is John’s way of saying that they have 360-degree vision so that nothing escapes their notice.

John continues to describe these four creatures and we realize their appearance is similar to the four cherubim described in Ezekiel 1:10 ESV: “As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.” Looking at Ezekiel 1:5 – 14 describes each creature with four faces: human, lion, ox, and eagle. Here the creatures seem to be described with one face for each with the first being like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a face of a man, and the fourth like an eagle. Are these creatures the same as in Ezekiel but described differently by John? Very possibly.

Chapter 1 of Ezekiel describes these creatures and what they can do; something you might read about in science fiction because we lack understanding. Someday we will be able to see them and then we will know, but for now we will speculate on what these creatures represent. The lion might represent the greatest of the wild animals, the ox as the greatest of the domestic animals, the eagle as the greatest of the flying animals, and man as the greatest of creatures.

Each of these four creatures had six wings. In Isaiah 6:2, the seraphim had six wings, but the cherubim was described with only four. Possibly the four wings of the cherubim mentioned by Ezekiel were four flying and the two not counted were used to cover their eyes, as in Isaiah’s vision.

It is clear that John is trying to describe creatures that were so gloriously beautiful that he lacked the necessary words to communicate what he saw. What he saw was so marvelous and so dedicated to God that they cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” “Holy, holy, holy” can relate to the “past, present, and future”, to God’s work of “creation, redemption, and consummation”, and to the Lord God Almighty, who “was and is and is to come.” All that God does is “holy!”

4:5 Revelation 4:9-11, Glory and Honor and Thanks

^4:9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ¹¹“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:9 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we faced the impossible task of figuring out the four living creatures and decided we would have to wait until we arrive in heaven to find out what we do not know now and wish we did. I do not want to add to the speculation as that would only add to the confusion and not be of any benefit. In this lesson we will instead focus on what they did and consider the meaning of giving glory and honor and thanks.

We have before us a cause and effect; “whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne” the “twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him.” The “whenever” indicates a repetitive action that appears to always cause the twenty-four elders to respond.

What is the meaning of giving “glory and honor and thanks” to an eternal God? The glory of God is a manifestation of his holiness. In the Old Testament glory is connected to greatness of splendor. In the New Testament “glory” means “dignity, honor, praise and worship.” Connecting these two meanings suggest that glorifying God means we acknowledge his greatness and give him honor by praising and worshiping him, primarily because he, and he alone, deserves to be praised, honored, and worshiped. We are to extol his attributes, which would include such things as his holiness, faithfulness, mercy, grace, love, majesty, sovereignty, power, and omniscience. We do this by thinking on these things and telling others about the unique salvation he offers.

How do we give honor to God? “Glory” and “honor” are very similar and often used interchangeably in the Bible, but there is a subtle difference. “Glory” refers to “inherent, intrinsic worth” while “honor” relates to a “perceived value” causing a person to “render or esteem glorious.” God radiates his glory, and we honor it back. We honor a person to the degree that we consider their position and contributions significant. Therefore, when we honor God, we are to demonstrate the highest regard we can for him. We honor God by how we live before him; by being sexually pure (1 Corinthians 6:18 – 20), by giving from our wealth (Proverbs 3:9), by living to the Lord (Romans 14:8), by our hearts being close to him (Isaiah 29:13), by delighting in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), and by seeking the Lord and his strength (1 Chronicles 16:11; Isaiah 55:6).

How do we thank God? If you Google that question you will be told the ten things you can be thankful for today or maybe you would rather have the list of 100 remarkable reasons to thank God. Searching the Scriptures for verses containing “thanks” yields some good suggestions. Thanks for our salvation and all that God did to provide it; for spiritual life; for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives; for God’s great mercy; for the kindness of his grace; for his love; for meeting our needs; for our protection from the powers of darkness; for trials that we grow through; for family and friends; and so many more. As you add to the “many more” remember to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV).

We may not understand who these four living creatures are, but we can learn from them how to act before God. We are to give him glory and honor and thanks.

Instead of having one very long lesson, we will take a break and consider the response of the twenty-four elders in the next lesson.

4:6 Revelation 4:9-11, Worship

In the previous lesson we looked at the meaning of giving glory and honor and thanks. In this lesson we will look at the response of the twenty-four elders.

When the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him. What does it mean to worship God? Peter says in 1 Peter 2:9 ESV: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” We are to proclaim the excellencies of him who purchased us by honoring him through extravagant respect, reverence, and devotion. We can worship God through singing praise to him, by thanking him through prayer, and through our sacrificial love for him and others. We are “to present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1 ESV).

In addition to worshiping God, the elders “cast” their crowns before the throne. For me this presents a problem because of the “whenever” of 4:9. If the elders cast their crowns before the throne they can do it only once, unless they go and retrieve them for the next time the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks, which seems to show lack of respect. Checking the Greek word from which “cast” is translated means to “throw” or “to let go of.” Is it possible that John meant they take off their crowns and extends them toward God as an act of their humble worship, and as they rise to return to their thrones, they place the crowns back on their heads? This is only speculation on my part.

In this prostrate position, possibly with their crowns extended toward the throne, the elders say, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Who is “you” who is worthy? He is described as “our Lord and God.” Does that mean the “you” seated on the throne is Jesus Christ the Son of God? We find the answer in chapter 5. John “saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals” (Revelation 5:1 ESV). Next John sees a Lamb take the scroll (Revelation 5:6 – 7). Reading the rest of chapter 5, it is determined that the Lamb is Jesus Christ. The “you” seated on the throne is God the Father, but it is God that is in view to receive glory and honor and power because in creation all three persons of the trinity were involved. The Father designed creation, the Son spoke the words of creation, and the Spirit turned the words into substance. The three persons are one God and always agree and work together to accomplish the will of God. There is nothing that exist that one cannot trace back to God. Even the presence of evil because it was God who created the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Without God allowing evil it could not exist. It was allowed because it was needed to demonstrate God’s love for us through the sacrifice of his Son.

Observing the living creatures and the elders we are reminded to give glory and honor and thanks to God and to worship him.

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Questions with Answers

1. What significant change takes place at the beginning of Revelation 4?

Answer:
Revelation 4 marks a major transition in the book. Chapters 2–3 focus on Christ’s messages to the seven churches, while chapter 4 shifts the scene from earth to heaven. John is invited through an open door into heaven where he witnesses God’s throne and the worship that continually surrounds it. This change reminds readers that although events unfold on earth, God’s sovereign rule from heaven directs history. Everything that follows in Revelation is governed by the One who sits upon the throne.

2. What does the open door in heaven symbolize?

Answer:
The open door signifies God’s invitation for John to receive divine revelation. It demonstrates that the coming visions originate from heaven rather than human imagination. The open door also illustrates that God graciously reveals His purposes to His servants according to His timing. John’s experience emphasizes that true understanding of God’s plans comes through divine revelation.

3. Why does Jesus tell John, “Come up here”?

Answer:
Jesus calls John into heaven so he can witness the events that “must take place after this.” John is not transported merely to satisfy curiosity but to receive revelation concerning God’s unfolding plan for history. The invitation demonstrates Christ’s authority over the future and His desire for His people to understand His sovereign purposes.

4. What is the central focus of John’s heavenly vision?

Answer:
The central focus is the throne of God. The word “throne” appears repeatedly throughout Revelation because God’s authority is the dominant theme of the book. Before believers learn about judgments, tribulation, or Christ’s return, they first see that God reigns. This perspective provides confidence that no earthly power or evil force can overthrow His sovereign rule.

5. Why does John describe God’s appearance using precious stones like jasper and carnelian?

Answer:
John uses brilliant gemstones because God’s glory surpasses human language. Jasper suggests dazzling brilliance and purity, while carnelian reflects fiery majesty and righteous judgment. Rather than describing God’s physical form, John portrays the overwhelming splendor, holiness, and majesty that radiate from His presence.

6. What does the rainbow around God’s throne represent?

Answer:
The emerald rainbow symbolizes God’s covenant faithfulness, mercy, and grace. After the flood, God placed the rainbow as the sign of His covenant with Noah (Genesis 9). Even as Revelation prepares to describe coming judgments, the rainbow reminds believers that God’s judgments are always balanced by His faithfulness and mercy. His promises never fail.

7. Who are the twenty-four elders?

Answer:
The twenty-four elders likely represent the redeemed people of God in their completeness. Many scholars understand them to symbolize the unity of God’s redeemed people from both the Old and New Testaments, reflected in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Their white garments symbolize righteousness, while their crowns indicate victory and reward received from Christ.

8. What do the elders’ white garments and golden crowns signify?

Answer:
The white garments represent purity and the righteousness given through Christ. The golden crowns symbolize rewards granted for faithful service rather than royal authority earned by personal merit. Together they demonstrate that believers stand before God because of His grace and are honored for their faithful perseverance.

9. What do the flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder reveal about God?

Answer:
These manifestations reveal God’s awesome holiness, majesty, and power. Similar displays accompanied God’s presence at Mount Sinai when He gave the Law (Exodus 19). In Revelation they remind readers that the holy Creator is also the righteous Judge whose authority cannot be challenged. They prepare the reader for the judgments that will soon unfold.

10. What are the seven lamps of fire before the throne?

Answer:
The seven lamps represent the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit. The number seven frequently symbolizes completeness in Revelation. Rather than describing seven separate spirits, the vision emphasizes the complete ministry and perfect presence of the Holy Spirit before God’s throne.

11. What is the significance of the sea of glass before the throne?

Answer:
The sea of glass symbolizes purity, peace, and the absolute calm surrounding God’s throne. Unlike the restless seas that often symbolize chaos and rebellion on earth, heaven is perfectly ordered under God’s rule. Nothing disturbs His sovereignty, and no uncertainty exists in His presence.

12. Who are the four living creatures?

Answer:
The four living creatures are powerful angelic beings who continually worship and serve God. Their descriptions resemble the cherubim seen by Ezekiel and the seraphim described by Isaiah. Their primary role is to proclaim God’s holiness and lead heavenly worship while carrying out His divine purposes throughout Revelation.

13. Why do the four living creatures have different faces?

Answer:
Their faces portray various aspects of God’s created order. The lion represents majesty and strength, the ox symbolizes faithful service, the man reflects intelligence and moral responsibility, and the eagle represents swiftness and heavenly power. Together they illustrate that all creation reflects God’s glory and exists to worship Him.

14. Why are the living creatures full of eyes?

Answer:
The many eyes symbolize complete awareness, vigilance, and understanding. Nothing escapes God’s notice, and His heavenly servants perfectly observe and carry out His will. This imagery assures believers that God sees everything occurring on earth and governs all events with perfect wisdom.

15. Why do the living creatures never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy”?

Answer:
Their continual praise emphasizes God’s absolute holiness. Repeating “holy” three times expresses the perfection and completeness of His holiness. God’s holiness is His defining attribute, setting Him apart from all creation. The endless worship demonstrates that His holiness deserves eternal praise because it never diminishes.

16. Why do the elders cast their crowns before God’s throne?

Answer:
Casting their crowns is an act of humble worship and complete submission. Although they have received rewards, they recognize that every blessing and every victory comes from God alone. Their action teaches believers that all honor ultimately belongs to the Lord, not to those He graciously rewards.

17. Why is God declared worthy to receive glory, honor, and power?

Answer:
God is worthy because He is the Creator of all things. Everything exists because of His will and continues by His sustaining power. Unlike earthly rulers whose authority is temporary, God’s authority is eternal and absolute. Worship is therefore the only appropriate response to His greatness.

18. How does Revelation 4 prepare readers for the judgments that follow?

Answer:
Before revealing seals, trumpets, bowls, and tribulation, God first reveals His throne. This order is intentional. Readers are reminded that every judgment proceeds from God’s perfect holiness, justice, and wisdom—not from uncontrolled wrath. Knowing that God reigns provides confidence that His judgments are righteous and that His purposes will ultimately lead to the triumph of His kingdom.

19. What practical encouragement does Revelation 4 give believers today?

Answer:
Revelation 4 reminds believers that regardless of political upheaval, persecution, suffering, or uncertainty, God remains on His throne. Earthly events never threaten His sovereignty. This truth gives Christians confidence to trust Him, worship Him faithfully, and persevere with hope, knowing that history is moving toward the fulfillment of His perfect plan.

20. What is the primary theological message of Revelation 4?

Answer:
The primary message is that God is the sovereign, holy, eternal Creator who alone is worthy of all worship. Every event described throughout Revelation flows from His throne. Before believers focus on prophecy or future judgments, they are called to behold the majesty of God Himself. His sovereignty, holiness, and glory provide the foundation for understanding every vision that follows and assure His people that He reigns forever.

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Chapter 5 – The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 5 continues John’s vision of the throne room of heaven by shifting attention to a scroll sealed with seven seals that rests in the right hand of God. The scroll represents God’s sovereign plan for judgment, redemption, and the fulfillment of His purposes for creation. As a search is made throughout heaven, earth, and under the earth, no one is found worthy to open the scroll, causing John to weep. His sorrow is replaced with overwhelming joy when the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, is revealed as the slain yet victorious Lamb, Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Christ alone is worthy to open the scroll and carry out God’s redemptive plan. The chapter culminates in a magnificent scene of worship as the living creatures, the twenty-four elders, countless angels, and every creature in heaven and on earth unite in proclaiming the worthiness, power, glory, and eternal reign of the Lamb

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Bible Lessons

5:1 Revelation 5:1-5 My Burden

^5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ²And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” ³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. ⁵And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the response of the twenty-four elders. In this lesson we are introduced to a scroll written within and on the back and sealed with seven seals.

John looks more closely at the one seated on the throne and notices he holds a scroll in his right hand, and describes it as having something written on the inside as well as on the back side and is securely sealed with seven seals. At this point in the narrative, one would assume the seven seals were in a row all on the outside keeping the scroll securely rolled up. However, if we look ahead to chapter 6 and witness the seals being broken, six of the seals appear to be inside the scroll with each revealing more information when broken.

Up to this point we have encountered an open door to heaven, a throne with one seated on it, twenty-four thrones with an elder seated on each one, seven torches of fire, four living creatures, and now a scroll sealed with seven seals. As I read what others have written about these items and relate it to what John is reporting, I notice that there is a fair amount of opinion being voiced, and after some of these opinions have been shared enough times they tend to be viewed by many as fact. At times, these opinions do not agree and as a result believers take sides like believers in Corinth did over who was the best teacher and as a result the church becomes divided.

For example, it is the opinion of many that when the voice calls John to come up to heaven, in 4:1, the church is raptured; the pre-trib position. This is held as fact by the majority of the western church but 4:1 is clear that the instruction is directed to John for a specific purpose. There is divided opinion on who the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures are, but we were not told, and we really do not know, so let us not spend time generating opinions and instead let us learn from what they do. Do you give sufficient glory and honor and thanks to God as the living creatures do? Do you sufficiently worship God as the elders do? One of the reasons I stopped teaching Revelations many years ago was because my students were more fascinated by opinion than what the Scripture was actually saying. I believe, as we proceed through Revelation that we need to spend less time speculating on what is not told and more time applying what is told.

John is writing specifically to the church about the future. What he has taught us so far is the importance of our relationship with God; to give glory and honor and thanks and to worship him and to hold that as a top priority in life. It is to be a habit so when difficult times come, God is still our main focus, and with the breaking of the seals conditions in the world will become much worse than they are now under “Covid.” From my study of the Scriptures, I view the rapture positions as just opinions and not debatable facts as they have become today, seriously dividing the church. From the teaching of Jesus, I am convinced that the church remains on earth until after Matthew 24, which would take us well into the tribulation period. To get around this a well-known pre-trib teacher explains that Matthew 24 occurs before the tribulation period, ignoring its similarities found in Revelation.

I am saying these things because I believe what John is seeing and being told is to prepare the church for its last days during this time of grace and judgment of the world. If our relationship with God is right, as we see with the living creatures and with the elders, then we will with the Holy Spirit be able to endure very difficult times as our brothers and sisters are now in other parts of the world. Many are now tortured and die for their faith. Can it get worse than that for believers? It can and will for the unbelieving world.

I know what I have said will turn some away from following my writings, but with all my heart I want the church to be prepared for what might lie ahead. I can hardly imagine what the western church will be like if the pre-trib position turns out to not be true. It is my position that preparation is prudent even if it is not needed. It is also my position that the New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ will return at some unforeseen time, not necessarily at any moment.

I am sorry for this digression and promise we will get back to the seven seal scroll in the next lesson.

5:2 Revelation 5:1-5, The Lion Found Worthy

In the previous lesson we got sidetracked from our study of the seven sealed scroll. In this lesson we will get back on track.

In the previous lesson we described the scroll as having seven seals with six of those seals on the inside. After the scroll had been written it was rolled up starting at the bottom, and when a certain point was reached a seal was affixed. More was rolled up and another seal was affixed. Finally, the scroll was all rolled up and the seventh seal was affixed to secure the entire scroll.

At this point most commentators would ascribe meaning to the scroll, which is not contained in the text, by claiming it to be like a Roman will or contract deed. They say this scroll could symbolize a will that is to be opened at a future time and the contents executed. The scroll could also symbolize God’s covenant with mankind and when the seals are broken covenant curses would be poured out. It is this speculation that adds confusion and difficulty to understanding Revelation and is what I refer to as adding outside imagination to interpret the text and should not be allowed. The text does not say anything about what the scroll might represent, and we have no right to try to add meaning at this point through speculation.

As John studies the scene before him a mighty angle arrives and asks with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” This scroll is apparently a very important document only to be opened by someone who is able or qualified or worthy to break the seals. Apparently the angel has searched far and wide, checking the occupants of heaven, those living on the earth, and those under the earth, and no one could be found that was able to open the scroll and look inside.

There is apparently something about opening the scroll to see the contents that is important to John because at the news that no one was found worthy to open it or to look into it, he begins to weep loudly. He probably was told something, that he did not tell us, that makes opening this scroll so important to him. But there is good news reported from one of the elders who comes to John and tells him that one has been found that is able to break the seals and open the scroll.

John is given a three-point description of the one found. He is described as: (1) “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, (2) the Root of David, (3) who has conquered. Looking at the genealogy in Matthew 1:1 – 16 we can start with Abraham and continue with Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and on to Jesse the father of king David and on to Jesus who is called the Christ, the Messiah. Then looking at Genesis 49:8 – 12, one can connect Jesus with the Lion of the tribe of Judah. From Isaiah 11:1 – 10, the Messiah is seen as a branch that springs from the root of Jesse to restore the dynasty of David. John now refers to him as the “Root of David” because Jesus is both the royal descendant (Revelation 22:15) and the source of David’s rule as seen in Mark 12:35 – 37. Paul speaks of the “root of Jesse” coming in whom the Gentiles hope (Romans 15:12). This Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll because he was slain and by his blood he ransomed a people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9).

What we have before us is a scroll held in the right hand of God the Father sealed with seven seals. A search was made, and one was found worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. This one is identified as a Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who conquered by going to the cross to provide redemption.

5:3 Revelation 5:6-10, A Lamb in Place of the Lion

^5:6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. ⁸And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, ¹⁰and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:6 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson a search was made to find someone who was able to take the scroll held in the right hand of God and open it. To John’s relief, one was found who was worthy. In this lesson a Lamb shows up instead of the Lion and takes the scroll.

As John regains his composure and wipes the tears from his eyes and face after hearing the good news that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals. The elder that provided this information may have directed John’s attention to the area between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, and there he sees, not a Lion but a Lamb standing there with the appearance of being slain. John’s mind races back to Isaiah 53: 4 – 7 (ESV) and he recalls the passage: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” John sees the “Lamb of God,” the Passover Lamb, who “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) “with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

The Lamb that John sees standing as though slain is even stranger, as it has seven horns. These seven horns may symbolize great power and remind John of Psalm 18:2 ESV: “the Lord who is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

The Lamb is seen with seven eyes, which are identified with the seven spirits of God, which we identified, when we studied Revelation 1:4, as the Holy Spirit. We encountered the seven spirits of God again in Revelation 3:1 and 4:5 as expressions of perfection, omnipresence, and omniscience. These seven eyes are defined in Zechariah 4:10 as “the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.” The Lord, the Lamb of God, sees all and knows all that is taking place upon the earth.

As John looks at the Lamb, it goes up to the one who was seated on the throne and takes the scroll from his right hand, and when he does, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

We will break here and return in the next lesson to think about what just happened.

5:4 Revelation 5:6-10, A New Song

In the previous lesson a Lamb shows up instead of a Lion to take the scroll. In this lesson we will see what happens when the Lamb takes the scroll from him who was seated on the throne.

When the Lamb takes the scroll from God the Father it validates that the Lamb is worthy to open it and is worthy to be worshipped, and so out of respect, the living creatures and the elders fall down, or prostrate themselves before the Lamb in an act of worship. In that humble and submissive position, John notices that each is holding onto a harp and a golden bowl full of incense. The harp would suggest a musical ability and the use of the instrument in worship. The golden bowls of incense are described as the prayers of the saints. In Revelation 8:3 – 4 ESV: “And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” In Psalm 141:2, David asks God that his prayer be counted as incense before him. As you pray today your prayers are adding incense to these bowels.

These living creatures and elders probably use their harps as they sing a new song to the Lamb, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

The Lion and the Lamb are the same person. The names are symbols that represent different aspects of Christ and time of doing things. The Lamb brought salvation through grace and the Lion will bring justice through judgment. The Lion was worthy because he conquered (5:5), but he conquered as the Lamb that was slain. It was the shedding of his blood as he died on the cross that provided victory over sin and death and satisfied the law. It was by his blood that he ransomed, or purchased, people for God.

The ransom price for our freedom was the blood of Jesus Christ in the flesh as he died a sinless man on the cross. Paying that ransom price, Jesus Christ provided for our redemption and justification.

Through his death and resurrection, he redeemed us from the curse of the law and justified us before almighty God. Redemption involves deliverance from bondage based on the payment of a price by a redeemer; the payment required his blood and death. Every person born physically has sinned and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Christ’s redemption has freed us from guilt, being “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). To be “justified” is to be made right and acceptable before God.

Those who have been ransomed by the blood of the Lamb have by faith through grace been born again and have been made a kingdom and priests of God. They are from every tribe and language and people and nation. Peter expands on this in 1 Peter 2:9 ESV: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” The meaning of being a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, can be found in lesson 1Pe19 at this link. However, with this unique position comes a responsibility. As believers we are to proclaim God’s excellencies to the people around us. We are to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19 – 20 ESV). As priests to our God, we have the responsibility in this life to carry out the mandate of this great commission.

5:5 Revelation 5:11-14, Worthy Is the Lamb

^5:11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹²saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” ¹³And 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 blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” ¹⁴And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:11 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson we look at the new song the elders sang before the Lamb. In this lesson John sees a great multitude of angels around the throne.

As John continues to look towards the area of the throne, he sees and hears around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. How the count is reported is to indicate an incalculably huge number of angels who, apparently following the song of the elders, spoke in unison with a resulting loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Their statement acclaims the Lamb worthy of a sevenfold tribute consisting of “power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

To better understand the scope of these seven attributes, consider how the seven Greek words, from which these words come from, are use in other verses. (1) “power” – In Revelation 1:16 “his face was like the sun shining in full strength” (2) – “wealth” In Philippians 4:19 “according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (3) “wisdom” – In 1 Corinthians 3:19 “the wisdom of this world is folly with God” (4) “might” In Ephesians 3:16 – “strengthened with power through his Spirit” (5) “honor” – In Hebrews 2:9 “Jesus, crowned with glory and honor” (6) “glory” – In 1 Peter 4:11 “To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever” and (7) “blessing” – In Romans 15:29 “the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” Who else can we attribute such attributes to other than God?

As John continues to listen, he hears other creatures located in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, and in the sea, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” There is some speculation on who these creatures are, but looking at Psalm 148:7 – 10, these creatures may include “great sea creatures, beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds.” The entire universe seems to be praising the Lamb because of the restoration that is coming. This giving of “blessing and honor and glory and might” is to go on for an eternity, and to this the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Eventually, “every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 ESV).

Having experienced some time with God the Father on the throne, the living creatures, the elders, a Lion, a Lamb, and a great multitude of angels, and spent time in worship and praise, we are ready to see what happens when the Lamb, who took the scroll from the one seated on the throne, begins to break the seals and looks inside. We see the importance of giving glory, honor, and thanks to God and to bow in worship, but are we ready to experience some difficult times that lie ahead?

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Questions with Answers

1. Why does John begin to weep when no one is found worthy to open the scroll?

Answer:
John understands that the scroll represents God’s sovereign plan for bringing history to its appointed conclusion. If no one is worthy to open it, God’s purposes of judgment, redemption, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom cannot move forward. His tears reflect the hopelessness of a world that cannot save itself. Humanity has no champion capable of fulfilling God’s righteous plan. John’s sorrow highlights mankind’s complete inability to redeem creation apart from Christ.

2. Who comforts John, and what message does he give?

Answer:
One of the twenty-four elders tells John not to weep because someone has been found worthy.

“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5)

The elder announces that Jesus has already won the victory. His worthiness is not something He must earn in heaven; it was accomplished through His earthly ministry, His sacrificial death, His resurrection, and His exaltation.

3. Why is Jesus called the Lion of the tribe of Judah?

Answer:
The title comes from Genesis 49:9–10, where Judah is promised a royal descendant whose kingdom will endure forever. The lion symbolizes strength, authority, kingship, and victory.

Jesus fulfills this prophecy as the promised Messiah who reigns as the eternal King. He possesses all authority over heaven and earth and will ultimately defeat every enemy.

4. Why is Jesus also called the Root of David?

Answer:
This title comes from Isaiah 11:1, 10. Jesus is both a descendant of David according to His humanity and the eternal source from whom David himself received life and authority.

Calling Jesus the Root of David emphasizes His deity and eternal existence. David came from Christ before Christ came from David.

5. Why does John see a Lamb instead of a Lion?

Answer:
John hears about a conquering Lion but sees a slain Lamb. This is one of the great theological pictures of Revelation.

Jesus conquered not by military power but through sacrificial death.

The Lamb demonstrates that God’s victory comes through humility, obedience, suffering, and resurrection. Christ’s greatest victory occurred at Calvary before it will be displayed at His Second Coming.

6. What does it mean that the Lamb appeared “as though it had been slain”?

Answer:
Jesus still bears the marks of His sacrifice, reminding heaven forever that redemption was purchased by His blood.

Although He is fully alive, His death remains central to His identity as Redeemer.

This emphasizes:

His substitutionary sacrifice.
The permanence of redemption.
The eternal value of His atonement.
The continual remembrance of God’s grace.

He is forever the Lamb who was slain and now lives forever.

7. What do the seven horns and seven eyes represent?

Answer:
The seven horns symbolize complete power and perfect authority. Throughout Scripture, horns represent strength and kingly power.

The seven eyes symbolize perfect knowledge and complete wisdom.

The passage explains that these are the seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth, representing the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit’s ministry.

Together they teach that Christ possesses:

Perfect authority.
Perfect wisdom.
Perfect knowledge.
Perfect divine presence.

Nothing escapes His control or understanding.

8. Why is Jesus worthy to take the scroll?

Answer:
Heaven gives several reasons.

Jesus is worthy because:

He was slain.
He redeemed people by His blood.
He purchased believers from every nation.
He made them kings and priests.
He perfectly obeyed the Father.
He defeated sin and death.
He rose from the grave.
He alone fulfilled God’s plan of redemption.

His worthiness rests upon both His divine nature and His completed work of salvation.

9. What is the significance of Christ’s blood purchasing people “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation”?

Answer:
This reveals the worldwide scope of the gospel.

Salvation is not limited to one ethnic group or nation. Jesus redeems people from every language, culture, race, and background.

The church is an international family united not by nationality but by faith in Christ.

This fulfills God’s promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham.

10. What does it mean that believers are made “kings and priests”?

Answer:
Believers share in Christ’s kingdom and priesthood.

As priests, Christians have direct access to God through Christ and serve Him by worship, prayer, and ministry.

As kings, believers will one day reign with Christ in His kingdom.

This fulfills God’s original purpose that His people would represent Him before the world.

11. Why do the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall before the Lamb?

Answer:
Their posture demonstrates complete submission and worship.

Although these heavenly beings are glorious themselves, they recognize Christ’s infinitely greater glory.

Their worship teaches that every created being owes honor and obedience to Jesus.

True worship always centers upon Christ.

12. What do the harps and golden bowls full of incense symbolize?

Answer:
The harps represent praise and worship.

The golden bowls full of incense represent the prayers of God’s people rising before Him.

This teaches that:

God hears every prayer.
The prayers of believers are precious to Him.
Worship and prayer are inseparably connected.
Heaven continually presents the prayers of the saints before God’s throne.

13. Why do the heavenly beings sing a “new song”?

Answer:
A new act of God’s salvation calls for a new expression of praise.

The new song celebrates Christ’s completed work of redemption.

Throughout Scripture, new songs are sung whenever God performs a mighty act of deliverance.

Here, heaven celebrates the greatest act of redemption in all history.

14. What does the song teach about salvation?

Answer:
The song emphasizes several important truths.

Salvation is:

Accomplished by Christ alone.
Purchased through His blood.
Available to all nations.
Entirely God’s work.
Intended to produce a kingdom of worshipers.

Every aspect of redemption points back to Jesus.

15. Why do millions of angels join the worship?

Answer:
Although angels are not themselves redeemed, they rejoice in God’s plan of salvation.

They recognize Christ’s infinite worth and celebrate His victory.

Their worship demonstrates that the entire heavenly host acknowledges Jesus as Lord.

16. Why does every creature eventually worship the Lamb?

Answer:
John sees universal recognition of Christ’s lordship.

Every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea joins in praise.

This anticipates the fulfillment of passages such as Philippians 2:9–11, where every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Some will worship joyfully, while others will acknowledge His authority in judgment, but all creation will recognize His supreme authority.

17. What attributes are given to Christ in the angels’ praise?

Answer:
The angels declare that the Lamb is worthy to receive:

Power
Riches
Wisdom
Strength
Honor
Glory
Blessing

These seven expressions emphasize the completeness of Christ’s worthiness and divine majesty. Everything that belongs to perfect sovereignty and divine excellence belongs to Him.

18. What does Revelation 5 teach about worship?

Answer:
True worship is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Heaven’s worship focuses on:

Who Christ is.
What Christ has accomplished.
His authority over creation.
His sacrificial death.
His resurrection victory.
His eternal reign.

Biblical worship is never primarily about human experience but about God’s glory revealed in Christ.

19. How does Revelation 5 prepare for the judgments that follow?

Answer:
Before the seals are opened, John is shown that the One executing God’s judgments is also the One who gave His life to save sinners.

This assures believers that God’s judgments are not arbitrary or unjust. The Judge is the Redeemer. Because Jesus is perfectly holy, righteous, and merciful, His judgments are entirely just and faithful to God’s purposes.

20. What is the central message of Revelation 5?

Answer:
Revelation 5 proclaims that Jesus Christ alone is worthy to carry out God’s eternal plan because He is the victorious Lamb who redeemed sinners through His blood. Heaven responds with universal worship, declaring His supreme authority, perfect worthiness, and everlasting glory. The chapter shifts the focus from John’s despair to triumphant hope, showing that history is not controlled by human power but by the crucified and risen Christ, whose redemptive work guarantees the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and the ultimate restoration of creation.

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Chapter 6 – The Opening of the Six Seals

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 6 marks the beginning of God’s unfolding judgments during the future Tribulation as the Lamb, Jesus Christ, opens the first six of the seven seals on the scroll received in heaven. With the opening of each seal, God’s sovereign plan for bringing history to its appointed conclusion begins to unfold. The four horsemen symbolize conquest, war, famine, and death, demonstrating the devastating consequences of humanity’s rebellion against God. As the fifth seal is opened, the souls of faithful martyrs cry out for divine justice, reminding believers that God has neither forgotten their suffering nor abandoned His promises. The sixth seal reveals terrifying cosmic disturbances that cause the nations of the earth to recognize that the day of God’s wrath has arrived, yet many still refuse to repent. Throughout this chapter, God’s holiness, justice, and sovereign authority are displayed as He prepares the world for the establishment of Christ’s righteous kingdom, while assuring His people that He remains in complete control of every event leading to His ultimate victory.

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Bible Lessons

6:1 Revelation 6:1-2, The Opening of Seal 1

^6:1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” ²And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. (Revelation 6:1 – 2 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about the scroll and the Lamb who was found worthy to take the scroll from the one sitting on the throne and to break its seals. With anticipation we wait for the first seal to be broken and the corresponding affect.

It is the general consensus of those holding the pre-trib rapture position that breaking these seals releases God’s wrath, but does it? Daniel speaks of one week of seventy (Daniel 9:24 – 27), Jeremiah speaks of a day that is so great there is none like it for it is a time of distress for Jacob (Jeremiah 30:7), and Isaiah speaks of a time the Lord is enraged against all the nations (Isaiah 34:2). Many Bible scholars and commentators have concluded that the three times mentioned all refer to the seven-year tribulation period, and it being a time of God’s wrath. As I watch the seals being opened and the events under each being unfolded, I in good conscience cannot bring their conclusions (imagination) in to help interpret the text. We will try to stay focused on what the text is saying.

In great silence with everyone holding their breath, the Lamb opens the first of the seven seals and all of a sudden the silence is broken with a voice like thunder, shouting out, “Come!” And as if a video were projected up on a screen, John turns his attention there and sees a white horse and its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

Reading ahead, one would notice that each of the first four seals is associated with a horse of a particular color, the respective colors being white, bright red, black, and pale. These colored horses bring to mind the colored horses of Zechariah 1:8 – 10 and 6:1 – 8, whose riders were sent out by the Lord to patrol the earth.

Since the first rider has a white horse, some think the rider represents Christ. Looking ahead to Revelation 19:11 – 16, another white horse appears whose rider is clearly Christ. In the first seal the rider would most likely not be Christ but would represent political and military leaders moving in the direction of war. Following this line of thinking, the red horse would represent war, the black horse could represent famine resulting from war, and the pale horse could represent epidemic disease. If one continues this line of thinking, and considering present conditions on earth, one is reminded of Ezekiel 38 and 39, which details Russia and other nations around the Middle East moving against Israel. Such a war would have an obvious outcome if it were not for God stepping in and showing the world that he is still in control. Would such a war take place at this time or might it occur just before the tribulation period? It is something to think about.

It is possible that the Ezekiel war could occur just before the tribulation period resulting in a realignment of world powers as suggested by the opening of the first seal. As fast as events are currently unfolding, we may not have to wait long to know what happens.

6:2 Revelation 6:3-8, The Opening of Seal 2, 3, and 4

^6:3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” ⁴And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

^6:5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. ⁶And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”

^6:7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” ⁸And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:3 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we managed to cover only the opening of the first seal because we got sidetracked with some things to think about. In this lesson we will cover the next three seals.

When the second seal is opened we see the progression from the first seal in which the rider of the white horse was allowed to go out and conquer. The progression results in a bright red horse, whose rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, and in the resulting warfare, people would slay one another. As I write this I think back to when I was a young person and had several uncles in the Second World War and remember the many who were killed and the great destruction of property. I think of the great loss of life, especially in Japan when two atomic bombs were dropped. This red horse might represent the blood of many that was shed.

I do not see this warfare as God’s wrath. Verse three indicates that God permitted this rider of the red horse to bring the horror of war, just as God allowed the several wars of my lifetime. The great suffering in the past and the great suffering in the future is the result of man’s sin at work, permitted by God.

When the world experiences great wars like World War II, or the coming Ezekiel war, or the war being described here under seal two, it often leads to a loss of food production and famine that is depicted under the opening of seal three. That famine is expressed by the rider of a black horse, who has a pair of scales in his hand to show the high cost of scarce items. John hears a voice that seems to come from among the living creatures indicating how expensive basic items had become. This lack of food items may also be the result of the drought that existed during the time of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3 – 6). There were great famines of the past but this coming one will be greater. A time when it will take a day’s wage to buy enough to eat for one day. The conditions under the third seal result in scarcity of food items but there is still production of oil and wine.

The opening of the fourth seal indicates how serious conditions are becoming during this time on earth. Because of war and famine, and the addition of pestilence and wild beasts, death comes to many as indicted by the rider of the pale horse, whose name was Death.

These four seals stand out from the last three in that each is associated with a living creature which instructs John to “Come!” as each seal is to be opened. Each seal is also associated with a rider on a horse of a different color that suggests a progression of worsening conditions on earth, leading to the death of many, but how many?

Looking at verse 8, one finds authority was given “to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.” Authority was given to “they” which from the description which follows indicates the “they” to be the four horsemen. “They” were given “authority” over “a fourth of the earth.” What is the meaning of “a fourth of the earth”? If I were to say, “The cloud of dust covered a fourth of the earth.” you would understand what I meant. Does a fourth of the earth mean area or does it mean a fourth of the people of the whole earth will die? If it means one fourth of the earth’s population, then that would mean roughly two billion people would die from the effects of these four seals. How many people die is not clearly stated and is not as important as to realize conditions are going to get dramatically worse during the time described as the tribulation period.

6:3 Revelation 6:9-11, The Opening of Seal 5

^6:9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. ¹⁰They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” ¹¹Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. (Revelation 6:9 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the opening of seal two, three, and four. In this lesson we come to the fifth seal which has a very different focus than the previous four.

The fifth seal shows an increased level of persecution, that will become worldwide, with many being killed for their witness. John sees under the altar, on which sacrifices are offered, the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. These are the souls of Christians who were living out the great commission of Matthew 28:18 – 20. These believers had been sharing their faith just as believers did before the tribulation period and as they did, many were killed for their faith, just as believers are being killed in countries of persecution today. These souls are of believers, just like you and me, who were willing to die for their faith. Are you willing to die for your faith like our brothers and sisters are dying in countries of persecution today?

These souls are described as being under the altar, which according to Exodus 29:12, is where the blood of the sacrifice is poured. I believe this is a metaphor suggesting that John sees these believers who were slain as sacrifices bearing witness for Jesus Christ. These believers are referenced in Revelation 20:4 as “those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God.” The beheading of believers is something we already witness today in parts of the world.

These souls, who sacrificed their lives for their witness, cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Their cry is that of Psalm 13:1 ESV: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” These martyrs recognize the Lord is sovereign and since he is holy and true they believe he will fairly judge and avenge their blood on those responsible. They want to know how much longer he is going to allow this persecution to continue.

In response to their question, they are given a white robe and told to rest a little longer. During their rest time, their fellow servants and their brothers would also be killed as they were. What is shocking is in Revelation 13:7, God grants permission to the first beast to “make war on the saints and to conquer them.” The persecution that believers are experiencing in countries of persecution today will spread to include the whole world, including the United States, and God will allow it to happen.

Because of my age, I may not be alive to experience it, but there is a good chance that my children, or grandchildren, or great grandchildren that are currently alive today will experience it just as others outside the United States are experiencing it today. Let me ask you a sobering question. If you were a parent and had unsaved children older than the “age of accountability” and the rapture occurred, how would you feel about being taken to heaven and leaving your children behind with no one to care for them? Personally, I would rather remain behind and suffer and die and help my children come to salvation. I would rather stay behind and continue to seek souls for Christ. That is why God saved me.

I am sorry, my friend, but I want to stay on this earth to work for Christ until the day I die, not until a “rapture” takes me away from God’s mandate to the church to make disciples. I cannot make disciples if I am taken to heaven. Jesus Christ suffered and died for me. The least I can to is the same for him. How about you?

6:4 Revelation 6:12-17, Seal 6 Part 1

^6:12 When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, ¹³and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. ¹⁴The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. ¹⁵Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, ¹⁶calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, ¹⁷for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson the fifth seal was opened, and John saw the souls of people who had been killed for their Christian witness. In this lesson the sixth seal is opened which is a preview of the coming destruction of the first heavens and earth, as we will see in Revelation 20:11 and 21:1.

As the sixth seal is opened, John records seven things that will happen: (1) a great earthquake, (2) the sun became black as sackcloth, (3) the full moon became like blood, (4) the stars of the sky fell to the earth, (5) the sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, (6) every mountain and island was removed from its place, and (7) a time when everyone on earth hid themselves from the one seated on the throne.

(1) a great earthquake – Earthquake activity on earth seems to be increasing but recording devices show a steady average over the past twenty years of fifteen earthquakes of magnitude of seven or greater. There is constant tension within the earth’s surface and one day, under God’s timing, there will be a “great” one having far reaching effects. In the Bible, earthquakes announced the terrifying arrival of the Lord in his glory. One such example we are familiar with is recorded in Exodus 19:18 ESV: “Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.” Another is described in Ezekiel 38:19 – 20. According to Hebrews 12:26 – 27, there will be a time in the future when God will not only shake the earth but also the heavens.

(2) the sun became black as sackcloth – At the time of the great earthquake there will also be volcanic activity which would spew vast quantities of dust and steam and gases into the upper atmosphere, resulting in the sun being described as black as sackcloth.

(3) the full moon became like blood – As the sun is darkened, the moon will appear like blood in color. A description of this occurring before the great and awesome day of the Lord is given in Joel 2:31. The day of the Lord is described in Isaiah 13:9 – 10 ESV: “Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light.”

(4) the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale – These stars must be a metaphor of something smaller than the stars in the heavens and gives rise to speculation. The shaking of the heavens mentioned in Hebrews 12:26 may cause the stars to appear as if falling to earth (my speculation).

Let us take a break here and finish in the next lesson.

6:5 Revelation 6:12-17, Seal 6 Part 2

In the previous lesson we covered four of the seven conditions mentioned under the sixth seal. In this lesson we will cover the remaining three.

(5) the sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up – Isaiah spoke of this in Isaiah 34:4 ESV: “All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.” The “host of heaven” is commonly used in Scripture to refer to the stars, but it is not clear the meaning of “the sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up.”

(6) every mountain and island was removed from its place – This would suggest severs earthquakes with possible area wide slippage of the earth’s crust.

(7) a time when everyone on earth hid themselves from the one seated on the throne – As these things take place on earth and in the heavens, people on earth are forced to acknowledge that God is indeed on his throne in heaven and fear him greatly. They call out to the mountains and the rocks, like they may have called out to their idols, to “Fall on [them] and hide [them] from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

These people refer to these events as God’s wrath against them. It is true that God is allowing these events, and possibly even having a part is causing them to happen, but it is my opinion based on Revelation 15 and 16, that God’s wrath is not being poured out until then specifically as bowls of God’s wrath. It is these people’s opinion here that they are experiencing God’s wrath.

We find similar wording in Isaiah 2:20 – 21 ESV: “In that day mankind will cast away their idols of silver and their idols of gold, which they made for themselves to worship, to the moles and to the bats, to enter the caverns of the rocks and the clefts of the cliffs, from before the terror of the Lord, and from the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth.” Also in Hosea 10:8, we find the people saying to the mountains, “Cover us,” and to the ills, “Fall on us.”

During this time which the people refer to as the “great day of wrath” they ask the question, “Who can stand?” In Revelation 7, John will answer that question by saying there are some who will stand by God’s grace.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the significance of the Lamb opening the seals?

Answer:
The opening of the seals demonstrates that Jesus Christ alone has the authority to unfold God’s sovereign plan for history. The scroll, first introduced in Revelation 5, contains God’s decrees concerning judgment, redemption, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. As each seal is opened, events begin to unfold exactly according to God’s will. This reminds believers that history is not controlled by human governments or evil powers but by the risen Christ, who reigns over all creation.

2. What does the rider on the white horse represent?

Answer:
The first rider (Revelation 6:1–2) has been understood in several ways. Many interpreters believe he represents the rise of a powerful world ruler who conquers through deception and political influence rather than immediate warfare. Others view him as symbolizing conquest in general. Since the following horsemen represent calamities, many conclude this rider introduces the beginning of worldwide deception and conquest that precedes greater judgments. Regardless of the interpretation, the rider only advances because Christ opens the seal, showing that even earthly powers operate under God’s sovereign permission.

3. What is symbolized by the red horse?

Answer:
The second horse (Revelation 6:3–4) represents warfare and bloodshed. Peace is removed from the earth, causing nations and individuals to turn violently against one another. This judgment illustrates the devastating consequences of human rebellion and demonstrates that God can withdraw the peace people often take for granted. Throughout Scripture, war frequently serves as an instrument of divine judgment against sinful humanity.

4. What does the black horse represent?

Answer:
The third horse (Revelation 6:5–6) symbolizes famine and economic hardship. The scales indicate food rationing, while the inflated prices reveal severe shortages. A full day’s wages purchase only enough grain for one person’s daily survival. Yet the command not to harm the oil and wine suggests that some resources remain available or that wealth remains unevenly distributed. This judgment highlights how war often leads to economic collapse and widespread suffering.

5. What is the meaning of the pale horse?

Answer:
The fourth horse (Revelation 6:7–8) represents death on a massive scale. The pale or sickly green color reflects disease and decay. Death rides the horse while Hades follows, gathering those who die. Authority is given over one-fourth of the earth to kill by war, famine, pestilence, and wild animals. This reveals both the severity of God’s judgment and His restraint, since only a portion of humanity is affected rather than the entire world.

6. Who are the souls beneath the altar?

Answer:
The fifth seal (Revelation 6:9–11) reveals believers who were martyred because they faithfully proclaimed God’s Word and remained loyal to Jesus Christ. They are pictured beneath the heavenly altar, suggesting that their lives were offered as sacrifices to God. Their presence demonstrates that physical death does not separate believers from God’s presence. Instead, they await the final resurrection and God’s complete vindication.

7. Why do the martyrs ask, “How long?”

Answer:
Their question reflects a longing for God’s justice rather than personal revenge. Throughout the Bible, faithful believers cry out for God to act against evil. The martyrs trust God’s righteousness and desire His perfect judgment to be fulfilled. Their prayer teaches believers that it is appropriate to long for justice while patiently waiting for God’s perfect timing.

8. Why are the martyrs told to wait?

Answer:
God tells them that additional believers will also suffer martyrdom before His purposes are complete. This demonstrates that history unfolds according to God’s predetermined plan. Nothing occurs outside His knowledge or control. Although evil may appear to triumph temporarily, God’s justice will come at the appointed time.

9. What happens when the sixth seal is opened?

Answer:
The sixth seal (Revelation 6:12–17) introduces dramatic cosmic disturbances. A great earthquake occurs, the sun becomes dark, the moon appears like blood, stars fall, the sky recedes, and mountains and islands are displaced. These events announce the coming Day of the Lord and reveal that creation itself responds to God’s judgment. Similar prophetic imagery appears throughout the Old Testament to describe God’s intervention in history.

10. Why do the people of the earth try to hide?

Answer:
The kings, rulers, generals, rich, powerful, slaves, and free people recognize that these events are not random natural disasters but expressions of divine judgment. They seek refuge in caves and mountains, asking creation itself to hide them from “the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Ironically, they fear God’s judgment but do not seek His mercy through repentance.

11. What does the phrase “the wrath of the Lamb” teach?

Answer:
The Lamb is Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the sacrifice for sinners. Those who reject His salvation will eventually face His righteous judgment. The phrase reminds readers that Christ is both Savior and Judge. His love offers forgiveness to all who believe, but His holiness demands justice for persistent rebellion against God.

12. What does the question, “Who can stand?” mean?

Answer:
The final question (Revelation 6:17) asks who can survive God’s holy judgment. By human merit alone, no one can stand before God’s righteousness. The question prepares readers for Revelation 7, where God reveals those who are protected through His grace. Ultimately, only those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb are able to stand confidently before God.

13. How does Revelation 6 demonstrate God’s sovereignty?

Answer:
Every judgment begins only after Christ opens a seal. The horsemen receive authority rather than acting independently. Death has limited power, and even the timing of judgment is carefully determined by God. The chapter consistently teaches that God remains in complete control of history, even during times of global chaos and suffering.

14. What encouragement does this chapter give believers?

Answer:
Although Revelation 6 describes terrifying judgments, it assures believers that Christ reigns over every event. God remembers His faithful servants, hears the prayers of His martyrs, limits the extent of judgment, and will ultimately establish perfect justice. Christians can therefore live with confidence, knowing that suffering is temporary and God’s kingdom will triumph.

15. What practical lessons should Christians learn from Revelation 6?

Answer:
Revelation 6 calls believers to remain faithful in difficult times, recognizing that Christ governs history even when evil seems to prevail. It encourages spiritual readiness, perseverance under persecution, confidence in God’s justice, and hope in Christ’s ultimate victory. The chapter also serves as a solemn warning to unbelievers to repent while God’s offer of salvation remains available, for a day of judgment is certainly coming.

Key Truths from Revelation 6

Jesus Christ alone has authority to carry out God’s plan for history.
The judgments unfold according to God’s sovereign timing.
Human warfare, famine, disease, and death are under God’s ultimate control.
God remembers and will vindicate His faithful people.
Divine judgment is certain for those who reject Christ.
The coming Day of the Lord will affect both heaven and earth.
Only those redeemed by the Lamb can stand before God’s holy judgment.
Revelation 6 calls every believer to live faithfully, confidently, and expectantly as they await Christ’s victorious return.

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Chapter 7 – The Sealing of God’s Servants and the Multitude in White Robes

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 7 provides a reassuring pause between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals, shifting the focus from divine judgment to God’s sovereign protection and ultimate salvation of His people. Before the final judgments continue, John sees two remarkable visions: the sealing of 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel and an innumerable multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshiping before God’s throne. Together, these visions emphasize that God knows His own, preserves them through times of tribulation, and will bring them safely into His eternal presence. The chapter offers hope in the midst of judgment, revealing God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His plan to redeem people from every corner of the earth. It reminds believers that although trials and persecution are temporary, those who belong to Christ are eternally secure and will one day enjoy unbroken fellowship with God, where every sorrow, hunger, thirst, and tear will be forever removed.

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Bible Lessons

7:1 Revelation 7:1-3, Five Angels with Responsibilities

^7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. ²Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, ³saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” (Revelation 7:1 – 3 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering chapter 6 which described the events included under the first six seals. With this lesson we begin what is referred to as an interlude, in which additional information is provided before the opening of the seventh seal. There are three interludes in Revelation found at 7:1 – 17, 10:1 – 11:14, and 20:1 – 6.

After the opening of the six seals, John saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth. One might quickly point out that the Bible is wrong as there are photos from space showing the earth to be round. Today a mariner or a geologist would refer to those four corners as the four quadrants of the compass. At those four locations of the earth the angels hold back the four winds which we, today, speak of north, south, east, and west winds. One can easily imagine an angel located at both the north and south pole and the other two located opposite each other somewhere on the equator. These four winds provide air currents on the earth that provides a variation of weather patterns necessary for life. These winds can bring very favorable conditions, or they can bring storms producing great damage. It is possible these winds were responsible for the serious famine of seal three. It appears that for a short time, to allow an event to take place, God wants the winds to remain calm, and then at a later time these will become winds of judgment and will bring about harm on the earth, probably with violent storms with hailstones weighing up to one hundred pounds (16:21).

As these four angels patiently obey their instructions, John sees another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, or from the east, with the seal of the living God and a command, presumably from God. Seal six closed with a question from those terrified by the violence they were experiencing, asking, “Who can stand in the midst of such judgment?” The answer lies in the application of the seal this angel brings. It appears to be a seal that protects those God has chosen to be his servants during this tribulation time. Who those “servants” are and what they are protected from has not been explained yet.

In John 6:27, God is seen as placing his seal on those who have eternal life. In the Old Testament, circumcision functioned as a seal under the old covenant (Romans 4:11). Under the new covenant, the Holy Spirit seals God’s people as his possession (Ephesians 1:13 – 14 ESV: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”)

In Ezekiel 9:4 – 6 (ESV), we find a mark being placed on the forehead of those to be protected from God’s judgment: “And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children, and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So, they began with the elders who were before the house.” This seal here in Revelation is to protect God’s people from his judgments.

7:2 Revelation 7:4-8, My Interlude

^7:4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: ⁵12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, ⁶12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, ⁷12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, ⁸12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed. (Revelation 7:4 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson John saw five specific angels, each with an assignment. The first four were responsible for how the winds blow and were instructed by the fifth angel to hold them calm while the seal from God was being applied to his servants; a seal that was brought by the fifth angel. In this lesson we will find out (maybe) who was sealed.

John heard that 144,000 were to be sealed. There is a very sharp division on the meaning of the 144,000. Is it a symbol of the church or is it intended to refer to a literal, ethnic Israel? Since a pre-trib rapture removes the church before the tribulation period, those who hold that position see the 144,000 as a reference to a literal, ethnic Israel. If the church is not raptured then the 144,000 may be a symbol of the church.

I feel the need to digress and fill in some background that leads me to what I will conclude about this passage. On Sunday, February 22, 2015, I posted my first lesson on a study of the New Testament. I felt God guiding me to begin with the teachings of Jesus, to gain a firm foundation for a study beyond the four gospels. The study of the gospels was done using a time harmonization of events. Following the gospels, two lines of study were established. The first included the gospels with Jesus and the disciples, then Acts with the disciples becoming apostles and Jesus being replaced with the Holy Spirit, then on to Revelation with John writing to the churches established mainly by Paul. The second line of study includes the remaining letters of the New Testament, those being covered in the order they were written. Within the next two years this work should be finished.

Jesus was sent, in the role of a prophet, to instruct God’s then chosen people, the Jews. Since they failed in their God assigned task, Jesus was assigned to establish a second chosen group of people, not under the law but under grace. By grace through faith, these believers in Jesus Christ are born again and populate the kingdom of God known in Acts as the church.

Since the focus of Jesus was the Jewish population, primarily in and around Jerusalem, it would stand to reason that the first church would consist of primarily Jews and be located in Jerusalem. Before Jesus ascended back to heaven, he gave them a mandate to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19 – 20 ESV). That mandate was repeated in Acts just before his ascension. Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV).

The church stayed put in Jerusalem, enjoying their fellowship, so God allowed persecution to rise against the Jerusalem church. Stephen was arrested and stoned to death, sending persecution into overdrive against the church in Jerusalem, forcing its members to flee throughout Judea and Samaria, and on to the end of the earth, taking the gospel with them. As they traveled out from Jerusalem they shared the gospel, primarily with people of Jewish background, ignoring the Gentile population. As the Gentiles notices changes in the life of Jewish Christians, the Holy Spirit, began to bring some to faith and the church was forced to accept them into church membership.

During this time Paul made it his mission to round up as many Christians as possible in an attempt to destroy the church, but on his mission to Damascus, the Lord stopped Paul and changed his life and made him an apostle to the Gentile people. Through the Holy Spirit using him the church continued to grow, reaching out farther and farther across the earth, bringing us to the period of time described as the tribulation period when God would bring about a “transition” from the church back to his chosen Jewish people.

From my study over the past seven years there is nothing I have encountered that would suggest the church does not enter the tribulation period to satisfy its mandate to reach the people described in Revelation 7:9 – 10 ESV: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

We need to break at this point and finish in the next lesson.

7:3 Revelation 7:4-8, My Interlude Continued

In the previous lesson I followed John’s use of an interlude to insert some additional information. In this lesson I will finish my interlude and get back to our text.

As I studies the gospels, I continued to look for information about the return of Jesus. I found at Mark 13:32 – 33 (ESV) the following statement: “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” I felt the time was narrowed down by what Jesus said in Matthew 24.

The disciples came to Jesus privately and asked him to tell them, “when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” In Matthew 24:5 – 14, Jesus gives signs to look for, among which were wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, tribulation, deception, and the gospel being proclaimed to the whole world. To this list, Jesus adds another important sign, and that one being “the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” (24:15). These signs place the coming of Jesus deep into the tribulation period, and up to this point has Jesus ever spoken of coming back before that. As one continues reading, and reads Matthew 24:29 – 31, his return appears to be “immediately after the tribulation of those days.” When we studies Matthew 24, one of my readers suggested I look at Revelation 16:15 (ESV) for some guidance. There one reads: “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” In 2 Corinthians 5:1 – 5, Paul describes that nakedness as dying unsaved as you would not have a resurrected body when Jesus returns, and you would stand in judgment without being clothed with a resurrected body.

Jesus never spoke of returning before Matthew 24, which describes tribulation conditions. In the opening verses of Revelation, John states: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him” (Revelation 1:7 ESV). Any return Jesus makes appears not be secret but seen by every eye. Matthew 24:27 states that the return of Christ will be like the brightness of lightning illuminating the entire sky from the east to the west. Matthew 24:30 – 31 describes his return coming with the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and with a loud trumpet call.

The language Paul uses in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11 speaks of the return of Jesus in the time frame given above not before. 2 Thessalonians speaks of Jesus returning after the rebellion and the man of lawlessness is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3). I Googled the “imminent return of Jesus” to find versus that support such a return and the only one I could find was Revelation 22:20 which simple said, “Surely I am coming soon.” The question is how soon? Is it before the tribulation period? The answer is driven by opinion not by Bible verses. There is very strong opinion on this among Christians who have not suffered persecution. Watching my brothers and sisters endure torture and death for their faith in countries of persecution, I see a church enduring Matthew 24 not being spared from it. It is my opinion from seven years of writing Bible lessons as I work through the New Testament, verse by verse, that the return of Christ is at some unforeseen time, not at any moment. As a result, I feel responsible to warn my readers in the western church that they might also face persecution that could cost them their lives, and it might happen in the tribulation period.

Having said these things, I know some of you will say that I am wrong and turn away but let us press on a little farther into the next lesson and consider the 144,000.

7:4 Revelation 7:4-8, The 144,000

In the previous two lessons, I probably offended some of my readers as I searched for verses to support the return of Jesus that is held by the majority in the American church. What I am finding as I am working my away though Revelation, is that speculation is taught so fervently that it is seen by many as fact and as a result it draws attention away from solid spiritual learning that can take place. A simple example is the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. We can focus on speculating who they are and miss what they do. What they do is to attribute glory, honor, and thanksgiving to the one sitting on the throne, and they spend time in worship. Forget the speculation and spend your time as they did.

Trying to write a lesson on the meaning of the 144,000 has been one of the hardest lessons I have done. This is the third day that I have struggled and thought about what to say. The general footnote for verses 7:1 – 17 in the ESV Study Bible gives two view that differ sharply and affects how one relates to the great multitude that is from every nation. One view is the pre-trib position and sees the 144,000 as Jewish evangelist bringing a great multitude to faith during the tribulation period. The other view is to see the 144,000 as Jews in relation to bringing the nation of Israel to faith and the great multitude as part of the church.

My verse-by-verse study of the New Testament has led me to see the tribulation period as a transition period in which the church completes its mandate to take the gospel to all tribes and peoples and languages of all nations. At the same time God is at work bringing Israel to faith in Jesus as their Messiah. Persecution will continue to grow against the church and become worldwide and include the western church as God grants permission to the first beast “make war on the saints and to conquer them” (Revelation 13:7). Any who survive to the Lord’s return will be raptured at that time to be with him. As the work of the church draws to an end, God is bringing Israel back to himself as promised in Jeremiah 31:1 CEV: “Israel, I promise that someday all your tribes will again be my people, and I will be your God.” I will say more on this when we study Revelation 11:12.

So, who are the 144,000? John says they are Jews from the tribes mentioned in the numbers mentioned, who are sealed for protection for an undisclosed assignment. I do not embrace the speculation that these Jews are responsible for the great multitude of 7:9 coming to faith. That position has too many unanswered questions for me to accept and verses that I cannot find to answer them.

Enough time spent here. We need to move on and look at the great multitude that is from every nation.

7:5 Revelation 7:9-12, John Sees a Great Multitude

^7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” ¹¹And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹²saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 7:9 – 12 ESV)

We ended the previous lesson with an opinion about the 144,000. I said, “I do not embrace the speculation that these Jews are responsible for the great multitude of 7:9 coming to faith. That position has too many unanswered questions for me to accept and verses that I cannot find to answer them.” I would like to add several reasons why I hold that opinion: (1) Today the church has in place an elaborate system of Bible translation going on around the world, (2) A network of believers have access to and an understanding of the people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” which the Jews do not have, (3) there is no indication in scripture that these Jews would miraculously gain access to and an understanding of these many people groups and speak their languages at the rapture and continue the Bible translation already underway, and (4) why would God suddenly end the mandate to the church to make disciples and give it to the Jews who have opposed the gospel since the time of Jesus? Scripture does not say these 144,000 were saved when chosen. If they were saved before the tribulation period began they would have been raptured. Do you see what I struggle with when trying to wade through the volumes of speculation that surrounds Revelation when it is not needed.

For now, I am finished with the 144,000. With this lesson we will direct our focus with John to a great multitude of believers.

After witnessing the 144,000 being sealed as servants of God with the seal of the living God on their foreheads, John then looks again and sees a great multitude that no one could number. Let us bring to the forefront some backstory. Going back to 5:4 – 5, we were introduced to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who had conquered, and was thus able to open the scroll and its seven seals. The Lion conquered as a Lamb that was slain and by his blood he “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (5:9). As a fulfillment of that John sees the names of the sealed sons of Israel (7:4) and a countless multitude from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (7:9). These God has rescued from wrath through the blood of the Lamb (7:14). We have “been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (Romans 5:9 ESV).

These redeemed people stand before the throne of God and before the Lamb, worshiping their Savior. They are dressed in white robes of victorious martyrs (6:11) and hold palm branches in their hands. These palm branches remind me of those palm branches the people laid out on the path as Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (John 12:13). Now these who were saved through the blood of Jesus the Lamb, stand before him with palm branches.

They cry out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (7:10). The Father so loved the world, he was willing to send his Son to the world to take on human flesh through a virgin birth and live a perfect life to become our Passover Lamb and take our sin and die in our place, redeeming us from the curse of the law and justifying us before Almighty God. As a result, “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 ESV).

As the redeemed cry out, “all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God.” (7:11). There are different positions, and people argue back and forth over who these groups of people are, but I cannot take part in those arguments because if I do I miss the richness of worship that is taking place before my Savior. I much rather get caught up in the thanksgiving and worship that is taking place and not in the speculation that divides us and the church. In a few years we will all know what we do not know now. I can easily wait until then.

As the angels worshipped they said, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (7:12). I find it interesting how their statement was bracketed by “Amen.” Also note that both groups are crying out, the redeemed and the angels. The redeemed concerning their salvation and the angels concerning the God who provided it. These angels offer up a sevenfold doxology, which I do not think requires a detailed discussion.

7:6 Revelation 7:13-17, Is the Multitude Part of the Church

^7:13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” ¹⁴I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵“Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ¹⁶They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. ¹⁷For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:13 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we were introduced to a great multitude of redeemed believers from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. In this lesson we will learn more about this multitude.

The way this multitude is presented leads to speculation over who they are. Are they a unique group separate from the church who come to faith after the rapture of the church, who have been martyred, and if so are there other believers who manage to not be martyred? Could these believers belong to the church? Do not these believers come to faith as you and I did and if they did do they not possess the Holy Spirit as we do, making them part of the body of Christ, thus part of the church? Is it not possible that these are part of the church but are singled out here because of the events that affected them?

When you and I die and go to heaven, what will we do when we get there? We are not specifically told are we? This one group of believers who were martyred during the tribulation period was singled out and we are told what their assignment is. Their white robes are garments of salvation, robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10) just as we. They are made white in the blood of the Lamb just as we are cleansed by his blood.

Because of what they endured while alive during the tribulation period they now have a special assignment. Did they die because of God’s wrath or the evil of men? When in Revelation 13:7, God grants permission to the first beast to overcome and kill Christians, was this God’s wrath that killed them or the work of evil men? As you think about that, notice that their assignment is to serve God day and night in his temple, and he will shelter them with his presence. While on earth they experienced hunger and thirst and exposure to the scorching heat of the sun but not in heaven.

What puzzles me is the emphasis placed on this group not being part of the church, but yet leaders of the church today draw on verse 17 as encouragement for those suffering now in the church. I am humble enough to confess that I might be wrong about the church existing within the tribulation period, but from my study over the years, I am led to believe it does. Jesus made it very clear that it is normal for a believer to suffer persecution and the suffering under the seals and trumpets and even the permission for the first beast to kill Christian is from the acts of evil men, not from the wrath of God. If the church in America was experiencing what it is in a place like North Korea, I think its view of the pre-trib rapture would be very different. This is only my opinion, not something I think you must believe. I really do not care what your view is. We will both know very soon. The question is if we must face persecution as many others are now, will we be prepared to endure it, possibly to our death?

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Questions with Answers

1. What major events are recorded in Revelation 7?

Answer:
Revelation 7 serves as an interlude between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals. Rather than describing additional judgments, it reveals God’s protection and salvation for His people. The chapter contains two distinct visions:

The sealing of 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel (7:1–8).
The vision of a great multitude from every nation worshiping before God’s throne (7:9–17).

Together these visions emphasize that, even during times of judgment, God preserves His people and fulfills His promises.

2. Why are the four angels holding back the four winds of the earth?

Answer:
The four winds symbolize God’s coming judgments upon the earth. The angels are commanded to restrain these judgments until God’s servants are sealed on their foreheads.

This demonstrates that:

God’s judgments occur according to His perfect timing.
Nothing happens apart from His sovereign control.
God protects His people before further judgments begin.

The delay reveals God’s mercy and His concern for His faithful servants.

3. What is the significance of the seal placed upon God’s servants?

Answer:
In Scripture, a seal represents ownership, security, authenticity, and protection.

The seal upon God’s servants signifies:

They belong to God.
They are under His protection.
They have been set apart for His purposes.
They will accomplish the mission God has assigned them.

The seal does not necessarily promise exemption from suffering but assures God’s preserving care and ultimate salvation.

Related Scriptures:

Ezekiel 9:4–6
Ephesians 1:13–14
Ephesians 4:30

4. Who are the 144,000?

Answer:
The 144,000 are described as servants of God who are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel.

Throughout Christian history, several interpretations have been offered:

Literal Israel View: They are 144,000 Jewish believers whom God seals during the Tribulation.
Symbolic View: The number symbolizes the complete people of God.
Representative View: They symbolize faithful servants commissioned for God’s work during the last days.

Regardless of one’s interpretation, the central truth remains that God knows His people individually and preserves them according to His purposes.

5. Why are the tribes listed differently than in other Old Testament lists?

Answer:
The tribal list in Revelation 7 differs from Old Testament genealogies:

Dan is omitted.
Ephraim is not named directly.
Joseph is included.
Manasseh is listed separately.

Various explanations have been suggested, including historical associations with idolatry or theological symbolism. Scripture does not explicitly explain the differences, reminding readers that Revelation often communicates theological truths through symbolic arrangements rather than simple genealogy.

6. Who is the great multitude that no one could number?

Answer:
The great multitude represents redeemed people from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before God’s throne.

This vision fulfills God’s promise that salvation would extend to all nations through Jesus Christ.

It demonstrates:

The success of the gospel.
The fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
The worldwide scope of Christ’s redemption.

God’s family includes believers from every culture and generation.

7. Why are the people wearing white robes?

Answer:
White robes symbolize righteousness, purity, holiness, and victory.

The multitude’s robes are made white through “the blood of the Lamb.”

This remarkable picture teaches that believers are not made righteous by their own works but through Christ’s sacrificial death.

Their robes represent:

Forgiveness
Justification
Cleansing from sin
Victory through Christ

8. Why are the people holding palm branches?

Answer:
Palm branches symbolize celebration, victory, joy, and triumph.

In the Old Testament they were used during the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrating God’s provision.

They also recall Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Here they symbolize:

Christ’s complete victory.
The believers’ triumph over sin and death.
Joyful worship before God’s throne.

9. What does the multitude proclaim about salvation?

Answer:
They cry:

“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

This declaration teaches:

Salvation originates with God.
Jesus the Lamb accomplished redemption.
No one earns salvation.
All glory belongs to God alone.

Heaven is filled with praise because redemption is entirely God’s gracious work.

10. Who are those who came out of the great tribulation?

Answer:
The elder explains that these believers have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

Interpretations differ regarding whether this refers specifically to Tribulation martyrs or to all believers who faithfully endure suffering. In either case, the emphasis is on their perseverance through trials and their complete cleansing through Christ.

Their victory came not through human strength but through faith in the Lamb.

11. What blessings await these redeemed people?

Answer:
The chapter describes several wonderful promises.

They will:

Serve God continually.
Live in His immediate presence.
Never hunger again.
Never thirst again.
Never suffer from scorching heat.
Be shepherded by the Lamb.
Be led to living fountains of water.
Have every tear wiped away by God.

These promises portray the complete restoration awaiting God’s redeemed people.

12. How can Jesus be both the Lamb and the Shepherd?

Answer:
This is one of Revelation’s beautiful paradoxes.

Jesus is:

The Lamb because He sacrificed Himself for humanity’s sins.
The Shepherd because He lovingly leads, protects, provides for, and cares for His people forever.

The One who died to save His people now lives eternally to shepherd them.

This fulfills Jesus’ own words that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

13. What does it mean that God will wipe away every tear?

Answer:
This promise points to the complete removal of sorrow, suffering, pain, grief, and death in God’s eternal kingdom.

God Himself comforts His redeemed people.

This beautiful image assures believers that:

Every earthly sorrow will end.
Every injustice will be made right.
Every wound will be healed.
Eternal joy will replace temporary suffering.

It is one of the greatest promises found in Scripture.

14. What does Revelation 7 teach about God’s character?

Answer:
The chapter reveals that God is:

Sovereign over history.
Faithful to His promises.
Merciful toward His people.
Protective of His servants.
Holy and worthy of worship.
The author of salvation.
The Shepherd who cares for His redeemed.
The Comforter who removes every sorrow.

Even amid judgment, God’s grace and faithfulness shine brightly.

15. What practical lessons should believers learn from Revelation 7?

Answer:
Revelation 7 encourages believers to:

Trust God’s protection even during difficult times.
Remember that God knows and seals His own.
Persevere faithfully through trials.
Worship God because salvation belongs entirely to Him.
Rejoice that people from every nation are being redeemed.
Keep an eternal perspective during earthly suffering.
Find hope in God’s promise that sorrow, pain, and death will one day end.
Live confidently, knowing that the Lamb who redeemed us also shepherds us forever.

The chapter reminds Christians that, although God’s judgments are real, His grace is greater for those who belong to Him. It shifts the focus from earthly tribulation to the certainty of eternal victory, assuring believers that God preserves His people now and will one day bring them safely into His glorious presence.

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Chapter 8 – The Seventh Seal and the First Four Trumpets

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 8 marks a dramatic transition in John’s vision as the seventh seal is opened, revealing a solemn silence in heaven before the next phase of God’s judgment unfolds. This chapter introduces the seven trumpets, which announce increasingly severe judgments upon the earth in response to humanity’s persistent rebellion. Before the trumpets sound, an angel offers incense mixed with the prayers of God’s people upon the heavenly altar, demonstrating that the cries of the saints are heard by God and play a role in His righteous administration of justice. The first four trumpet judgments affect the natural world, striking the earth, seas, rivers, and heavenly lights, reminding readers that the Creator has authority over all creation. Revelation 8 emphasizes both the holiness and justice of God while extending a warning that His judgments are intended to call people to repentance before the final outpouring of His wrath.

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Bible Lessons

8:1 Revelation 8:1-5, The Opening of the Seventh Seal

^8:1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. ²Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. ³And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, ⁴and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. ⁵Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. (Revelation 8:1 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we finish covering the great multitude who came out of the great tribulation as martyrs. In this we will look at the seventh seal and see what happens when it is opened.

Chapter 6 was devoted to the opening of the seven sealed scroll. Seals 1 through 4 opened with a rider on a horse, each of a different color, known by many as the four horsemen of the apocalypse and relate to conquest, war, famine, and death, respectively. Seal five revealed troubled souls under the altar seeking an answer to how much longer must they wait. Seal six revealed great natural disturbance. Then before seal seven was opened there was an interlude and time was spent trying to figure out who the 144,000 were, but we finally decided to wait until we get to heaven to find out for sure.

After probably offending some of my readers with my comments on the 144,000, we are now ready to watch the Lamb open the seventh seal, but apparently the Lamb was not ready because we waited in silence for about half an hour waiting for something to happen. How long is half an hour? You say 30 minutes. Really! According to Daniel’s time one week is equal to seven years or each day is equal to one year. If each day equals one year then 24 hours equals 52 weeks or 48 half hours equals 52 weeks, thus half an hour would be about one week. Let us be practical and conclude John means a short time of delay. By this delay, God is showing patience in delaying judgment that will come with the trumpets. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV). Under the trumpets many will lose their lives and God wants them to have as much time as possible to choose salvation.

After this brief time of waiting, John sees seven angels standing before God, each given a trumpet. Then an eighth angel arrives with a golden censer and stands before the altar. To his censer was added much incense to be offered along with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. It is possible that the incense was from the elder’s golden bowls (5:8). As the incense from the golden censer of the eighth angel was offered at the golden altar before the throne, the smoke of the incense rose before God. After offering the incense, the angel took his censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth causing peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightening, and an earthquake. That should increase the fear level of many as it did at Mount Sinai when God came to meet with Moses (Exodus 20:18).

God’s wrath does not seem to occur until the seventh trumpet and is the time when “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” (11:15 – 17). The next time wrath is mentioned is in 14:9 – 11 and is against those who accepted the mark of the beast. Wrath is mentioned again in 14:19, 15:7, 16:1, 16:19, and 19:15. When we cover these verses containing “wrath” we will find the context to be very different than that of the seals and trumpets 1 – 6. Any suffering or destruction we have seen so far is not unlike what occurs today. The difference is the magnitude and coverage and appears to result from the evil of sinful men and natural events.

8:2 Revelation 8:6-7, My Thinking

8:6 Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.

8:7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. (Revelation 8:6 – 7 ESV)

In the previous lesson the Lamb opened the seventh seal and preparation was made for the seven angels who had trumpets to blow. As I prepare to write this lesson I have some thoughts that seem to bother me. I continue to look at what others have written, and how much they have written and how it may differ from what I am writing. I am also struck by the strength of outside influence when interpreting verses and how much of what is written is speculation. I try to think back to the time when John wrote Revelation and I try to imagine what their understanding might have been. Revelation is interpreted today by what you bring into it as was pointed out in the opening lessons.

If I were firmly convinced in the pre-trib position I would tend to interpret in a way to support that position. If I were firmly convinced the mid-trib position was correct that would pressure me to interpret in a certain way. If I were convinced in the pre-wrath position that would persuade me to see certain passages in a certain light. What I am trying to do is to erase from my mind over sixty-five years of speculation I have heard and studied and limit what I say to what I have learned from a verse-by-verse study of the New Testament. After the seven years of that kind of study I tend to reject any kind of rapture before the time Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 which leads me to Revelation 16:15 ESV: “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”

As the years go by the number of books being written, speculating on what various verses mean continues to grow and so does interest on the latest speculation. A particular friend of mine who authored a book on Revelation, interpreted what John wrote strictly through the lens of technology. Some of his speculation failed after time passed and as a result his work had been discredited. If I had lived at the time of John and did not know about missiles and nuclear war what might influence my thinking in trying to understand the trumpets? As John struggled to write down what he saw, he had no words to use to convey to his readers what he saw, so what were they to learn from what he wrote?

I wrote the above last night and since then several more things have come to mind. Daniel wrote in 9:27 ESV: “And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” That covenant was with the nation of Israel and begins the process with the 144,000 being sealed for service and for their protection. God will work with the Jews and bring them to faith in the Messiah by the end of study of this book.

While the covenant with the Jews is in place the four seals are being opened accelerating the judgment that is currently taking place in the world today. That judgment comes by way of the four horsemen of the apocalypse who represent conquest, war, famine, and death, possibly resulting in the death of one fourth of the world’s population.

Since Jesus never mentioned his return to rapture the church before the tribulation period, and since I cannot find any verses that specifically withdraws the Holy Spirit from believers after the start of the tribulation period, I am persuaded to believe the church continues to fulfill its mandate to make disciples until all lost sheep are found and the body of Christ is complete. As the world is being judged for their unbelief, Christians (the church) will face increased persecution from the antichrist through evil men resulting in the death of many, described under the fifth seal. The opening of the sixth seal gets the attention of everyone with a major earthquake possibly marking the midpoint of the tribulation period.

We will take a break here and return in the next lesson to the sound of the first trumpet.

8:3 Revelation 8:7-12, The First Four Trumpets

^8:7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

^8:8 The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. ⁹A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

^8:10 The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. ¹¹The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.

^8:12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night. (Revelation 8:7 – 12 ESV)

In the previous lesson I took time for another one of my interludes to express some more of my thinking on the direction I have taken with these lessons. Through my study of Revelation, I am trying to distance myself from as much speculation as possible and get as close to the context John is presenting as I can. As I do, I know some will disagree with me, and that is ok because in just a few years we will know what John meant. At my age it will indeed be just a few years, and I will then learn where I may have missed the mark in what I am writing.

The time has come, and the first angel raises his trumpet and makes a distinct sound resulting in enormous damage on the earth. There is speculation on what the items mentioned are and include such things as worldwide earthquakes and volcanic explosions, the tail of a comet, and nuclear war. It is impossible for us to know but I am sure it will get the attention of the world’s population. Is this the wrath of God or is this allowed by God as judgment against unbelievers in an attempt to bring them to repentance? Will the suffering produced also affect Christians? Do Christians now die in wars and violent natural occurrences? The answer to both questions is of course yes.

As people and land reel from this terrible violence, the second angel raises his trumpet and makes his distinct sound releasing much more damage, which was focused on the sea, but what sea? Consensus is the sea is the Mediterranean Sea and probably the object is something solid from space like a meteorite or asteroid. As it enters the earth’s atmosphere it would burn like a torch and as it entered the sea its impact would be devastating on marine life and ships on its surface, destroying a third of each. But is that the correct interpretation?

The devastation continues as the third angel blows his trumpet. It seems clear that John saw something different falling to earth. Under trumpet two it was something like a great mountain and now he refers to an object described as a star falling from heaven, blazing like a torch. Maybe the mountain suggest something rock solid while the burning star is more fluid like, burning like a lamp. The star, referred to as Wormwood, seems to explode into smaller poisonous pieces to cover a third of the fresh water supply causing it to be undrinkable.

Just as the four seals were related and formed a separate group, so it is with the first four trumpets. The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and the moon, sun, and stars were affected. There are different imaginations about this darkening, but truthfully we just do not know what is happening to cause what John is seeing and will leave it unsolved.

I will make two additional comments about these four trumpets in the next lesson, but for now, these four trumpets indicate very severe and difficult conditions on earth.

8:4 Revelation 8:13, Introduction of the Three Woe

^8:13 Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” (Revelation 8:13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we briefly covered the first four trumpets. I will start this lesson with two comments related to the previous lesson and then introduce the three woes.

Two things that are interesting to note are the use of “a third” and the relationship of these four trumpets to plagues at the time of Moses. All the damage is reported in terms of affecting “a third” of something which cannot possibly be missed by those on earth. This should suggest to them that these occurrences are not just random but under the control guidance of someone with authority and power.

In relationship to the plagues of Moses, trumpet one is similar to the seventh plague described in Exodus 9:23 – 24 ESV: “Then Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt. There was hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.”; trumpet two is similar to the first plague described in Exodus 7:20 – 21 ESV: “Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned into blood. And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.”; trumpet three is also similar to the first plague described in Exodus 7:24 ESV: “And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the Nile.”; and trumpet four resembles the ninth plague described in Exodus 10:21 – 23 ESV: “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So, Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”

Planet earth is not a very pleasant place to be living at this time and the living conditions are only a prelude to the coming suffering unbelievers will experience in eternal hell. But let us not forget there are still three angels with trumpets patiently waiting their turn to sound theirs to unleash still more suffering.

Before the fifth angel sounds his trumpet, John sees an eagle flying directly overhead, crying out “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth.” Those three woes are associated with the blasts of the remaining trumpets that the last three angels are about to blow! It is not so unusual that the eagle spoke. Parrots speak today, the serpent spoke to eve in the garden (Genesis 3:1 – 6), and the donkey spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:28 – 35).

The three “woes” suggest escalating judgment is coming upon those who dwell on the earth in the form of demons from the Abyss, invasion from the east which kills one-third of the earth’s population, and the kingdom of the world being replaced with the kingdom of God.

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Questions with Answers

1. What major event begins in Revelation 8?

Answer:
Revelation 8 marks the opening of the seventh seal, the final seal on the scroll introduced in Revelation 5. Rather than immediately revealing judgment, the opening of the seal is followed by silence in heaven for about half an hour (Revelation 8:1). This silence is striking because heaven has been filled with continual worship and praise throughout the previous chapters. It signifies the solemnity of what is about to occur as God’s judgments move to a new and even more intense stage. The seventh seal also introduces the seven trumpet judgments, demonstrating that God’s plan unfolds in carefully ordered stages.

2. Why is there silence in heaven for about half an hour?

Answer:
The silence represents awe, reverence, and anticipation before the holy judgment of God. Throughout Scripture, silence often accompanies God’s presence and impending action (Habakkuk 2:20; Zephaniah 1:7). Heaven pauses because the judgments about to be poured out upon the earth are both righteous and severe. The silence also reminds believers that God never acts impulsively; every judgment proceeds according to His perfect justice and sovereign plan.

3. What role do the seven angels play in this chapter?

Answer:
John sees seven angels standing before God, and each receives a trumpet (Revelation 8:2). In biblical history, trumpets were used to gather God’s people, announce important events, warn of danger, and prepare armies for battle. Here the trumpets announce successive acts of divine judgment. Each trumpet signals another phase of God’s righteous intervention against a rebellious world.

4. What is the significance of the angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints?

Answer:
Another angel stands before the heavenly altar with a golden censer, offering incense mixed with the prayers of all the saints (Revelation 8:3-4). Throughout Scripture, incense symbolizes prayers ascending before God (Psalm 141:2). This scene teaches that God hears every prayer offered by His people. In particular, the prayers of believers asking for God’s justice, vindication, and kingdom are remembered. Before judgment falls upon the earth, God publicly demonstrates that the cries of His faithful people have not been forgotten.

5. Why does the angel throw fire from the altar to the earth?

Answer:
After presenting the prayers before God, the angel fills the censer with fire from the altar and casts it upon the earth (Revelation 8:5). This action symbolizes God’s response to the prayers of His people. The same altar associated with mercy and worship now becomes the source of judgment. The resulting thunder, lightning, voices, and earthquake reveal that God’s justice is now being visibly executed upon the earth.

6. What happens when the first trumpet sounds?

Answer:
The first trumpet brings hail and fire mixed with blood, which is thrown upon the earth (Revelation 8:7). One-third of the earth, one-third of the trees, and all green grass are burned. This judgment resembles the seventh plague upon Egypt (Exodus 9:22-26), demonstrating that the God who judged Pharaoh still judges rebellion today. The limitation to one-third shows that these judgments are severe but not yet total, leaving opportunity for repentance.

7. What occurs during the second trumpet judgment?

Answer:
Something resembling a great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea (Revelation 8:8-9). One-third of the sea becomes blood, one-third of marine life dies, and one-third of the ships are destroyed. Whether this is a literal meteor or symbolic imagery, the result is widespread devastation affecting commerce, transportation, and food supplies. Humanity begins experiencing the collapse of systems often taken for granted.

8. What is the significance of the third trumpet and the star called Wormwood?

Answer:
At the third trumpet, a great burning star named Wormwood falls upon one-third of the rivers and springs (Revelation 8:10-11). The waters become bitter, causing many people to die. In Scripture, wormwood often symbolizes bitterness, sorrow, and divine judgment (Jeremiah 9:15; Lamentations 3:19). This judgment demonstrates that even life’s most essential resource—fresh water—is under God’s authority. Humanity cannot escape God’s sovereignty over creation.

9. What happens during the fourth trumpet?

Answer:
The fourth trumpet affects the heavenly bodies (Revelation 8:12). One-third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened, reducing the light during both day and night. This partial darkness disrupts normal life and reminds humanity that the Creator controls the universe itself. Similar signs appear throughout Scripture as indications of God’s intervention in history.

10. Why are only one-third of creation and humanity affected during these trumpet judgments?

Answer:
The repeated limitation to one-third demonstrates both God’s justice and His mercy. Although judgment is real and devastating, it is restrained rather than complete. God gives humanity repeated opportunities to repent before final judgment arrives. His desire is not merely to punish but to call sinners to repentance. The measured nature of these judgments reflects God’s patience even while He executes justice.

11. Who is the eagle that flies through heaven announcing coming woes?

Answer:
John sees an eagle flying in midheaven proclaiming, “Woe, woe, woe” to those who dwell on the earth because of the remaining trumpet blasts (Revelation 8:13). The eagle serves as God’s messenger, warning that the judgments already witnessed are only the beginning. The threefold “woe” emphasizes the increasing severity of the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpet judgments that follow.

12. What do the trumpet judgments reveal about God’s character?

Answer:
The trumpet judgments reveal that God is perfectly holy, righteous, sovereign, and just. He patiently delays judgment, hears the prayers of His people, and judges sin according to His perfect wisdom. His judgments are never arbitrary or excessive but measured and purposeful. At the same time, the partial nature of these judgments demonstrates His mercy by allowing continued opportunity for repentance before the final outpouring of His wrath.

13. How does Revelation 8 encourage believers today?

Answer:
Revelation 8 assures believers that God hears every prayer and remains fully in control of history. Evil may appear to flourish temporarily, but God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Christians can trust that suffering, persecution, and injustice will not continue forever. The chapter also reminds believers to remain faithful, recognizing that God’s kingdom is advancing exactly according to His sovereign timetable.

14. What warning does Revelation 8 give to those who reject God?

Answer:
Revelation 8 warns that God’s patience has a limit. The trumpet judgments demonstrate that persistent rebellion eventually leads to divine judgment. The chapter calls every person to repent while there is still opportunity. God’s warnings are acts of mercy designed to turn people toward salvation before His final judgment arrives.

15. What is the central theological message of Revelation 8?

Answer:
The central message of Revelation 8 is that God faithfully hears the prayers of His people and sovereignly administers righteous judgment upon a rebellious world according to His perfect timing. The opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of the first four trumpets reveal that history unfolds under God’s absolute authority. His judgments are holy, measured, and purposeful, demonstrating both His justice against sin and His mercy in providing opportunities for repentance before the final consummation of His kingdom.

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Chapter 9 – The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets: Demonic Torment and Invasion

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 9 records the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets, unveiling two of the most terrifying judgments in the book of Revelation. As God’s righteous judgment intensifies during the Tribulation, demonic forces are permitted to torment those who have rejected God, revealing both the reality of spiritual warfare and the consequences of persistent rebellion. Yet even in the midst of overwhelming suffering and unmistakable evidence of God’s power, many people refuse to repent of their idolatry, immorality, violence, and deception. This chapter demonstrates that God’s judgments are purposeful, just, and measured, while also highlighting the hardness of the human heart apart from genuine repentance. Revelation 9 serves as a solemn warning of the seriousness of sin, the certainty of divine justice, and the urgent need to turn to Jesus Christ before the final judgment is complete.

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Bible Lessons

9:1 Revelation 9:1-6, The Locus of the Fifth Trumpet

^9:1 And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. ³Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. ⁴They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. ⁵They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. ⁶And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them. (Revelation 9:1 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we introduced the three “woes” which correspond to the last three trumpets. In this lesson we hear the fifth angel sound his trumpet, releasing the judgment of the first woe.

The star that fell from heaven under trumpet three brought destruction to a third of the fresh water supply. The star under the fifth trumpet that fell from heaven is a person, who we know as Satan, who has a key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. In Luke 10:18, Jesus spoke of seeing Satan fall like lightning from heaven as a result of his disciples ministry. Later in Revelation 12:9 (ESV), John comments on this: “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

The fact that he was given the “key to the bottomless pit” indicates that he is under God’s control and is limited to what he can do. Satan takes the key and uses it to unlock and open the shaft and when he did, smoke rose from the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. The smoke was so great that the sun and the air were darkened. Out of that smoke came locus who were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth to cause harm, but only to a given extent.

These locus remind us of the eighth plague in Egypt, covered in Exodus 10:14 – 15 ESV: “The locusts came up over all the land of Egypt and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor ever will be again. They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt.”

These scorpions were given power and instructed how to use it. They were told not to harm vegetation like grass and trees, and they were not to harm those who were sealed on their foreheads; the 144,000 servants of God sealed in 7:3 and again seen in 14:1. Based on a description of these locus in 9:7 – 9 it appears they are symbolic and not real insects but demonic spirits with Satan as their leader (9:11). These demonic spirits were granted permission to torment those who do not have the seal of God. It is my opinion that those protected include believers described in 3:8 – 12. If the Jews were protected from the ten plagues of Moses then it is very likely that Christians would be protected at this time. These demonic spirits actually torment their own worshippers (9:20). There are other opinions of who these locus are. Some think they are military forces and others see them as actual locus with destructive powers described in symbolic imagery.

Their torment will be limited to last for five months and is not to be severe enough to bring death which would bring relief from their suffering. That suffering is so severe that people will seek death but will not find it but will be kept alive to suffer. For an eternity unbelievers who go to hell will seek death, but their souls are eternal and so will be their suffering. Both now and then, unbelievers will long to die, but death will flee from them. Those who believe will be delivered from suffering and death and will live in the presence of God for an eternity.

9:2 Revelation 9:7-12, A Description of the Locus

^9:7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, ⁸their hair like women’s hair, and their teeth like lions’ teeth; ⁹they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. ¹⁰They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. ¹¹They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.

^9:12 The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come. (Revelation 9:7 – 12 ESV)

In the previous lesson we were introduced to the locus of the fifth trumpet and their ability to cause suffering among those of unbelief. In this lesson we will look at a description of their appearance.

What John sees is like nothing he has ever seen before and so he is forced to try to relate to something similar that his readers can relate to. He says, “In appearance the locusts were like” and then he lists several things hoping his readers can piece the things together and come up with an image in their minds that is similar to what John sees.

When the shaft to the of the bottomless pit was opened, smoke rose from out of it like the smoke of a great furnace and reminds one of a shaft being opened to the abyss of Luke 8:31. Like the dove being used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit at the time when Jesus was baptized, these locus seem to represent demonic force. If that is the case then John is using symbolism to describe these forces. The ESV footnote for 9:7 – 11 suggest “these images show demons to be powerful, swift, intelligent, fierce, and capable of inflicting intense mental and spiritual torment.” However you want to imagine this, John is describing something that is very unpleasant for the unbeliever and should be a reminder of worse things to come for them in hell.

These “demonic forces” do not operate on their own but have a king over them described as an angel of the bottomless pit. The angel has a Hebrew name of Abaddon and a Greek name of Apollyon. If you Google the name “Abaddon” you get: “Abaddon is either a biblical term in Hebrew which means “place of destruction” and is a fiery plane in the realm of the dead, Gehenna or In the later teachings of Revelation, a being that personified the abyss, becoming known as the “Angel of the Abyss.”” If you Google the name “Apollyon” you are told it is the Greek name for Abaddon and refers to the meaning of Abaddon. If one digs further, you find the question, “Who does Apollyon represent?” and the answer given is, “Apollyon signifies subjection to worldly forces. He represents the opposite of the spiritual freedom that Christian expresses in leaving behind his worldly existence. Apollyon’s name evokes the Greek god Apollo, lord of the beauty and form that dominates worldly values.” See link .

The torment these locus inflict is referred to as the first woe, leaving two more to come.

9:3 Revelation 9:13-18, The Mounted Troops

^9:13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, ¹⁴saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” ¹⁵So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. ¹⁶The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. ¹⁷And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. ¹⁸By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. ¹⁹For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound. (Revelation 9:13 – 19 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered the description of the locus and expressed the opinion that demonic forces were being described. In this lesson we come to the sounding of the sixth trumpet, which corresponds to the second woe.

As if they were speakers, the four horns of the golden altar that was before God spoke and gave instruction to the angel with the sixth trumpet, to “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” Under the fourth seal we heard from souls located under the altar who had been killed for their witness, asking how much longer before there would be justice. They were given a white robe and told to wait until the death of more Christians was complete (13:7).

Since the time of Pentecost, persecuted believers have been praying for deliverance and those prayers have been gathered as incense and offered on the alter under the opening of the seventh seal. With the first four trumpets came judgment against the earth that affected its occupants in various ways. Following the fourth trumpet three woes were announced to come with the sounding of the next three trumpets. With these woes came intense suffering for the unbelieving world and come as an answer to the prayers of the saints.

The first woe released a great horde of locus, or possibly demonic forces, to cause deep suffering among unbelievers. This demonic swarm could cause severe suffering but could not cause death. Those suffering wanted to die but could not. We are going to see with the coming of the second woe, a swarm of mounted troops resembling the swarm of locus, but there is a distinct difference. The locus were unable to produce death, but the mounted troops were authorized to cause death by three means, resulting in the death of one third of mankind. If we were to begin the tribulation with eight billion people and if one fourth were killed under seal four we would now have six billion left and a third of these would result in two billion more dying. Half of the world’s population is now gone just from these two judgments.

The number of mounded troops was given as two hundred million, a number believed to be less that the great multitude of believers mentioned in 7:9. The horsemen “wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur” and rode on horses whose heads were like “lions’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths.” The tails of the horses were “like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.” The three plagues refers to the fire, smoke, and sulfur that comes from the mouths of these horses. To be consistent with the text of the locus and horses, it appears that this cavalry consists of demons like the locus from the abyss. I know there is a wide range of speculation here. It seems that a majority of what is written about Revelation is speculation and the more spectacular it is the greater ones following.

This horrific judgment is contained until the release of four angels, bound at the great river Euphrates. Like other angels we have met in our study so far, these four angels have a specific assignment. In this case they are to use this great army of strange horsemen to kill a third of mankind. The actions of these four angels was to start at a very precise time and was to eliminate a specific number of people.

As God’s faithful servant David was given the promise that he could tread on the lion and the adder and trample underfoot the serpent. As servants of the Lamb, do you suppose believers would be protected from the judgments of the locus and the horsemen like the Jews were protected from the plagues of Moses? The Jews were kept from the plagues, might not believers be kept in the same way from these judgments (3:10)?

9:4 Revelation 9:20-21, Unrepentant Mankind

^9:20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, ²¹nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20 – 21 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the judgment that was released under the second woe, which actually extends to 11:14. But between the end of this lesson and then, we will cover the angel and the little scroll and the two witnesses. In this lesson we will look at the effect these plagues and the resulting great loss of life had on those who are still living.

Our focus has been on unbelievers who have come under God’s judgment through the seals and the trumpets. As God’s chosen people were protected from the ten plagues at the time of the Exodus, will God now protect his chosen, which include the 144,000 and Christians? It appears that the “rest of mankind” is referring to the unbeliever who managed to live through the various judgments.

These unbelievers who are still alive are still unrepentant of the sins, which are described as “the work of their hands.” In spite of the demons fighting against them, these unrepentant people continue to worship them and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, objects that cannot see or hear or walk.

In Revelation 16:9 these unbelievers were suffering from scorching heat, yet they continued to curse the name of God who had power over these plagues. They would not repent or give God glory or honor or thanksgiving as we saw in 4:9. Because of their pain and sores they did not repent of their deeds, but instead cursed God (16:11). When a great hailstorm with one-hundred-pound hailstones struck, they cursed God because the plague was so severe (16:21).

Every time there is an opportunity to repent, they reject God’s offer and continue to follow Satan to their destruction. Instead of repenting and embracing the living God who could provide them with salvation, they continue to worship their enemy and objects that cannot protect or deliver them.

John closes this section by pointing out four of their sins: (1) murder, (2) sorceries, (3) sexual immorality, and (4) stealing. Just as their father the devil destroys, these unbelievers take the lives of others to gain for themselves. Instead of worshiping God they continue with their sorceries by continuing in bondage to demonic powers. Instead of finding pleasure in the things of God, they find pleasure with one another’s bodies by engaging in sexual immorality. Desiring things for themselves, they kill and steal to satisfy their desires.

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Questions with Answers

1. What major event begins in Revelation 9?

The fifth trumpet judgment begins with the opening of the abyss, followed by the release of demonic beings described as locusts (Revelation 9:1–12). Later in the chapter, the sixth trumpet releases four angels who lead an army that brings widespread death (Revelation 9:13–21). These judgments demonstrate that God remains sovereign over the events of the end times, allowing judgment according to His righteous purposes.

2. Who is the “star” that falls from heaven in Revelation 9:1?

The star is generally understood to represent a personal being rather than a literal star because it is given the key to the shaft of the abyss. Some interpreters identify this being as a holy angel carrying out God’s command, while others believe it represents Satan acting only within the limits God allows. Regardless of the identity, the authority exercised comes only because God permits it.

3. What is the abyss?

The abyss is a place of confinement for certain demonic spirits. Throughout Scripture it is associated with imprisonment until God’s appointed time (Luke 8:31; Revelation 20:1-3). It is not the final lake of fire but a temporary prison from which God allows certain demons to be released during His judgments.

4. Why does smoke rise from the abyss?

The smoke symbolizes the release of darkness, evil, and judgment upon the earth. It darkens the sun and the air, illustrating both physical and spiritual consequences. Throughout Scripture darkness often represents divine judgment and the devastating effects of sin.

5. Are the locusts ordinary insects?

No. Their appearance and behavior clearly distinguish them from natural locusts. They are commanded not to harm vegetation, which is exactly what ordinary locusts consume. Instead, they torment people who do not have God’s seal. Their unusual appearance combines characteristics of horses, warriors, lions, women, and scorpions, emphasizing their terrifying supernatural nature.

6. Why are the locusts forbidden to harm those with God’s seal?

God protects His faithful servants even during times of judgment. Those sealed by God in Revelation 7 belong to Him and remain under His sovereign protection. This demonstrates that while believers may experience trials, God knows His own and limits what His judgments accomplish.

7. Why are the unbelievers tormented for five months instead of being killed?

The five-month limitation shows God’s complete control over the judgment. The torment is severe enough that people long for death, yet death escapes them. This period serves as both punishment and an opportunity for repentance before even greater judgments follow.

8. What is the significance of the description of the locusts?

Every detail emphasizes their terrifying, unstoppable character.

Horses prepared for battle symbolize strength.
Crowns suggest delegated authority.
Human faces indicate intelligence.
Women’s hair may symbolize attractiveness or deception.
Lions’ teeth portray ferocious power.
Iron breastplates show invincibility.
Scorpion tails represent painful torment.

The imagery communicates overwhelming supernatural judgment rather than providing a biological description.

9. Who is the king over the locusts?

Their king is called Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both meaning “Destroyer” (Revelation 9:11). He rules over the demonic forces released from the abyss and represents the destructive purpose of Satan’s kingdom. Yet even this destroyer operates only within the limits established by God.

10. What is meant by “the first woe is past”?

The three final trumpet judgments are each identified as “woes” because of their extraordinary severity. The fifth trumpet is the first woe. The sixth trumpet becomes the second woe, while the seventh trumpet introduces the final series of judgments leading toward Christ’s return.

11. What happens when the sixth trumpet sounds?

A voice from the golden altar before God commands the release of four angels bound at the Euphrates River. These angels have been prepared for this exact moment to lead a judgment resulting in the death of one-third of humanity. God’s timing is exact and nothing occurs outside His sovereign plan.

12. Who are the four angels bound at the Euphrates River?

Because they are bound until the appointed time, many understand them to be fallen angels awaiting release for judgment. Scripture normally portrays holy angels as freely serving God rather than being imprisoned. Their release marks another stage in God’s judgment upon a rebellious world.

13. What is the significance of the Euphrates River?

The Euphrates often served as Israel’s eastern boundary and was historically associated with invading enemies such as Assyria and Babylon. Its mention recalls God’s past judgments through foreign nations while pointing forward to future worldwide judgment.

14. Is the army of two hundred million composed of humans or demons?

Interpretations differ. Some believe this is a massive human army empowered by demonic forces. Others believe the symbolic language points primarily to an immense demonic army. In either case, the emphasis is not on military logistics but on the overwhelming scale of God’s judgment.

15. How do the horses bring death?

The horses breathe fire, smoke, and sulfur from their mouths, while their tails resemble serpents that inflict harm. These extraordinary descriptions reinforce the supernatural character of the judgment and portray irresistible destruction.

16. Why does God allow one-third of humanity to die?

This judgment demonstrates both God’s justice and His patience. Earlier judgments affected a fourth of the earth, but now the severity increases to one-third. God progressively warns humanity, giving repeated opportunities to repent before His final judgment arrives.

17. How do the survivors respond after these devastating judgments?

Remarkably, they refuse to repent. Instead, they continue worshiping demons and idols while persisting in murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, and thefts (Revelation 9:20-21). Their hardened hearts reveal the depth of humanity’s rebellion against God.

18. Why does Revelation specifically mention idolatry and demon worship?

Scripture teaches that idolatry ultimately involves fellowship with demonic powers (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:20). By rejecting the true God, people inevitably place themselves under spiritual deception. Revelation exposes the true spiritual reality behind false worship.

19. What does Revelation 9 teach about God’s sovereignty?

Every judgment occurs according to God’s precise authority. The key is given. The abyss is opened by permission. The locusts receive limitations. The four angels are released at the exact hour, day, month, and year appointed by God. Nothing happens independently of His sovereign control.

20. What does Revelation 9 teach about the human heart?

The chapter reveals that miraculous judgments alone do not produce genuine repentance. Even after witnessing unimaginable suffering and death, many continue in rebellion against God. This confirms the biblical teaching that people need transformed hearts through God’s saving grace rather than merely overwhelming evidence.

21. What practical lessons should believers learn from Revelation 9?

Believers should recognize God’s absolute sovereignty over history, trust His protection of His people, reject every form of idolatry, and understand the seriousness of unrepentant sin. The chapter also creates urgency for proclaiming the gospel while God’s offer of salvation remains available, reminding Christians that Christ alone provides deliverance from the judgment to come.

22. How does Revelation 9 point believers to Jesus Christ?

The judgments of Revelation 9 reveal humanity’s desperate need for a Savior. While those who reject God experience increasing judgment, those who belong to Christ are marked as His own and ultimately share in His victory. Jesus is both the righteous Judge who will one day end evil and the merciful Savior who offers forgiveness to all who repent and believe in Him before the day of judgment arrives. Revelation 9 therefore serves as both a solemn warning and a gracious invitation to find refuge in Christ while there is still time.

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Chapter 10 – The Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 10 serves as an interlude between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets, shifting the reader’s attention from God’s judgments to His continuing purpose for proclaiming His truth. John sees a mighty angel descending from heaven, clothed with a cloud, crowned with a rainbow, and standing with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, demonstrating God’s sovereign authority over all creation. The angel presents John with a little scroll and commands him to eat it, symbolizing the acceptance and internalization of God’s message before proclaiming it. Although the scroll is sweet in John’s mouth because it contains God’s revealed truth, it becomes bitter in his stomach because that truth includes coming judgment and suffering. The chapter concludes with God’s commission for John to continue prophesying concerning many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, emphasizing that God’s revelation is not yet complete and that His message of both salvation and judgment must continue to be proclaimed until His redemptive plan is fully accomplished

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Bible Lessons

10:1 Revelation 10:1-3, A Mighty Angel with a Little Scroll

^10:1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. ²He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, ³and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. (Revelation 10:1 – 3 ESV)

With the previous lesson we came to a break in describing the horrible suffering and loss of life from the plagues. With this lesson we start another interlude which describes another angel who has a little scroll that we want to learn about.

It is interesting to note that there was an interlude between the sixth and seventh seal (7:1 – 17) and now between the sixth and seventh trumpet we encounter another interlude (10:1 – 11:14). This interlude dramatizes God’s patient delay in inflicting his full and final wrath which is soon to come. This interlude also assures believers of God’s protection through coming events.

John sees another mighty angel coming down from heaven. The description of this angel draws on four things: (1) he is wrapped in a cloud, (2) he has a rainbow over his head, (3) his face was like the sun, and (4) his legs were like pillars of fire. These descriptions clearly relate to God, but we should not necessarily equate him with God or Jesus Christ. We should see him as a messenger that has been in the very presence of God and that his message is of primary importance.

(1) Being wrapped in a cloud reminds us of the Mount of Transfiguration experience when the Father spoke from the bright cloud that overshadowed them (Matthew 17:5). The cloud thus reminds us of God’s presence.

(2) His association with a rainbow speaks of God’s glory. However, the two times a rainbow is associated with God in Scripture it is related to a description of his throne (Ezekiel 1:28) or to its location (Revelation 4:3).

(3) His face was like the sun reminds us of the transfiguration when the face of Jesus shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2). We also saw this in Revelation 1:16 where his face was described “like the sun shining in full strength.” This description is more like the man described in Daniel 10:6 ESV: “His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.”

(4) His legs were like pillars of fire may be an allusion to the two pillars that led Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21 – 22), but maybe we should see these descriptions as another allusion to an angelic being as in Ezekiel 1:7.

Having a little scroll open in his hand, the mighty angel sets his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, thus identifying with both. It is important that the angel identifies with both the land and sea because in Revelation 13 the first beast comes from the sea and the second beast from the land. Here God is demonstrating that he is sovereign over both. Standing in this position, he called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. It is a voice that really captures your attention. It also gets the attention of seven thunders who sound back with a message that we will look at in the next lesson.

10:2 Revelation 10:4-7, The Seven Thunders

^10:4 And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” ⁵And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven ⁶and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, ⁷but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:4 – 7 ESV)

In the previous lesson we met another mighty angel with a little scroll in his hand, who calls out with a loud voice resulting in a response from seven thunders. In this lesson we look forward to what the seven thunders said.

When the seven thunders cried out their message and John was about to write down what he heard so that we would know, he was told by a voice from heaven, not to. The message of the seven thunders was to be sealed up until a further time, so in obedience, John did not record what was said.

At this point the angel with the little scroll, who was standing with his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, raises his right hand to heaven and swears by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay. Raising his right hand reminds one of Daniel 12:7, which looks ahead to the time period we are studying. In that verse, Daniel said, “And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.” In our study, we should be looking for a time when the power of the holy people comes to an end because then things would be finished.

The angel’s stance united the land, sea, and heaven. These three were mentioned in Genesis 1:6 – 10 ESV: “And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.”

The earth, that is being destroyed by these plagues, belongs to God, and he can do as he pleases with it, and in his time he can also restore it. Humans have harshly treated the earth and now God is causing them to suffer from even worse conditions. He now sends this angel to announce there would be no further delay to allow for repentance, for in the days of the trumpet call of the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be finished. Paul speaks of this mystery in Colossians 1:27, which is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This would seem to suggest that the mandate to the church to find lost sheep and make disciples has come to an end here and not at the beginning of the tribulation period. Those who have called out from under the altar (6:10) will finally be vindicated when the seventh trumpet sounds.

The mystery of God that is to be fulfilled, is also a mystery that has existed from early Old Testament times, pertains to uniting all things in heaven and earth under the leadership of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). This leadership would make visible to all the sovereignty by which the Son orchestrates every event for the church’s welfare (Ephesians 1:20 – 21 ESV: “he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”)

Within this great mystery of God, we will find the unrestrained expression of God’s wrath, described in the bowl judgments. Those bowl judgments will be against all who resist his reign, and when those plagues are over, then the wrath of God is finished (15:1).

10:3 Revelation 10:8-11, John Ate the Little Scroll

^10:8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” ⁹So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” ¹⁰And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. ¹¹And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” (Revelation 10:8 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson the seven thunders spoke but John was not allowed to tell us what he heard, which added to the mystery. We did learn from the angel with the scroll that in the days of the sounding of the seventh trumpet the wrath of God would be finished. In this lesson, John is instructed to take the scroll from the angel and is given instructions about what to do with it.

It is again pointed out that the angel with the scroll is the one who is standing on the sea and on the land. John is to go and take the scroll that is open in his hand. As we follow John around I see some similarity to Jesus Christ creating the universe and then through a virgin birth he comes inside that universe to accomplish an assigned task. John is given a vision and as one follows him around, he seems to be within that vision seeing, hearing, and doing things. On minute he appears to be in heaven and the next he is on earth in the future.

The scroll the angel has is described here to be opened. If this is the scroll that was given by the Father to the Lamb, then it was opened in 6:1 – 17 and 8:1. Nowhere are we told how that scroll got to the angel. This scroll held by the angel is described as small and open, which may suggest it to be a different unsealed scroll given to the angel by God. The scroll also seems to have a unique texture as John is told to “Take and eat it.” It must be edible because in obedience, John takes it and eats it and as he does he finds it to “be sweet as honey.” But in a short while, he needs to find something to overcome the bitterness in his stomach.

This scroll is very similar to the one Ezekiel was given to eat: “’Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’ So, I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.’ Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:1 – 3 ESV).

From the context of our passage there seems to be a connection between the little scroll and the Lamb in 5:9 and a great multitude from every nation of 7:9 – 17. The redemption of many is a sweet thing but there will be persecution just as we have in many parts of the world today. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18 ESV). Paul said, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV). The persecution is the bitter part. The sweet part is the relationship of the redeemed with the Lord Jesus Christ.

These is more to come because the angel who had the scroll that John ate and got a bitter stomach from, said, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” There is much more for John to receive and write down for our benefit, not for tickling our ears with speculation.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the significance of the mighty angel descending from heaven?

Answer:
The mighty angel demonstrates the majesty and authority of God. His appearance is filled with symbols of divine glory: he is clothed with a cloud, a rainbow crowns his head, his face shines like the sun, and his legs resemble pillars of fire (Revelation 10:1). These descriptions emphasize that the message he carries comes directly from God. The rainbow reminds readers of God’s covenant faithfulness, while the cloud and fire recall God’s presence with Israel during the Exodus. Before further judgments unfold, God reminds His people that He remains sovereign over history.

2. What is the little scroll that the angel holds?

Answer:
The little scroll is an open scroll containing God’s revealed message concerning events that are about to take place. Unlike the sealed scroll in Revelation 5, this scroll is already open, indicating that its contents are now ready to be proclaimed. While Scripture does not explicitly identify its exact contents, it appears to contain the prophetic message John must deliver regarding God’s final dealings with the nations before Christ’s kingdom is fully established.

3. Why does the angel place one foot on the sea and the other on the land?

Answer:
Standing upon both the sea and the land symbolizes God’s universal authority over the entire earth. Nothing lies outside His rule. The coming judgments and the fulfillment of His purposes affect every nation, every people, and all of creation. The angel’s posture visually proclaims that God’s sovereignty extends over every part of the world.

4. What is the significance of the angel crying out like a roaring lion?

Answer:
The lion’s roar symbolizes authority, power, and certainty. Throughout Scripture, God is sometimes pictured as roaring like a lion when announcing judgment (Amos 3:8; Hosea 11:10). The mighty voice declares that God is about to accomplish His purposes. It reminds believers that the Lord’s word cannot be ignored and that His judgments will surely come to pass.

5. What are the seven thunders, and why was John forbidden to write what they said?

Answer:
The seven thunders represent another divine revelation, but John is commanded to seal up their message instead of recording it (Revelation 10:3–4). Scripture never reveals what they said. This teaches that while God has revealed everything believers need for faith and salvation, He has chosen to keep some aspects of His plan hidden. Christians are called to trust God’s wisdom rather than demand knowledge He has not given.

6. Why does the angel swear that there will be “no more delay”?

Answer:
The angel announces that God’s timetable has reached its appointed moment. The phrase means that the period of waiting is ending and the completion of God’s redemptive plan is near. Throughout history God has patiently delayed final judgment to allow opportunity for repentance, but His patience does not mean His promises will fail. The time has come for His purposes to move toward completion.

7. What is “the mystery of God” that will be finished?

Answer:
The mystery of God refers to His long-awaited plan to fully establish His kingdom, judge evil, redeem His people, and fulfill every promise spoken through His prophets (Revelation 10:7). Throughout Scripture, God’s plan unfolded gradually. At the sounding of the seventh trumpet, His redemptive purposes enter their final stage, bringing history to its divinely appointed conclusion.

8. Why is John instructed to eat the little scroll?

Answer:
Eating the scroll symbolizes completely receiving and internalizing God’s message before proclaiming it. God’s servants must first absorb His truth into their own hearts before they can faithfully teach others. This imagery echoes Ezekiel’s experience (Ezekiel 2:8–3:3), where the prophet also ate a scroll before beginning his ministry.

9. Why is the scroll sweet in John’s mouth but bitter in his stomach?

Answer:
The scroll is sweet because God’s Word is always good, true, and life-giving. It reveals God’s justice, His faithfulness, and His ultimate victory. Yet it becomes bitter because the message also contains severe judgments upon sinful humanity. Faithful servants rejoice in God’s truth but also grieve over the suffering and judgment that sin brings. This mixture of joy and sorrow characterizes much of prophetic ministry.

10. What does John’s experience teach about proclaiming God’s Word?

Answer:
John’s experience teaches that proclaiming God’s Word involves both privilege and responsibility. God’s message brings hope, salvation, and encouragement to believers, but it also warns of judgment for those who reject Him. Faithful messengers cannot preach only the comforting parts of Scripture; they must faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God with love, humility, and courage.

11. Why is John told that he “must prophesy again”?

Answer:
John’s ministry is not complete. After receiving the scroll, he is commissioned to continue proclaiming God’s revelation concerning “many peoples, nations, languages, and kings” (Revelation 10:11). This emphasizes the worldwide scope of God’s message and prepares readers for the visions that follow, which describe God’s dealings with all humanity.

12. How does Revelation 10 fit within the overall structure of Revelation?

Answer:
Revelation 10 serves as an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. Like the pause between the sixth and seventh seals, this chapter reminds readers that God remains in complete control even during times of judgment. It shifts attention from catastrophic events to the responsibility of God’s messenger and the certainty that His purposes will be fulfilled exactly as He has planned.

13. What practical lessons can believers learn from Revelation 10?

Answer:
Several important lessons emerge from this chapter:

God remains sovereign over all nations and all history.
Some aspects of God’s plan remain hidden, calling believers to trust His wisdom.
God’s promises will be fulfilled without fail and according to His perfect timing.
God’s Word must first be received personally before it can be shared faithfully.
The gospel includes both the joyful promise of salvation and the solemn warning of judgment.
Every believer is called to faithfully proclaim God’s truth, regardless of how others respond.

14. What does Revelation 10 reveal about God’s character?

Answer:
Revelation 10 reveals God as absolutely sovereign, perfectly faithful, infinitely wise, and completely trustworthy. He controls history, fulfills every promise, and never acts outside His perfect timing. His judgments are righteous, His mercy is genuine, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. Even when parts of His plan remain hidden, believers can rest in the assurance that He is accomplishing everything according to His perfect will.

15. What is the central message of Revelation 10?

Answer:
The central message of Revelation 10 is that God’s sovereign plan is moving steadily toward completion, and His servants are called to faithfully proclaim His Word until that plan is fulfilled. Though judgment is approaching, God’s authority remains unquestioned, His promises remain certain, and His kingdom will ultimately triumph over all evil. Believers are therefore encouraged to trust God’s timing, internalize His Word, and courageously bear witness to His truth until Christ returns.

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Chapter 11 – The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 11 marks a pivotal turning point in John’s prophetic vision as God demonstrates His sovereign authority over history, His faithful protection of His people, and His certain judgment upon a rebellious world. The chapter opens with the measuring of God’s temple, symbolizing His ownership and preservation of those who belong to Him, while the nations are permitted to oppress Jerusalem for a limited time according to God’s sovereign plan. It then introduces the two witnesses, who boldly proclaim God’s truth with miraculous power despite fierce opposition. Although they are killed by the beast, God vindicates them through resurrection and ascension, providing a powerful testimony that His servants cannot ultimately be defeated. The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, announcing the coming reign of Christ over all the kingdoms of the world. Heaven erupts in worship as God’s righteous judgment draws near and His eternal kingdom is revealed in glory. Throughout Revelation 11, believers are reminded that faithful witness, perseverance through persecution, and confidence in God’s ultimate victory are central themes of the Christian life.

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Bible Lessons

11:1 Revelation 11:1-3, Make Measurements

^11:1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, ²but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. ³And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:1 – 3 ESV)

In the previous lesson John took the little scroll and ate it and found it to be sweet as honey but in a short time it made his stomach bitter. He was then told he must again prophecy concerning future events.

John was then given a measuring rod like a staff and was told to “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple.” There is a difference of view over what this means. Is the temple a real temple or is it just a symbol? Dispensationalists see this as a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem that stands during the tribulation period, in which Jewish worship will again take place. It is in this temple that the Antichrist, who then opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, will take his seat and proclaim himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). These dispensationalists understand the “holy city” to mean the literal, earthly Jerusalem that is to be trampled for a period of forth-two months.

Another view is to see this temple as a symbol for believers and draw on verses like 1 Corinthians 3:16 – 17 which states “God’s temple is holy, and [believers] are that temple.”; or Ephesians 2:20 – 22 in which the body of believers grows into a holy temple in the Lord and is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.; or 1 Peter 2:4 – 10 in which a detailed description of believers being the stones that form the spiritual house. If the temple is not a physical temple in Jerusalem then what does 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – 4 mean as it clearly points out that the “man of lawlessness . . . exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, [and] takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”

John is instructed not to measure the court outside the temple because the holy city is to be given over to the nations to trample it for forty-two months. This will be a difficult time for the Jews as the world continues to work towards their elimination. This trampling is to take place for forty-two months, which is equivalent to 1260 days (42 months of 30 days) of three and a half years or the last half of the tribulation period.

Mention of the two witnesses creates another interpretation problem. Are they two actual people or do they represent the church? Those who say they represent the church connect 11:7 with 13:7. “When [the two witnesses] have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them” (Revelation 11:7). “Also, [the beast] was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them” (Revelation 13:7). Their conclusion is to see the two witnesses as the church. In Revelation 4:1 many refer to John as the church and here others see the two witnesses as the church. Some say there are two witnesses because there are both Jews and Gentiles. Some try to select prophets of old like Elijah and Moses. Some reject Moses and instead select Enoch. Who they are is not important, and if it were we would have been told.

In the next lesson we will learn more about them.

11:2 Revelation 11:4-6, The Abilities of the Two Witnesses

11:4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. (Revelation 11:4 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson John was given a measuring rod like a staff and told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. We also met two witnesses. In this lesson we will learn more about them.

John describes them as two olive trees and as two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. These expressions are metaphors from which we derive a better understanding of who they are and what they do. Going back to Zechariah’s visions might provide some insight. Zechariah sees two olive trees on the left and right of the lampstand and is told they are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth (Zechariah 4:11, 14). This suggest these two witnesses existed in the past, like possibly Elijah and Enoch, and stood before the Lord.

When I get to heaven I will find out who these two witnesses really are as there is much speculation. Whoever they might be, one should treat them with care because “if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes.” Like the 144,000 sealed servants of God who are protected from harm, so are these two witnesses as long as they have work to do. If you do not like what they are saying then do not listen to them, but to try to force them to not carry out their assignment will result in your death. In the past, Elijah had the ability to call fire down from heaven with his spoken word (2 Kings 1:10, 12), and in that way you could say that fire proceeded from his mouth.

Not only can they defend themselves from harm, but they have “They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.” (11:6)

The first thing mentioned they are able to do is to prevent rain from falling to water the earth to provide vegetation for food, producing a great famine. This famine probably coincides with the famine of seal three that results in many deaths as part of seal four. If this is so then these two witnesses are active during the first half of the seven-year tribulation period. The instruction given to the four angels (7:1) to hold back the four winds would disrupt the world’s atmosphere circulation preventing rain producing storms. If there is no rain for forty-two months and the sun continues to evaporate moisture from the earth then there will be a tremendous moisture buildup in the atmosphere. With the accumulation of all this moisture there could be some mega sized storms when the winds are allowed to blow, which would then harm the earth (7:3) and account for storms producing hail weighing up to one hundred pounds (16:21).

Their ability to turn water into blood could correspond to the first and second trumpets (8:7 – 8). In addition to turning water into blood, as Moses did, they could strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they desire. In 9:20, the seals and trumpets are referred to as plagues, and so in the minds of earth dwellers these two witnesses were to blame for much suffering and somehow had to be eliminated. That will happen in the next lesson.

11:3 Revelation 11:7-10, Death of the Two Witness

^11:7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, ⁸and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. ⁹For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, ¹⁰and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 11:7 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson it was made very clear if you wanted to continue to live you did not try to harm the two witnesses, who had great power to stop rain from falling for forty-two months, could turn water into blood, and strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they desired. As one can imagine this would really upset earth dwellers, and so, a way had to be found to eliminate them.

At the end of forty-two months their testimony was finished, and God allowed the beast, that rose up out of the bottomless pit (17:8), to make war on them and to conquer them and kill them. This beast is introduced at this point without any word of explanation. It is possible that John expected his readers to know of the four beasts of Daniel 7 and that the fourth one is the same as the beast mentioned here. In Daniel 9:7, the “prince who is to come” is this beast who makes a seven-year covenant with Israel.

Once the beast had killed the two witnesses, their dead bodies will be left to lie on the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. The great city is Jerusalem, and to refer to it symbolically as Sodom and Egypt is to suggest its moral degeneracy. Sodom has been identified with sexual perversion, and Egypt with the persecution of God’s people. This is to suggest the depravity of Jerusalem at this time and the persecution of believers.

Jerusalem was seen as a holy city, a city of peace where the temple of God was, but it was also seen as the city where God’s prophets die and where Jesus Christ died. These two great prophets must also die here on the same streets over which Jesus walked long ago, their testimony refused by sinful people just as was the testimony of Jesus Christ.

These two witnesses were known worldwide because their plagues were worldwide, and for three and a half years these plagues made their lives miserable. These two witnesses were probably hated like no one else before them, and when word and pictures of their death was instantly transmitted around the world it created instant celebration. Because of the suffering the people endured at their hands for three and a half years, they would not allow them to be placed in a tomb for three and a half days, allowing some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations to gaze at their dead bodies. During that time, the world entered a frenzy of celebration, rejoicing over them and making merry and exchanging presents with one another.

In Ephesians 2:4 is the expression “But God” which transformed “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3) into “a new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In 11:11, we are going to encounter another “But God” which the world is not going to like. “But we” will let the people of the world rejoice until the next lesson.

11:4 Revelation 11:11-14, Resurrection of the Two Witnesses

^11:11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. ¹²Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. ¹³And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

^11:14 The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come. (Revelation 11:11 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson the beast who rose from the bottomless pit, made war on the two witnesses and was able to kill them, resulting in him becoming an instant international hero and sending the world into a time of celebration like never before. In this lesson we will encounter something the people of the world did not expect.

With the two witnesses dead, their plagues would end, and life could get back to normal, or so they thought. They thought they conquered and destroyed the source of their suffering, allowing them to indulge in the pleasures of sin. They did not anticipate the “But” that begins verse 11, which would drastically change how they feel.

“But” after three and a half days had passed, “God” steps into the picture and breathes life into the dead and decaying witnesses and before a watching world, they watch in horror, as the two dead witnesses start breathing. As they rise to their, great fear falls on all who saw and heard the report. Just as Jesus Christ was three days and three nights in the grave these two witnesses would lie here on the street in Jerusalem for three days and three nights, and just as Jesus Christ rose from the grave, so did these two witnesses. It is hard to imagine how the unbelieving world must have felt as their victory turns into their worst nightmare.

As they rise to their feet, the world is probably wondering what great plague they will release on them next. As they try to recover from this terrifying reality of them again being alive, a loud voice cries out from heaven and instructs the two witnesses to “Come up here!” The same instruction John heard in 4:1, and without hesitation, they respond, as John did, and went up in a cloud of glory and all the world watched them go. What a powerful witness this is for the resurrection of believers. How can people not respond to this? It is because the sinful nature is powerful and if not touched by God it will lead the sinner to death.

As the two witnesses were rising up to heaven, suddenly a great earthquake occurs in the region of Jerusalem and a tenth of the city fell killing seven thousand people. Hearing the voice from heaven calling up the two witnesses and now the earthquake, how could the people not understand God’s anger against them and repent. The people were now so terrified they responded by giving glory to the God who just spoke from heaven. They did not really believe in their heart what they just did, as we will soon see.

This completes the second woe, with the third soon to come. Some say this marks the middle of the tribulation period with the seals opened and the sounding of the first six trumpets. This is where a mid-trib rapture would occur to coincide with the call to “Come up here!” (11:12) The pre-trib rapture would occur with the call to “Come up here!” found in 4:1. Those who reject the two parallels tell us to wait a short time longer and are known as pre-wrath believers. Maybe we should wait even longer until 16:15. One day we will all know and so, why do we get so emotional now over something that is not really that important. It is much more important that you “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV), and “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19 – 20 ESV). But no, we debate which is the right position and in the process divide the church to our shame.

11:5 Revelation 11:15-18, The Seventh Trumpet Sounds

^11:15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” ¹⁶And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. ¹⁸The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets, and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” (Revelation 11:15 – 18 ESV)

In the previous lesson we watched the people of the world go from a state of ecstatic joy to being terrified. As in John 4:1, a loud voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come up here!”, and the two witnesses rise from the dead to their feet and then liftoff in a cloud and disappear as Jesus did in Acts 1:9. It was also pointed out that two groups of people identified with the statement “Come up here!”. In Revelation 1:4 John represents the church for the pre-trib position and here in 11:12 the two witnesses represent the church for the mid-trib position. Both positions were established by bringing outside imagination or speculation into the text to interpret the text. Who is the voice calling up to heaven? Is it not John in 4:1 and the two witnesses in 11:12? If those two verses were accepted as written, we would not have this insane debate that divides the church today and corrupts the understanding of Revelation. If you do not accept either of these two positions, then stick around for a little longer and we will come to a marker for the pre-wrath position.

The second interlude of Revelation has ended and now we hear the seventh angel blow his trumpet, which causes loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

According to Daniel 7:17, four great beasts, who are four great kings, shall arise out of the earth. Daniel describes the fourth beast as different from the first three and exceedingly terrifying (7:19). This great beast would make war with the saints and prevail over them until the Ancient of Days comes and takes control of the kingdom (7:21 – 22). The beast will make war with the saints and will prevail over them because God granted him permission (Revelation 13:7). The kingdom of the world referenced here (11:15) is this fourth kingdom referenced by Daniel. As Daniel prophesied, this kingdom would be taken over by the Ancient of Days and become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever (11:15).

At this announcement by the loud voices in heaven, the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God again fall on their faces in an act of worshiping God. In Revelation 4:9 – 10 ESV: “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever.” In their worship of God, we learn six things from what they say: (1) the Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, will use his great power and begin to reign, (2) the nations will rage over this, (3) it will be a time of God’s wrath, (4) a time for the dead to be judged, (5) a time to reward God’s servants, the prophets, and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and (6) a time for destroying the destroyers of the earth.

We will take a break here and in the next lesson we will take a look at these six points.

11:6 Revelation 11:17-19, The Ark of the Covenant Was Seen

^11:17 “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. ¹⁸The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets, and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” ¹⁹Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. (Revelation 11:17 – 19 ESV)

In the previous lesson we outlined six points we need to look at in this lesson, which made for a very long lesson. Those points were: (1) the Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, will use his great power and begun to reign, (2) the nations will rage over this takeover, (3) it will be a time of God’s wrath, (4) a time for the dead to be judged, (5) a time to reward God’s servants, the prophets, and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and (6) a time for destroying the destroyers of the earth.

(1) The Lord God Almighty is the Lord Jesus Christ, who we met as a Lion and also as a Lamb. He is described as “who is and who was.” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1 – 3, 14 ESV). With his great power he is in the process of taking control and very soon will reign as king. Maybe a better way of expressing “reign” would be to say, “to show himself as king.”

(2) During this transfer of power, the nations will rage. God has been patient and allowed time for repentance, but people and nations have rejected Jesus Christ and yielded themselves to his greatest enemy, the beast, who just executed the two witnesses. By this time there may be only a few “lost sheep” to be found and brought to salvation, but most have passed the point of no return and are eternally lost. Before them lies “a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:27 ESV).

(3) As the nation’s rage they will experience God’s wrath. “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” (14:9 – 11 ESV). The wrath of God is given to seven angels (15:7) and poured out in chapter 16.

(4) It will be a time for the dead to be judged is looking ahead to the great white throne judgment of Revelation 20: 11 – 13 ESV: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.”

(5) It will be a time to reward God’s servants, the prophets, and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great. The believer will face the judgment seat of Christ where our works will be tested to determine our rewards. All believers will “stand before the judgment seat of God” (Romans 14:10 – 12 ESV). “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15 ESV).

(6) It will be a time for destroying the destroyers of the earth. In Genesis 1:28, man was to exercise dominion over the earth. It was to be a dominion of stewardship and service, not one of despotism and exploitation. Humans were to utilize creation for their benefit and to the glory of God, but we have not done very well. Those who misused the earth for their gain will be judged for that misuse.

John’s attention is next drawn to God’s temple in heaven, and he sees it opened and notices the ark of the covenant inside. The ark of the covenant disappeared when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple and carried Judah captive into Babylon 600 years before Jesus Christ. There is speculation that God took the ark and brought it to heaven and that is what John sees. I will not speculate on that but will check it out in just a few years when I get there.

“There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.” Once the four angels release the winds, the global air circulation patterns are again operational, and with all the moisture that has built up in the atmosphere, there will be extremely powerful storms, especially like the one mentioned in 16:21.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the significance of John being given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God (11:1–2)?

The act of measuring the temple symbolizes God’s ownership, protection, and evaluation of His faithful people. Throughout Scripture, measuring often signifies that God has marked something as belonging to Him (Ezekiel 40–42; Zechariah 2:1–5). While the outer court is given to the Gentiles for a limited time, God’s true worshipers remain under His sovereign care. This reminds believers that although persecution may come, God knows those who belong to Him and preserves them spiritually.

2. Why is the outer court left unmeasured?

The outer court represents an area exposed to persecution and judgment. It is given over to the nations, who will trample the holy city for forty-two months. This illustrates that God allows evil to exercise limited authority for a specific period, but that authority is temporary and under His complete control. Nothing happens outside of God’s sovereign plan.

3. What does the period of forty-two months, or 1,260 days, represent?

The forty-two months (three and one-half years) is a recurring prophetic period throughout Daniel and Revelation. It represents a limited season during which evil appears to prosper and God’s people experience persecution. Whether understood literally or symbolically, the emphasis is that the time of suffering has a definite beginning and end determined by God.

4. Who are the two witnesses?

The two witnesses are God’s appointed servants who boldly proclaim His truth during a time of widespread rebellion. Various interpretations identify them as Moses and Elijah, Enoch and Elijah, two future prophets, or a symbolic representation of the witnessing church. Regardless of their identity, their mission is clear: to faithfully proclaim God’s message, call people to repentance, and testify to Jesus Christ despite fierce opposition.

5. Why are the witnesses described as olive trees and lampstands (11:4)?

This imagery comes from Zechariah 4. Olive trees represent the continual supply of God’s Spirit, while lampstands represent God’s testimony shining in a dark world. The witnesses possess divine power not because of human ability but because God’s Spirit empowers them. Their ministry demonstrates that effective witness always depends upon God’s strength rather than human resources.

6. What do the miraculous powers of the two witnesses teach us?

The witnesses have authority to shut the heavens, turn water into blood, and strike the earth with plagues. These miracles resemble those performed by Elijah and Moses, showing that the God who worked through His prophets in the Old Testament continues to exercise sovereign authority. The miracles authenticate their message and demonstrate that God’s power is greater than every earthly ruler.

7. Why are the witnesses allowed to be killed by the beast?

Their death does not indicate defeat but the completion of God’s appointed mission. Scripture says the beast is only permitted to kill them “when they have finished their testimony.” This teaches that God’s servants are immortal until their God-given work is complete. Even apparent defeat ultimately serves God’s greater purposes and prepares for His victory.

8. Why do the people of the world celebrate the death of the witnesses?

The witnesses exposed sin and called people to repentance. Instead of responding with humility, the unbelieving world rejoices because it believes the voice of conviction has finally been silenced. Their celebration reveals the hardness of the human heart and humanity’s resistance to God’s truth apart from repentance.

9. What is the significance of the witnesses being resurrected after three and a half days?

God dramatically vindicates His faithful servants by raising them from the dead and calling them into heaven. Their resurrection demonstrates that death never has the final word for those who belong to God. It echoes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and assures believers that faithful service will ultimately be rewarded by God.

10. What is the purpose of the great earthquake following the witnesses’ ascension?

The earthquake demonstrates God’s judgment upon rebellion while also leading some survivors to give glory to God. Throughout Revelation, earthquakes often accompany divine intervention. Here it serves as both judgment against persistent unbelief and a final warning calling people to acknowledge God’s authority before the final judgments arrive.

11. What happens when the seventh trumpet sounds (11:15)?

The sounding of the seventh trumpet announces the certainty of Christ’s universal reign:

“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

Although some judgments remain to unfold, heaven celebrates the certainty that God’s kingdom will completely triumph. The announcement emphasizes that history is moving toward the visible reign of Jesus Christ over all creation.

12. Why do the twenty-four elders worship God after the seventh trumpet?

The elders praise God because His sovereign plan is reaching its glorious fulfillment. They thank Him for taking His great power and beginning His righteous reign. Their worship reminds believers that history is not controlled by human governments or evil powers but by the eternal King whose purposes cannot fail.

13. What judgments are announced following the seventh trumpet?

The elders declare that the time has come for:

God’s judgment upon the wicked.
The rewarding of His faithful servants.
The resurrection and final accountability of humanity.
The destruction of those who destroy the earth.

These events emphasize that God’s justice is perfect. Evil will not continue forever, and righteousness will ultimately be vindicated.

14. What is the significance of the temple in heaven being opened (11:19)?

The opening of the heavenly temple reveals God’s immediate presence and the certainty that His promises are being fulfilled. The appearance of the ark of the covenant symbolizes God’s faithfulness to His covenant and His unchanging holiness. It assures believers that God remembers every promise He has made.

15. Why are lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and great hail associated with God’s presence?

These dramatic signs repeatedly accompany God’s majestic appearance throughout Scripture. They communicate His holiness, power, authority, and coming judgment. Just as Mount Sinai shook when God gave the Law, these signs announce that the righteous Judge is acting decisively in human history.

16. What does Revelation 11 teach about faithful witness?

The chapter emphasizes that God calls His people to remain faithful regardless of opposition. Faithful witnesses may suffer persecution, rejection, or even death, but their testimony is never wasted. God honors faithful obedience, limits the power of evil, and ultimately vindicates those who faithfully proclaim His truth.

17. How does Revelation 11 encourage believers facing persecution today?

Believers are reminded that suffering is temporary, God’s protection is certain, and Christ’s victory is guaranteed. No enemy can shorten God’s appointed work or prevent His ultimate triumph. The chapter encourages Christians to remain courageous, knowing that faithfulness in this life leads to eternal reward.

18. What is the central theological message of Revelation 11?

The central message is that God sovereignly preserves His people, empowers their witness, limits the authority of evil, judges the wicked, vindicates His faithful servants, and establishes the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ. Though evil may appear victorious for a season, God’s purposes cannot be defeated. The chapter calls believers to steadfast faith, confident that Christ will reign forever and every promise of God will be fulfilled.

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Chapter 12 – The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 12 marks a dramatic turning point in the book, pulling back the curtain to reveal the unseen spiritual conflict that has unfolded throughout history. Through vivid symbolic imagery, John introduces a radiant woman, a male child destined to rule the nations, and a great red dragon identified as Satan. The chapter traces God’s sovereign protection of His redemptive plan, from the promised Messiah’s birth and victory to Satan’s ongoing persecution of God’s people after his defeat in heaven. Rather than presenting a chronological sequence of events, Revelation 12 provides a theological overview of the cosmic battle between Christ and the forces of evil, assuring believers that although Satan continues to wage war against those who remain faithful to Jesus, his ultimate defeat is certain because of Christ’s triumph through His death, resurrection, and exaltation.

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Bible Lessons

12:1 Revelation 12:1-4a, The Woman, Her Child, and the Dragon

^12:1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. ²She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. ³And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. ⁴His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. (Revelation 12:1 – 4a ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished a major section of study related to the seven angels and their trumpets. With this lesson we begin another major section of study which looks more deeply into the conflict in which the church in engaged. A summary of this conflict is found in the footnote for 11:19 – 14:20 in the ESV Study Bible: “through his sacrificial blood, Christ (the seed of the woman) has defeated Satan (the accuser of his people). In light of the cross, believers’ sufferings, though intensely painful and inflicted by painful opponents, are merely symptoms of the dragon’s desperation, since “he knows that his time is short: (12:12).”

A great sign appeared in heaven that John next records for our inspection. He sees “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” This is clearly a metaphor to describe something from the past. Going back to Genesis 37:9 we find Joseph telling his brothers about a dream he had in which the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to him. This symbolism describes Joseph’s father, mother and his eleven brothers, Joseph being the twelfth, from which comes the nation of Israel.

The woman is thus Israel and is described as being pregnant and crying out with birth pains in the agony of giving birth. That pain is the result of Eve’s sin and pointed out by God in Genesis 3:16a ESV: “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.” Since the birth of Eve’s first child, women have suffered pain in bearing children. This woman John speaks of is no different.

When “Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18). “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 ESV). This child that Mary gave birth to is the child that the woman (Israel) is pregnant with. Her birth pangs will be covered in the next lesson and is related to persecution. The source of that persecution is next revealed to John through another sign.

John next sees “a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.” In Genesis 3:15, we find two principal characters: a woman (described above) and a serpent. This serpent is the great red dragon, who we know as Satan the devil. The seven heads of this dragon are defined as seven kingdoms of the past (17:10). The ten horns are defined as ten kings of the end times (17:12). The seven heads each had a diadem or a crown indicating power.

The tail of the dragon “swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth.” Clearly these stars are not physical stars but are angels who joined Lucifer in his rebellion and were cast out of heaven (12:7 – 9). Isaiah speaks of this in 14:12 – 15 (“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” KJV). So does Ezekiel in 28:16 – 17 (“I will destroy thee, O covering cherub . . . I will cast thee to the ground.” KJV). Jesus spoke of the devil and his angels in Matthew 25:41. Lucifer who became Satan the devil is here referred to as the dragon and in 12:4 he stands before the woman (Israel) at the time when Jesus was to arrive on the scene through a virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14).

Let us take a break here and allow more time and space to finish in the next lesson instead of this being another long lesson.

12:2 Revelation 12:4b-6, The Woman Gives Birth

^12:4b And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. ⁵She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, ⁶and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. (Revelation 12:4b – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we took a break at the time “the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.” In this lesson we will find out what the dragon did and how the woman reacted.

The dragon was determined to destroy this child and he used Herod to find and kill the child by “killing all male children in the region of Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men” (Matthew 2:16). This plan failed because Joseph was warned in a dream to take the child to Egypt, then after time had passed and it was safe to return, Joseph and Mary brought the child to Nazareth to grow up. Reaching the time set by God, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1 ESV), but the temptations failed (Matthew 4:1 – 11) and Jesus continued on towards the cross where through his death, he was able to “destroy the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14 ESV).

The woman’s “child was caught up to God and to his throne.” This refers to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV). The day will soon come when he will return to earth “to rule all the nations with a rod of iron.” This is spoken of in Psalm 2:7 – 9 ESV: “I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” We will cover this in Revelation 19:15 ESV: “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” This harsh rule would appear to refer to the time when the Lord comes at the Battle of Armageddon, when those who refuse to repent, will be consumed by the sword of His mouth, and dashed to pieces by his rod of iron (Revelation 14:19-20,19:21). This is the demise of the wicked as the Lord removes them from this earth.

There appears to be a time when the woman (Israel) will come under attack by the beast. But God has prepared a place of protection for her someplace in the wilderness where he will nourish her for 1,260 days. As can be expected this raises all kinds of speculation in regard to time and location. Is this protection granted to all Jews or just those who were sealed in 7:2 – 4. At the tribulation midpoint, the beast breaks his covenant with Israel, so possibly those sealed are taken away for protection during the second half of the tribulation period. Since speculation usually does not reveal truth but produces stories to pass around which sometimes divides us, I will speculate no further and patiently wait for a few years and then I will know.

12:3 Revelation 12:7-9, War in Heaven

^12:7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, ⁸but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. ⁹And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Revelation 12:7 – 9 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished up the short section in which John introduced a woman and her son and a dragon who opposed them. With this lesson we learn of war breaking out in heaven. How could that possibly happen?

It may come as a surprise to learn of war occurring in heaven, but a study of Scripture yields a number of surprises that add richness and deeper understanding. This conflict was between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels and is part of the struggle between God and Satan and between good and evil. We know what war is like here on earth, but we have no idea what war between spiritual beings is like. It appears that Michael moved against the dragon and his angels and they fought back but were defeated and removed from heaven. From Daniel 12:1, it is believed by many that this conflict with the dragon marks the “time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time,” which is also the great tribulation.

Who is Michael? In Daniel 10:13, he is described as “one of the chief princes.” In Daniel 12:1, he is described as the “great prince who has charge of [God’s] people. In Jude 1:9, he is referred to as “the archangel” who contended with the devil about the body of Moses.

Who is the dragon? He is Satan (Gk) the devil (Hb) (12:9) who before his fall was Lucifer, who held an exalted position at God’s throne in heaven. Paul describes him as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2 ESV). Satan and his demons (fallen angels) are described as cosmic powers that reside over our present spiritual darkness; the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). In 1 Peter 5:8 the devil is called our “adversary,” in Revelation 12:9 Satan is referred to as our “deceiver,” and in Revelation 12:10 Satan is referred to as our “accuser.”

Satan’s defeat results in him as the “great dragon” of Revelation, that “ancient serpent” in Genesis being thrown down to the earth along with his angels. This defeat stems from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for by his death “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15 ESV). This “throwing down” along with the raising of the two witnesses and the breaking of the treaty with the Jews, seems to mark the midpoint of the tribulation period. Many think this “throwing down to earth” explains the intensified demonic activity during the great tribulation.

Since the time in the garden, Satan has been deceiving people in an attempt to draw them away from God to himself in an attempt to defeat God. All through history he has deceived the educated and ignorant, king and pauper, male and female, Jew and Gentile, strong and weak, young and old. He is found in the wisdom of the world, as that wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15). His ultimate deception might very well be his deceiving the Jews into thinking the beast (antichrist) was their Messiah who would deliver them. He did deliver them, right into the hands of Satan.

Having thrown Satan and his angels down to earth, John hears a loud voice in heaven, saying . . . We will have to wait until the next lesson to find out what was said.

12:4 Revelation 12:10, Four Things That Have Come

^12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. (Revelation 12:10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we witnessed war in heaven between Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon (Satan the devil) and his angels. It is very likely the conflict was short, resulting in victory for Michael and his angels, and causing Satan and his angels to be removed from heaven and sent to earth for a time. This lesson begins with the voice John heard as we ended the previous lesson. That voice, from an unknown source, first described four important things that have come: (1) salvation, (2) power, (3) the kingdom of our God, and (4) the authority of his Christ.

(1) Salvation – Heaven is now cleansed of all demonic power and Satan himself is gone. The attack by Satan and his angels may have been against this throne in heaven, and now with his defeat by Michael and his angels, the throne that Satan coveted is now fully secure. From the time Satan showed up as a serpent in the garden, he and his angels have been seeking ways of preventing our salvation from becoming a reality. He was unable to kill Jesus as a child, then he was unable to get him to sin through his temptations in the wilderness, and as the cross came into view, Satan was unable to take his life before his death on the cross, and after his death on the cross, he was unable to keep him in the grave, and now he is defeated in heaven. Our salvation is secure and will be complete when our bodies are resurrected.

(2) Power – The law was only able to point out our sin, as it had no power to help us obey it. Jesus, as the Son of Man, had that power to live a perfect life under the law, and as a result he was qualified to become our Passover Lamb and take our sin and die in our place on the cross. Then by grace through faith we were able to be born again and receive the Holy Spirit. His presence in our lives provides us with power to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12 – 13) and to live godly lives. We have the power to stand against the powers of darkness because “he who is in [us] is greater that he who is in the world (1 John 4:4 ESV).

(3) The kingdom of our God – The kingdom of God is synonymous with the kingdom of heaven and has various shades of meaning in different passages of scripture. In a broad sense the kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal, sovereign God over all the universe (Psalm 103:19). In a more narrow sense, the kingdom of God is a spiritual rule over the hearts and lives of those who willingly submit to God’s authority. It is a spiritual kingdom and not part of this world (John 18:36); admission requires repentance (Matthew 4:17) and can be entered only through spiritual birth (John 3:5).

(4) The authority of his Christ – Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18 ESV). This is supported by numerous verses: Matthew 11:27, Daniel 7:13 – 14, John 3:35, John 13:3, John 17:2, Acts 2:36, Romans 14:9, 1 Corinthians 15:27, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 1:20 – 22, Philippians 2:9 – 10, Colossians 2:10, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 2:8, 1 Peter 3:22, Matthew 9:6, John 5:27). Use this link to view these verses.

Before Satan’s defeat in heaven at the hands of Michael and his angels, he had continual access before God to accuse believers of their sin. Those accusations were probably true but carried no weight because Jesus is there “to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25) as our “advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1). His blood is a perpetual offering and cleansing agent for our sins (1 John 1:7). Surely Satan’s repeated presence and disturbing charges against fellow believers still on earth was in intensive irritation, and now with his defeat and being thrown to earth, there is peace and exultation in heaven.

12:5 Revelation 12:11, The Need to Endure

^12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at four things that came as a result of Satan’s defeat. In this lesson we will listen to hear what else the voice said.

John continues to listen, and he hears, “And they have conquered him.” Two questions immediately come up concerning the meaning of “they” and “him.” “They” would be those who were redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; those who were being accused by Satan. “Him” would be Satan who was the accuser.

Each person physically born is under the curse of the law as a slave of sin. “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10 – 12 ESV). They “were by nature children of wrath, but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5) and were born again. We were ransomed from our futile ways by the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:18 – 19). In this way God “delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13 ESV). By the blood of the Lamb, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37, 1 John 5:4 – 5).

And they have “conquered” (ESV); “triumphed” (NIV); “overcame” (KJV, NASB); “defeated” (NLT) by the blood of the Lamb. In a general sense this applies to all believers, but the focus of 12:11 is on believers on earth during the second half of the tribulation period, who are targeted by Satan. As they suffer under persecution the Holy Spirit enables them to surrender their need of justice in exchange of the ability to love and forgive those persecuting them. They are provided the ability to live out the characteristics of love given in Galatians 5:22 – 23, which are: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” To love in this way is a powerful witness, winning many to salvation, thus overcoming Satan and the powers of darkness. Even if they must surrender their lives as martyrs, they have overcome because for the believer, death is their ultimate victory.

A person may share his or her faith during a time of peace, but to share one’s faith under persecution is quite different. How much suffering are you willing to endure to continue your word of testimony? The more you are willing to endure increases the value of your faith in the eyes of others. Seventeen years ago, I taught in an underground seminary in China and clearly remember one of my students whose father has been in prison for many years. This student said he would probably be joining his father there because he plans to continue to be a witness as his father was. People like this have taught me so much about the need to endure under persecution. That endurance even unto death will attract many to Jesus Christ, and in that way we overcome Satan.

12:6 Revelation 12:12, A Time of Rejoicing and a Time of Woe

^12:12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the importance of endurance under persecution. In this lesson we will see why persecution will greatly increase.

Those who are in heaven during this great time of persecution on earth can experience great joy, especially now that Satan and his angels have been removed from heaven and sent to earth, “but woe to you, O earth and sea.”

At this time on earth there would be both believing Jews and Gentiles, and Jews who might be described as “Bible-believing Jews, who have yet to acknowledge Jesus Christ. These will be the focus of the devil’s great wrath. He will do his very best to eliminate all who believe, and in a way, God helps him by allowing him to make war on the saints and to conquer them. One might ask, why would God do that? To remain on earth would mean suffering but not so in heaven. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:13 ESV).

As the devil is frantically trying to eliminate all who believe, he is also gathering up a great army of maybe two billion or so unbelievers who hate God in an attempt to overthrow Jesus Christ when he comes to earth. It is hard to believe that the devil could think he had any chance of victory after his defeat in heaven.

What might be the meaning of “O earth and sea?” The context of our passage is about people, not about the physical earth and sea. The meaning may therefore be referring to people who live on both the earth and the sea. There are people who spend most of their lives on the sea as navy personal, fisherman, merchants, and houseboat dwellers. No matter where you live you may experience the devil’s wrath. His wrath is great because he knows his time is short. In fact, there is less than three and a half years left.

“But woe to you” is a pronouncement of the third woe. In 8:13, John heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” The first woe (9:1) is the fifth trumpet and suffering produced by the locusts which were demonic in nature. The second woe (9:12) is the sixth trumpet which released four powerful angels who will use war to kill a third of mankind. The third woe (11:15) is the seventh trumpet from which comes “seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished” (15:1).

When does God’s wrath start in Revelation? Some say at the beginning of the tribulation period, others say it is at mid-trib, and others say it is later into the great tribulation period. As we have proceeded through Revelation, the question is continually asked if the seal or trumpet being covered was the outpouring of God’s wrath or an event allowed or guided by God. God’s wrath was mentioned in 6:17 by people who were suffering greatly and were terrified. It was their “opinion” that the great day of wrath had come. We encounter “wrath” here in 12:12, but it is not God’s wrath being described, but the devil’s wrath. “Wrath” will next be mentioned in 12:18 as being contained in the seventh trumpet. God’s wrath is next spoken of in 14:10, 14:19, 15:1, 15:7, 16:1, 16:19, and 19:15. These seven references clearly outline, to me, the period of God’s wrath in Revelation. Therefore, I cannot attribute the great events that produced so much destruction and suffering before this period to be God’s wrath any more than the great plagues today are God’s wrath. Maybe God’s judgment, but not God’s wrath.

12:7 Revelation 12:13-17, War Against Christians

12:13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. ¹⁴ But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. ¹⁵The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. ¹⁶But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. ¹⁷Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. (Revelation 12:13 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we found heaven rejoicing because the dragon and his angels had been thrown down to earth. This may have made those in heaven happy, but on earth it will be a time of woe.

We begin this lesson with the dragon realizing that his sphere of operation is now limited to the earth for the next three and a half years. As a result, he wastes no time and comes after “the woman (Israel) who had given birth to the male child (Jesus Christ).” “But the woman was given two wings of the great eagle, which is a metaphor of the exodus (Exodus 19:4) and is here used to show that the woman needed special help. Do not miss the wording of Exodus 19:4 ESV: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” God was bringing the Jewish people out of Egypt and to himself. This suggest that God is again bringing a remnant of Jews out of the great tribulation period to himself. This Jewish remnant is brought into the wilderness, to the place where she will be nourished for a period of three and a half years.

During the exodus God had brought the Israelites up to the Red Sea and then allowed Pharaoh and his great army to come after them. But God protected them and delivered them. The serpent knew where the woman was and like Pharaoh gathered up a great army to go in and destroy her. His command to the army was written here as a metaphor that is defined in Jeremiah 46:8 (ESV) as an army “that rises like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge. He said, ‘I will rise, I will cover the earth, I will destroy cities and their inhabitants.’” The devil’s great army moves like a flood towards the desert stronghold, but when the enemy comes, as at the Red Sea, God shows himself in a miraculous way and opens the earth to swallow up the advancing river, the army that should have easily overpowered the remnant.

This opening and closing of the earth reminds one of Numbers 16: 31 – 33 ESV: “And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So, they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.” Once again the dragon is defeated and became even more enraged and looked for someone to vent his rage on.

It did not take him long to remember the woman had a son who was nailed to the cross, died and rose from the dead, resulting in the establishment of the kingdom of God of born-again believers. There were still many believers on the earth, so he decides to make war on them, and he receives permission from God to actually conquer them (13:7). This is not evil on the part of God because in Revelation 14:13 is the statement, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Through their death their suffering ends. Their death is allowed because their work is complete. It is my “opinion” that the mandate to the church to find and make disciples is drawing to a close as God has a Jewish remnant he is bringing to faith that he will use in the days ahead.

“Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus are the ones that may be spoken of in 16:15 ESV: “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”

“And he stood on the sand of the sea” has been greatly debated. It makes more sense to begin chapter 13 with it and as the KJV does, and write, “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” The “I” would then refer to John .

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the significance of the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation 12:1–2?

The woman represents the covenant people of God through whom the Messiah came. Her imagery echoes the dream of Joseph in Genesis 37:9–11, where the sun, moon, and twelve stars symbolize the family of Israel. While she gave birth to Christ through the nation of Israel, she also represents the faithful people of God who continue to bring forth spiritual fruit and endure persecution. Her labor pains symbolize both the suffering that preceded the coming of the Messiah and the ongoing struggles of God’s people throughout history.

2. Who is the great red dragon described in Revelation 12:3–4?

The dragon is Satan himself, identified explicitly in Revelation 12:9 as “that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan.” His seven heads and ten horns symbolize his extensive earthly influence and political power working through human kingdoms. The seven crowns portray his claim to worldly authority, while his sweeping away of one-third of the stars illustrates either the fall of rebellious angels who joined him or his destructive influence against God’s servants. His desire to destroy the child demonstrates his continual opposition to God’s plan of redemption.

3. Who is the male child that the woman gives birth to?

The male child is Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:5 identifies Him as the One “who is to rule all nations with a rod of iron,” directly quoting Psalm 2:9, a well-known Messianic prophecy. The statement that He was caught up to God and His throne summarizes Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Rather than detailing His earthly ministry, John emphasizes His victorious exaltation after accomplishing redemption.

4. Why did the dragon attempt to devour the child as soon as He was born?

Satan has always sought to prevent God’s promised Redeemer from accomplishing salvation. Throughout biblical history he attempted to corrupt the Messianic line through violence, idolatry, and unbelief. At Christ’s birth, this opposition was seen in Herod’s attempt to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:13–18). Satan understood that Christ’s victory would ultimately mean his own defeat, so he sought unsuccessfully to destroy Him before His redemptive work could be completed.

5. What does it mean that the child was caught up to God and to His throne?

This statement summarizes Christ’s exaltation following His death and resurrection. Jesus ascended into heaven, where He now reigns at the Father’s right hand with all authority in heaven and on earth. His enthronement demonstrates that Satan failed completely in his attempt to destroy God’s plan. Christ now reigns as King while awaiting the final establishment of His visible kingdom.

6. Why does the woman flee into the wilderness for 1,260 days?

The wilderness represents a place of God’s protection and provision. Just as God protected Israel in the wilderness after the Exodus, He preserves His people during periods of severe persecution. The 1,260 days (also described elsewhere as forty-two months or “a time, times, and half a time”) symbolize a divinely limited period during which God allows suffering but never abandons His people. Even in tribulation, God’s sovereign care remains constant.

7. Who is Michael, and why does he fight the dragon?

Michael is the archangel who serves as one of God’s chief heavenly warriors (Daniel 10:13, 21; Jude 9). His battle against Satan demonstrates that spiritual warfare occurs in the unseen heavenly realm as well as on earth. Michael does not fight through his own authority but as God’s appointed servant. His victory shows that Satan’s power is always limited and ultimately subject to God’s sovereign authority.

8. What is the significance of Satan being cast out of heaven?

Satan’s expulsion signifies the loss of his role as the accuser before God’s throne. Because Christ’s atoning sacrifice fully satisfied God’s justice, Satan no longer has legal grounds to accuse believers successfully. His defeat marks a decisive turning point in redemptive history. Though still active on earth, his ultimate judgment has been secured by Christ’s victory.

9. What does the loud voice in heaven celebrate in Revelation 12:10–12?

Heaven celebrates the victory accomplished through Jesus Christ. Salvation, God’s kingdom, and Christ’s authority are proclaimed because Satan’s accusations have been silenced. Believers overcome not by their own strength but through “the blood of the Lamb” and their faithful testimony. This passage emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of every believer’s victory over Satan.

10. What does it mean that believers overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony?

The blood of the Lamb refers to Christ’s sacrificial death, which completely removes the guilt of sin. The word of their testimony describes believers’ faithful confession of Christ despite persecution. Their willingness to remain loyal, even unto death, demonstrates genuine faith. Victory over Satan comes through trusting Christ’s finished work and remaining faithful to Him.

11. Why is Satan filled with great wrath after being cast down?

Satan understands that “his time is short.” Knowing his final judgment is certain, he intensifies his efforts to oppose God’s purposes and persecute God’s people. His increased activity reflects desperation rather than strength. The closer God’s ultimate victory approaches, the more fiercely Satan resists, though his defeat is already assured.

12. What do the eagle’s wings given to the woman symbolize?

The eagle’s wings symbolize God’s supernatural protection and deliverance. This imagery recalls Exodus 19:4, where God said He carried Israel “on eagles’ wings” out of Egypt. The picture emphasizes God’s ability to preserve His people during times of intense persecution. Their safety ultimately depends upon His power rather than their own.

13. What is the meaning of the serpent sending a flood after the woman?

The flood symbolizes Satan’s overwhelming attempts to destroy God’s people. Throughout Scripture, floods often represent destructive forces, persecution, invading armies, or overwhelming evil. The earth swallowing the flood demonstrates God’s intervention to frustrate Satan’s plans. No attack against God’s people can succeed apart from God’s sovereign permission.

14. Who are the rest of the woman’s offspring in Revelation 12:17?

The woman’s offspring are faithful believers who obey God’s commandments and remain loyal to Jesus Christ. They include all who belong to God through faith in Christ. Satan’s war against them describes the continual persecution of the Church throughout history. Every believer shares in this spiritual conflict while awaiting Christ’s final victory.

15. What does Revelation 12 teach about spiritual warfare?

The chapter reveals that spiritual warfare is ultimately a conflict between God and Satan that affects both heaven and earth. Although believers experience opposition, the decisive victory has already been won through Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians fight from a position of victory, relying upon Christ’s finished work rather than their own strength. God’s people are called to remain faithful, knowing that Satan’s defeat is certain.

16. How does Revelation 12 encourage believers facing persecution?

Revelation 12 assures believers that persecution is neither unexpected nor outside God’s control. God protects His people, limits Satan’s power, and guarantees ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. Although suffering may be intense, it is temporary, while Christ’s kingdom is eternal. This chapter encourages believers to persevere with confidence, trusting that the Lamb who has already conquered will bring His people safely into His everlasting kingdom.

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Chapter 13 – The Two Beasts: Antichrist and False Prophet

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 13 marks a pivotal point in John’s prophetic vision by revealing the rise of two powerful agents through whom Satan seeks to oppose God and deceive the world during the end times. The first beast emerges from the sea, symbolizing a powerful political kingdom and its ruler who exercises global authority, wages war against God’s people, and demands worship. The second beast rises from the earth, functioning as a false prophet who performs deceptive signs, promotes worship of the first beast, and enforces economic control through the infamous mark of the beast. Together these two figures form an unholy alliance with the dragon (Satan), creating a counterfeit trinity that imitates God’s kingdom while leading humanity into rebellion against Christ. Despite the terrifying power of these forces, the chapter reminds believers that their authority is temporary and subject to God’s sovereign control. Revelation 13 therefore calls God’s people to spiritual discernment, steadfast endurance, and unwavering faithfulness, assuring them that although evil may appear to triumph for a season, the ultimate victory belongs to Jesus Christ, the true King of kings.

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Bible Lessons

13:1 Revelation 13:1-4, Characteristics of the First Beast

^13:1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. ²And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. ³One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. ⁴And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” (Revelation 13:1 – 4 ESV)

In the previous lesson we left the Jewish remnant secure in the wilderness and the dragon in hot pursuit of Christian. In this lesson we officially meet the “first beast” of Revelation.

It was my opinion that John was standing on the beach in 17:17 (see previous lesson for my reasoning) and he sees “a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.” This beast is sometimes referred to as the Antichrist, as in 1 John 2:18, and 1 John 4:3, or as the man of lawlessness as in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – 12. In Daniel 9:26, he is referred to as “the prince who is to come” and in Matthew 24:15, he is referred to by Jesus as “the abomination of desolation”

John describes this beast as having ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. This beast might be considered the third great sign seen by John. The first was the sign of the woman and the second the sigh of the dragon, who were in conflict with each other. Signs one and two were seen in heaven and now the third is seen rising out of the sea. John introduced the dragon in Revelation 12:3 having “seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.” This similarity does not mean that the beast is the dragon, but rather the dragon provides the beast with great power and great authority (13:2). If the beast is a sign then the sea is a sign, and thus the beast is a person who rises from among the people of the earth.

John further describes the beast as being like a leopard with feet like those of a bear and a mouth like the mouth of a lion. This description reminds one of the four beasts of Daniel 7:1 – 8, which were the lion, the bear, the leopard, and “a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet” (Daniel 7:7). This fourth beast appears to be the same as the beast here in 13:1. It is generally accepted that the four beast represent the historical empires of Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Because of how John described the first beast, it appears that he is a hybrid of the four beast of Daniel, being part lion, part bear, and part leopard, but also part dragon.

Empowered by the dragon, the beast of 13:1 will become a great world leader with other leaders deferring their power to him. He will become so popular that the whole earth marveled as they followed him, and realizing that his authority came from the dragon, they will worship both the beast and the dragon. The people of the earth see the beast of great power, capable of standing against anyone who would challenge him.

The seven heads of the beast appear to be seven past nations with one of them being Babylonia. Babylon was defeated by the Persians but remained as an inhabited city for a long time but seemed to die completely. Is it possible that Babylon might be reconstructed and become the head that seemed to have a mortal wound and was healed? Something that is not yet clear is going to happen that is so significant that it will cause the beast to rise to a position of power never seen before and draw people to him in worship as their god. Having killed the two witnesses, he is seen as invincible, but they fail to take into consideration that God raised them from the dead and has the controlling hand in their future demise.

13:2 Revelation 13:5-7a, The Mouth of the First Beast

^13:5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. ⁶It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. ⁷Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. (Revelation 13:5 – 7a ESV)

In the previous lesson the first beast of Revelation was described. In this lesson we will cover what he is going to be allowed do.

The mouth of the beast was described in 13:2 to be like the mouth of a Lion. In 1 Peter 5:8, the devil is described to be like a roaring lion who prowls around seeking someone to devour. The roaring of the lion is described here as words that are haughty and blasphemous. It was Satan who gave him this mouth to speak in this way just like he uses the tongue of people today. James describes the tongue as “a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6 ESV). Those who worshiped the beast also worshiped the dragon, who gives authority to the beast (13:4), and they listened to and believed his blasphemous words.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:9 – 12 (ESV), Paul describes this beast: “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” The people listen to the beast and believe because “God sends them a strong delusion.” God will allow the beast to speak this way and to exercise authority for forth-two months and so, “It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.” (13:6).

His blasphemies were against God. He spoke evil of God, defaming his holiness, his love, his law, and his grace. Having just been defeated and thrown out of heaven, he curses it. He curses those who dwell in heaven, those who were saved by grace through faith, who believed in the name being cursed by the beast. “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 ESV).

What John says next is difficult for many to understand because they do not consider the context. As the beast blasphemes believers, described as saints in 13:7, God does something quite unexpected and at first glance seems to be evil. He allows the beast “to make war on the saints and to conquer them.” Why would God allow Satan to martyr his children? Why does God not defend and protect us? The answer is found in 14:13 ESV: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” God is showing them mercy by allowing them to be killed rather than to continue to suffer. Believers have victory in death not defeat as do unbelievers. As we face persecution, we need to think hard about what Jesus said in Matthew 16:25 ESV: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” As these believers lose their life at the hands of the beast, they have victory in eternal life.

13:3 Revelation 13:7b-10, Authority Over Almost Everyone

^13:7b And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, ⁸and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. ⁹If anyone has an ear, let him hear: ¹⁰If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saint. (Revelation 13:7b – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and he was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. In this lesson we see that this authority will be “over every tribe and people and language and nation.”

In the wilderness when Jesus was tempted by the devil, he was shown all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and was told, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9). Jesus refused but the beast will not. He will gladly accept and rise to power and seem to be invincible and will gather the world to himself and establish a world government. Nimrod attempted to do this, but God intervened and formed multiple languages and sent them off to form separate national governments. God will allow this man, this beast, to form a world government, which is seen as the kingdom of man, but it will fail.

Those in the world from every tribe and people and language and nation, who are unsaved, will come to the beast and will worship this very brilliant but very evil man. These people believe that this man and his master Satan are more powerful than God and should be obeyed. How is it possible for some to resist this beast and remain faithful to God?

According to Romans 3:10 – 12, none should, for it is written, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV). Before the foundation of the world, God chose those he would save and placed their names in the Lamb’s book of life. He placed my name there as he did Paul’s name and at the appropriate time we were both born again. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29 ESV). Those chosen by God are those Jesus Christ died to redeem. These are the ones who will endure as Paul did. Their death will be victorious but those who names are not in the book of life will experience judgment in their death. One might say this is unfair. Is it unfair for God to do good to those he desires? He will not refuse anyone who desires salvation, but without God’s intervention, as with Paul, mankind will live for himself. What made the difference between Peter and Judas?

13:10 has the believer in view, those whose names were written in the book of life of the Lamb. It is a call for them to endure both being taken captive and in being slain. Both are God’s ordained route to victory for those who believe. I learned about this when I was serving in Asia, how believers endured so much to remain faithful to God. I think of those willing to risk death to attend church or to own a bible. Are you willing to be taken captive for your faith or even to die for it? If anyone has an ear, let him hear and let him make the correct choice.

13:4 Revelation 13:11-14, Introduction of the Second Beast

^13:11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, and it spoke like a dragon. ¹²It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. ¹³It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, ¹⁴and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. (Revelation 13:11 – 14 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished our study of the first beast. John now sees a second beast rising out of the earth that we will, in this lesson, begin our study of.

The first beast rose out of the sea, but this beast is described by John as rising out of the earth. Since John does not describe the meaning of either “rising out of the sea” or “rising out of the earth” it would just be speculation to try to guess what either meant. Speculation fills books written on Revelation. The more speculation, the larger the book, and the more imaginative the speculation the greater the sales. I have not taught Revelation in over twenty years because my students wanted to know the latest speculation and were not interested in how they might grow spiritually. Speculation continues to change as we draw closer to the unfolding of the event, and when the event occurs we will then know the true meaning.

This second beast was different from the first in that it had two horns like a lamb, but it was like the first beast in how it spoke. This second beast was able to exercise all the authority of the first beast while in its presence. He was able to perform great signs, like the prophets of old, “even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people.” Elijah called down fire to consume “the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38). Again in 2 Kings 1:10, Elijah called down fire from heaven and consumed the fifty men and their commander. In Revelation 8:7 the first angel called down fire from heaven and burned up a third of the earth and a third of the trees and all the green grass.

In the gospels and in Acts great signs were used to develop faith in God, but this second beast was allowed to perform great signs in the presence of the first beast to deceive those who dwell on earth to follow the first beast and worship him and the dragon. Out of awe and fear of the second beast’s power, he makes the inhabitants of the earth worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. God empowered people to use great signs and wonders for the purpose, not to deceive people, but to validate their claims and to develop faith in the early church. Signs and wonders were now being allowed by God to deceive those who dwell on earth, and to lead them into making an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

Usually images that are made “have mouths, but do not speak” (Psalm 115:5) but this image they were to make was given breath which allowed it to speak, thus further deceiving those who dwell on the earth. There appears to be some kind of demonic activity taking place, but still subject to God’s sovereign control.

Let us take a break here and finish in the next lesson.

13:5 Revelation 13:15-18, The Mark of the Beast

^13:15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. ¹⁶Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, ¹⁷so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. ¹⁸This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:15 – 18 ESV)

In the previous lesson we introduced the second beast, who was given authority and power to perform great signs and wonders to deceive those who dwell on the earth to follow and worship the first beast. He also had the people make an image for the first beast and when completed it was given breath so that it could speak. In this lesson we will learn more about this image.

This beast, who is referred to as the false prophet in 19:20, is allowed freedom by God to deceive and enslave, within limits until the first beast is captured and then both are “thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” (19:20). According to Deuteronomy 13:1 – 4, God is using this second beast to test the people to see who are the ones that cannot be deceived, those whose names are in the book of life of the Lamb. Those who are found who refuse to bow in worship to the image will most likely be slain in fulfilment of 13:7 – 8.

In addition to bowing down to the image of the beast, people of the earth are “to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark.” I believe COVID19 has provided an opportunity to begin to condition people to accept such a mark in the future. Building acceptance could begin with such things as a covid passport to allow travel, admission into group events, and even one’s employment. A chip is currently being used with pets and with cows. Each cow has a chip, usually in the form of an ear tag that is read as the cow is queued up to be milked which tells a dispenser how much feed to give the cow as it is being automatically milked. It is automatically recorded when the cow was milked so if it tries to get in line before the next appointed time it will be rejected and zapped as punishment.

In China, a system has been developed using facial recognition and hundreds of millions of cameras to determine where people go, what they do, what they buy, etc. and determines if the person should have points added to their personal score or subtracted. If the score drops to a certain point then punishment is imposed on the person in the form of denying certain travel, health benefits, education, employment opportunities, etc. Watch how people will be more severely controlled in the future in preparation to receiving the mark of the beast.

There is much speculation about this mark and the meaning of the number 666. The point that should not be overlooked is at some time in the future after the image has been made, it will speak and will require everyone to worship it and receive a mark of some kind as evidence of that worship. (With the Chinese system that would be possible today.) Without that mark you will be hunted and when found you may have the opportunity to receive the mark by your act of worship, otherwise you will be killed.

What happens if one receives the mark? According to 14:9 ESV: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

Can a believer weaken and receive the mark? I think not because 13:8 indicates those who are not recorded in the book of live of the Lamb are the ones who will receive the mark. Those whom God has chosen he will deliver to heaven. For a believer to take the mark would mean their loss of salvation, which under Romans 8:29 does not seem to be possible: “ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

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Questions with Answers

1. What major events take place in Revelation 13?

Revelation 13 introduces two powerful beasts that work under the authority of the dragon (Satan). The first beast rises from the sea and represents a powerful world empire and its ruler who opposes God. The second beast rises from the earth and functions as a false prophet, promoting worship of the first beast through deception and miraculous signs. Together they establish a worldwide system of political, religious, and economic control that persecutes God’s people and demands allegiance in place of worship of God.

2. Who is the dragon that empowers the beasts?

The dragon is Satan, identified in Revelation 12:9 as “that ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan.” Having failed to destroy Christ and unable to eliminate God’s people, Satan raises earthly agents through whom he wages war against the saints. Revelation 13 demonstrates that behind human opposition to God is a spiritual enemy seeking to counterfeit God’s kingdom.

3. What does the beast from the sea represent?

The beast from the sea represents a final world political power and its ruler who receives authority from Satan. Throughout Scripture, the sea often symbolizes the restless nations of the world (Isaiah 17:12-13). This beast combines characteristics of the kingdoms described in Daniel 7, showing that it is the culmination of all previous rebellious empires. It blasphemes God, persecutes believers, and seeks worldwide dominion.

4. Why does the beast have characteristics of a leopard, bear, and lion?

These animals come directly from Daniel 7, where they represented the kingdoms of Greece, Medo-Persia, and Babylon. John’s vision combines these images to show that the final kingdom inherits the power, cruelty, pride, and rebellion of all previous Gentile empires. Rather than being entirely new, it represents the climax of humanity’s long history of opposition to God.

5. What is meant by the beast’s deadly wound being healed?

The healing of the deadly wound amazes the world and causes many to follow the beast. Some interpret this as a literal assassination and miraculous recovery of the Antichrist. Others understand it as the revival of a kingdom or political system. In either case, the event convinces many people that the beast possesses extraordinary power, leading them into false worship.

6. Why does the world worship the beast?

People worship the beast because they are deceived by his apparent power, military strength, and miraculous recovery. They ask, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” Instead of acknowledging God as sovereign, humanity places its confidence in worldly power, security, and human achievement. Their worship ultimately becomes worship of Satan, since he empowers the beast.

7. What blasphemies does the beast speak against God?

The beast openly insults God’s name, His dwelling place, and those who belong to Him. This fulfills prophecies concerning the coming man of lawlessness who exalts himself above every object of worship (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). His words reveal complete rebellion against God’s authority and an attempt to replace God’s glory with his own.

8. Why is the beast permitted to persecute the saints?

God sovereignly allows this persecution for a limited period of forty-two months. Although Satan acts with great fury, his authority is temporary and operates only within God’s sovereign limits. Believers are called to remain faithful, knowing that God’s ultimate victory is certain even when evil appears to prevail.

9. What does the forty-two months represent?

The forty-two months equal three and one-half years, the same period described elsewhere as 1,260 days or “a time, times, and half a time.” This period represents the final intense season of tribulation before Christ returns. It emphasizes that evil’s reign is strictly limited by God and cannot continue indefinitely.

10. Who are those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

These are all who belong to Jesus Christ through faith. Their names were written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world, demonstrating God’s eternal plan of redemption. Although believers may suffer persecution, their eternal security rests in Christ rather than earthly circumstances.

11. What lesson is taught by the statement, “Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints”?

Believers are reminded that their calling is not revenge or compromise but steadfast endurance. Throughout history, God’s people have overcome not through military power but through faithful obedience. Even under severe persecution, Christians are to trust God’s justice and remain loyal to Christ.

12. Who is the second beast?

The second beast arises from the earth and later is identified as the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13; 19:20). Unlike the first beast, whose power is primarily political, the second beast exercises religious influence. He persuades the world to worship the first beast and serves as Satan’s counterfeit of the Holy Spirit by directing worship toward the Antichrist instead of Christ.

13. Why does the second beast have two horns like a lamb but speak like a dragon?

His appearance resembles a lamb, suggesting gentleness, innocence, or even a counterfeit imitation of Christ. However, his speech reveals his true nature because he speaks with the voice of Satan. This contrast illustrates that deception often comes clothed in outward respectability while hiding inward rebellion against God.

14. What miracles does the false prophet perform?

The false prophet performs astonishing signs, including calling fire down from heaven in the sight of people. These miracles are permitted by God but empowered through Satanic deception. Scripture consistently warns that miraculous signs alone do not prove divine approval; they must always be tested against God’s revealed truth.

15. What is the image of the beast?

The false prophet commands the world to construct an image honoring the first beast. The image appears to have life and becomes the focal point of worldwide idolatry. Those who refuse to worship it face execution. This recalls Old Testament examples such as Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image in Daniel 3 while pointing to an even greater future rebellion.

16. What is the mark of the beast?

The mark is a visible sign of allegiance to the beast’s kingdom. It is placed on the right hand or forehead and becomes necessary for participation in commerce. Beyond its economic function, the mark signifies deliberate loyalty to the beast and rejection of God’s authority. It represents a conscious commitment to Satan’s counterfeit kingdom.

17. Why is buying and selling connected to the mark?

The beast establishes economic control as a means of enforcing worship. Those who refuse allegiance are excluded from normal commerce, creating tremendous pressure to compromise. This demonstrates how political, religious, and economic systems may unite to oppose God’s people during the Tribulation.

18. What is the significance of the number 666?

The number is called “the number of a man.” While many interpretations have been suggested throughout history, the precise identity remains uncertain until the events themselves unfold. Six consistently falls short of seven, the biblical number often associated with completeness. Thus, 666 may symbolize humanity’s repeated failure and the culmination of human rebellion apart from God. During the end times, those living in that period will evidently recognize its specific connection to the beast.

19. How does Revelation 13 portray Satan’s counterfeit kingdom?

The dragon imitates God the Father by giving authority to the beast. The beast imitates Christ through his apparent death and recovery, receiving worldwide admiration. The false prophet imitates the ministry of the Holy Spirit by directing worship toward the beast. This counterfeit trinity seeks to deceive humanity into giving worship that belongs only to God.

20. What practical lessons should believers learn from Revelation 13?

Believers should recognize that evil often appears attractive, powerful, and persuasive before its true nature becomes evident. Christians are called to remain grounded in Scripture, reject false worship, discern spiritual deception, and remain faithful regardless of cultural or political pressure. Revelation 13 assures believers that although evil may seem dominant for a season, its authority is temporary. Christ alone is the true King whose kingdom will ultimately triumph, and those who remain faithful to Him will share in His eternal victory.

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Chapter 14 – The Lamb and the Harvest of the Earth

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 14 provides a dramatic contrast between the faithful followers of Christ and those who have aligned themselves with the beast. After the alarming vision of the two beasts in Revelation 13, this chapter shifts the focus to God’s sovereign control, the certainty of His coming judgment, and the ultimate victory of His redeemed people. John first sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000 who have remained faithful to God, symbolizing the security and final triumph of those who belong to Christ. Three angels then proclaim messages to the world, calling all people to fear God, announcing the fall of Babylon, and warning of the eternal consequences of worshiping the beast. The chapter concludes with two harvests of the earth—one gathering the righteous and the other portraying the judgment of the wicked—emphasizing that every person will ultimately stand before God. Revelation 14 offers both encouragement and warning, assuring believers that steadfast faithfulness will be rewarded while reminding all humanity that God’s righteous judgment is certain and His kingdom will prevail forever.

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Bible Lessons

14:1 Revelation 14:1-5, The 144,000 on Mount Zion

^14:1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. ²And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, ³and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. ⁴It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, ⁵and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. (Revelation 14:1 – 5 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished our study of the second beast, known as the false prophet. In this lesson we again consider the 144,000.

We first met the 144,000 in 7:1 – 8 ESV: “After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel.”

The time of their sealing is uncertain. Some say it occurs at the beginning of the tribulation period, others say it happens between the sixth and seventh seal. It does happen and these servants of God were protected through the great tribulation and now John looks and sees them on Mount Zion with the Lamb. Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem, located just outside the walls of the Old City. This event would seem to take place just before the beginning of the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth.

At the time the 144,000 were sealed, John did not describe the seal other than saying it was “the seal of the living God.” Now John describes the seal as containing two names: (1) the name of the Lamb and (2) the name of the Father.

The timing of events in Revelation is very difficult if not impossible because of their overlapping nature. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpets, and the seventh trumpet contains the seven bowls of wrath, and the visions John has are not necessarily in sequence. In 14:2, we face such a problem. In 14:1 we are on earth with the Lamb and the 144,000, and then in 14:2 – 3 they appear to be in heaven. 14:2 appears to be a vision of a later time when John hears them “from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders.”

The song they sang “before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders” was unique to them. It was a song that expressed their unique experience. No one else could learn the song expresses the idea that no one else could sing the song as an expression of their experience.

Besides having a unique experience, these 144,000 were unique people, as John next describes. Various commentators and groups have identified with them in various ways, but the Scriptures are clear. From 7:1 – 8 we know they are male Israelites, 12,000 from each tribe. They are redeemed men who follow the Lamb in obedience wherever he goes. These men are specifically called and sealed to serve a unique purpose during the tribulation period.

In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman” and then in 7:7, he wishes they were single as he was, and then says, “But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.” In Matthew 19:12 (ESV), Jesus said, “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” The 144,000 have been set apart as eunuchs, and as such they “have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins.”

These “who follow the Lamb wherever he goes, have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.” Referring to them as “firstfruits” has to refer to firstfruits of the tribulation period, and possibly of revived Israel.

Just as Noah was described as a righteous man, blameless in his generation, who walked with God (Genesis 6:9) these 144,000 were also described as blameless with no lie found in their mouth.

14:2 Revelation 14:6-7, The First Angel with a Message

^14:6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. ⁷And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:6 – 7 ESV)

In the previous lesson we again looked at the 144,000. We found them on Mount Zion with the Lamb, having safely made it through the tribulation period. In this lesson we will meet the first of three angels who each have a message to deliver. There are actually six angels with a message as we will meet three more in the next section.

It might be interesting at the end of our study of Revelation to make a list of all the angels we met and what they did. The one John now sees is flying directly overhead and has an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth.

Time is very short before the day of judgment and it is urgent that people hear the gospel and repent before it is too late. With the number of believers being conquered and overcome by their enemies, and with the two witnesses gone, and by now the 144,000 are so hated that they are ineffective, there is a need of another source of witness. God in his mercy provides that witness through an angel who proclaims the gospel to people in every nation and tribe and language and people. In some miraculous way this powerful angel is able to communicate to all people their need to fear God, repent, and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.

The gospel is described as an eternal gospel because it describes the way of obtaining eternal life. It is the gospel that Jesus Christ commanded his followers to preach (Mark 16:15 ESV: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”). It is the gospel that Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16). In 2 Timothy 4:2, he instructs his followers to “preach the word.” It is our responsibility, and a unique privilege, as believers to proclaim this good news. This gospel in unique (Galatians 1:8), as all others are false as they contain some added feature like works to supplement grace. There are some who insist that there are several gospels that apply to different time periods.

It is true that we find the gospel being described with different titles in Scripture, but it is the same everlasting gospel. Those titles are used in an attempt to describe a feature of the gospel. For example, in 2 Corinthians 4:4 it is “the gospel of the glory of Christ”; in Ephesians 6:15 it is “the gospel of peace”; in 1 Peter 4:17 it is “the gospel of God”; in Romans 15:19 it is “the gospel of Christ”; in Acts 20:24 it is “the gospel of the grace of God”; and in Ephesians 1:13 it is “the gospel of your salvation.”

By this time, because of all that has happened, people on earth understand that God is real, and they have heard the gospel. With a loud clear command, the angel says, “Fear God and give him glory.” The reason is then given for doing that is because “the hour of his judgment has come.” God is ready to pronounce judgment and when he does it will be too late to repent, and you will be faced with an eternity to agonize over the fact that you did not.

The second part of the angel’s command is to “worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and all that there is. It did not evolve from nothing over time. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1 – 3, 14 ESV). “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16 – 17 ESV). The one they are to worship is the Lamb, who is the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you found salvation in him? If not, do not wait because the time you have left to do so may be short.

14:3 Revelation 14:8, The Second Angel with a Message

14:8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” (Revelation 14:8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered what the first angel had to say to those who still reject the offer of salvation. In this lesson we hear what the second angel has to say about Babylon.

This second angel appears to follow the first angel wherever he goes in support of the first by proclaiming judgment against a possible rebuilt capital at Babylon. This magnificent capital was a display of the power and impressive credentials of the beast and his mighty world empire. When in China, in the city of Wuhan, I watched as square miles of old city was torn down and in just several years the space was filled with massive buildings. It would be quite possible to rebuild Babylon during the first three and a half years of the tribulation.

This second angel cries out to inform those who admire this mighty growing city, modern in all its offerings, that it is about to be destroyed just as ancient Babylon established by Nimrod was. The beast’s kingdom is a reincarnation of the ancient kingdom of Nimrod, now including the entire world. The angel says, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great” which is repeated in 18:2. Here in 14:8 the angel announces what will happen and in 18:2 the angel announces that it did happen.

Ancient Babylon was a humanistic and satanic world system that united mankind in a great religious, commercial, cultural, and political rebellion against God. People lived in deep depravity and worshiped and served God’s creatures instead of God. Ancient Babylon, as a mother, has spiritual children living today and during this reincarnation of ancient Babylon, modern Babylon takes control of those who reject God and makes them “drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” This passion is growing today, all around us, even in our western churches.

The nature of Babylon will be developed in chapter 17, where we will learn about a woman who “was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” (Revelation 17:4 – 6 ESV).

This “mother of prostitutes” has offspring in the world today and they are now taking the lives in various nations of persecution, but we are told from many Christian sources here in the west, not to worry because we will be raptured before it happens to us. Why should so many in the church in North Korea and in China and elsewhere die for their faith and we feel we will be spared? If the pre-trib position is wrong then they have committed a great sin in not preparing us for what lies ahead. If you might be killed for going to church, would you go? If you might go to prison or die for owning a Bible, would you get rid of it? If persecution comes, will you know how to live?

Revelation is instruction to believers and a warning to unbelievers. Pre-trib teachers in countries free of persecution use their time teaching about growing conditions leading up to the rapture and do not teach how to live when persecution comes. In countries of persecution teaching is about how to live during times of great suffering. Maybe it is time to stop speculating about things John did not clearly explain and instead disciple believers and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. As a watchman for the church, I must warn my readers of their need to be prepared for what Revelation shows is coming. If I do not, then their blood shall be upon me.

14:4 Revelation 14:9-11, The Third Angel with a Message

^14:9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ¹¹And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” (Revelation 14:9 – 11 ESV)

The previous lesson ended on a very serious sobering note. Babylon the great is referred to as “she” and then we looked ahead to 17:4 – 6 where “she” was referred to as “woman,” the “mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations,” who “became drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” In relation to this suffering, I raised some sobering questions about the possibility of you being one of those saints whose blood might be required. In this lesson we will hear the third angel speak of those who will be required to drink the wine of God’s wrath.

The second angel speaks of a coming judgment on modern Babylon, while this third angel is a warning to those who have yet to repent and are considering bowing in worship of the beast and its image in order to receive the mark, for without the mark they will be unable to buy or sell (13:17). If they do not bow in worship to receive the mark they are to be killed (13:15).

The angel cries out with a loud voice, saying, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” To not receive the mark could cost one their life, but to receive it is even worse because once you die you will go to your eternal address which will be in hell, described later as the lake of fire (19:20; 20:15). Before death, the unbeliever has been protected from the full strength of God’s wrath by his mercy and grace, but in hell God’s wrath will be felt in full strength.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to his Father, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39). He then prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42). On the cross Jesus Christ drinks fully from the cup of God’s wrath in our place so that we can experience salvation, but these who receive the mark, rejecting God and his offer of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8 – 9), will drink from the cup of God’s anger, and as they do the wine of God’s wrath will be experienced for an eternity in the form of being tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. The meaning of “their presence” is not clear but in some way they will constantly remember the opportunity they had to respond to the messages of the holy angels and the offer of grace from the Lamb.

“The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.” Like the fire that burned in the bush without burning up the bush, this fire burns them, but they are not burned up, so their torment goes on for an eternity, which is a very long time! Because of their suffering they can find no rest, day, or night. This is what lies ahead for whoever worships the beast and its image and receives the mark of its name. In fact, anyone who rejects the gift of God’s grace of salvation will experience the same thing. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not let it pass by.

14:5 Revelation 14:12-13, The Call for Endurance

^14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

^14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:12 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we finished covering the messages of the three angels. In this lesson we will look at some comments directed to believers who are still alive on earth.

Having heard the gospel (14:6 – 7) and been warned not to bow in worship of the beast or its image (14:8 – 11) but instead bow in worship of the Lamb (5:8). Those who by grace through faith in the Lamb are born again and receive the Holy Spirit, are instructed to endure the suffering they will experience for being followers of Jesus Christ; “those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

In 3:10 – 11 the angel told John to tell the faithful believers in the church in Philadelphia, saying, “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” Such faithful believers are found here in the great tribulation and are told to endure their suffering. Many of them will be martyred as we saw in 6:8 – 11 because permission was granted to the beast by God to make war on the saints and to conquer them (13:7). To be kept from the hour of trial cannot mean they will be raptured from harm because it is clearly stated that most will be martyred. In fact, in 14:14 the voice from heaven says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” These may be kept from the hour of trial as the Israelites were during the time of the plagues, or they may be kept from the hour of trial through their death. There are many believers today that are taken from their trial through death. Do not let the pre-trib rapture rhetoric blind you to the truth of Revelation and not be prepared to face what our brothers and sisters are currently experiencing in countries of persecution today. Do not miss this call for endurance and keep the commandments of God and your faith in Jesus Christ.

The voice continues to speak from heaven instructing John to write the second blessing we have encountered in Revelation. All together there are seven “blessed” statements: (1) “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (1:3 ESV); (2) “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (14:13 ESV); (3) “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (16:15 ESV); (4) “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (19:9 ESV); (5) “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” (20:6 ESV); (6) “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (22:7 ESV); and (7) “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” (22:14 ESV).

Each one of these “blessed” statements could be a lesson that the believer needs to understand and live out but not much is said about them. Death under persecution is a blessing because it removes you from your hour of trial, and how you die can be used by God as a powerful witness to bring many others to faith. Every seed that is to bear fruit must die in the process. We become born again by receiving the seed of God and as we live we are to die daily to self and live to serve God. As with Jesus and a great multitude of believers, being martyred may be required along the way.

14:6 Revelation 14:14-16, Harvest of the Wheat

^14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. ¹⁵And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” ¹⁶So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson the importance of endurance and obeying the commandments of God and keeping one’s faith in Jesus was emphasized. Verses 14:14 – 20 describes two harvest events. With this lesson the harvest of the earth will begin as time for repentance has run out.

John’s attention is drawn to a white cloud on which is seated one with the appearance of the son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. This description reminds one of Daniel 7:13 – 14 ESV: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”

Revelation opens with the revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1) and then identifies him as he who loved us and freed us from our sins by his blood (1:5). John then writes, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him” (1:7 ESV). In 1:13 Jesus Christ is identified as one like the son of man. This Jesus first came as a gospel Sower and now as Lord of the harvest, he returns as a just reaper for his harvest.

The earth is the field where the seeds were sown but an enemy came and also sowed some seed. In Matthew 13:14 – 30, Jesus told a parable of the wheat and the weeds, which were allowed to grow long side each other and then at the harvest they would be separated with the wheat being gathered into his barn and the seeds bundled and then burned. Here in 14:14 – 20 we see this parable being executed, as the time of the harvest has come.

John sees another angel, a fourth in this series, who came out of the temple in heaven with instruction from God to the son of man, who was seated on the cloud, patiently waiting with a sharp sickle in his hand for the command to harvest. It is interesting to note that in Matthew 24:36 only the Father knew the day and hour of the return of Jesus, and so, maybe that is why this instruction to harvest was needed from the Father. The angel said, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” There is a difference of opinion at this point over what is being harvested. In keeping with the parable, it is my opinion that wheat is being harvested as all lost sheep have been found, resulting in the body of Christ, the church, being complete. This harvest would then be the rapture of remaining believers and the resurrection of all bodies of believers as described below.

Paul writes about this harvest in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 17 ESV: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” At the completion of this event our salvation would be complete. All believers would have come before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10) and now we have been clothed with our resurrected bodies and are complete with the Lord.

All members of the body of Christ, the church, the bride of Christ, have come from earth to meet the Jesus Christ, the Son of Man in this white cloud of glory and very shortly will, in the Roman culture of that day, escort him back to earth. Before that happens the weeds of the parable need to be harvested.

14:7 Revelation 14:17-20, Harvest of the Weed

^14:17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. ¹⁸And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” ¹⁹So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. ²⁰And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia. (Revelation 14:17 – 20 ESV)

In the previous lesson, all of God’s sheep have been gathered and their salvation completed by being clothed with their resurrected bodies. It is now time to punish those who are left on earth who have the mark of the beast. We will cover that in this lesson.

John sees a second angel, the fifth in this series, coming out of the temple in heaven and he has a sharp sickle like the one held by the one sitting on the white cloud. John then see another angel, the sixth in this series, coming from the altar. This angel had authority over the fire, and he called out with a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.”

These grapes are the same as the weeds in the parable of Matthew 13:14 – 30, and it is time for their harvest. Weeds and grapes both relate to judgment of the wicked. The weeds were bundled in the parable and burned, and the grapes are headed to the wine press in 14:19 to be trodden in 14:20.

The gathering of the grape harvest represents a gathering of followers of the beast from their home countries to one place. This gathering is spoken of in several places, for example, in Joel 3:2 ESV: “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.”; in Zechariah 14:2 ESV: “For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle.”; Revelation 16:16 ESV: “And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”; and Revelation 19:19 ESV: “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.”

This gathering place is called “the great wine press of the wrath of God” and is the last great conflict between Christ and the Antichrist. It will involve a great number of soldiers. Joel describes it as, “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14 ESV). Here they will face the wrath of God as “[Christ] will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (Revelation 19:15 ESV).

Some estimate there will be 200 million soldiers stretched over 180 miles in length and a mile wide. If there were two billion people left on earth at this time then ten percent of them would equal 200 million. The size of the battlefield is based on the physical size of the area where the battle would take place. How the winepress was trodden to create all the blood is a matter of one’s imagination. With 200 million soldiers in the space given above would result in each soldier being related to twenty-five square feet. At that density, their blood would soak into the ground. To obtain a flow of blood to the center of the valley and then out of the valley as high as a horse’s bridle would require a heavy rainstorm. One day in the not-too-distant future, what is unknown about this will be known. These armies may have gathered here to engage Christ and his army as he comes to earth.

One commentary I checked devoted five pages to 14:20 and used the word “perhaps” several times to add more commentary. I am willing to accept what is written as an indication of a very severe judgment against those who chose to worship the beast and its image. Speculation about how this happens and why the beast brought these people together here is not as important as understanding that in his time, God will judge those who sin and continue to reject the true savior Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Do not let speculation hinder you from seeing and understanding the underlying truth of the passage you are studying.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the significance of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000? (Revelation 14:1)

The Lamb, Jesus Christ, stands triumphantly on Mount Zion, symbolizing His sovereign reign and the certainty of His kingdom. The 144,000 represent God’s redeemed people who belong to Him and have remained faithful during the world’s rebellion. They bear the name of the Lamb and the Father on their foreheads, indicating ownership, protection, and a transformed identity. In contrast to those who received the mark of the beast in the previous chapter, these believers are publicly identified with God. Their presence on Mount Zion demonstrates that Christ ultimately gathers and preserves His people despite intense persecution.

2. What does the Father’s name written on their foreheads represent? (Revelation 14:1)

The Father’s name signifies divine ownership, protection, and complete allegiance to God. Throughout Scripture, a name represents character and relationship. The redeemed belong to God and openly identify with Him. This seal contrasts sharply with the mark of the beast, showing that every person ultimately belongs either to Christ or to the kingdom of evil. God’s seal assures believers that they are secure in His care and destined to share His eternal kingdom.

3. Why is the song of the 144,000 called a “new song”? (Revelation 14:2–3)

The new song celebrates God’s unique work of redemption. Only those who have experienced His saving grace can fully understand and sing it. Throughout the Bible, a new song is associated with fresh acts of God’s deliverance and victory. The redeemed praise God because they have personally experienced His faithfulness, forgiveness, and ultimate salvation. Their worship reflects gratitude for God’s completed work in bringing them safely through suffering into His presence.

4. What does it mean that the 144,000 “follow the Lamb wherever He goes”? (Revelation 14:4)

This phrase describes wholehearted discipleship and complete devotion to Christ. The redeemed continually obey and trust the Lamb regardless of the cost. Their lives demonstrate faithfulness rather than compromise. Following Christ includes obedience during times of blessing and perseverance during times of persecution. Their example reminds believers that true discipleship involves daily surrender to Jesus as Lord.

5. What is meant by calling the 144,000 “firstfruits to God and to the Lamb”? (Revelation 14:4)

In the Old Testament, firstfruits were the first and best portion of the harvest offered to God, representing both gratitude and the promise of the full harvest to come. Here, the 144,000 symbolize God’s redeemed people dedicated entirely to Him and serve as evidence that many more believers will ultimately be gathered into God’s eternal kingdom. Their redemption points forward to God’s complete harvest of all His people.

6. What message does the first angel proclaim? (Revelation 14:6–7)

The first angel proclaims the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people. His message is a final worldwide call to fear God, give Him glory, and worship the Creator because the hour of His judgment has arrived. Even in the final days, God’s mercy is evident as He extends one last invitation for repentance before judgment falls. The gospel remains universal, offering salvation to everyone willing to turn to Christ.

7. Why does the angel emphasize worshiping the Creator? (Revelation 14:7)

Humanity has increasingly rejected the Creator in favor of idols, false religion, and self-worship. The angel calls people back to recognizing God as the One who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the springs of water. Since God created all things, He alone deserves worship and has the authority to judge His creation. This message exposes the foolishness of idolatry and reminds humanity of its accountability before God.

8. What does the fall of Babylon represent? (Revelation 14:8)

Babylon symbolizes the world’s corrupt religious, political, economic, and moral system organized in rebellion against God. Its fall announces the complete collapse of every human system opposed to God’s kingdom. Though Babylon appears powerful for a time, God declares its destruction certain. This proclamation assures believers that evil governments and false religions will not endure forever.

9. Why is the warning about worshiping the beast so severe? (Revelation 14:9–11)

Those who worship the beast deliberately reject Christ and choose allegiance to Satan’s kingdom. Their decision is not merely political or economic but deeply spiritual. The warning describes eternal judgment because persistent rejection of God’s offer of salvation results in everlasting separation from Him. The severity of the warning demonstrates both God’s justice and the eternal consequences of choosing rebellion instead of repentance.

10. What does “the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever” teach about judgment? (Revelation 14:11)

This language emphasizes the permanence and seriousness of God’s judgment upon those who reject Him. The imagery communicates that God’s justice is complete and irreversible. Revelation consistently teaches that eternal destinies are determined by one’s response to Christ. While God’s desire is that people repent and receive salvation, those who refuse His grace face the lasting consequences of their choice.

11. Why does John say, “Here is the patience of the saints”? (Revelation 14:12)

Believers are encouraged to endure faithfully despite persecution and suffering. Patience refers to steadfast perseverance under pressure. Christians demonstrate genuine faith by continuing to obey God’s commandments and remaining loyal to Jesus regardless of opposition. The certainty of Christ’s victory gives believers strength to endure present trials with hope.

12. Why are those who die in the Lord called blessed? (Revelation 14:13)

Believers who die faithfully enter into eternal rest from earthly suffering. Their labor for Christ is not forgotten, and their works accompany them as evidence of faithful service. Death is not defeat for the Christian but the entrance into the presence of the Lord. This promise offers great comfort to persecuted believers who may lose their earthly lives for Christ’s sake.

13. Who is the “One like the Son of Man” seated on the cloud? (Revelation 14:14)

The “Son of Man” is Jesus Christ, a title rooted in the prophecy of Daniel and frequently used by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Wearing a golden crown and holding a sharp sickle, He appears as both King and Judge. His authority demonstrates that He alone determines the final destiny of humanity and executes God’s righteous judgment.

14. What does the harvest of the earth symbolize? (Revelation 14:14–16)

The harvest represents God’s appointed time for gathering people according to their relationship with Christ. Throughout Scripture, harvest imagery often symbolizes the end of the age when God separates the righteous from the wicked. Jesus gathers His people into His kingdom while preparing for the judgment of those who rejected Him. The harvest emphasizes that God’s timing is perfect and His judgment is certain.

15. What is the meaning of the grape harvest and the winepress of God’s wrath? (Revelation 14:17–20)

The gathering of grapes represents the collection of the wicked for judgment. The winepress symbolizes God’s righteous wrath being poured out upon persistent rebellion. Just as grapes are crushed in a winepress, God’s judgment decisively defeats evil. The graphic imagery underscores both the holiness of God and the seriousness of rejecting His salvation. While the picture is sobering, it also assures believers that God will ultimately remove evil and establish perfect justice.

16. What major contrast runs throughout Revelation 14?

The chapter repeatedly contrasts two groups of people:

Those who belong to the Lamb versus those who follow the beast.
Those sealed with God’s name versus those marked by the beast.
Those who sing a new song versus those who face eternal judgment.
Those who inherit eternal rest versus those who experience God’s wrath.
Those gathered into God’s kingdom versus those gathered for judgment.

This contrast highlights the reality that every person ultimately chooses allegiance either to Jesus Christ or to the world system opposed to Him.

17. What are the major theological lessons of Revelation 14?

Revelation 14 teaches several foundational truths:

Jesus Christ is the victorious Lamb who will reign forever.
God faithfully preserves His redeemed people.
The gospel is proclaimed to all nations before final judgment.
Human rebellion and the world’s evil systems will ultimately fall.
God’s judgment is holy, righteous, and certain.
Believers are called to perseverance and faithful obedience.
Those who die in Christ are eternally blessed.
Christ will return as both Savior and Judge.
Every person will ultimately stand before God and give an account.
God’s kingdom alone is eternal, while every earthly kingdom opposed to Him will pass away.

Revelation 14 serves as both a warning and a source of hope. It warns unbelievers that God’s judgment is inevitable for those who reject Christ, while encouraging believers that faithful endurance is worthwhile because the Lamb has already secured the final victory, and His redeemed people will reign with Him forever.

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Chapter 15 – The Song of Moses and the Seven Last Plagues

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
- 15:1 Revelation 15:1-2, Seven Angels with Seven Plagues
- 15:2 Revelation 15:5-8, Ready to Pour Their Bowls of Wrath
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 15: serves as a dramatic transition between the sounding of the seven trumpets and the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath. The chapter opens with a vision of those who have remained faithful to Christ, standing victorious beside a sea of glass mixed with fire as they sing songs of praise celebrating God’s holiness, justice, and mighty acts. Their worship contrasts sharply with the rebellion of those who followed the beast, demonstrating that God’s people ultimately triumph through their faithfulness. John then sees the heavenly temple opened, and seven angels emerge carrying the final plagues, which complete God’s righteous judgment upon an unrepentant world. Before these judgments begin, the glory of God fills the temple, emphasizing His holiness, sovereignty, and the certainty of His justice. Revelation 15 reminds believers that while God’s judgment is severe, it is perfectly righteous, and His ultimate purpose is to vindicate His holiness, fulfill His promises, and bring His kingdom to its glorious completion.

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Bible Lessons

15:1 Revelation 15:1-2, Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

^15:1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

^15:2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. (Revelation 15:1 – 2 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished a series of seven lessons devoted to the 144,000 and the messages of three angels and the work of three others. It is a gruesome time on earth, and it is about to get worse because seven more angels show up, each having a bowl full of God’s wrath that will be poured out on the earth and its inhabitants. With this lesson we are introduced to these seven angels.

John sees another sign which implies a previous sign. A search for “sign” using biblegateway.com yields seven hits in Revelation. The first occurrence is the one John was referring to, and is about the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. The second “sign” occurs in 12:3, and is about the great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. This “sign” is the third and is of the seven angels with seven plagues. The four other “signs” relate to the dragon and demonic spirits.

In 14:14, John said, “I looked, and behold.” Here in 15:1, what he sees is “great and amazing.” In 14:14 is the arrival of Jesus Christ in judgment and here in 15:1 is the announcement of God’s wrath. In 6:10 those who were martyred cry out from the altar with a loud voice, saying, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Now is the time for justice to be served.

As John keeps looking, he sees what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire. We were first introduced to this “sea of glass” in 4:6 as “like crystal” which appeared to be the floor of the throne area in heaven. The “sea of glass” is said to be “mingled with fire” which would seem to indicate coming judgment, as one speaks of the fires of hell.

John sees a group of people, who are described as having “conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name.” They “conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (12:11). By their faith they endured even to the point of death through which they entered heaven, escaping the onslaught of the beast. Here in the west the majority believe we have victory through the rapture, but Revelation seems to teach that victory comes through death. Many believers in the world today obtain victory and are kept “from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world” (3:10) through their death. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (14:13). Since we in the west have three idols, those being safety, security, and comfort, that we tend to embrace, we look for a way to navigate around death to something that is more pleasant. We do not understand the victorious aspect of death which began at the cross with the death of Jesus.

These martyrs are described as “standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.” Some translations replace “beside” with “on.” The Greek could mean “on, at, by, or near.” I think a good choice would be to use “on.” The harps suggest their musical ability and a coming celebration, a time of worship. In addition to playing harps they can also sing, because in 15:3 “they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.”

I think we should break here and use another lesson to finish.

15:2 Revelation 15:5-8, Ready to Pour Their Bowls of Wrath

^15:5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, ⁶and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. ⁷And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, ⁸and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. (Revelation 15:5 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the song of Moses and of the Lamb and then spent some time on the song of the Lamb. In this lesson John sees the approach of the seven angels.

John again looks and this time he notices “the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened.” In 11:19, John found God’s temple in heaven was opened. The NET draws on this wording and translates 15:5 as “After these things I looked, and the temple (the tent of the testimony) was opened in heaven.” The “tent of testimony” is frequently used in Exodus through Deuteronomy. The “testimony” refers to the ten commandments, considered to be the righteous will of God (Exodus 16:34; 25:21; 31:18; 32:15). In disobedience to this will, God is now going to pour out his wrath upon these people.

Out of this heavenly sanctuary comes God’s wrath to be delivered by seven chosen angels. These angels, John describes as being clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. The “pure, bright linen” is a preview of the brides beauty that we will see in 19: 7 – 8 ESV: “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.” The golden sashes around the chests of the angels resembles that of the Son of Man that we saw in 1:13 ESV: “and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.”

As the angels approach the altar, one of the four living creatures (we are not told which one) gives to each of the seven angels, a full bowl of God’s wrath. Since 15:1 indicates that each of these angels already had a plague, it is assumed that the bowls of wrath were in addition to those plagues. I do not think so, and if I could speculate just a little, I would suggest that the plagues mentioned in 15:1 needed to be joined with God’s wrath that was contained in the bowels to give them the needed power to accomplish their objective. Also, the context seems to suggest that the plagues and the bowels go together, especially verse 8.

As God prepares these angels to execute his final sequence of judgments upon a defiant world, the sanctuary fill with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. We normally associate God with a bright cloud, as in Mathew 17:5 at the time of the transfiguration, but now with God’s wrath spilling over, the cloud of glory and power becomes smoke to suggest a time of great judgment with his divine presence. This “glory smoke” provides the assurance that God will accomplish his judgment as promised. During this time of God’s active presence, no one could enter the sanctuary, not until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished, which was the pouring of the seven bowls.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the main event introduced in Revelation 15?

Answer:
Revelation 15 introduces the final series of God’s judgments, known as the seven bowl judgments. John sees seven angels carrying seven plagues that will complete God’s wrath against persistent rebellion. This chapter serves as an introduction to Revelation 16, where these judgments are poured out upon the earth. Before the judgments begin, however, heaven pauses to emphasize God’s holiness, justice, and the worship of those who have remained faithful to Him. The chapter reminds readers that God’s judgment is never arbitrary but is the righteous response to sin after His patience has been extended throughout history.

2. What does John mean by “another great and marvelous sign in heaven”?

Answer:
The “great and marvelous sign” refers to the vision of the seven angels holding the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1). The word “sign” indicates a symbolic vision that communicates spiritual truth. It is “great” because of its worldwide significance and “marvelous” because it displays God’s sovereign control over history. These judgments represent the completion of God’s judicial actions before Christ establishes His kingdom. The sign demonstrates that history is moving according to God’s predetermined plan.

3. Why are these called the “last plagues”?

Answer:
They are called the “last plagues” because they complete God’s outpouring of wrath upon the unbelieving world. Previous judgments came through the seals and trumpets, but these bowls represent the final stage before Christ returns in glory. They do not indicate the end of God’s activity but the completion of His righteous judgment against evil prior to the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

4. Who are the people standing beside the sea of glass mixed with fire?

Answer:
These are believers who have overcome the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name (Revelation 15:2). They are faithful followers of Christ who refused to compromise with the Antichrist despite persecution and death. Their victory was not achieved by military power but through steadfast faith and loyalty to Jesus. They now stand safely in God’s presence, demonstrating that earthly suffering leads to eternal triumph for those who remain faithful.

5. What does the sea of glass mixed with fire symbolize?

Answer:
The sea of glass symbolizes the holiness, purity, and majesty of God’s throne room. The addition of fire likely represents God’s holiness expressed through judgment and purification. The image combines peace for God’s redeemed people with impending judgment upon the wicked. Those standing beside it have already passed through suffering and now experience perfect security before God.

6. Why are the redeemed holding harps of God?

Answer:
Throughout Revelation, harps are associated with worship and praise (Revelation 5:8; 14:2). The harps given by God symbolize joyful celebration and thankful worship. These believers praise God because He has delivered them from persecution and granted them eternal victory. Their worship demonstrates that God’s salvation deserves continual praise.

7. What is the “song of Moses” and the “song of the Lamb”?

Answer:
The song combines themes from the Song of Moses (Exodus 15; Deuteronomy 32) with praise centered on Jesus Christ, the Lamb. Just as Moses celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, these redeemed believers celebrate God’s ultimate deliverance through Christ. Together, the songs unite the Old Testament and New Testament in declaring God’s faithfulness, justice, and redemption. The message is that the God who delivered Israel is the same God who saves His people through Jesus.

8. What truths about God are emphasized in their song?

Answer:
The song praises several attributes of God:

His works are great and marvelous.
His ways are just and true.
He is King over all nations.
He alone is holy.
He deserves universal worship.
His righteous acts have been revealed.

These truths remind believers that God’s judgments flow from His perfect character. He never acts unjustly, unfairly, or without purpose.

9. Why will all nations come and worship before God?

Answer:
The song anticipates the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom when people from every nation will acknowledge His supreme authority (Revelation 15:4). This ultimately finds fulfillment after Christ’s return when His reign is fully established. God’s judgments demonstrate His righteousness so clearly that every nation will recognize His rightful rule.

10. What happens when the heavenly temple is opened?

Answer:
John sees the heavenly sanctuary opened, revealing the temple where God’s presence dwells. From this sanctuary come the seven angels carrying the seven final plagues. This emphasizes that the coming judgments originate from God’s holy presence and sovereign authority. They are not random disasters but divine acts carried out according to His perfect justice.

11. Why are the seven angels dressed in pure linen with golden sashes?

Answer:
Their clothing reflects purity, holiness, dignity, and divine authority. White or bright linen often represents righteousness, while golden sashes symbolize honor and royal service. These angels are holy servants carrying out God’s righteous commands without error or corruption.

12. What are the golden bowls full of God’s wrath?

Answer:
One of the four living creatures gives each angel a golden bowl filled with God’s wrath (Revelation 15:7). These bowls symbolize the complete and measured judgments that God has prepared against persistent sin. The use of bowls indicates that God’s wrath has been stored until the appointed time and will now be poured out exactly as He has determined.

13. Why is the temple filled with smoke?

Answer:
The smoke comes from God’s glory and power (Revelation 15:8). Throughout Scripture, smoke often accompanies God’s visible presence (Exodus 19:18; Isaiah 6:4). It signifies His overwhelming holiness, majesty, and glory. The smoke reminds readers that sinful humanity cannot casually approach the holy God.

14. Why could no one enter the temple until the plagues were completed?

Answer:
This indicates that God’s decree of judgment has reached its appointed time and cannot be interrupted. The judgments will continue until they have fully accomplished God’s righteous purpose. It emphasizes both the certainty and completeness of God’s justice. His holiness requires that sin be fully addressed before His redemptive plan reaches its conclusion.

15. What does Revelation 15 teach believers today?

Answer:
Revelation 15 encourages believers to remain faithful regardless of opposition because God’s final victory is certain. The chapter teaches that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, evil will not endure forever, and those who faithfully follow Christ will stand victoriously in His presence. It reminds Christians that worship should focus on God’s holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness, even when His plans involve judgment. The chapter assures believers that while God’s wrath is terrifying for the unrepentant, His people have reason to rejoice because their salvation has been secured through the Lamb.

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Chapter 16 – The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 16 records the outpouring of God’s seven bowls of wrath, marking the final and complete expression of His righteous judgment upon a world that has persistently rejected Him. Unlike earlier judgments that were partial and intended to lead people to repentance, these judgments are universal, severe, and final. The chapter demonstrates God’s perfect justice as those who have shed the blood of His saints now experience His righteous retribution. Even as devastating plagues strike the earth, many continue to curse God rather than repent, revealing the hardness of the human heart apart from His grace. The chapter culminates with the gathering of the nations for the final conflict at Armageddon and the greatest earthquake in human history, signaling the imminent return of Christ and the overthrow of every rebellious kingdom. Revelation 16 reminds believers that God is holy, His judgments are true and just, evil will not prevail forever, and His sovereign plan will ultimately establish His righteous kingdom.

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Bible Lessons

16:1 Revelation 16:1-6, The First Three Bowls

^16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

^16:2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

^16:3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.

^16:4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. ⁵And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. ⁶For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” (Revelation 16:1 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson preparations were finished and the seven angels are patiently waiting for their orders to go and pour out on the earth their bowl of God’s wrath. In this lesson those orders come, and the bowls are emptied on specific targets.

Those orders come with a loud voice from the temple, telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” One by one, in the order assigned, the angels go and pour out their bowl, and as each does, John records for us what happens.

When the first bowl was poured out, God’s wrath was directed towards those who had worshiped the beast and its image and received the mark of the beast. Those who had turned away from God’s offer to repent and receive the free gift of salvation and turned instead to the beast and its image now experience harmful and painful sores. One can speculate about how the angel covered the earth and one can speculate about what the sores were like and how painful they were. That speculation would not add to the truth of the event and would only draw attention to what was being imagined and away from the simple truth that people with the mark are going to be harmed and will suffer for their sin.

When the second bowl was poured out, God’s wrath was directed towards the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. Under the second trumpet something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed (8:8 – 9). The speculation then was that the sea was the Mediterranean Sea. Might that be true now or is John including all the oceans? The identity of the sea and the details of what happened to the water were not given. Whatever happened was very serious and would have a serious effect on the environment.

When the third bowl was poured out, God’s wrath was directed towards the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. Under the third trumpet “a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.” (8:10 – 11 ESV). It appears that this judgment affects the fresh water of the entire earth.

There is a statement associated with the third bowl. The angel in charge of the waters speaks up and says, “O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” God is a righteous God, and his judgments are just, but God is also merciful and is willing to forgive mankind their sin because his Son paid the price the law demanded for sin as long as there was repentance. “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26 – 27 ESV).

“Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:28 – 29 ESV). In taking the mark of the beast, these have profaned the blood of the covenant and they deserve what they are now receiving. Reaching back into the Old Testament, those who turn from God and his truth “have shed the blood of saints and prophets”, and now these have the blood of many believers on their hands and have now been given blood to drink. “It is what they deserve!”

16:2 Revelation 16:7-11, The Fourth and Fifth Bowls

^16:7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”

^16:8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. ⁹They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

^16:10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish ¹¹and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. (Revelation 16:7 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we watched the first three angels pour out their bowls of God’s wrath and saw the devastating consequences. In this lesson we will see the next two bowls emptied.

Following the statement made by the angel in charge of the waters, a voice is heard from the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” Isaiah promises that Israel’s bloodthirsty oppressors will be forced to drink their own blood (Isaiah 49:26). In Revelation 6:9, we “saw under the altar, (like a pool of blood) the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had born.” These who have the mark of the beast are now faced with blood to drink in fulfillment of Isaiah 49:26.

The fourth angel poured out his bowl and it affected the sun. Instead of darkening the sun, as in 8:12, it caused it to burn hotter, causing record setting temperatures on earth, scorching people as with fire. This intense heat is a terrible foretaste of their coming judgment in the lake of fire (20:15). The fierce heat did not cause them to repent, because they could not, because “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger” (14:9 – 10 ESV). Being unable to repent, “they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues.”

In 9:20 – 21, “The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, (outlined under the sixth trumpet) did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” In their defiance of God, they bow in worship of the beast and its image and accept the mark of the beast (13:16), and here in 16:9 they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues.

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. This darkness reminds one of the ninth plague in Egypt (Exodus 10:22 – 23), which occurred just before the slaughter of the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 12:29). Very soon those who make up the kingdom of the beast will face death.

This darkness reminds one of the darkness of hell. If hell is a place of fire, then how can it also be a place of darkness? It can be because both “fire” and “darkness” are powerful figures of speech which appropriately describe the unthinkable reality of hell. “Fire” suggest a place of destruction and torment, and “darkness” describes a state of eternal separation from the glory of God.

Again, these people are described as “cursing the God of heaven for their pain and sores.” It is because of their sin that these people are suffering as they are, and it is a condition that will, unfortunately for them, continue forever. Even now people refuse to accept God’s offer of salvation, and as a result of their sin will suffer eternal death. Have you accepted God’s free gift of eternal life? If not, why not?

16:3 Revelation 16:12-16, The Sixth Bowl

^16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. ¹³And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. ¹⁴For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. ¹⁵(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) ¹⁶And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the fourth and fifth bowl of God’s wrath being poured out. In this lesson we will focus on the sixth bowl and its effects.

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates river causing its water to dry up. In 9:14 instruction was given to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, to release the four angels who were bound at the Euphrates river, and when they did there was a great movement of troops that killed a third of mankind. Now this sixth angel dries up the Euphrates to “prepare the way for the kings from the east.” It sure appears that these two events are somehow connected. Was that “great movement of troops” the same as “kings coming from the east?”

16:13 presents the false trinity composed of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These three realize they have an appointment with a Man riding on a white horse who is called “Faithful and True”, and in righteousness he is coming to judge and make war (19:11). Satan, the dragon, will speak through the mouths of the beast and false prophet and together they will gather together every possible recruit for that coming war.

It seems that their words release three unclean demonic spirits that go out across the earth, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world to gather their armies together for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. With the river Euphrates dried up the great armies from the east can move to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon, and join others assembling there from other parts of the world. Any resistance encountered in the recruitment process will be overcome through the use of signs. Jesus spoke of these signs in Mark 13:22 ESV: “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.”

The unsaved of the world will see this as their chance to overcome the God they despise so much. Joel spoke of this, and said, “Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down your warriors, O Lord. Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.” (Joel 3:9 – 12 ESV).

These assembled armies do not have a chance. The Man on the white horse is the Word who spoke the universe into existence, and he has only to speak a word now and the assembled armies will find themselves in the wine press with their next stop being eternal hell. This man on the white horse is the one they despise. They rejected him as their savior and now he will becomes their judge. This is the great day of God, the day good and evil meet for battle.

To the church in Sardis, John wrote: “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God” (3:2). To the church in Laodicea, John wrote: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” (3:15 ESV). To both churches, Jesus summons them to spiritual vigilance as is being done in 16:15. In 3:3 John wrote: “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you” and repeats it to believers found late in the tribulation period. They are to continue to endure and not give up but keep hold of the garment of salvation, the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Jesus is coming at an unexpected moment, an unforeseen time, and when he does come those believers who are still alive will be raised to meet him in the air.

Is it possible, in my opinion, that a few members of the church still exist at this time and are encouraged in 16:15 to remain faithful and are raised alive in 14:14 – 16? If that happens to be true, then Revelation will be a very relevant book for believers to prepare for what is coming. Those living in countries of persecution are already in training, but we in the west are enjoying our comfort and security waiting for the rapture to take us to even greater security and comfort. Maybe it is time to prepare for training! Are you ready to go to church and own a bible if you could be arrested? Probably not.

16:4 Revelation 16:17-21, The Seventh Bowl

^16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” ¹⁸And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. ¹⁹The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. ²⁰And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. ²¹And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe. (Revelation 16:17 – 21 ESV)

In the previous lesson we left the armies of the world being summoned to meet for battle against the Man on the white horse and his army. I again expressed my opinion that the church was still on earth because of 16:15.

In this lesson things really start to go crazy as the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. When that takes place, John hears a loud voice coming out of the temple, from the throne. The voice spoke only three words, but they were very important words: “It is done!” That statement begs the question, “What is done?”

Those three words, “It is done” are repeated in 21:16. These two occurrences seem to bookend the process which was announced in 10:7 ESV: “in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” It also brings to an end God’s wrath (15:1) and indicates that his kingdom has fully come (11:15).

Following the announcement was a great display of God’s power as “there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.” Just before the seal judgments, trumpet judgments, and the bowl judgments there were the same flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder (4:5; 8:5; 11:19). These three judgments are then terminated by a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on earth. John describes seven things that occurred at the time of this great earthquake: (1) the great city was split into three parts, (2) the cities of the nations fell, (3) God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath, (4) every island fled away, (5) the mountains disappeared, (6) great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each fell from heaven on people, and (7) the people cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

(1) The great city was split into three parts – The great city was mentioned in 11:8 and called symbolically “Sodom and Egypt” to indicate their sin of immorality and their bondage, respectively. It was the city where the Lord was crucified, which was Jerusalem. The earthquake split it into three parts but did not destroy it as it did other cities of the nations.

(2) the cities of the nations fell – Jerusalem is the only city to survive the great earthquake. All others were destroyed, which gives some idea of the magnitude and extent of the earthquake. The fact that Jerusalem survived reminds me of the wall of Jerico falling, except for the section where Rahab lived.

(3) God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath – There is a special note in 18:31, pointing out that “Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more.” Many of the cities of the nations will most likely be rebuilt during the millennium, it is made clear in 18:31 that Babylon will not as it will be found no more.

(4) every island fled away – When the sixth seal was opened (6:12 – 14) there was a great earthquake, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. What seemed to have started then seems come to a conclusion now. Then the islands were removed from their place, but now they are gone.

(5) the mountains disappeared – Likewise, under the sixth seal, every mountain was removed from its place, but now they are gone. It is hard to imagine the change to the surface of the earth as a result of these mighty forces at work. It is also hard to imagine how people will survive such devastation.

(6) great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each fell from heaven on people – The lightning and thunder suggest a storm, but it was no ordinary storm as it produced hailstones, about one hundred pounds each that fell on people. It is more likely that these hailstones are rock fragments from tremendous volcanic explosions as the mountains collapsed.

(7) the people cursed God for the plague of the hail because the plague was so severe – As expected the people, who are suffering so much under these judgments, do not cry out in repentance, but instead curse God. Anyone who manages to live through this horrible time of judgment will have quite a story to tell.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the central event described in Revelation 16?

Answer:
Revelation 16 records the outpouring of the seven bowl judgments, which are the final expressions of God’s wrath during the Tribulation. These judgments are poured out by seven angels upon the earth after God’s patience with persistent rebellion has reached its appointed end. Unlike the seal and trumpet judgments, the bowl judgments come rapidly and completely, demonstrating that God’s justice is both holy and certain.

2. Why are the bowl judgments called the wrath of God?

Answer:
The bowl judgments are called the wrath of God because they represent His righteous response to humanity’s persistent rejection of His authority. Throughout history, God has shown great patience and offered opportunities for repentance. However, those who continue to worship the beast and oppose Christ experience His final judicial judgment. These judgments are not acts of uncontrolled anger but expressions of God’s perfect holiness and justice.

3. What happens when the first bowl is poured out?

Answer:
The first bowl brings painful and malignant sores upon those who bear the mark of the beast and worship his image (Revelation 16:2). The judgment specifically targets those who have openly identified themselves with the Antichrist. It demonstrates that allegiance to the beast brings suffering rather than security.

4. What is the significance of the second and third bowl judgments?

Answer:
The second bowl turns the sea into blood, causing every living creature in the sea to die. The third bowl turns rivers and springs into blood. These judgments strike the world’s water supply and reveal God’s justice against those who shed the blood of His saints and prophets. An angel declares that God is righteous because those who spilled innocent blood are now given blood to drink.

5. Why does the angel praise God’s justice after the third bowl?

Answer:
The angel proclaims that God is righteous because His judgments perfectly fit the crimes committed by sinful humanity (Revelation 16:5–7). Those who murdered God’s faithful servants now experience divine judgment themselves. Heaven recognizes that God’s justice is always fair, holy, and deserved.

6. What occurs during the fourth bowl judgment?

Answer:
The fourth bowl gives the sun power to scorch people with intense heat. Rather than repenting, those affected curse God’s name and refuse to give Him glory (Revelation 16:8–9). This reveals the hardness of the human heart. Even overwhelming evidence of God’s power does not produce repentance in those committed to rebellion.

7. What is the purpose of the fifth bowl?

Answer:
The fifth bowl plunges the kingdom of the beast into darkness. People suffer intense pain and anguish, yet they continue blaspheming God instead of repenting (Revelation 16:10–11). Darkness symbolizes both physical suffering and the spiritual darkness that characterizes the kingdom of the Antichrist.

8. Why is the Euphrates River dried up in the sixth bowl judgment?

Answer:
The drying of the Euphrates River prepares the way for the kings from the east to assemble for the final conflict known as Armageddon (Revelation 16:12). God removes this natural barrier to gather the nations for the climactic confrontation against Christ. Although evil rulers believe they are acting independently, God sovereignly directs history toward His predetermined conclusion.

9. Who are the three unclean spirits described in Revelation 16?

Answer:
Three demonic spirits come from the dragon (Satan), the beast (Antichrist), and the false prophet. They perform deceptive miracles and persuade the rulers of the world to gather their armies for battle against God (Revelation 16:13–14). This demonstrates Satan’s continued use of deception even as his defeat becomes inevitable.

10. What is the significance of Jesus’ warning in Revelation 16:15?

Answer:
In the middle of the chapter, Jesus declares:

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments.”

This warning encourages believers to remain spiritually alert, faithful, and morally prepared. Christ’s return will come unexpectedly for the unbelieving world, but His followers are called to live in continual readiness.

11. What is Armageddon?

Answer:
Armageddon is the place where the armies of the world gather for their final rebellion against Christ (Revelation 16:16). The name comes from “Har-Megiddo” (Mount of Megiddo), referring to the region surrounding Megiddo in northern Israel. This gathering ultimately leads to the return of Christ, who decisively defeats the forces of evil as described in Revelation 19.

12. What happens when the seventh bowl is poured out?

Answer:
The seventh bowl is poured into the air, and a loud voice from God’s throne announces, “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17). This signals the completion of God’s final judgments before Christ’s return. A massive earthquake unlike any in history reshapes the earth, cities collapse, islands disappear, mountains vanish, and enormous hailstones fall upon humanity.

13. What is the significance of the declaration, “It is done”?

Answer:
The words “It is done” announce that God’s wrath has reached its appointed completion. Just as Jesus declared, “It is finished,” at the cross, completing the work of redemption, this declaration announces the completion of God’s work of judgment. Redemption has been accomplished through Christ, and judgment has now reached its divinely appointed end.

14. Why does Babylon receive special attention in the seventh bowl?

Answer:
Babylon represents humanity’s organized rebellion against God, encompassing political, economic, and religious opposition to His rule. During the seventh bowl, God remembers Babylon and prepares her complete destruction (Revelation 16:19), which is described in greater detail in Revelation 17–18. This demonstrates that every system built in defiance of God will ultimately fall.

15. Why do people continue to blaspheme God instead of repenting?

Answer:
Repeatedly throughout Revelation 16, people refuse to repent despite experiencing unmistakable evidence of God’s power. Sin hardens the heart, making people cling to rebellion even in the face of judgment. This illustrates that miracles alone cannot change a heart; genuine repentance requires humility and faith.

16. What does Revelation 16 teach about God’s character?

Answer:
The chapter reveals that God is:

Perfectly holy.
Completely just.
Faithful to His promises.
Patient, yet not endlessly tolerant of sin.
Sovereign over history.
Worthy of worship because His judgments are true and righteous.

Every judgment demonstrates that God never acts unfairly or arbitrarily.

17. How does Revelation 16 prepare for the return of Christ?

Answer:
The bowl judgments remove the final obstacles before Christ’s visible return. They expose the full rebellion of humanity, gather the nations for the final conflict, destroy the kingdom of the beast, and prepare the world for the establishment of Christ’s righteous kingdom. Revelation 16 sets the stage for the triumphant return of Jesus in Revelation 19.

18. What practical lessons can believers learn from Revelation 16?

Answer:
Believers should:

Trust God’s justice even when evil appears to prosper.
Live in continual readiness for Christ’s return.
Remain faithful despite increasing opposition.
Worship God’s holiness and righteousness.
Recognize the seriousness of rejecting God’s grace.
Share the gospel while the opportunity for repentance remains.

The chapter reminds Christians that history is moving according to God’s sovereign plan, and His ultimate victory is certain.

19. What is the major theological message of Revelation 16?

Answer:
The major theological message is that God’s final judgment is righteous, complete, and unavoidable for those who reject Him, while His sovereign plan is bringing history to the victorious return of Jesus Christ. Every bowl judgment demonstrates that God’s holiness demands justice, His promises never fail, and Christ will ultimately triumph over every force of evil.

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Chapter 17 – The Judgment of the Great Prostitute

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 17 presents one of the most symbolic and dramatic visions in the book of Revelation. The apostle John is carried by one of the seven angels into the wilderness, where he sees a mysterious woman called “Babylon the Great” seated upon a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names. This chapter reveals God’s perspective on a powerful religious, political, and economic system that has corrupted the nations, opposed His truth, and persecuted His people throughout history. While the imagery is rich with symbolism, the central message is clear: every human system built on pride, idolatry, immorality, and rebellion against God will ultimately come under His righteous judgment. Revelation 17 prepares the reader for the complete fall of Babylon in the following chapter by exposing both the deceptive power and the certain destruction of all that exalts itself against the reign of Jesus Christ.

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Bible Lessons

17:1 Revelation 17:1-2, The Great Prostitute

^17:1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, ²with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” (Revelation 17:1 – 2 ESV)

With the previous lesson we came to the point when God’s wrath was finished (15:1), resulting in the face of the earth being dramatically changed with probably a very small population of people left. With this lesson we begin looking at an extended vision John had detailing the fall of Babylon.

One of the seven angels, we are not told specifically which one of the seven, comes to John and requests that he come with him to see something. John agrees and the angel carries him away in the Spirit into a wilderness. The angel wanted to show John the judgment of the great prostitute, which represents Babylon’s judgment.

A Bible Gateway search on “Babylon” yields six hits in Revelation: (1) “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” (14:8 ESV), (2) “God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath.” (16:19 ESV), (3) “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” (17:5 ESV), (4) “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.” (18:2 ESV), (5) “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” (18:10 ESV), and (6) “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence and will be found no more.” (18:21 ESV). Babylon was very attractive, later described as a woman of great beauty, and the pride of the nations, but her influence was to draw people away from God and into sin, and for that she will be judged.

“Woman” is used as a metaphor to describe Babylon, and then John refers to that woman as a great prostitute who is described as being “seated on many waters.” The “many waters” are defined in 17:15 as “peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.” As a “woman” Babylon is attractive and in a way draws worship and has “dominion over the kings of the earth.” (17:18) and as a result, the beast will grow to hate her and plan to destroy her. (17:16).

17:2 indicates that kings of the earth and the dwellers on the earth are attracted to this woman, the mother of prostitutes (17:5), and commit acts of sexual immorality with her. They are attracted and then seduced and intoxicated by her beauty. They are so captivated by her that they become drunk on the wine of her sexual immorality. What is happening here has its roots all the way back to the time of Nimrod, who chose Satan rather than God to serve. God interrupted that empire by confusing their language and dispersed the people around the earth forming the nations of the world, and in the process all of these nations were infected with a system of religion and philosophy that stood against the true God and his teachings. These false religions and philosophies serve Satan rather than God and are about to come under God’s judgment and destruction.

17:2 Revelation 17:3-6a, The Prostitutes Attraction and Deception

^17:3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. ⁵And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” ⁶And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (Revelation 17:3 – 6a ESV)

In the previous lesson one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls of wrath came to John and instructed him to come and he would be shown the judgment of the great prostitute. In this lesson the angel takes John and shows him why the great prostitute should be judged.

The angel takes John to a place described as a “wilderness” where he was able to see the woman sitting on a scarlet beast, that was full of blasphemous names, with seven heads and ten horns. The intent of the angel is to provide John with an understanding of the nature and deeds of Babylon to see why she must be judged and destroyed. The description of the “scarlet beast” identifies him as the first beast of Revelation, whose main purpose was to maintain a humanistic and governmental center of opposition to God and his plan for local human government, not a worldwide government. John sees the woman sitting on the scarlet beast, but in 17:1 he sees her seated on many waters. It appears that the woman is actually sitting on the beast who is the one sitting on many waters.

Seeing the woman from this vantage point, John then describes her for our benefit. He sees her as a beautiful queen, clothed in magnificently colored garments, accented with rich jewelry. Ungodly men would see her almost irresistibly attractive. To overcome the “almost” she continually tempts to draw them in, and away from God, to partake of her pleasures. She holds out to them a golden cup of wine but unknowing to them it is full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. A warning of this can be found in Proverbs 5:3 – 5 ESV: “For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol.” The golden cup and the response of the people is seen in Jeremiah 51:7 ESV: “Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, making all the earth drunken; the nations drank of her wine; therefore, the nations went mad.” Those who reject God, drink of her wine, and end up going mad.

On the forehead of the woman, John see written the name of a mystery which describes who she is. Her name describes her as being Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes, and of earth’s abominations. She represents the great city which is the fountainhead of all spiritual fornication and all false worship, with all its evil practices.

As John looks further, he sees that the woman is drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus is on her hands. The power of the state under the beast and the pleasure addicted society of the woman conspire to silence the testimony of the witnesses of Jesus by putting them to death. We see this today in countries of persecution. The western church has been tested with the covid event and was willing to isolate themselves in their homes. If persecution were to come replacing covid with the possibility of physical harm, it is clear that our infatuation with comfort, safety, and security would result in our easy surrender. The western church has taken great comfort in believing that a pre-trib rapture will protect them from such suffering as is being experienced by many believers in other parts of the world. We are not willing to see suffering and death as a possible part of our Christian experience. That experience is probably closer than we want to believe.

17:3 Revelation 17:6b-11, The Mystery of the Woman and the Beast

^17:6b When I saw her, I marveled greatly. ⁷But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. ⁸The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. ⁹This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; ¹⁰they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. ¹¹As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth, but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. (Revelation 17:6b – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson John saw the woman sitting on a scarlet beast who we know as the first beast of Revelation. John sees her great beauty but with her hand she holds out a golden cup that contains a deadly brew for those who come to her. With her beautiful clothing accented with precious jewels, her outward appearance draws people to her, but in her heart she hates Christians and is descried as being drunk with the blood of saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. As John takes this in, maybe for the first time, he realizes the scope of Babylon’s hateful influence. He sees this beautiful woman drunk with her fornication and idolatry and the blood on her hands from the martyred saints, and he marvels at what he sees. In this lesson the angel asks him why he marvels, and then proceeds to explain to him the mystery of the woman.

The angel begins with the beast that carries the woman and describes him using the metaphor of seven heads and ten horns, asks John to remember what he saw in 13:3, 12 – 14. In 13:3 (ESV) we read: “One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.” The beast was about to rise from the bottomless pit refers back to 11:7 and his ability to make war on Christians and conquer them and kill them. Then after doing his evil work, he will go to destruction and will no longer be able to persecute Christians.

The angel is reminding John that the beast will rise on the scene and produce unprecedented violence for a short time and then go to destruction. This is detailed in 19:19-21 ESV: “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.”

The angel next draws attention to the seven heads and the ten horns. The seven heads have a duel meaning: (1) they refer to seven mountains on which the woman is seated, and (2) they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while.

(1) At the time Rome had “dominion over the kings of the earth” (17:18) and as a city it was located on seven hills, or small mountains, on the eastern shore of the Tiber River. This ancient city grew from a small town to an empire that existed at the time of Jesus and the apostles. In prophetic imagery, mountains symbolize the seat of power. We see this in Jeremiah 51:25 ESV: “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, declares the Lord, which destroys the whole earth; I will stretch out my hand against you, and roll you down from the crags, and make you a burnt mountain.”

(2) The heads refer to mountains which refer to power and thus to seven kings. Efforts to identify in history the five fallen kings or empires, the sixth current king, a seventh future king who would reign briefly, and the eighth that belongs to the seven have resulted in conflicting conclusions. It is pretty much speculation as to who they are. What can be concluded from this that the dragon and beast’s final assault has not yet begun and when it does it will not last long because even the devil knows that his time is short (12:12).

We will take a break at this point and continue in the next lesson with the ten horns

17:4 Revelation 17:12-14, The Beast Will Be Conquered by the Lamb

^17:12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. ¹³These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. ¹⁴They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:12 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson the angel pointed out to John the duel meaning of the seven heads. They represented seven physical hills upon which was located an ancient village that grew into the mighty Roman empire. The heads also represented seven kings and their empires, five of which existed in the past, one is, and the seventh is yet to come but will remain only for a little while. Much effort has been given to identify these kings and empires, but it has not resulted in a consensus. In this lesson we will consider what the angel says about the ten horns.

The beast’s ten horns represent ten future kings that are to receive authority to reign for a period of one hour. The one hour is not sixty minutes but is used to represent a short period of time during which they work together with the beast, but under the control of the beast. There is speculation that the “ten” may not actually represent ten specific kings or nations, but “all nations.” However many are included, they are deceived and gathered together by Satan the dragon and the beast for a final battle against the Lamb and his army. This army that returns with the Lamb are those who were chosen and redeemed and are faithful to their call.

Demonic spirits, performing signs, go abroad to the kings of the whole world, and assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty (16:14). John reports that the battle will not last long: “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.” (19:19 – 21 ESV).

There will be one more time when the nations will be deceived and brought together for battle: “And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (20:7 – 10 ESV).

These kings and nations that are brought together, set aside any differences, and hand over their power and authority to the beast. Together they will make war on the Lamb but will quickly realize that they are no match. The Lamb will quickly conquer them because he is the Word of God (John 1:1 – 2, 14), Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16,Deuteronomy 10:17,Psalm 136:3,Daniel 2:47,1 Timothy 6:15,Revelation 1:5,Matthew 28:18,Acts 10:36), and King of kings (Revelation 19:16,Deuteronomy 10:17,Psalm 136:3,Daniel 2:47,1 Timothy 6:15,Revelation 1:5,Matthew 28:18,Acts 10:36).

Those who are with the Lamb are called and chosen and faithful. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29 – 30 ESV). God also has a part in our being faithful: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12 – 13 ESV).

17:5 Revelation 17:15-18, The Prostitute Will Be Destroyed

^17:15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. ¹⁶And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, ¹⁷for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. ¹⁸And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:15 – 18 ESV)

In the previous lesson the beast and his army made war on the Lamb and found that they were no match. In this lesson the prostitute will also be destroyed.

The angel now directs John’s attention to the waters where the prostitute is seated. The “waters” are described as “people and multitudes and nations and languages,” an expression that would include everyone. These would be the ones who are drawn to her and come under her evil influence. Since she has attracted such a great multitude, the ten kings and the beast will grow to hate her popularity and maybe influence, and so they decide to destroy her, which would be playing into the hands of God, who is in the process of eliminating evil from the earth.

The real enemy here is sin which will divide the evil satanic alliance that exists between the beast and the prostitute. The prostitute sat upon the beast who sat upon the waters. She was used along with the second beast to bring the worship of the people to include the beast. Once he had their worship he no longer needed the prostitute. That is when the military power will turn against the prostitute it once supported for its own selfish purpose.

The destruction of the prostitute is described here as making “her desolate and naked and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire.” Her destruction is detailed in Revelation 19 as the fall of Babylon. This false religious system that was focused on drawing people away from God to themselves was on God’s list of things that had to be destroyed. Again, and again when Israel went astray and turned away from God, he used their enemy to discipline them (Ezekiel 16:39 – 41). Here God will use the beast and his political alliance to carry out his purpose of destroying this system of false religion. He will put into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast to accomplish her destruction. Once God uses an enemy for his purpose, when he is done he has a habit of destroying the enemy.

Revelation 17:18 becomes the transition into chapter 18 by identifying the woman as the great city Babylon that had established dominion over the kings of the earth. There are many who believe it is impossible to rebuild Babylon, so they tend to refer to this great city as Rome, but that does not fit the context of chapter 19 or 16:19 when “God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath.”

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Questions with Answers

1. What does John see at the beginning of Revelation 17?

Answer:
John is invited by one of the seven angels to witness the judgment of the “great prostitute” who sits on many waters (Revelation 17:1). This woman symbolizes a powerful religious, political, and economic system that has corrupted the nations and opposed God. The vision shifts from the judgments of the bowls to explaining the identity and ultimate destruction of this corrupt system.

2. What do the “many waters” represent?

Answer:
The angel explains that the waters represent “peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages” (Revelation 17:15). This indicates that the woman’s influence extends across the entire world. Her authority is not limited to one nation but reaches many cultures and governments.

3. Why is the woman called “the great prostitute”?

Answer:
Throughout Scripture, spiritual unfaithfulness is often described as adultery or prostitution. The woman represents a system that has abandoned the worship of the true God and entices the nations into idolatry, immorality, and rebellion. She seduces rulers and peoples away from God’s truth in exchange for wealth, power, and worldly influence.

4. What is the significance of the kings committing adultery with her?

Answer:
The kings symbolize political leaders who willingly cooperate with this corrupt system for personal gain and power. Their “adultery” represents spiritual compromise rather than literal immorality. They reject God’s authority in favor of alliances built upon deception and self-interest.

5. Why is the woman dressed in purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls?

Answer:
These garments portray immense wealth, luxury, and royal splendor. Outwardly she appears magnificent and successful. However, her beauty conceals corruption. God’s judgment reminds believers that external prosperity does not indicate divine approval.

6. What does the golden cup in her hand represent?

Answer:
Although the cup appears beautiful, it is filled with “abominations and the filthiness of her immorality” (Revelation 17:4). The cup symbolizes the attractive appearance of sin. What seems desirable to the world is, in reality, spiritually corrupt and offensive to God.

7. Why is the woman called “Babylon the Great”?

Answer:
Babylon has long symbolized organized rebellion against God. Beginning with the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), Babylon became associated with idolatry, pride, persecution, and opposition to God’s people. In Revelation, Babylon represents the final worldwide system of false religion, political power, economic corruption, and human pride united against God.

8. What does it mean that the woman is “drunk with the blood of the saints”?

Answer:
This vivid expression shows that the corrupt world system has persecuted and murdered God’s faithful people throughout history. Rather than merely tolerating persecution, she delights in it. Her judgment is certain because God remembers every act committed against His people.

9. Why does John marvel when he sees the woman?

Answer:
John is astonished by both her beauty and her terrifying influence. He witnesses how a system that appears glorious can actually be filled with evil and responsible for enormous suffering. The vision demonstrates the deceptive nature of worldly power apart from God.

10. What is the scarlet beast upon which the woman rides?

Answer:
The beast represents the final world political empire under the authority of the Antichrist. The woman rides the beast because the false religious system initially works together with political power. Religion helps unite the nations until political leaders no longer need it.

11. What do the seven heads of the beast represent?

Answer:
The angel explains they symbolize both seven mountains and seven kings (Revelation 17:9–10). Throughout history, interpreters have understood these as representing kingdoms, rulers, or centers of political authority. The vision emphasizes the continuity of world empires that oppose God’s kingdom.

12. What is meant by “five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come”?

Answer:
This statement describes successive kingdoms or rulers throughout history. Five had already passed in John’s day, one existed during his lifetime, and another future kingdom would arise before the final appearance of the beast. The prophecy shows that God oversees all of history and knows every kingdom before it appears.

13. Who are the ten horns?

Answer:
The ten horns represent ten future kings who will receive authority for a brief period alongside the beast (Revelation 17:12). They willingly surrender their authority to him, creating a unified world government in rebellion against God.

14. Why do these kings give their power to the beast?

Answer:
They willingly unite behind the Antichrist because they share his goals and rebellion against God. Their temporary alliance demonstrates humanity’s continued desire for independence from God’s rule despite repeated warnings.

15. What battle do the beast and the kings wage?

Answer:
They make war against the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). This points ultimately to the final conflict described later in Revelation. Although the forces of evil appear powerful, they cannot overcome Christ.

16. Why does the Lamb overcome them?

Answer:
Jesus is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14). His authority is absolute because He reigns over every earthly ruler and every spiritual power. His victory is certain because God’s sovereign plan cannot fail.

17. Who are those who are “called, chosen, and faithful”?

Answer:
These are believers who belong to Christ. They have been called by the gospel, chosen by God’s grace, and remain faithful through perseverance. Their victory comes through their relationship with the Lamb rather than through earthly strength.

18. Why do the ten kings eventually hate the prostitute?

Answer:
Once the beast has consolidated power, he no longer needs the false religious system that helped him rise. God sovereignly uses these wicked rulers to destroy Babylon, demonstrating that evil ultimately turns upon itself.

19. How does Revelation 17 demonstrate God’s sovereignty?

Answer:
Even rebellious rulers unknowingly accomplish God’s purposes. Revelation 17:17 declares that God puts it into their hearts to carry out His purpose. Although evil appears to control events, every kingdom ultimately serves God’s sovereign plan.

20. What does the final verse reveal about the woman?

Answer:
The woman represents “the great city that reigns over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18). More than a single geographical location, she symbolizes the worldwide center of rebellion, influence, and corruption that dominates the nations until God brings His final judgment.

Life Application Questions

21. How can believers avoid being deceived by the spirit of Babylon today?

Answer:
Believers remain faithful by grounding themselves in God’s Word, walking in obedience to Christ, discerning truth from error, and refusing to compromise biblical convictions for worldly acceptance, wealth, or influence.

22. What warning does Revelation 17 give about worldly success?

Answer:
The chapter teaches that wealth, political influence, religious popularity, and outward beauty can conceal deep spiritual corruption. God evaluates hearts rather than appearances, and everything opposed to Him will ultimately be judged.

23. What comfort does Revelation 17 provide for persecuted believers?

Answer:
The chapter assures believers that persecution is temporary. God remembers every injustice, will judge every persecutor, and will vindicate His people. Christ’s victory is certain, and those who remain faithful will share in His triumph.

24. What does Revelation 17 teach about the relationship between religion and political power?

Answer:
The chapter warns that false religion and worldly governments may unite to oppose God’s truth. Such alliances can appear powerful, but they are temporary and ultimately self-destructive. Believers are called to give their ultimate allegiance to Christ alone rather than to any political or religious system that compromises His truth.

25. What is the central message of Revelation 17?

Answer:
Revelation 17 reveals that every system of human pride, false worship, political rebellion, and persecution will ultimately fall under God’s judgment. Though evil may seem attractive and powerful for a time, Jesus Christ—the Lamb—is the sovereign King who will triumph over every enemy. Those who are called, chosen, and faithful can live with confidence, knowing that God’s purposes will prevail and His kingdom will endure forever.

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Chapter 18 – The Fall of Babylon the Great

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 18 records the dramatic fall of Babylon the Great, symbolizing the collapse of the world’s corrupt political, economic, and religious systems that have opposed God and deceived the nations. Following the announcement of Babylon’s judgment in the previous chapter, this chapter vividly describes her sudden destruction, the grief of kings, merchants, and sailors who profited from her wealth, and heaven’s rejoicing over God’s righteous justice. The chapter reveals the certainty of God’s judgment upon pride, immorality, greed, persecution of His people, and rebellion against His authority. It also contains God’s call for His people to separate themselves from Babylon’s sinful influence so they will not share in her judgment. Revelation 18 reminds believers that earthly power and riches are temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal, encouraging Christians to remain faithful to Christ while looking forward to the final triumph of His righteousness.

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Bible Lessons

18:1 Revelation 18:1-2, The Fall of Religious Babylon

^18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. ² And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. (Revelation 18:1 – 2 ESV)

In the previous lesson the beast and the ten horns attach the prostitute and destroyed her. The beast once supported her because she provided access to the people of the world. The kings of the earth were attracted to her beauty and came to her and committed sexual immorality with her (17:2). The beast was joined by the second beast of Revelation who through the use of great signs forced the people of the world to worship the beast and his image and receive a mark of that worship. As the transfer of this worship to the beast and his image gained strength there was less need for the prostitute, the beast in an alliance with the kings rose up and destroyed her. That destruction is detailed beginning in this lesson as the fall of Babylon.

Chapter 18 opens with John seeing another angel coming down from heaven. This would place John on earth and as he sees the angel, described as having great authority, approach the earth it was made bright with his glory. This angel, endowed with great authority and glory, reaffirms the verdict pronounced by an angel in 14:8, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” This angel says five things in 18:2: (1) the prostitute is identified as Babylon that has fallen, (2) has become a dwelling place for demons, (3) a haunt for every unclean spirit, (4) a haunt for every unclean bird, and (5) a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.

(1) It appears that the ancient city of Babylon was rebuilt, but there are some who claim that to be impossible. Assuming that it has been rebuilt, we have seen metaphors of “woman” and “prostitute” being used as a means of describing particular characteristic. Babylon was seen as a woman who was adorned with beautiful clothing accented with expensive jewels. She was seen as a prostitute drawing people into relationship with her in sin. Babylon was a center of false religions and worship, drawing people away from God. For her sin she was judged by God and destroyed.

(2) The fall of Babylon will be quick and complete leaving it as a dwelling place demons who had a great influence there over people.

(3) In addition to becoming a dwelling place for demons, it will be a haunt, or a hangout, for every unclean spirit. As people lost their lives these unclean spirits that may have dwelt in them now find themselves disembodied.

(4) While the food supply of dead people remains, Babylon will attract birds whose diet includes dead flesh. Whenever you see dead animals around you will also see certain kinds of birds pecking away on their carcass. In this case human flesh will be their diet. These birds will have another great source of food at the battle at Armageddon (19:17 – 18).

(5) Babylon will also be an attraction for unclean and detestable beast.

18:2 Revelation 18:3, The Fall of Commercial Babylon

^18:3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.” (Revelation 18:3 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the fall of religious Babylon. In this lesson we look at the fall of commercial Babylon.

The angel next explains why Babylon along with its people were destroyed. Babylon is like two sides of a coin. On one side she is seen as religious Babylon, the great prostitute, and on the other side as political and commercial Babylon. In previous studies we have seen the connection between the worship of idols and sexual immorality, but today the emphasis is to control people and their earning power. The angel mentions three great sins: (1) nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, (2) the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and (3) the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

(1) As the prostitute, Babylon was like a beautiful queen and attracted many to her sinful ways. In 9:20 – 21 these are described as not repenting “of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Babylon is guilty of making “all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” (14:8). It is because of her sin that this utter ruin had come upon her. She had mesmerized and corrupted the nations of the earth, leading them into alienation from God, and into pollution and sin.

(2) Babylon was guilty of seducing world leaders from God and leading them into sinful practices, to commit immorality with her.

(3) Babylon was a rich proud city with an abundance of delicacies which has resulted in merchants becoming rich as people from around the world come to enjoy and purchase them. The luxuries that are found in this city give rise to much traffic, and furnish employment to many merchants and sailors, who thus obtain a livelihood, or become wealthy as the result of such traffic. Since many have become dependent on her, and have become enriched by her, they will mourn greatly over her destruction. This mourning is detailed in the remainder of this chapter.

Looking ahead in chapter 18, we find a warning to God’s people to leave Babylon before destruction comes (18:4 – 8), the kings of the earth will weep and wail over her (18:9 – 10), the merchants will weep and mourn because their supply of goods is gone (18:11 – 14), the merchants who gained their wealth from her will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud (18:15 – 17a), and shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors will cry aloud as they see her burning (18:17b – 20). Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more.” (18:21 – 24).

18:3 Revelation 18:4-8, God’s People Warned

^18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; ⁵for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. ⁶Pay her back as she herself has paid back others and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. ⁷As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ ⁸For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” (Revelation 18:4 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson three reasons were given why Babylon should be destroyed. In this lesson a warning is given to God’s people to leave the city of Babylon.

John then hears another voice from heaven instructing God’s people to “Come out of her lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.” “God’s people” refers to two groups of people. In the first case, the prophets were appealing to the Old Testament Israelites to come out of the nations in which they sojourned as exiles (Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 51:6 – 9, 45). What the prophets spoke then to the Israelites is just as relevant here to the New Testament Churches in the time of the apostles and even today. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 – 18, we are instructed to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers or to fellowship with them. What portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

When we studies the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3, we noticed that members of the church in Thyatira tolerated the woman Jezebel who practiced sexual immorality (2:20 – 23). The members of the church in Laodicea were lukewarm in their relationship with the Lord (3:15 – 19). These members in these two churches as well as members in other churches failed to keep their distance from the influence of Babylon. This is a problem in churches in the west, as we have allowed the world into our churches and we take part in the sins of Babylon. If we do not separate ourselves from this influence, we like the people in the city of Babylon will share in her plagues.

God has allowed Babylon time to repent but she continued to sin until they heaped all the way to heaven, and then God remembered her iniquities and will now serve justice. Under Old Testament law we find the idea of “payback”: “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” (Exodus 21:23 – 25 ESV). Applying this principle, Babylon is to be paid back as she paid back others.

Isaiah spoke of a double portion in Isaiah 40:2 ESV: “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Jeremiah also spoke of this double payment: “But first I will doubly repay their iniquity and their sin, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable idols and have filled my inheritance with their abominations” (Jeremiah 16:18 ESV). Applying this double payment to Babylon, the voice said, “repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed” (18:6). “[God’s] judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality and has avenged on her the blood of his servants” (19:2).

Using the metaphor “woman” for Babylon, we ask how she lived and what was her attitude? “She glorified herself and lived in luxury, and for that, “give her a like measure of torment and mourning.” The attitude of her heart was, “I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.” She is proud of herself and confident that she is secure, but “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV). This attitude is seen in Isaiah 47:7 – 8 ESV: You said, “I shall be mistress forever,” so that you did not lay these things to heart or remember their end. Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me; I shall not sit as a widow or know the loss of children.”” She is deceived into believing that wealth provides security, which was assumed as true in the Laodicean church as it is today in many western churches.

Those in the Laodicean church said, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (3:17). It is so easy to be enamored by the things obtained with riches that one fails to realize that when death comes, and it can come at any moment, one’s riches will not pay for your salvation. At that same moment that one will realize that the wage of sin is harsh as God rightly judges. Because of her attitude “her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” If you are not clothed with the garment of salvation and covered with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10) you will stand naked before God and in “a single day” you will realize that your eternal address is hell. Do not stay in Babylon. Come out of her and walk in victory with the Lord Jesus Christ.

18:4 Revelation 18:9-10, Kings of the Earth Weep and Wail

^18:9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. ¹⁰They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” (Revelation 18:9 – 10 ESV)

The previous lesson began with a warning to God’s people to separate themselves from Babylon and its evil influences. Then we were presented with a good reason why Babylon was destroyed. In this lesson we will see how the kings of the earth responded to her destruction.

It is noted that these kings of the earth committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her. We were first told this in 17:2 ESV: “with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” We were told this again in 18:3 EV: “For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

There is apparently a difference between the beast’s ten horns, which symbolize ten kings not yet in power, and these kings because these kings are living in sin with the woman and the ten horns hate her and will eventually destroy her (17:16). When disaster strikes and Babylon is burned down these kings “wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.”

These kings will stand far off in fear of her torment where they will be joined by “the merchants of [her] wares, who gained from her” (18:15), and by “all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea” (18:17). They will cry out, saying, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” They enjoyed the pleasures and sin found there and had their needs met, but it was all temporal, as they had turned away from God who could provide them with things that really mattered.

When Babylon was quickly destroyed, their anchor was gone, and they were left in fear and worry over how they would live and what might happen to them now. God’s patience with Babylon and her evil influence had run out and quickly he exercises judgment, and she is no more.

Let us be careful how we find meaning in life. Is it based on that which is temporal or that which is eternal. God sacrificed his Son to provide for our need of salvation and purpose in life, but most want to live for themselves and by so doing they forfeit God’s free offer of salvation, and their eternal address remains in hell, not in heaven. What is your eternal address?

18:5 Revelation 18:11-14, Merchants of the Earth Weep and Mourn

^18:11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, ¹²cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, ¹³cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. ¹⁴“The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!” (Revelation 18:11 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at how the kings of the earth responded over the destruction of Babylon. In this lesson we will look at another group of people and how they are affected.

The second group of people who cry out over the destruction of Babylon are the merchants of the earth. They weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore because no one can come to their stores or place online orders, as the commercial facilities and processes of that great nerve center are gone. A list of the merchants cargo is given in verses 12 and 13 and include twenty-eight items, or four groups of seven. This is not an exhaustive list but one that is representative. Expressing the twenty-eight as four groups of seven suggest an interesting thought. Seven is the number that represents completeness in the Bible and four could represent the whole earth (north, south, east, and west). These two symbols could suggest the world’s treasures on the earth.

First in the list of cargo are items that have held their value over the ages. The items of gold, silver, jewels, and pearls have always served as a measure value and the basis of financial systems.

The next group of items listed relate to valuable cloth for the fine clothing being sought. The four items listed are fine linen, purple cloth, silk, and scarlet cloth. In Acts 16:14, we met a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods.

The third group include six materials for all kinds of domestic and industrial uses. The list includes all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble. Today we can identify materials that are used to represent luxury in commercial buildings and our homes.

The next group of items represent luxury items of that day and include cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, and wheat. Wine may represent a broad class of intoxicating beverages which have been important to people over the ages. Today there continues to be a great demand for intoxicants and drugs and even more so during the suffering of the tribulation period. The mention of oil reminds one of its changing emphasis. In ancient days it was used for medical purposes and some lighting. Today oil in the form of petroleum is critical to our society, especially as a lubricant and a fuel. I find it interesting to see the emphasis on using wind and solar in the place of fossil fuels today. That will be a really big problem when the skies grow dark, and the wind stops blowing during the tribulation period.

The fifth group of items includes livestock such as cattle and sheep, and horses. The cattle and sheep are a source of food. In addition to their food value, sheep are important for their wool. Cattle and horses are seen as beast of burden. The inclusion of “chariots” is interesting. It could represent the two wheeled type used in war or the four wheeled wagon which could be translated into our modern vehicles of transportation.

The final group includes two items: slaves and human souls. Throughout history, people have been forced into slavery against their will for the benefit of others in working for them. Referring to slaves as human souls suggest the use of slaves in forced prostitution. Today this has become big business and will surely become even more important in connection with Babylon.

People lust after these valuable things but are never content as these things can not satisfy our soul, only the things supply by God can. As the source of things, Babylon is only temporary, but God as our source is eternal. Once Babylon has been destroyed, those of the world have nothing to cling to, but the kindness of God’s grace is everlasting.

18:6 Revelation 18:15-17, In a Single Hour She Is Gone

^18:15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, ¹⁶“Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! ¹⁷For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” (Revelation 18:15 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the things Babylon had to offer its merchants. In this lesson those things that were available in which the merchants gained wealth are gone and the merchants weep and mourn over their loss.

These merchants have gained so much wealth from the marketing of these things, but in Matthew 16:26 (ESV), Jesus said, “what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul.” These merchants were satisfying their flesh but were not caring for the needs of their souls which are eternal. It is easy to focus on the desires of our flesh because the rewards are now and enjoyable. To focus on the needs of our souls is much more difficult because it has to do with that which cannot be seen in the future. It is easier to spend money now than to put it into savings for the future.

James warned the rich of coming trouble, and said, “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.” (James 5:1, 5 ESV). Judgment came upon these merchants before they were fully satisfied, but believers who endured and kept the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus will one day enjoy all the precious fruit of the earth which was lost to these merchants. As a believer our future is secure. Even in death we have victory and will be fully satisfied.

This great city, this great prostitute, that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls witness her destruction, they cry out “Alas, alas” or “Woe, woe” as in some translate, but there is no mention of repentance. Both “alas” and “woe” suggest how the merchants felt. Synonyms for “woe” are misery, anguish, despair, and misfortune, and for “alas” they are sadly, unfortunately, regrettably, and unhappy. This shows a slight difference in interruption.

Her destruction is described as coming quickly, “in a single hour.” It is possible that “hour” could mean sixty minutes here, but in other places in Revelation it has a different meaning. In 3:10 it describes a length of trial, in 8:1 it describes silence in heaven, in 14:7 it describes the time of judgment, and in 14:15 as the hour to reap. The time had come for her judgment, and when it came it was sudden and quickly executed.

To understand what Babylon and all the great cities of the world will look like after their destruction do an online search for photos of the destruction of the twin towers, or the destruction in Hiroshima after dropping the atomic bomb. It is hard to imagine what the earth will look like by the end of the tribulation period after judgment has run its course.

18:7 Revelation 18:17b-20, Woe on Earth, Rejoicing in Heaven

^18:17b And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off ¹⁸and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” ¹⁹And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour, she has been laid waste. ²⁰Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” (Revelation 18:17:b – 20 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the effect the destruction of Babylon had on its merchants. In this lesson the focus in on “shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea.”

In a single hour God destroys all human wealth that is not used in obedience and devotion to him, and the merchants stood far off weeping and mourning. They are now joined by “all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea.” With all the cargo destroyed they have nothing to transport and they “stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city was like the great city?’” Their measure of greatness was on the things of the world that are only temporary. Their measure of greatness should be on that which is eternal, on the living God.

In the face of this great loss, they throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn, and they cry out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour, she has been laid waste.” Placing dust on their heads seems strange to us, but it was a custom in ancient cultures as seen in Lamentations 2:10 ESV: “The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence; they have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth; the young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground.” and in Job 2:12 ESV: “And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven.” The custom was proclaiming symbolically their fear that the earth would soon cover their own dead bodies, and they would go back to dust.

The expression “in a single hour” is used three times in 18:9 – 19: (1) The kings of the earth cry out “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come” (9 – 10); (2) The merchants of the earth cry out “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste” (11 – 17); and (3) all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea cry out “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour, she has been laid waste.” (19).

Since the time of the Tower of Babel the great Babylonian system of seducing multitudes through humanistic religion and her promise of wealth and luxury and enjoyable immorality, has finally been brought to a sudden and utter destruction. In view of this destruction, I often wonder what life will be like on earth during the millennium.

At the time Satan was cast out of heaven, a command was given, saying, “Rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (12:12 ESV). Again, comes the command, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” (18:20). Judgment has progressed a long ways since 12:12.

In that command to rejoice we find three groups of people: “saints and apostles and prophets.” Saints would include all those who have been redeemed, but within the redeemed are two special groups: “apostles and prophets.” These two groups include people chosen by God for special assignment which became a great burden for them and often resulted in great suffering. These are singled out to greatly rejoice because God has finally judged their enemies.

18:8 Revelation 18:21-24, Babylon Will Be Found No More

^18:21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; ²²and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, ²³and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. ²⁴And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” (Revelation 18:21 – 24 ESV)

In the previous lesson the destruction of Babylon was complete and all who enjoyed her and benefitted from a relationship with her mourn and wail over their loss. We left the horrible scene on earth and went to heaven where we witnessed great rejoicing. Assuming we were done with Babylon, in this lesson, another mighty angel shows up and brings our attention back to Babylon.

This mighty angel takes up a great millstone and throws it into the sea, and as he does, he says, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence and will be found no more.” In Jeremiah 51:63 – 64, we find Jeremiah taking a stone with an attached scroll and throwing them into the Euphrates River as an indication that Babylon shall sink, to rise no more. Here the angel replaces Jeremiah, and the millstone replaces the stone and scroll of Jeremiah, to illustrate Babylon’s fall, so as to be found no more. Some think that once Babylon is destroyed there might be an earthquake causing Babylon to sink and then being covered with water.

Verses 22 and 23 give a detailed list of things that will be missed when this destruction takes place. Babylon was described as a place of musical concerts that many would come to enjoy. It was a gathering place of many craftsmen working on various crafts for luxurious living. The sound of the mill suggest the production of fine flour and perhaps other costly products. There is a passage in Isaiah that might be relevant here: “The wine mourns, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted sigh. The mirth of the tambourines is stilled, the noise of the jubilant has ceased, the mirth of the lyre is stilled. No more do they drink wine with singing; strong drink is bitter to those who drink it. The wasted city is broken down; every house is shut up so that none can enter.” (Isaiah 24:7 – 10 ESV).

During my time in Wuhan, China, I lived just a few buildings from the Yangtze River and at night could look across the river and see the main business district of Wuhan with it colorful lighting. It would be very different to not see those lights. That is the case of Babylon. After its destruction, one could look in her direction at night and see only darkness, not the colorful lighting of successful business and other activities. Wedding ceremonies were also no longer an attraction, as they were no more.

The merchants that were in Babylon were the best, as they were described as the “great ones of the earth. She was a place of sorcery and by it she deceived all the nations. Babylon was a place that had no room for Christians as in her is found the blood of prophets and of saints. For this deception and shedding of blood she was destroyed.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the main focus of Revelation 18?

Answer:
Revelation 18 records God’s final judgment upon “Babylon the Great,” symbolizing the world’s corrupt political, economic, and religious system that stands in opposition to God. The chapter emphasizes that no earthly kingdom, no matter how wealthy or powerful, can escape God’s righteous judgment. Babylon’s destruction demonstrates that God is sovereign over history and will ultimately remove every system built on pride, greed, idolatry, and persecution of His people.

2. Who announces Babylon’s fall?

Answer:
A mighty angel descends from heaven with great authority, illuminating the earth with his glory. He proclaims with a loud voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen” (Revelation 18:1–2). This announcement confirms that God’s judgment has been decreed and cannot be reversed. The angel’s authority and brilliance emphasize the certainty and divine origin of the message.

3. Why is Babylon judged?

Answer:
Babylon is judged because of her widespread rebellion against God. She has:

Led the nations into spiritual adultery.
Promoted immorality and idolatry.
Accumulated enormous wealth through greed.
Oppressed and exploited people.
Persecuted God’s faithful servants.
Become arrogant, believing herself secure and untouchable.

God remembers her sins and repays her according to her deeds (Revelation 18:5–8). His judgment is both righteous and deserved.

4. What does the command, “Come out of her, My people,” mean?

Answer:
God calls His people to separate themselves from Babylon’s sinful system so they will not participate in her sins or share in her judgment (Revelation 18:4). While believers remain in the world, they are not to embrace its sinful values, materialism, immorality, or rebellion against God. The command is both a warning and an invitation to faithful obedience.

5. How quickly does Babylon’s judgment occur?

Answer:
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that Babylon’s destruction comes suddenly:

“In one day” (Revelation 18:8)
“In one hour” (Revelation 18:10, 17, 19)

This dramatic language highlights the speed and completeness of God’s judgment. What appeared permanent and invincible collapses almost instantly when God acts.

6. Why do the kings of the earth mourn?

Answer:
The kings mourn because they benefited from Babylon’s power and luxury. They had shared in her immorality and prosperity. When they witness her destruction, they stand at a distance in fear, recognizing that the judgment affecting Babylon could also affect them. Their sorrow arises primarily from personal loss rather than genuine repentance.

7. Why do the merchants mourn Babylon’s destruction?

Answer:
The merchants mourn because their source of immense wealth has disappeared. Revelation lists an extensive catalog of luxury goods—including gold, silver, fine clothing, spices, livestock, and even human lives—showing the enormous commercial influence Babylon possessed. Their grief reveals their dependence upon wealth rather than upon God.

8. What does the list of merchandise teach us?

Answer:
The detailed inventory illustrates the luxurious excess and greed that characterized Babylon’s economy. It reveals a society driven by materialism and exploitation. The inclusion of “slaves and souls of men” demonstrates that people themselves had become commodities. The passage condemns systems that value profit more than human dignity and righteousness.

9. Why do the shipmasters and sailors mourn?

Answer:
Those involved in maritime commerce mourn because Babylon’s destruction devastates international trade. Their livelihood disappears instantly. Like the kings and merchants, they lament their financial losses rather than expressing sorrow over Babylon’s wickedness.

10. Why are heaven and God’s people told to rejoice?

Answer:
Heaven rejoices because God’s justice has finally been accomplished. Babylon had persecuted God’s people and spread corruption throughout the world. Her destruction vindicates God’s holiness and demonstrates that evil will not triumph forever. God’s judgments are true and righteous.

11. What is the significance of the mighty angel throwing a great millstone into the sea?

Answer:
The angel casts a massive stone into the sea as a vivid symbol of Babylon’s permanent destruction (Revelation 18:21). Just as the stone disappears beneath the water, Babylon will vanish forever and never regain her former power. The act illustrates the finality of God’s judgment.

12. What activities cease after Babylon falls?

Answer:
The chapter describes the complete end of Babylon’s civilization:

Music stops.
Craftsmen disappear.
Mills stop grinding.
Lamps no longer shine.
Weddings cease.
Commerce ends.

These images portray total desolation. Everything that once made Babylon prosperous and vibrant comes to an end because of God’s judgment.

13. Why does God hold Babylon responsible for the blood of the saints?

Answer:
Babylon actively opposed God by persecuting His people throughout history. She is guilty of violence against prophets, saints, and all who remained faithful to God (Revelation 18:24). Her judgment demonstrates God’s commitment to defending His people and bringing justice against those who shed innocent blood.

14. What does Revelation 18 teach about wealth and material prosperity?

Answer:
The chapter does not condemn wealth itself but warns against trusting in riches, pursuing wealth through sinful means, and allowing material prosperity to replace devotion to God. Babylon’s riches could not save her from divine judgment. Believers are reminded that earthly wealth is temporary, while eternal treasures are secure only in Christ.

15. How does Revelation 18 reveal God’s justice?

Answer:
God’s justice is portrayed as:

Perfect and impartial.
Patient but certain.
Complete and irreversible.
Proportional to Babylon’s sins.
Protective of His people.
Victorious over evil.

The chapter assures believers that although evil may prosper temporarily, God will ultimately judge every act of wickedness.

16. What encouragement does Revelation 18 give believers today?

Answer:
Revelation 18 encourages believers to remain faithful, even when the world appears dominated by evil and material success. God’s people are called to live distinct lives, resisting worldly compromise while trusting that God’s justice will prevail. The apparent power of ungodly systems is temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal. Christians can therefore persevere with confidence, knowing that Christ will ultimately triumph over every force opposed to Him.

Key Lessons from Revelation 18

God will judge every system that opposes His righteousness.
Earthly wealth and power cannot protect against divine judgment.
Believers are called to separate themselves from worldly corruption.
Material success without God is ultimately empty.
God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is certain.
The persecution of God’s people will not go unanswered.
Babylon’s destruction demonstrates the temporary nature of worldly kingdoms.
Heaven rejoices because God’s righteous judgment vindicates His holiness.
Christ’s kingdom alone endures forever.
Believers should place their hope not in earthly prosperity but in the eternal reign of God.

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Chapter 19 – The Return of Christ and the Marriage of the Lamb

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 19 marks the dramatic turning point in the book, moving from the judgment of Babylon to the triumphant return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. Heaven erupts in joyful praise because God has judged evil with perfect righteousness and has vindicated His faithful people. The chapter announces the long-awaited marriage supper of the Lamb, celebrating the eternal union between Christ and His redeemed Church, who have been clothed in the righteous deeds granted by God. John then witnesses Christ returning on a white horse with power and glory to judge the nations, defeat the beast and the false prophet, and establish His righteous reign. Revelation 19 reminds believers that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, Christ will fulfill every promise, and those who remain faithful to Him will share in His eternal victory and kingdom.

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Bible Lessons

19:1 Revelation 19:1-5, Hallelujah

^19:1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, ² for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” ³Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” ⁴And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” ⁵And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” (Revelation 19:1 – 5 ESV)

With the previous lesson we came to the point where Babylon’s fall was complete and with the impending defeat of the beast, God will at last avenge the blood of his martyrs, his saints who we found under the alter in 6:9 – 10 and his two witnesses in 11:8. He will also avenge all have suffered for their faith while on the earth (11:18). In this lesson we will experience a great time of rejoicing over the judgments that have taken place.

Chapter 19 opens with John hearing what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, representing the redeemed from “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (7:9 – 10). They cry out “Hallelujah!” which comes from a Hebrew term for “praise Yahweh” and is found in only four places in the New Testament: (1) in 19:1 is “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”; (2) in 19:3 is “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”; (3) in 19:4 is “Amen. Hallelujah!”; and (4) in 19:6 is “Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns.” “Hallelujah” is often used in the Old Testament, especially in Psalms 113 – 118.

(1) Their cry begins with praise to God for their salvation, and that their salvation and glory and power belong to him. Then comes their statement of recognition that his judgments are true and just. As an example, they illustrate with the judgment of the great prostitute who corrupted the earth (11:18) with her immorality (14:8; 17:2, 4). On her they avenged the blood of his servants (17:6), satisfying the question asked in 6:10 of “how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

(2) The cry of the multitude continues with them saying, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” We know that this is an overstatement to indicate that this judgment cannot be reversed. Her judgment is final! In another sense, those who made up Babylon, who carried out her evil on the earth will remain in hell for ever and their smoke will go up forever and ever.

(3) In response the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen, Hallelujah!”. This worship links this celebration back to 5:8 – 10 when the Lamb took the scroll and started the judgment process. The use of the word “Amen” is an expression of confident certainty as in John 10:7 when Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” That fact is not to be disputed. “Amen” is also an expression of strong agreement as in 1 Corinthians 14:16 where Paul indicated that “Amen” requires a previously understood statement. In response to this worship a voice was heard from the throne saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” The command to praise God was not only given to God’s servants, but even to those who followed the beast into destruction, for they by now feared God because of his judgments.

(4) The fourth “Hallelujah” will have to wait until the next lesson as it is not included in the text being covered by this lesson.

19:2 Revelation 19:6-10, The Fourth Blessing of Revelation

^19:6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns. ⁷Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; ⁸it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

^19:9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” ¹⁰Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:6 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered three of the four “Hallelujah” statements leaving the fourth for this lesson.

John hears what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude as he did in 19:1, but here the voice is described as louder, “like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder.” In 14:2 John described hearing a voice from heaven that sounded just like this voice. Here the voice cries out saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns.”

It is clear from a study of the Bible that throughout history the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns. In 11:15 – 17 it was the elders who fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.” It has been the nations who have ruled causing the church to suffer, especially during the tribulation, but the Lord God Almighty is moving into position to judge the world’s kingdoms and cause them to become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, as we will see during his millennial reign. Here in 19:6 the voice declares that the Lord, our God the Almighty now reigns and those in heaven are to rejoice and exult and give him glory.

Now that the great prostitute has been destroyed, it is time for the marriage of the Lamb to take place. The Bride has made herself ready, being clothed with fine linen, bright and pure. The fine linen is symbolized as the righteous deeds of the saints. In Isaiah 61:10 it is the Lord who has clothed us as born-again believers with the garment of salvation, the robe of righteousness, which has been made white by washing the fine linen in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). Being clothed with the robe of righteousness, as believers our deeds are seen as righteous and often require sacrifice and result in suffering, even to the point of death as seen in 6:11. As we engage in our assigned work (Ephesians 2:8 – 10) let us be careful to walk in the light in fellowship with the Lord (1 John 1:5 – 7).

An angel then instructs John to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” This is the fourth occurrence of seven “blessings” given in Revelation. The first three are found at 1:3, 14:13, and 16:15, and the last three are at 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14. It is a great blessing to be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, but those invitations are available only for believers who belong to Lambs beloved bride, the church. If the church is raptured at the beginning of the tribulation period, then please explain to me how believers in the tribulation period become part of the bride which is the church and receive an invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb which is occurring here?

This marriage supper of the Lamb is a messianic event that was anticipated in the predictions of Isaiah 25:6 – 8. The importance of the wedding garment is pointed out in the parable of the wedding feast found in Matthew 22:1 – 14. The importance of being ready was pointed out in Matthew 25:10. This supper will take place based on “the true words of God.”

Hearing these words about the marriage supper, John falls down at the angels feet to worship him but is quickly reprimanded. The angel said to John, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” Twice in Revelation (19:10 and 22:8 – 9), John falls down to worship at the feet of an angel and both times the angel tells him he must not do that as worship is reserved for God alone.

“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” simple means that true prophecy inspired of the Spirit will be in conformity to the life and teaching of Jesus. “The testimony of Jesus” is the words of Christ in general and the revelation of the book of Revelation in particular. “Prophecy” can mean foretelling the future or it can mean inspired preaching. Both meanings fit here. The angel was saying to John, “Do not worship me! You should worship only God and keep your focus on preaching the word Jesus told me to give to you.”

19:3 Revelation 19:11-16, A White Horse

^19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. ¹²His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. ¹³He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. ¹⁴And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. ¹⁵From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. ¹⁶On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11 – 16 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the major section on Babylon the prostitute. With this lesson we begin a new major section devoted to the defeat and destruction of the beast, the dragon, and death.

In 4:1, John saw a door standing open in heaven and he heard a voice instructing him to come up and see what must take place so he can continue to write to the churches. Since that time, we have seen and heard many thing, some of which we do not understand. Now John sees heaven open again and this time instead of seeing a throne, he sees a white horse and sitting on it is one called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

We met a white horse in 6:2 but it is not the same white horse as here. The white horse of 6:2 is connected with the opening of seal one by the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ. The white horse was used as a symbol to indicate that the rider was victorious as he came out conquering and to conquer. This was the first of four horses carrying riders that brought much suffering to the people of the world.

Here in 19:11, the white horse also represents victory, but this victory is over evil, not producing evil. Its rider is not evil bringing about suppression and suffering but is judging that evil to avenge the evil against God’s people. The rider of this white horse is described as being “Faithful and True.” In 3:7 he is seen as the “holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will shut, who shuts, and no one opens.” In 3:14, he is called “the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.” The rider of this white horse is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who comes in righteousness to judge and to make war with those who are evil.

In righteousness he judges and makes war is spoken of in Psalm 96 and in Isaiah 11. “Before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness” (Psalm 96:13 ESV). “But with righteousness he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4 ESV).

19:12 – 13 describes his appearance. His eyes were like a flame of fire which can see through anything and see all. On his head are many diadems indicating power and authority. He has a name written that no one knows but himself. In 19:16 he has a name written, which is “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Similar to this, we find in 2:17, each believer will be given a name that no one knows except the one who receives it.

He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood. In Isaiah 63:2 is the question, “Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?” The answer is given in 63:3 ESV: “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments and stained all my apparel.” Reference to the “winepress” is found in three places in Revelation (14:19, 20 and 19:15).

Time and space requires that we take a break at this point and finish with the next lesson.

19:4 Revelation 19:11-16, The Rod of Iron

In the previous lesson John saw heaven opened and a white horse with one sitting on it who was called “Faithful and True.” We learned that he was coming and in righteousness to judge and make war. We began to cover a description of him but ran out of time and space as so will finish in this lesson.

“He has a name written that no one knows but himself” (19:12) but in 19:13 “the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” This is a great revelation as in John 1:1 – 2 ESV: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” Then in John 1:14 ESV: “The Word became flesh (through a virgin birth) and dwelt among us (as Jesus), and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In these last days, God has spoken to us by his Son (Hebrews 1:2). Since the Son of God is an infinite eternal being he can never be fully known, and since his name would refer to all that is true about him, and therefore the totality of his person, his name cannot be known by anyone except himself.

The fine linen, white and pure, describes the bride of the Lamb in 19:8 – 10, who is referred to here as the armies of heaven because the bride is following the Lord as he goes to war. Reference to the bride following as soldiers on white horses suggest that we are sharing in his victory. We share in that victory because we are born again and were able to endure persecution and stay pure from defilement (Revelation 2:10). We were able to overcome evil by the blood of the Lamb and by our word of testimony because we loved not our lives even unto death (Revelation 12:11).

From the mouth of the rider of the white horse who is called Faithful and True comes a sharp sword as it did in Revelation 1:16. A “sharp sword” coming from his mouth suggest words spoken that cut and destroy his enemy as he strikes down the nations who have rebelled against him with their evil. Isaiah said it will be “with righteousness he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4 ESV). Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV: “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.”

He will rule the nations with a rod of iron is thought by some to refer to his rule during his millennial, but it more likely refers to his judgment of the wicked at this time. Psalm 2:9 (ESV) suggest this: “You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” He will rightly judge and strike down the wicked, those who follow the beast to the valley of Armageddon where he will tread them in the winepress with the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Who is this one who strikes down and crushes? “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (19:16). Of all the kings that ever reigned on earth, he is the only one who does so in righteousness. Of all who have served with authority as lords, only he as Lord serves in righteousness. As King and Lord, he is Almighty God, the Word made flesh.

19:5 Revelation 19:17-21, The Beast Was Defeated

^19:17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, ¹⁸to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” ¹⁹And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. ²⁰And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. ²¹And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (Revelation 19:17 – 21 ESV)

In the previous lesson we learned about the armies of heaven and drew a link with the bride of the Lamb. He came to judge and make war and with the sword that came from his mouth he struck down the nations and he will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. In this lesson we will look at the great supper of God.

John sees yet another angel, this one standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God.” There is speculation about the meaning of the angel standing in the sun. Since angels are identifies with stars in various parts of Scripture (for example Revelation 12:4), some think the responsibility of this angel is the sun. You are free to use your imagination at this point. I prefer to move on and consider the invitation made to all the birds that fly in the air above the earth to “gather for the great supper of God.”

We had just come from the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (19:6 – 10), and now we are witnessing a great supper for the birds here on earth. The menu for the supper has some interesting choices, among which are the “flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” This supper for the birds is for the purpose of clearing the earth of all the dead carcasses that resulted from the conflict with the Lord.

As the birds began to gather the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies also gathered in the place called Armageddon (16:14) to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. God was confident in the outcome and called the birds to supper as he prepared the menu. The enemy had gathered and maybe the conflict had already begun but suddenly the beast and the false prophet, the one who had used signs to deceive those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image, were captured, and were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The idea of being thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur will be covered in the next lesson.

With the beast and false prophet and their power gone, the army of the beast is left on their own to withstand the approaching rider on the white horse and his army. Details of the conflict were not given, just as they were not given for the conflict that took place in heaven (12:7 – 8), and are left for one’s imagination, but that which is certain is that destruction came quickly as they were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the white horse providing a great feast for all the birds.

19:6 Revelation 19:20-21, Sheol, Hades, Hell, and the Lake of Fire

^19:20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. ²¹And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (Revelation (19:20 – 21 ESV)

In the previous lesson it was mentioned that we would cover the idea of being thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur in this lesson.

Notice that the followers of the beast all died physically but the beast and false prophet were kept alive and cast into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The location and character of this terrible place has been the subject of much controversy throughout the centuries. There are several questions that relate to the two that were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Are the fires that burn in the lake literal or symbolic? That question begs two more questions. If they are literal then how can human bodies go there? If they are symbolic then what do they represent?

There are four locations we should consider: Sheol, Hades, hell, and the lake of fire. “Sheol” is mentioned 63 times in the Old Testament in the ESV but is not mentioned in the New Testament. Numbers 16:33 suggest that Sheol in down inside the earth. It is where the dead are believed to go during Old Testament times. For a detailed description of “Sheol” use this link.

“Hades” is mentioned only nine times in the ESV, and all are in the New Testament. “Hades” is a Greek term that builds on its Hebrew parallel, Sheol, which was the preferred translation in the Old Testament. It denotes the deity of the underworld and the abode of the dead. According to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19 – 31), Hades has two compartments separated by a great chasm. In one compartment the unsaved dead who anguish in flame, and in the other compartment are found the saved dead, enjoying their time with Abraham. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he holds the keys of Death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). For a detailed description of “Hades” use this link.

“Hell” is mentioned fifteen teen times in the ESV and all are in the New Testament. It is described as a place of unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43) and gloomy darkness (2 Peter 2:4). It is a place where sinners will go, those who have not been born again. It is a place of God’s final judgment. It is a final place of bondage and isolation from the righteous. For a detailed description of “hell” use this link.

The “lake of fire” is mentioned only four times in the ESV and all are in the book of Revelation. In 19:20 the beast and false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Then a short while later the devil was thrown into the lake of fire to join the beast and false prophet (20:10). After the final judgment at the great white throne “Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire” (20:14) along with anyone whose “name was not found written in the book of life” (20:15). Jesus refers to this lake of fire as a “fiery furnace” as “hell” (Matthew 13:42; 18:8 – 9; 25:41). For a detailed description of the “lake of fire” use this link.

Going to the link above on the “lake of fire” yields very little information in answering the questions asked above. The Bible does not tell us the location of the lake of fire and does not tell us what the fire is like. It seems to cause much suffering but it does not consume because the souls of those who go there will exist there for an eternity. There are three ideas that we might relate to the lake of fire: (1) it is a place where the wicked are permanently separated from God’s love and his good creation, (2) its fire denotes God’s searing holiness exacting retribution for evil deeds, and (3) the unquenchable aspect of the fire portrays hell as everlasting. Beyond this, as a believer, we will have to be satisfied to wait until we get to heaven to find out more. You can speculate all you want but that speculation will not yield any more truth.

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Questions with Answers

1. What major event begins Revelation 19?

Answer:
Revelation 19 opens with a great celebration in heaven following the destruction of Babylon described in Revelation 18. A vast multitude praises God with repeated cries of “Hallelujah,” declaring that His judgments are true and righteous. This chapter marks a dramatic transition from the judgment of evil to the public triumph of Christ. Heaven rejoices because God’s justice has been fully demonstrated, His enemies have been defeated, and His kingdom is about to be established on earth.

2. Why does heaven repeatedly cry, “Hallelujah”?

Answer:
The word “Hallelujah” means “Praise the Lord.” Revelation 19 contains the only occurrences of this word in the New Testament. Heaven praises God because He has judged the corrupt world system that opposed Him, vindicated His faithful servants, and demonstrated His holiness and justice. The repeated praise emphasizes that God’s judgments are worthy of worship rather than sorrow because they remove evil and establish righteousness.

3. Who is the great multitude praising God?

Answer:
The great multitude likely includes the redeemed from every nation, together with angels who worship before God’s throne. Their united praise reflects the completion of God’s redemptive and judicial work. Their worship reminds believers that all of heaven celebrates God’s perfect plan, even when His judgments appear severe from an earthly perspective.

4. What does it mean that “the smoke from her goes up forever and ever” (Revelation 19:3)?

Answer:
The smoke represents the permanent and irreversible judgment of Babylon. Just as smoke rising from a destroyed city demonstrated complete destruction in the Old Testament, this imagery signifies that God’s judgment upon the rebellious world system is final. Evil will never regain its former power or influence. God’s victory is complete and eternal.

5. Who are the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures?

Answer:
The twenty-four elders are generally understood to represent the redeemed people of God, while the four living creatures symbolize the highest order of heavenly beings continually worshiping before God’s throne. Together they lead all creation in worship, acknowledging God’s sovereignty, holiness, and justice. Their response demonstrates that both redeemed humanity and heavenly beings agree with God’s righteous judgments.

6. What is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?

Answer:
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb celebrates the eternal union between Christ and His redeemed people. Throughout Scripture, God’s relationship with His people is frequently described as a marriage. Jesus is the Bridegroom, and the Church is His bride. This event symbolizes complete fellowship, eternal joy, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Every believer will share in this glorious celebration.

7. Who is the Bride of Christ?

Answer:
The Bride represents all believers who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The Church has been redeemed through Christ’s sacrifice and is presented as a pure bride prepared for her husband. Her readiness reflects both Christ’s cleansing work and the faithful lives of believers empowered by God’s grace.

8. What does it mean that the bride wears “fine linen, bright and clean”?

Answer:
The fine linen represents “the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8). These righteous acts do not earn salvation but demonstrate the transformed lives of those already redeemed by Christ. Salvation is entirely by grace through faith, yet genuine faith produces obedience, holiness, and faithful service. The beautiful garments reflect God’s work in the lives of His people.

9. Why does John attempt to worship the angel?

Answer:
John is overwhelmed by the glorious vision and momentarily falls before the angel in worship. The angel immediately corrects him, reminding John that worship belongs to God alone. Even the most magnificent angels are merely fellow servants of God. This teaches that all worship must be directed exclusively toward the Lord.

10. What does the angel mean by saying, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”?

Answer:
This statement teaches that the ultimate purpose of biblical prophecy is to reveal Jesus Christ. Every prophecy, whether directly or indirectly, points to His person, His work, His kingdom, and His glory. Prophecy is not primarily about predicting future events but about revealing God’s plan centered in His Son.

11. Who is the Rider on the white horse?

Answer:
The Rider is Jesus Christ returning in power and glory. Unlike the rider in Revelation 6, this Rider is clearly identified through several divine titles including Faithful and True, the Word of God, and King of kings and Lord of lords. His return fulfills numerous Old Testament and New Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah’s victorious reign.

12. Why is Jesus called “Faithful and True”?

Answer:
Jesus is perfectly faithful to every promise He has made and perfectly true in all His judgments. Unlike earthly rulers who often fail, Christ always acts with complete righteousness, justice, wisdom, and integrity. His return demonstrates that every promise of God will ultimately be fulfilled.

13. What does the sharp sword coming from Christ’s mouth symbolize?

Answer:
The sword represents the powerful, authoritative Word of God. Christ does not need physical weapons because His spoken word accomplishes His will. His commands bring both salvation and judgment. Throughout Scripture, God’s Word possesses creative, sustaining, and judicial power. At His return, Christ defeats His enemies simply by His sovereign command.

14. Why is Jesus called “The Word of God”?

Answer:
This title emphasizes that Jesus perfectly reveals God to humanity. Just as words express a person’s thoughts, Jesus perfectly expresses God’s character, truth, and will. He is God’s final and complete revelation. Everything God desires humanity to know about Himself is fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

15. What is meant by Christ ruling with “a rod of iron”?

Answer:
The rod of iron symbolizes Christ’s absolute authority and perfect justice. His rule will not tolerate rebellion or injustice. Unlike human governments that often fail because of corruption or weakness, Christ’s kingdom will be characterized by righteousness, peace, and unwavering justice.

16. What is the significance of the title “King of kings and Lord of lords”?

Answer:
This title proclaims Christ’s supreme authority over every ruler, kingdom, and power. Every earthly authority exists under His sovereignty. Although many reject His rule now, one day every knee will bow before Him, and His universal reign will be openly recognized throughout creation.

17. Why are the birds summoned to the great supper of God?

Answer:
The invitation to the birds contrasts sharply with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The redeemed celebrate life and fellowship with Christ, while those who oppose Him experience judgment. The birds consuming the defeated armies symbolizes the complete and humiliating defeat of God’s enemies. No force can successfully resist Christ when He returns.

18. Who are the beast and the false prophet, and what happens to them?

Answer:
The beast represents the final world ruler who opposes God, while the false prophet is his religious partner who deceives the nations into worshiping the beast. At Christ’s return, both are immediately captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire. Their swift judgment demonstrates God’s complete authority over every satanic power.

19. What happens to the armies gathered against Christ?

Answer:
The armies assembled to oppose Christ are completely defeated by the word that proceeds from His mouth. Their destruction is immediate and decisive. Human rebellion reaches its climax but cannot withstand the power of the returning King. This fulfills numerous prophecies describing God’s final victory over evil.

20. What are the major theological lessons of Revelation 19?

Answer:
Revelation 19 reveals several foundational truths about God and His kingdom:

God deserves praise because His judgments are perfectly righteous.
Christ is the victorious King who fulfills every promise.
The redeemed will enjoy eternal fellowship with Christ as His Bride.
Jesus alone is worthy of worship.
God’s Word possesses absolute authority and power.
Evil and rebellion will ultimately be judged forever.
Christ’s kingdom will be established in righteousness and justice.
Every earthly power is temporary, but Christ’s reign is eternal.
God’s redemptive plan concludes with both perfect justice and everlasting joy for His people.
Believers can live with confidence and hope, knowing that Christ will ultimately triumph over every enemy and reign forever.

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Chapter 20 – The Millennium and the Final Judgment

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 20 marks the transition from Christ’s victorious return in Revelation 19 to the final defeat of Satan and the completion of God’s plan for history. John describes Satan being bound for a thousand years, allowing Christ to reign with His faithful people during the Millennium. After this period, Satan is released for a final rebellion, but God swiftly defeats him and casts him forever into the lake of fire. The chapter concludes with the Great White Throne Judgment, where all the dead stand before God, the books are opened, and every person is judged according to their deeds. Those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire, the second death. Revelation 20 emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty over evil, the certainty of final judgment, the vindication of the righteous, and the eternal triumph of Christ’s kingdom, preparing the way for the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21.

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Bible Lessons

20:1 Revelation 20:1-3, An Angel with a Key and a Chain

^20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. ²And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, ³and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. (Revelation 20:1 – 3 ESV)

In the previous lesson we went down a rabbit trail and looked at four locations related to where the dead go: Sheol, Hades, hell, and the lake of fire. In that lesson we were unable to determine where the lake of fire was located and we could not find out what the fire was like there. With this lesson we will get back on track and see an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. This could be interesting!

20:1 – 6 form an interlude that relates to the thousand years of the dragon’s binding and the martyr’ reign. When one looks at commentaries on these verses, one quickly realizes that these verses are among the most controversial in the book of Revelation. The controversy is over the meaning of the “thousand years” with responsible scholars divided into three groups: (1) Premillennialists, (2) Postmillennialists, and (3) Amillennialists.

(1) Premillennialism, in Christian eschatology, is the belief that Jesus will physically return to the Earth (the Second Coming) before the Millennium, a literal thousand-year golden age of peace. See article at this link https://www.gotquestions.org/premillennialism.html

(2) Postmillennialism, or postmillenarianism, in Christian eschatology, is an interpretation of chapter 20 of the Book of Revelation which sees Christ’s second coming occurring after the “Millennium”, a Golden Age in which Christian ethics prosper. See article at this link https://www.gotquestions.org/postmillennialism.html

(3) Amillenarism or Amillennialism (from Latin mille, one thousand; “a” being a negation prefix) is a type of chillegorism which teaches that there will be no millennial reign of the righteous on earth. See article at this link https://www.gotquestions.org/amillennialism.html

John does not identify the angel he sees as one we met before or a new one, but he is coming down from heaven and is bringing a key and a chain with him. What the key and chain are like is open to speculation but they appear to be metaphors to represent the ability to either lock or unlock something and to bind something. In 1:18, Jesus Christ has the keys of Death and Hades, and in 9:1 a star fell from heaven to earth and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.

In 20:2 the dragon is identified as the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan. The angel takes hold of the dragon and using the chain binds him for a thousand years. The angel then takes the bound dragon and throws him down the shaft into the bottomless pit, and to make sure he stays there the angel choses the opening of the shaft and using the key locks and seals it over him. The purpose for doing this is to prevent him from further deceiving and harming others, from deceiving the nations any longer. The dragon will remain bound in this location for a period of one thousand years and then he must be released for a little while, which would allow him to again deceive and draw people away from God.

There is more that can be said about this passage, which will be covered in the next lesson.

20:2 Revelation 20:1-3, Three Positions

In the previous lesson we saw an angel coming down to earth from heaven having a key to the bottomless pit and a chain in his hand. We learned the chain was used to bind the dragon and the key was to lock the shaft to the bottomless pit after throwing the bound dragon down it. We also learned that the dragon would remain there for a thousand years and then he would be unbound and released. As we came to the end of that lesson we realized there were a few more things to say, which will make up this lesson.

In 12:7 – 12, the dragon had a bad day in heaven when Michael and his angels made war against him and his angels and overcame them and cast them down to earth where they will cause much grief for the people living there. As time drew near for Jesus Christ and his army to come to earth in judgment, the dragon used the beast to gather a great multitude into the valley of Armageddon where the conflict would take place. That decision will produce another bad day for the dragon because an angel, possible Michael, shows up after the beast and false prophet were thrown alive into the lake of fire and the army of the beast defeated, and seized the dragon and throws him bound into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. This effectively removes his ability to deceive the nations for that period of time. The nature of this binding of Satan is important to the three views we covered in the previous lesson. For example:

(1) Premillennialists see this binding of the dragon as his complete removal from the earth during a future golden age of social righteousness, international peace, and physical well-being with Jesus Christ reigning on the earth. They see this binding and sealing as the means of closing this present age.

(2) Postmillennialists also see the thousand-year period as a future golden age, but with the main difference that Jesus Christ returns at the end of the period, not at the beginning as the Premillennialists think.

(3) Amillennialists believe that Satan the dragon was bound by Jesus at his first coming. They lift verse 29 out of the passage found in Matthew 12:22 – 32 to draw their conclusion. They believe Jesus bound Satan and then brought God’s light to the people of the nations and use verses like Matthew 4:14 – 16; Luke 2:32; Acts 14:15 – 17; and 17:30 – 31 to support their position. For them, the thousand-year period is not literal but simply represents the current church age and the spread of the gospel among the nations. They claim there is currently a restraint against persecution of the church, which will be removed just before the return of Jesus Christ at some future time. They claim that 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – 8 occurs at that future time, not at the midpoint of the tribulation period.

For some reason, the postmillennial and the amillennial positions are gaining strength today, so I felt it was important to briefly present all three positions for your understanding

20:3 Revelation 20:4-6, Who Reigns with Christ?

^20:4 Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also, I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. ⁶Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we took some time to present the three main views of the meaning of the thousand years and the binding of Satan. In these lessons, we are following the premillennial position. In this lesson, John see more things he is going to report on.

Verses 20: 4 – 6 are interpreted differently by the three positions we have studies in the previous two lessons. In this lesson we will focus on just the premillennial position.

John sees “thrones” but he does not report on how many there are, but he does report that he sees someone sitting on each one, and that they have authority to act as judges. Before an explanation is given concerning who is sitting on the thrones and what they will judge, John reports that he sees the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God. He also sees those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. If you remove the “and” that follows “God,” it then appears that John gives the reason why those souls he sees were beheaded.

John then reports that this group of martyrs “came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” This suggest that this group of martyrs are the ones who John sees sitting on the thrones. Are these the only ones who reign with Jesus Christ?

A search on the internet for an answer to the above question is an exercise in futility as I could not find a definitive answer. Let us turn to Scripture and see if we can make any progress by looking at some verses and asking more questions? If we check the cross reference for “reigned” we obtain the following references: Revelation 20:6, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 22:5, Daniel 7:18, Matthew 20:21, Matthew 20:27, 2 Timothy 2:12, and Psalm 45:16. Revelation 20:6 indicates that those who share in the first resurrection will reign with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 5:9 – 10 indicates that those who were redeemed will reign with Christ for a thousand years. Skipping ahead to 2 Timothy, we find that those who endure will reign with Jesus Christ. From these references it appears that all believers will reign with Jesus Christ during his thousand-year reign, but maybe they will not judge in the same capacity as those martyrs referenced in 20:4.

We need to push on further and will do so in the next lesson.

20:4 Revelation 20:4-6, First and Second Resurrection

In the previous lesson we uncovered some difficult questions which required another lesson to cover. In this lesson we will look further into these questions regarding the thousand-years and the first and second resurrection.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV: “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” Can we not conclude then that after death we will always be with the Lord, and if he is on the earth during the thousand-year period, we will be here also. Exactly what we will do is not clear. Maybe there is a group of us who will be seated on those thrones and will judge, and maybe others will have a different responsibility. Let us continue and we will see.

We now come to another problem. John says, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.” Who exactly are those who come before the “rest of the dead” and who are “the rest of the dead”? Daniel 12:2 (ESV) provides some good direction on this: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.” The “rest of the dead” are those who are unsaved and wake to everlasting contempt. This happens at the second resurrection. Those of the first resurrection are the saved who wake to everlasting life.

Revelation 20:4 – 6 mentions a “first resurrection” and identifies those involved as “blessed and holy.” The “second death” is mentioned in 20:14 and is associated with the “lake of fire.” The first resurrection corresponds to the “resurrection of the just” found in Luke 14:14 and the “resurrection of life” in John 5:29. The first resurrection does not happen at one time but occurs in stages. It began with the resurrection of Jesus Christ being the “first fruits” of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). In Matthew 27:52 – 53 we find the resurrection of Jerusalem saints. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16 is the resurrection when the Lord returns. This may or may not include the resurrection of those martyred and mentioned in Revelation 20:4.

Revelation 20:12 – 13 identifies those who awake to everlasting contempt or the “second death” and come before the “great white throne” for judgment before being cast into the lake of fire (20:14). The “second resurrection” is the raising of all unbelievers at the end of the thousand-year period of time. That second resurrection is referred to the “resurrection of condemnation” by Jesus in John 5:29.

Those who share in the first resurrection have no fear of death because the second death cannot reach them and has no power over them. These (all who are included in the first resurrection) “will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” Does each one have a throne and sit in judgment? It is possible that people will live in small towns and each one that reigns with Jesus Christ will be assigned to one of these towns to rule. The dragon with his demon-controlled people failed, but Jesus Christ with his Spirit controlled believers will be successful. (Just a little speculation!)

20:5 Revelation 20:7-10, Satan Thrown into the Lake of Fire

^20:7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. ⁹And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, ¹⁰and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we finally worked our way through the verses about the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ and his followers. In this lesson we find ourselves at the end of the thousand-year period and about to witness a serious war that resulted in another bad day for Satan, his third. His first was his defeat at the hands of Michael in heaven (12:9), the second was being bound and thrown into the bottomless pit (20:1 – 3), and now he is about to be thrown into the lake of fire to join the beast and false prophet.

Holding to the premillennial position, we have come to the end of a literal thousand-year period of time and we find Satan being released from being imprisoned in the bottomless pit to return to the world and allowed to again deceive the nations that are located at the four corners of the earth. In 7:1 we met four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds. We know the earth is not flat with four corners. This is a metaphor to indicate the four main directions and thus the entire earth.

Gog and Magog are identified in Ezekiel 38. Gog is the name of a leader of the land of Magog, the prince of Meshech and Tubal, territories named after Noah’s grandsons (Gen. 10:1–2). Here “Gog and Magog” are seen as titles of Israel’s pagan oppressors who are being gathered together for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. They come from all over the earth and surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city.

From just a few people at the beginning of the thousand-year period, the earth would now have the greatest population ever and with the reign of Jesus Christ, evil was held under control. By this time there was a great segment of the population that wanted to break free of this control and oppose this world government run by Jesus Christ. Satan was then released to gather the greatest army ever assembled, using the help of Gog and Magog, and to deceive them that they could overcome Jesus Christ and his saints. As they queued up for battle a ring of fire came down from heaven and consumed them. Satan, the devil, who had deceived the nations again was this time thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet have been for the last thousand-years. Clearly, this is not the place one wants to end up at because once there you will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

20:6 Revelation 20:11-15, The End of the Struggle Between Good and Evil

^20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. ¹²And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. ¹³And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. ¹⁴Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. ¹⁵And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11 – 15 ESV)

In the previous lesson, Satan failed again in his attempt to overcome God and ended up in the lake of fire along with the beast and false prophet. It was not specifically said, but it appears that all unsaved people were destroyed at the time of the war at the end of the thousand-year period. In this lesson we begin with John seeing a great white throne with “him” seated on it. The question is, who is “him”?

Before we answer that question, we should stop and remind ourselves that we have witnessed God doing a lot of judging and destruction of enemies, but finally we come to the last judgment and the destruction of death, the last enemy. Once this occurs everything will be ready for all things to become new.

We are now ready to answer the question of who is “him”. It is surprising but the Bible does not give a direct answer. If we look at John 5:22 we see it cannot be the Father because he “judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son.” Acts 10:42 confirms this by stating that “he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.” In 2 Timothy 4:1, Paul states that “Jesus Christ [is the one] who is to judge the living and the dead.” From this there can be no doubt that “him” is the Lord Jesus Christ.

As John sees Jesus Christ seated on the great white throne, he sees the earth and the sky retreating from his presence and disappearing. Then John sees a great multitude being assembled before the throne, described as “the dead, great and small”. The dead were described as coming from the “sea” and from “Death and Hades.” Wherever the dead were found they were brought before the throne. John then sees a set of books and a special book identified as the “book of life.” With everything and everyone in place it is time for the final judgment to start.

Each one was checked against the book of life to verify that there name was not found to insure that they were unsaved. Once that is known they are then judged according to what they had done to determine the severity of punishment. Once all were checked and sentenced, Death and Hades, which now contains all the unsaved, were thrown into the lake of fire to join Satan, the beast, and the false prophet. “This is the second death, the lake of fire.” All others, those who are saved, are already enjoying their time with God in heaven.

This brings us to the end of a very long conflict between good and evil. We are now ready to look ahead to a new heavens and a new earth where there will be no sin.

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Questions with Answers

1. What major events are described in Revelation 20?

Answer:
Revelation 20 records several of the most significant future events in God’s redemptive plan. The chapter begins with Satan being bound in the abyss for one thousand years, preventing him from deceiving the nations (20:1–3). During this time, Christ reigns, and believers who remained faithful—even unto death—share in His kingdom (20:4–6). After the thousand years, Satan is released briefly, deceives the nations once more, gathers them for a final rebellion, and is ultimately defeated by God (20:7–10). The chapter concludes with the Great White Throne Judgment, where the dead are judged according to their works, and anyone not found in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire (20:11–15). These events demonstrate God’s complete victory over evil and His final administration of justice.

2. Why is Satan bound for one thousand years?

Answer:
God binds Satan so that he can no longer deceive the nations during Christ’s millennial reign (20:3). Throughout history, Satan has actively opposed God’s purposes, but during this period his influence is severely restricted. His imprisonment demonstrates God’s absolute sovereignty—Satan is not God’s equal but is subject entirely to His authority. The millennium reveals what the world is like under Christ’s righteous rule without Satan’s deceptive influence.

3. Who is the angel that binds Satan?

Answer:
The angel is not identified by name. He comes from heaven carrying the key to the abyss and a great chain (20:1). The emphasis is not on the angel’s identity but on God’s authority. Even a single angel, acting under God’s command, is sufficient to imprison Satan. This illustrates that Satan’s power is limited and entirely subordinate to God’s sovereign will.

4. What is the significance of the thousand years?

Answer:
The thousand years, often called the Millennium, represent the period during which Christ reigns after His return. Bible scholars differ regarding whether the thousand years should be understood literally or symbolically. Regardless of one’s interpretive view, the passage clearly teaches that Christ’s reign is real, Satan’s influence is restrained, and God’s kingdom is fully established. The millennium demonstrates Christ’s perfect justice, peace, and authority over the earth.

5. Who reigns with Christ during the millennium?

Answer:
John sees believers seated on thrones who have been given authority to judge (20:4). He specifically mentions those who were martyred for their testimony about Jesus and who refused to worship the beast or receive his mark. These faithful believers are raised to life and reign with Christ. Their reward demonstrates that earthly suffering for Christ is temporary, while eternal reward is everlasting.

6. What is the “first resurrection”?

Answer:
The first resurrection refers to the resurrection of those who belong to Christ and share in His reign (20:5–6). Those who participate are called blessed and holy because the second death has no power over them. They become priests of God and of Christ and reign with Him. The first resurrection emphasizes the believer’s victory over death through Jesus Christ.

7. What is meant by the “second death”?

Answer:
The second death refers to eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (20:14). Physical death affects all people because of sin, but those who trust Christ are delivered from eternal judgment. While believers may experience physical death, they will never experience the second death because Christ has secured their eternal salvation.

8. Why is Satan released after the thousand years?

Answer:
After the thousand years Satan is released for a short time to deceive the nations once again (20:7–8). This final rebellion reveals that sinful humanity cannot blame Satan alone for rebellion against God. Even after living under Christ’s righteous reign, many willingly follow Satan when given the opportunity. The release demonstrates the persistent sinfulness of the human heart and the absolute justice of God’s final judgment.

9. Who are Gog and Magog?

Answer:
Gog and Magog symbolize the nations that unite in rebellion against God (20:8). The names recall the prophecy of Ezekiel 38–39, where hostile forces oppose God’s people. Here they represent the worldwide gathering of unbelievers who join Satan in one final attempt to overthrow God’s kingdom. Their rebellion ends immediately when fire comes down from heaven and destroys them.

10. What happens to Satan after the final rebellion?

Answer:
Satan’s defeat is complete and eternal. He is thrown into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet already are (20:10). There he will be tormented forever and ever. This marks the permanent end of Satan’s influence, power, deception, and rebellion. Evil will never rise again.

11. What is the Great White Throne Judgment?

Answer:
The Great White Throne Judgment is God’s final judgment of the unbelieving dead (20:11–15). John sees a magnificent throne before which heaven and earth flee away, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God. Every unbeliever stands before God and is judged according to the record of their deeds. This judgment demonstrates God’s perfect justice, impartiality, and righteousness.

12. What are the books that are opened during the judgment?

Answer:
John describes multiple books being opened, along with another book called the Book of Life (20:12). The books contain the record of every person’s deeds, proving the justice of God’s judgment. The Book of Life contains the names of those who belong to Christ. Salvation is not earned by good works, but good works reveal the reality of one’s relationship with God. Those whose names are absent from the Book of Life face eternal judgment.

13. What is the Book of Life?

Answer:
The Book of Life is God’s record of those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture it symbolizes belonging to God’s redeemed people. Those whose names are written in the Book of Life are spared from the second death because Christ has already borne their judgment on the cross.

14. Why are people judged according to their works if salvation is by grace?

Answer:
Salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human works (Ephesians 2:8–9). However, works provide visible evidence of a person’s spiritual condition. At the Great White Throne, works demonstrate the justice of God’s verdict. They reveal whether a person belonged to Christ or remained in unbelief. Good works never earn salvation, but they testify to genuine faith.

15. What happens to death and Hades?

Answer:
Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire (20:14). Death represents humanity’s final enemy, while Hades is the temporary realm of the dead awaiting final judgment. Their destruction signifies that death itself has been abolished forever. God’s people will never again experience death, sorrow, or separation.

16. What does Revelation 20 teach about God’s justice?

Answer:
The chapter reveals that God’s justice is perfect, complete, and unavoidable. Every act of evil receives its appropriate judgment. Satan, demons, rebellious nations, death, and all unbelief are permanently defeated. God’s judgments are based on truth and righteousness, leaving no room for injustice or partiality. Every person will ultimately answer to the holy Judge of all creation.

17. What hope does Revelation 20 offer believers?

Answer:
Revelation 20 gives believers tremendous hope. It assures them that evil has an appointed end, Satan’s defeat is certain, faithful believers will reign with Christ, and eternal life is secure for those whose names are written in the Book of Life. The chapter reminds Christians that present suffering is temporary, while Christ’s kingdom and eternal fellowship with Him will last forever. It encourages perseverance, faithful witness, and confident trust in God’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and every enemy.

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Chapter 21 – The New Heaven and the New Earth

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 21 marks the beginning of the eternal state, where God’s plan of redemption reaches its glorious fulfillment. Following the final judgment and the passing away of the present heaven and earth, the apostle John sees a new heaven and a new earth, along with the New Jerusalem descending from God. This chapter reveals the complete restoration of creation, the permanent dwelling of God with His redeemed people, and the removal of every effect of sin, suffering, and death. The promises first anticipated throughout the Old Testament and secured through the work of Jesus Christ are now fully realized. Revelation 21 offers believers a breathtaking vision of eternal hope, emphasizing God’s faithfulness, the beauty of His kingdom, the inheritance of the saints, and the unbroken fellowship they will enjoy with Him forever. It serves as one of Scripture’s greatest declarations that God’s redemptive purposes will ultimately triumph, bringing everlasting joy and perfect peace to all who belong to Him.

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Bible Lessons

21:1 Revelation 21:1-4, A New Heaven, Earth, and Jerusalem

^21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ²And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ⁴He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1 – 4 ESV)

With the destruction of the last enemy, death and the last judgment in the previous lesson, the stage is set for the renewal of the entire created order. That would include a new heaven and earth, which would become the perfect home in which Christ would live forever with his bride, the people redeemed from the nations of the first earth through his atoning death.

Having witnessed the destruction of Christ’s enemies, John next notices “a new heaven and a new earth” coming into focus to replace the first ones which sin had damaged. There is a difference of opinion among scholars over whether the heaven and earth are actually new or are restored to a new condition. We are going to side with the new by extrapolating from 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” I know the conclusion is an opinion, but it is plausible.

The new earth needs a new holy city, a new Jerusalem. Instead of building one on earth, God chose to build it in heaven and then have it shipped to earth. John must be excited to watch the city slowly descend, like a rocked returning from space and landing on a floating platform and settle perfectly in a predetermined location as a home prepared for the Lamb’s bride.

As John takes this all in there is something he noticed was missing: “the sea was no more.” Does that mean the new earth had no bodies of water or does it mean something else? Looking at 13:1 – 2, the beast is described as rising out of the sea. The beast was described with animal characteristics as metaphors and so “sea” is also seen as a metaphor. The beast is a person who rises from among the people of the earth, people from which comes rebellion, chaos, and danger. Here John in saying the “sea was no more” may be saying the source of rebellion is no more and will not be a threat to God’s perfect creation. People will no longer be a threat to God.

With the New Jerusalem in place, John hears a loud voice from the throne indicating two important things: (1) the dwelling place of God is now with man and (2) there will be no more suffering.

(1) The greatest blessing for God’s people has been the unhindered fellowship with him in heaven. Now God has come to dwell on earth with man. It will be an eternal unhindered relationship in which they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God. This was made possible when the Son of God humbled himself and took on a body of flesh through a virgin birth. Christ, the Son of God then became the Son of Man, who was fully God and fully Man. This union was crucial in uniting God and mankind. This union was complete when the Spirit of God came to live in us. A body of believers united to Christ as our head and to one another by the Spirit.

(2) Currently, here on earth, there is no end of suffering because of evil and the dying effects do to sin. On the new earth there will be no suffering as expressed by no crying, no death, no mourning, no pain, and no anything that would make us uncomfortable. All these former things are forever gone, except for those forever locked away in the lake of fire who rebelled against God and refused his plan of salvation.

What we have to look forward is beyond comprehension. Please do not rebel against God and refuse his gift of salvation. The living conditions are “top drawer” with God but are really unpleasant away from God. The lake of fire is not a place you want to call home!

21:2 Revelation 21:5-6b, It Is Done!

^21:5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ⁶And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 21:5 – 6b ESV)

In the previous lesson we witnessed the delivery of a new heaven and a new earth. We saw the new Jerusalem arrive and settle on the spot reserved for it and then occupied by God and his people for an eternity of fellowship that cannot be expressed with words. In this lesson we are given the promise that it will happen.

All is quiet as the one seated on the throne speaks, saying, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Do not make the mistake of choosing the wrong throne. Seated on the throne in 4:1 – 6 is God the Father and the one seated on the great white throne is God the Son. The context refers us to the great white throne, so it is Jesus Christ who is making all things new. Besides the new heaven and new earth (21:1), anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away being replaced by the new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The one seated on the throne then speaks to John, giving him instruction to write down what he says. The fact that all things are being made new is a “trustworthy and true” statement. In other words, he is making a promise that he will make all things new.

He then tells John that “it is done!” What is “it” that is done? It is actually two things: (1) the destruction of God’s enemies (20:11 – 15) and (2) the salvation of the saints (20:6).

(1) All who have opposed God, including Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the unsaved, along with “Death and Hades” have been rounded up and judged and sent to spend an eternity in the lake of fire (19:20; 20:10; 21:15; 21:14).

(2) Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our salvation is available to us as a free give: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 ESV). “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV). “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Romans 10:9 – 10 ESV).

The one sitting on the throne identifies himself as “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” Revelation opens with the statement, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 ESV), and then closes with “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 21:6 ESV). In 1:8 the “Alpha and the Omega” is identifies as the “Lord God, the Almighty.”

To those who believe in him will be given several things. We will break here and cover those in the next lesson.

21:3 Revelation 21:9-14, The Holy City Jerusalem

^21:9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, ¹¹having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. ¹²It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— ¹³on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. ¹⁴And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Revelation 21:9 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson we indicated who was able to drink “from the spring of the water of life without payment.” We also saw those who would not be able to and what would happen to them without this water. In this lesson we will focus on the “New Jerusalem” and learn several things about it.

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues returns to speak to John. He says to him, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” The angel then sweeps him off his feet and carries him away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain. After the destruction of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38 – 39), Ezekiel was taken to “a very high mountain” (Ezekiel 40:2 – 3) where he was able to see God’s future temple. On that “very high mountain” John was able to see the “holy city Jerusalem” coming down out of heaven from God. There is disagreement over the meaning of this. Is this a literal city or a symbol that represents the life in heaven of the Lamb’s redeemed people. Could it not mean that Jerusalem is the city where the Bride, the wife of the Lamb will live? John then describes the city he sees, and it is breathtaking.

It has the glory of God with a radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. This description was used to describe God the Father who was sitting on the throne in 4:3. The walls of this great city were built of jasper (21:18) and being clear as crystal it allowed God’s glory to shine through. In 21:23 we are told that “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” What a glorious sight that will be!

The walls of that great city were great, high walls, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed. The measurements of this wall will be given later, and they are most impressive.

Just as the cherubin with a flaming sword guarded the tree of life in Genesis 3:24, there was an angel at each gate to insure protection of those inside. Each gate will be named after one of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel to represent Old Testament believers. To represent New Testament believers the twelve wall foundations were named after the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Those twelve foundations would include the four corners and two in each wall located between the three gates. Naming the foundations after the apostles makes a connection to the foundation of the apostles in Ephesians 2:20. Naming the gates and foundations in this way signifies unity of Old and New Testament believers.

21:4 Revelation 21:15-17, A Very Large City

^21:15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. ¹⁶The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. ¹⁷He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. (Revelation 21:15 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we began our investigation of the holy city Jerusalem and found it to be a city of such great beauty, illuminated by the glory of God. In this lesson we will look at its size and construction in greater detail.

The angel who carried John to the high mountain to see the city is the one who spoke to him and is the one with the gold measuring rod to be used to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city is found to be a square, not a rectangle, as the length and width are the same. It was also noted that the height was the same, but was the shape that of a cube or, as some think, the shape of a pyramid? With the emphasis on “walls” it seems reasonable that the four walls are foursquare creating a cube and not a pyramid.

God is three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. The city has three dimensions: length, width, and height. Since all three lengths are the same, let us refer to them as “L”. The area of the base of the city would be A = L x L or L squared. If the city were a cube then its volume would be V = L x L x L or L cubed. Just as God is referenced as the Father seen in the Son and experienced in the Spirit, the city can be expressed as any dimension cubed. I know that is a play on words, so let us go to 1 Kings 6:20 and look at the inner sanctuary of the temple and see that it is a cube, not a pyramid. It would seem reasonable that the holy city would reflect the shape of the inner sanctuary, not the shape of a structure that is associated with paganism in which the apex of the pyramid is associated with the worship of the sun or the host of heaven.

Accepting the shape to be a cube, we now consider its size. The golden rod, which is an enormous upgrade from the measuring reed Ezekiel used to measure the city he saw (Ezekiel 40:3), was used to measure the city and its three dimensions were found to be 12,000 stadia each. In a measurement system we understand, how long is a “stadia”? A Google search provides a length of approximately 607 feet. One reference went so far as saying its length was 606.95538057743 feet. Let us use 607 feet and express the size of the cube in miles. 607 feet/stadia times 12,000 stadia divided by 5280 feet/mile equals 1380 miles. To get some feel of its size, the average commercial passenger jet aircraft cruises at an altitude of 30,000 to 42,000 feet or between five and eight miles. It is debated among scholars if this dimension is literal or symbolic.

The wall of the city is described to measure 144 cubits. We are faced with what is the length of a cubit and is the dimension given the height or thickness? A cubit is thought to be about 1.5 feet, making the wall to be 216 feet. It is assumed the wall would go all the way to the top of the city, so this figure must be the thickness. A wall 1380 miles tall and 216 feet thick and 1380 miles long at the outside is one gigantic piece of jasper! It is clear that God had an unlimited budget when he built the city if it this size. A literal city of this size raises some overwhelming questions in my mind, but I will not speculate or voice an opinion on this.

21:5 Revelation 21:22-27, The Lamp Is the Lamb

^21:22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. ²³And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. ²⁴By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, ²⁵and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. ²⁶They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. ²⁷But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Revelation 21:22 – 27 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the construction of the wall and the foundations of the city. We considered its gates and its street and felt there were some metaphors being used to describe something we are unable to imagine or understand. My take-a-way is that this city and the bride that occupies it is of immense value and beauty and purity. We continue our study of this city with this lesson and raise some more questions we will not be able to answer.

As John tours the great city, he cannot find a temple and probably asks the angel about that and is then told that the “temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, and the Son of Man, himself is the temple in which God lives among his people. In John 1:14, the Word became flesh and was given the name of Jesus, then in John 2:19 Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” He was referring to his body as the temple. In addition to this 1 Corinthians 3:16 – 17 makes it clear that we as a believer are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us. Two great reasons why John could not find a temple as a building there in the city.

Another observation John makes is the source of light for the city. With God dwelling within the city and because of its transparent nature, his glory provides the necessary light and because it is constant and so bright, John comments that there is no need for an outside source of light from the sun or moon. The source of light is further described as coming from the Lamb. In our study of John, we heard Jesus say, “I am the light of the world” and if we walk with him we “will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). We cannot begin to understand “the light of his glory” but one day we will.

This city is so big and the light is so bright that by its light the nations will walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into the city. Who are these people and where did they come from? There may be a connection with Isaiah 60:3 – 5 ESV: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.”

We are then given the assurance that “nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (21:27). These people who are seen coming into the city is a visual of God’s people coming to the city as their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

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Questions with Answers

1. What major event does Revelation 21 describe?

Answer:
Revelation 21 describes the eternal state that follows God’s final judgment. After the destruction of the present heaven and earth (Revelation 20), John sees “a new heaven and a new earth” where righteousness dwells. He also sees the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, signifying God’s eternal dwelling place with His redeemed people. This chapter marks the complete fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, where sin, death, sorrow, and suffering are forever removed.

2. Why does John say the “first heaven and the first earth had passed away”?

Answer:
The present creation has been affected by the curse of sin since the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). God promises not merely to repair the old creation but to replace it with a completely renewed creation that is free from every effect of sin. This new creation reflects God’s perfect holiness and righteousness and serves as the eternal home of believers.

3. What is the significance of there being “no more sea”?

Answer:
The statement “there was no more sea” has been understood in several ways. The sea often symbolizes chaos, danger, evil, and separation throughout Scripture. For John’s original readers, the sea also represented separation because John himself was exiled on the island of Patmos. Whether taken symbolically or literally, the message is that everything associated with fear, unrest, separation, and rebellion against God has been removed from God’s eternal kingdom.

4. What is the New Jerusalem?

Answer:
The New Jerusalem is the glorious eternal city prepared by God for His redeemed people. It is called “the holy city” and is described as a bride beautifully adorned for her husband because it represents both the dwelling place of God’s people and the people themselves in covenant relationship with Christ. The city reflects God’s holiness, beauty, perfection, and eternal presence.

5. What does it mean that God will dwell with His people?

Answer:
Throughout Scripture, God desired to dwell among His people. His presence filled the tabernacle, later the temple, and ultimately became visible through Jesus Christ, who was “God with us.” In Revelation 21 this promise reaches its fullest expression. God’s people enjoy direct, unhindered fellowship with Him forever. Nothing separates them from His presence because sin has been completely removed.

6. Why are there no more tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain?

Answer:
These are all consequences of humanity’s fall into sin. Since sin has been judged and removed forever, every result of sin also disappears. Death itself has been cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). God’s redeemed people will experience perfect joy, peace, health, and fellowship throughout eternity.

7. What does God mean when He says, “Behold, I make all things new”?

Answer:
God is declaring the complete renewal of His creation. His work of redemption is comprehensive. He restores everything that sin corrupted. This includes creation, humanity, relationships, worship, and fellowship with Himself. God’s plan is not temporary improvement but eternal restoration and perfection.

8. Why does God identify Himself as “Alpha and Omega”?

Answer:
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The title emphasizes that God is the beginning and the end of all things. He is sovereign over history, eternal in nature, and faithful to complete every promise He has made. Nothing exists outside His authority or control.

9. Who receives the water of life freely?

Answer:
The invitation is given to those who thirst. Spiritual thirst represents recognizing one’s need for God and His salvation. Throughout Scripture, God freely offers eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. Salvation is a gift of grace, not something earned through human effort.

10. What inheritance is promised to those who overcome?

Answer:
Those who overcome are believers who remain faithful to Christ through genuine saving faith. Their inheritance includes eternal life, fellowship with God, citizenship in the New Jerusalem, freedom from death, and participation in God’s eternal kingdom. God declares, “I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”

11. Why does Revelation 21 also list those excluded from the New Jerusalem?

Answer:
The list contrasts those who belong to Christ with those who reject Him. The cowardly, unbelieving, immoral, idolaters, and liars represent lives characterized by unrepentant rebellion against God. Their eternal destiny is the lake of fire, described as the second death. The contrast highlights both God’s justice and His holiness.

12. Why is the New Jerusalem called “the Bride, the Lamb’s wife”?

Answer:
Throughout the New Testament, the Church is portrayed as the Bride of Christ. The city represents the eternal home of God’s redeemed people and reflects their perfect union with Christ. Just as a bride is beautifully prepared for her wedding, God’s people have been perfectly prepared for eternal fellowship with their Savior.

13. Why are there twelve gates and twelve foundations?

Answer:
The twelve gates bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, while the twelve foundations bear the names of the twelve apostles. Together they symbolize the unity and completeness of God’s redeemed people throughout both the Old and New Covenants. God’s plan of redemption has always centered on one people redeemed through faith.

14. Why are the dimensions of the city so enormous?

Answer:
The city measures approximately 12,000 stadia in length, width, and height, forming a perfect cube. The immense size emphasizes the vastness of God’s eternal kingdom and His abundant provision for His people. The cube also recalls the Most Holy Place in the Old Testament temple, symbolizing that the entire city is the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwells continually.

15. Why are precious stones, gold, and pearls used to describe the city?

Answer:
These materials communicate beauty, purity, value, permanence, and glory. Human language struggles to describe heavenly realities, so John uses the most magnificent materials known to express the indescribable splendor of God’s eternal dwelling place.

16. Why is there no temple in the New Jerusalem?

Answer:
The earthly temple existed as the place where God’s presence was uniquely manifested. In eternity, no separate temple is needed because God’s presence fills the entire city. Every believer enjoys direct fellowship with God and the Lamb at all times without barriers or intermediaries.

17. Why does the city need no sun or moon?

Answer:
God’s glory itself illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. This demonstrates that God’s presence is the ultimate source of life, truth, and light. The glory of God surpasses every created source of illumination.

18. What does it mean that the gates are never shut?

Answer:
In ancient cities, gates were closed for protection against enemies. The open gates of the New Jerusalem signify complete and eternal security. There are no enemies, no danger, and no possibility of evil entering God’s eternal kingdom.

19. Who may enter the New Jerusalem?

Answer:
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life may enter. This emphasizes that entrance into God’s eternal kingdom comes only through salvation provided by Jesus Christ. Eternal citizenship is based on God’s grace received through faith in the Lamb who was slain.

20. What is the central message of Revelation 21?

Answer:
Revelation 21 proclaims the glorious completion of God’s redemptive plan. Everything lost through sin is fully restored through Christ. God dwells forever with His redeemed people in a perfect creation where righteousness reigns, death is abolished, sorrow is gone, and fellowship with God is complete. The chapter offers believers hope, assurance, and encouragement to remain faithful, knowing that God’s eternal promises will be fulfilled exactly as He has declared.

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Chapter 22 – The River of Life and Christ’s Final Invitation

Chapter Index

Chapter Introduction
Bible Lessons
Chapter Questions

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Chapter Introduction

Revelation 22 concludes both the book of Revelation and the entire biblical canon by presenting the final vision of God’s eternal kingdom. John describes the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, the tree of life bearing fruit for the healing of the nations, and the complete removal of every curse brought by sin. God’s servants will dwell forever in His presence, worship Him, and reign with Him throughout eternity. The chapter also contains Christ’s repeated promise, “I am coming quickly,” calling believers to faithful obedience, holy living, and eager expectation of His return. It ends with a solemn invitation for all who thirst to come and receive the water of life freely, a warning against altering God’s revealed Word, and the church’s heartfelt prayer: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22 leaves believers with the assurance that God’s redemptive plan is complete, His promises are certain, and eternal fellowship with Him awaits all who belong to Jesus Christ.

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Bible Lessons

22:1 Revelation 22:1-5, A Personal Note

^22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ²through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. ⁴They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. ⁵And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:1 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the light source for the city and those who were coming into the city. In this lesson we look at some final details about the city.

The angel continues to show John around the city and next showed him “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.” The description of a river in the middle of the street reminds me of a mountain city I visited while in China. There was this river that began up in the mountains and flowed to a place where a city was built on both sides of it. They decided to construct its main street with the river running down its median with one way traffic on both sides. Here in Revelation, the river began at the throne of God and the Lamb and flowed down the middle of the street.

As I continued to think about what to write, my frustration grew over what John was not telling us and in the questions we could not answer. With the clock in my office showing almost two in the middle of the night, I headed back to bed to get some needed sleep and on the way the parables of Jesus came to mind. That is when I realized what was happening. The purpose of a parable is to teach a truth but at the same time hide it from certain people. Each parable Jesus taught contained a physical part and a spiritual part. For example, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” To the Pharisees, they could not understand what being born again meant, but the believer knew it meant being born spiritually.

When we consider what John is saying about the city the angel is showing him, from a physical standpoint there is much that does not make sense, but when spiritual considerations are included we find there is spiritual truth being taught. The volumes of speculations trying to explain in the physical has blinded me (us) to spiritual considerations. My students wanted to hear the latest speculation which did not advance the truth John was teaching, and so in frustration, I walked away from Revelation, and now twenty years later I am writing these lessons and now realizing that much of this speculation is viewed as fact, I realize that a barrier has formed, prevent us from seeing the truth God wants us to learn.

You may remember my frustration when we met the twenty-four elders (4:4) and the four living creatures (4:6) and refused to speculate who they were. Instead, I wanted to know what I could learn from them. The four living creatures were close to God and alert to what was going on. They continually gave glory and honor and thanks to God and when they did the twenty-four elders fell down to worship. When I was willing to push aside speculation and look for the spiritual application, I saw that God wanted me to give glory and honor and thanks to him and to spend more time in worship of him. The result was a closer walk for me with him.

I am grieved that it has taken this long for a real breakthrough in this for me. Underneath the volumes of speculation lay a foundation of spiritual truth that is so desperately needed by Christians in these later days as persecution draws closer to the west. With the focus on the rapture positions these truths are not seen as important and are left hidden. There will be a multitude of believers in the tribulation period, which might include me and you, who need to understand these truths. The application mentioned above is a start. We all need to be less of the world and bring more glory and honor and thanks to God and to truly worship him.

I am sensing the Spirit asking me to back up to 21:9 and make some additional comments on 21:9 – 27 before going any further with chapter 22. We will cover these comments in the next lesson.

22:2 Revelation 22:1-5, Born-Again Characteristics

In the previous lesson we hit a bump in the road and needed to stop for repairs. (This reminds me of many bumps our driver hit at much too high a speed as we traveled in the mountains of China to a particular school. She also managed to break a spring and destroyed the brakes, but we lived through it.) As those repairs were being made on our imaginary vehicle in the previous lesson, we thought about Jesus teaching with parables and saw a possible application to Revelation. A parable is a method of teaching at two levels. The example given was being born again. That makes no sense to the unbeliever, but to the believer it provides access to eternal life. In Revelation what is not understood at the born-again level, produces speculation, but what is understood unlocks spiritual truths that are and will be needed by Christians in their walk with the Lord, especially under severe persecution. The example given was speculation about who the twenty-four elders and four living creatures were and then missing the application of giving glory and honor and thanks to God and our worship of him. In this lesson we will return to 21:9 – 27 and make some additional comments.

A possible spiritual consideration is found at 21:9 when the angel says to John, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” and then in 21:10 he shows John “the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.” When looking at “the holy city Jerusalem” there is much speculation in trying to describe or explain it and failure to see the importance of it being referred to as “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” When considering this relationship, it is possible that certain aspects of the city become metaphors and not something to be explained physically.

Another thing to consider is that names contain meaning. My wife and I chose the names of our children based on the meaning of the name. The twelve gates were each named as were the foundations. These names draw connections back to both “the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel” (21:12) and “the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (21:14).

In 21:15, we come to size which has produced much speculation about its construction and function. A physical birth is something we all understand, but spiritual birth is not understood because it is a different dimension. Is there a different dimension to this city that the physical cannot yet understand. The city will have some physical characteristics as it is a city, but since at the same time it is referred to as the Bride it also has “born-again characteristics” which may cause shape and size to be metaphors. Try to place a city that is 1380 miles square in Israel. Think about describing the physical body and then try to describe the resurrected body. Describing that resurrected body is like trying to describe this city John sees coming down from heaven. The best we can do is to use metaphors. What will my resurrected body be like is in the same realm as what will this city be like?

Describing the materials used from which the city is constructed as precious jewels that are crystal clear may refer more to characteristics of the Bride that to the city. What is the value of the Bride? Is it not the value of the life and blood of the Lamb? Might not the crystal-clear properties of the city reflect the purity of the Bride.

The city is found to have no temple because it is a temple, because God dwells within, just as we, members of the Bride, are temples because God in the Spirit lives within us. The city is illuminated and radiates light to the nations “for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” It is most likely that our resurrected bodies will also radiate the light of God’s glory. Reference to the city as a “Bride” clearly brings in born again considerations and seals its understanding from those without born again faith. Only those who are born again and thus have resurrected bodies and live in a born-again dimension can have access to this amazing city.

More will be said in the next lesson when we encounter the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.

22:3 Revelation 22:1-2, Water and Tree of Life

In the previous lesson we began to realize the new Jerusalem John saw coming down to earth from heaven contained born-again characteristics and required a broad understanding of Scripture to understand. The city is as different from cities we know today as the resurrected body is from our present physical body. The transformation in both cases will be astounding. In this lesson we are faced with the possibility of some more metaphors or relationships to the born-again realm.

The angel takes John to the river that flows through the city. (Do not even try to explain how a river flows through a city like this one.) The angel describes the river as the “river of the water of life” and then goes on to explain that it is bounded on both sides with the “tree of life.” These two items remind us of Genesis 2:8 – 10 ESV: “And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.” Ezekiel 47:1 speaks of water from below the threshold of the temple; Zechariah 14:3 speaks of water flowing from Jerusalen, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea; and Psalm 46:4 speaks of a river whose “streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.” These references suggest that life and refreshment flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In 21:6, those who thirst can drink from the spring of the water of life provided by the Lord.

This flow of water has a link to the Holy Spirit. From John 4:10 – 14, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that he can supply “living water” that will quench her thirst, and if anyone drinks of that water it will become in that person a spring of water welling up to eternal life. In John 7:38 – 39, that living water is referred to by Jesus as the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel speaks of “clean water” in relationship to a “new heart” and a “new spirit” and an “obedient heart” (Ezekiel 36:25 – 27). In Revelation 22:17 is the call to come and “take of the water of life without price.” The martyrs of Revelation 6:9 – 11 as well as believers today can take of this living water, but its fullness will not be realized until the time of the new heavens and the new earth. The ever-flowing river here in the city is a picture of a continuous flow of abundant blessing and joy we will experience forever. The “tree of life” was once banned from us because of our sin (Genesis 3:22 – 24) will one day satisfy the residents of this great city with a variety of fruit (Revelation 2:7). The leaves of those trees were for the healing of the nations that was completed with the destruction of death (Revelation 20:14 and Ezekiel 47:12).

We do not know how the river flows through the city but we do know what it represents. Even today we as born-again believers can enjoy this “living water” and the “tree of life” as God as Spirit dwells within each of us and provides for our needs and our enjoyment.

22:4 Revelation 22:3-5, We Will See the Face of God

^22:3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. ⁴They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. ⁵And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:3 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we refused to speculate on how the river flowed through the city, and instead looked at the significance of meaning for “living water” and the “tree of life” in connection to believers. In this lesson we consider the throne of God and those who can come before it.

Going back to Genesis 3:17 we see the earth and humans were cursed by God because of our disobedience, but in Zechariah 14:11, God gives a promise that one day the residents of Jerusalem will dwell in security. The day is coming when the tears of suffering will be gone “and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4 ESV). With the final judgment being against “Death” there is nothing left that is not pure.

In 21:22 we learned that the city had no physical temple because the temple was the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. In a sense the whole city was a temple. Here we are told that the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, as the city will be the dwelling place of God (21:3). As priests, his servants will serve him in the temple (7:15), which as stated above is the whole city.

“They will see his face and live,” not like in the days of Moses when man could not see the face of God and live (Exodus 33:20 – 23). Once our sanctification is complete and we are clothed with our resurrected bodies, we as his redeemed will be able to come before God and see his face. That will be such a special time because in addition to seeing his face, his name will be on our foreheads, which seals us as his protected possessions.

Since God will dwell within the city his glory will aluminate it (21:23) and thus “night will be no more” (21:25). As a result, the city will need no light of lamp or sun to provide light because “the Lord God will be their light.”

We will not only worship the Lord God as priests, but we will also reign with him forever and ever. This was prophesied by Daniel: “But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever” (Daniel 7:18 ESV). Paul also speaks of this in Romans 5:17 ESV: “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one-man Jesus Christ.” In 2 Timothy 2:12, Paul adds: “If we endure, well will also reign with him.”

This brings our study of Revelation up to the final section in which we have the promise that these things we have studies will soon take place and that the Lord Jesus is coming.

22:5 Revelation 22:6-9, Trustworthy and True Words

^22:6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. ⁷And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

^22:8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, ⁹but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:6 – 9 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the main body of Revelation. With this lesson we begin the process of bringing our study to a conclusion.

The angel again speaks and tells John that the words given to him throughout Revelation can be trusted because they are “trustworthy and true.” When God says he is going to do something, he will do it. This began way back in Genisis 1:3 when God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” His words are pure words (Psalm 12:6), they will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8), they are words to live by (Matthew 4:4), they will not pass away (Matthew 24:35), and they are words of eternal life (John 6:68).

The Lord that is providing these words is the same God who inspired the ancient prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place, and has chosen John as his instrument to make these things known. Things have already started, as we can tell by listening to the nightly news, but there are events that extend into the future, and into the distant future, and into eternity.

It has been reported that Jesus is coming soon, but now over two thousand years later, people are beginning to ask, “when will he come?” Peter responds to these scoffers by saying, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9 ESV) Understand, the day is coming when he will arrive. As we patiently wait let us diligently be about doing our assigned work (Ephesians 2:10), and especially to keep the words of the prophecy of Revelation.

What a blessing it has been for me to write these lessons, and now for a further blessing as I practice what I have learned. I think my greatest take-a-way from the study of Revelation has been the importance of pushing away from the volumes of speculation that do not advance the truth but build walls that hinder our understanding of the spiritual content that is so important for end times living.

John then confesses that he was so overwhelmed by what he heard and saw that he again falls down at the feet of the angel who was showing him these things and worshiped him. That was a wrong response, as we are to worship only God. The angel said to John, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” This is the second time John has made this mistake. The first was in 19:10.

“Worship God” is a command and was given in Matthew 4:10 by Jesus when he was being tested in the wilderness. When Satan asked for his worship, Jesus told him to be gone and said, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” This does not come naturally to our fallen nature and thus requires diligence on our part to maintain a heart of worship towards God.

22:6 Revelation 22:10-15, Blood and Two Groups of People

^22:10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. ¹¹Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

^22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. ¹³I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

^22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. ¹⁵Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (Revelation 22:10 – 15 ESV)

In the previous lesson it was made clear that the words delivered to John were “trustworthy and true” and that it is important that they be obeyed. In this lesson John is given a command.

The angel has John’s attention, and unlike the instruction given to Daniel in Daniel 12:4 and 9, he tells John not to seal up the prophecy given to him because the time is near, not distant as it was in Daniel’s day. The time is near because the dragon was defeated when Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the grave overcoming the power of death. That defeat was more fully realized when he and his angels were overcome by Michael and his angels and was cast out of heaven (12:7), when he was bound and locked into the bottomless pit for a thousand years (20:1 – 3), and then when he was cast into the lake of fire (20:10).

The angel then said some interesting words: “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” This reminds me of the parable of the wheat and the weeds when the servants wanted to go and gather out the weeds from the wheat. The Master said, “No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (Matthew 13:29 – 30 ESV). Just as it is today the evildoer still does evil, and the filthy is still filthy, and hopefully the righteous still does right, and the holy remains holy.”

When we come to 22:12, the speaking switches from the angel to Jesus Christ as seen in 22:13 with his identification of being “the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” In these two verses, Jesus confirms his deity and that he is coming soon. Since over two-thousand years have passed, we can interpret “soon” as being closer to his return than before.

When he comes he is bringing his recompense with him. Isaiah says he “comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him” (Isaiah 40:10 ESV). In Isaiah 62:11 (ESV), Isaiah says, “Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.’” For the unsaved, that recompense will be severe as we find in Isaiah 63:6 ESV: “I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”

The Lord’s reward is abundant for “Blessed those who have washed their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” The only ones who can enter by the gates are those who names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (21:27). In Hebrews 9:22 (ESV), we are told: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” To provide us with forgiveness and salvation, Jesus needed to shed his blood on a cross, to provide the blood necessary to cleanse us of our sin. Because of our sin our garments are filthy and will remain that way unless we come to Jesus Christ in faith and experience being born again. Through that experience we become a new creation in Christ and are given a clean robe to wear. In Isaiah 61:10, we are told to rejoice, “for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” (This blessing of having a clean robe is the last of the seven blessings in Revelation. The others are found at 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 10:6, and 22:7.)

Those who are not allowed to enter the city are referred to as “the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” These are the ones whose robes are soiled and because of their pride they will not humble themselves before the Lord Jesus Christ and be cleansed in his blood. These will continue to live under Satan’s falsehoods, ignoring the opportunities to accept the gift of salvation, they journey on to eternal torment.

22:7 Revelation 22:16, Things for the Churches

^22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at two groups of people: (1) those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and have access to the tree of life located within the city, and (2) those who see it as foolishness to think they need to be washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. Ones relationship to the shed blood of Jesus Christ determines which group you are in and determines whether you have access to the city or whether you will continue on to eternal torment. In this lesson we come to an important statement from Jesus Christ.

We began this study of Revelation on 2/8/2021 with God selecting John to receive instruction about things that must soon take place and make these things known to his servants (1:1). When we arrived at 22:6 we were told that the words given to John were “trustworthy and true.” Here in 22:16, it is made clear that these things are for the churches. As most western Christians believe in a pre-trib rapture, then how would these things pertain to the churches which would then be in heaven. Whenever you have Christians fellowshipping together on earth, you have a church. When I bring my experience with persecution in Asia to this study and consider this statement that these things are for the churches, I find it impossible to not believe the church has a critical task during the tribulation time and for them Revelation will be their handbook. We, in the west need to set aside our idols of comfort, security, and safety and come to grips with the possibility that death, not a rapture, is how we are kept from the hour of trial (3:10; 14:13). Christians in countries of persecution are dying daily for their faith and now rest in heaven from their labors. Having worked in underground schools in Asia and once coming very close to being arrested, I realize how unprepared we are in the west for our possible day of persecution.

Jesus then lists three things that validates his importance in prophecy. In Matthew 1:1 – 16 is the genealogy of Jesus Christ starting with Abraham and goes to king David and then on to the birth of Jesus “who is called Christ.” This provides us with a view of the root from which Jesus Christ comes. As the genealogy grows, the line can be traced from David to Jesus. The “bright morning star” carries several meanings. First, it conveys the idea of deity. The ancient world placed its faith in the stars, but we are to place ours in the one who made the stars. Second, it conveys the idea of hope. Peter said, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19 ESV). In Christ, we have the hope of one day enjoying the light of the glory of our Lord. Third, it conveys the idea of Jesus as our king. Balam spoke of this in Numbers 24:17 ESV: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Jesus shall come out of Jacob and symbolizes the dominion of the Messiah.

22:8 Revelation 22:17-20, A Serious Warning

^22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

^22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, ¹⁹and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

^22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Romans 22:17 – 20 ESV)

In the previous lesson an uncomfortable thought was expressed in connection with “these things [are] for the churches.” That possibility of entering the tribulation the western church would rather not think about. In this lesson we have the invitation to come.

Both the Spirit and the Bride of the Lamb extend an invitation to “Come” then we who hear and come and become part of the Bride, are to extend the invitation to others to come. If those who are spiritually thirsty would come they would experience great benefit, for they will be able to drink from “the spring of the water of life without payment” (Revelation 21:6). “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37 ESV). Isaiah said to those who have no money, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1 ESV).

Once the invitation to “come” is made there follows a warning from Jesus Christ to those who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. Under no condition are they to add words or to remove words, for it they do judgment for them will follow. To those who add words, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and to those who take away words, God will take away his opportunity to enter the gates of the holy city to partake of the fruit of the tree of life. Both conditions seem to suggest an eternity of torment as an unbeliever.

This kind of warning is not new. Moses warned against adding or subtracting from God’s commands: “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV), and “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32 ESV). God also warns the prophet who presumes to speak a word in his name when he has not been commanded to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die (Deuteronomy 18:20). We must study God’s word and when we do we have “no need to be ashamed when we rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

It is Jesus who testifies to these things and it is he who says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Is that a statement of imminence or of an unforeseen time? After the ascension of Jesus at the beginning of Acts, I accept the imminence of the return of Jesus Christ but not at any-moment. I am safe in saying that Jesus will return at an unforeseen time. I say this because the New Testament predicts that many events must occur before his return which would necessitate delays. Consider the following possibilities:

(1) In Matthew 24:14 is the requirement to proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world; In Matthew 28:19 is the command to “go and make disciples of all nations;” In Acts 1:8 is the command to be a witness to the end of the earth; and in Acts 22:21 is the command to take the gospel to the Gentiles. To carry out this great commission demands some delay.

(2) In John 21:18 – 19 and 2 Peter 1:14, delay was required for Peter to become old.

(3) From Luke 21:23 – 38 the destruction of Jerusalem and the distribution of Jews into all the nations until the times of the Gentiles had to take place before his return. During that time believers could not expect an any-moment return.

(4) In Acts 9:15, Paul was commissioned to carry the gospel before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. That would require a delay.

(5) Most of the above delays are over but there is one more consideration. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1 – 12, Paul stated that” the day of the Lord would not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” (2:3 – 4). We are watching events play out in the nightly news, bringing us closer to his return. How many more events are there is not known, but they are causing his delay and support the idea of his return at an unforeseen time, not at any-moment.

As we “patiently” wait for his return, we pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” and we claim his promise of “Surely I am coming soon.”

We will leave the final verse for the next lesson.

22:9 Revelation 22:21, His Grace

^22:21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21 ESV)

In the previous lesson we got sidetracked and pursued some thoughts on the Lord’s “soon” return and left the last verse for this lesson.

John closes his letter with the statement: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” Why might this grace be necessary? It is clear from our study that Christians will experience persecution within the tribulation period, just as they are today and will need God’s grace to press on. In 13:7 the beast was given permission “to make war on the saints and to conquer them.” In 6:9 we saw those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne, crying out for revenge. As death comes to believers during this horrible time we hear a blessing pronounced: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on” (14:13). This is indeed an act of God’s grace. If we should find ourselves alive in the tribulation period, we will find his grace to be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We have come to the end of our formal study of Revelation and the end of our main line of study that started on 02/22/2015 with the gospel of John. When completing that study, I felt led to write lessons on a time harmonization of the gospels, which led into a study of Acts, and then into this study of Revelation. This main series of study took us from eternity past to eternity future. At the same time, we had a parallel series of various letters of the New Testament. That series was temporary stopped at the end of 2 Corinthians on 7/4/2021 allowing me to concentrate on finishing up our study on Revelation.

Now that we have finished Revelation, plans are to return to the next letter of Paul that would follow 2 Corinthians, and that being Romans, a lengthy and doctrinally deep writing of 434 verses which will require approximately 145 lessons. Following Romans we have Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy, and Hebrews to cover, in that order, for a total of 1358 verses including Romans. If we were to average three verses per lesson, it would take us approximately fifteen months to finish the New Testament. I look forward to our journey through those letters. Bring a friend and enjoy a time of spiritual growth, maybe even salvation for some.

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Questions with Answers

1. What is the significance of the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb? (Revelation 22:1–2)

The river of the water of life symbolizes the eternal life, continual blessing, and perfect satisfaction that come directly from God. Unlike earthly rivers that can dry up or become polluted, this river is pure and life-giving because it flows from God’s throne. It fulfills the promises found in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10) and the prophetic vision of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 47:1–12). The presence of the Lamb alongside God the Father emphasizes that eternal life is made available through Jesus Christ. God’s redeemed people will forever enjoy His sustaining presence.

2. Why is the Tree of Life mentioned again in the final chapter of the Bible? (Revelation 22:2)

The Tree of Life first appeared in the Garden of Eden before humanity sinned (Genesis 2:9). After Adam and Eve’s disobedience, access to the tree was removed (Genesis 3:22–24). Revelation shows that through Christ’s redemption, what was lost in Eden has been fully restored. The tree bears twelve kinds of fruit continually, demonstrating God’s abundant and unending provision. The leaves are described as “for the healing of the nations,” not because sickness still exists, but because they symbolize complete wholeness, peace, and the perfect restoration of all creation.

3. What does it mean that “there shall be no more curse”? (Revelation 22:3)

The curse entered the world through Adam’s sin (Genesis 3). It brought death, suffering, pain, disease, hardship, and separation from God. Revelation announces the complete removal of every consequence of sin. Nothing sinful, broken, or harmful will ever exist again. God’s people will enjoy perfect fellowship with Him forever without fear, sorrow, temptation, or death.

4. What is the importance of believers seeing God’s face? (Revelation 22:4)

Throughout Scripture, sinful humanity could not fully behold God’s glory without dying (Exodus 33:20). In eternity, however, believers are completely redeemed and glorified. They will see God face to face in perfect fellowship. This represents the highest blessing of heaven—not merely its beauty or rewards, but the unhindered presence of God Himself. His name on their foreheads signifies complete ownership, security, and eternal belonging.

5. Why will there be no more night in the New Jerusalem? (Revelation 22:5)

Night often represents darkness, fear, uncertainty, evil, and separation. In God’s eternal kingdom, these realities disappear forever. God’s glory provides continual light, eliminating every shadow. There will never again be fear, danger, or uncertainty. His people will reign with Him forever in uninterrupted fellowship and joy.

6. Why does the angel emphasize that these words are “faithful and true”? (Revelation 22:6)

The angel assures John—and every reader—that Revelation is completely trustworthy because it originates with God. Many of its prophecies concern future events that had not yet occurred when John wrote them. God guarantees that every promise and every warning will be fulfilled exactly as written. Believers can therefore place complete confidence in God’s Word.

7. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Behold, I am coming quickly”? (Revelation 22:7)

The word “quickly” emphasizes certainty and suddenness rather than immediate timing according to human expectations. Christ’s return is always imminent, meaning believers should continually live in readiness. When His return begins, the remaining prophetic events will unfold according to God’s perfect plan. Jesus calls His followers to faithful obedience while they await His coming.

8. Why is keeping the words of this prophecy emphasized? (Revelation 22:7)

Revelation was never intended merely to satisfy curiosity about future events. It is meant to transform the lives of believers. Keeping its words involves believing its message, remaining faithful to Christ, rejecting compromise with the world, enduring persecution, and living with hope. True understanding always produces faithful obedience.

9. Why does the angel refuse John’s worship? (Revelation 22:8–9)

John is overwhelmed by the visions and instinctively falls before the angel. The angel immediately redirects worship to God alone. Even the highest angels are servants of God and fellow servants alongside believers. This passage strongly teaches that worship belongs exclusively to God. No angel, saint, or created being should ever receive worship.

10. Why is Revelation not to be sealed? (Revelation 22:10)

Unlike Daniel, who was instructed to seal his prophecy until a future time (Daniel 12:4), John is told not to seal Revelation because “the time is at hand.” God’s people need its message immediately. Every generation of believers is called to live in expectation of Christ’s return and to understand God’s plan for history.

11. What is meant by “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still”? (Revelation 22:11)

This verse describes the permanence of one’s spiritual condition when Christ returns. Opportunities for repentance will eventually end. Those who continually reject Christ will remain under judgment, while those who belong to Christ will remain righteous forever. The verse underscores the urgency of responding to the gospel while there is still time.

12. Why does Jesus say He brings His reward with Him? (Revelation 22:12)

Salvation is entirely by grace through faith, but believers will receive rewards for faithful service. Christ knows every act of obedience, sacrifice, and faithfulness. At His return He will reward His servants according to their works, not to determine salvation, but to recognize faithful stewardship and service.

13. What does Jesus mean by being “the Alpha and the Omega”? (Revelation 22:13)

Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus declares Himself to be the eternal God who exists before all things and remains after all things. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Consummator of history. Everything begins with Him and reaches its fulfillment in Him.

14. Who has the right to enter the city and eat from the Tree of Life? (Revelation 22:14)

Those who have been cleansed through faith in Christ are granted entrance into God’s eternal city. Their “robes” have been washed through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, making them righteous before God. Their access to the Tree of Life demonstrates complete restoration and eternal fellowship with God.

15. Why are certain people described as remaining outside the city? (Revelation 22:15)

The list describes people whose lives are characterized by unrepentant rebellion against God. It is not identifying isolated sins but persistent lifestyles that reject God’s authority and refuse His grace. The contrast emphasizes that only those redeemed by Christ will dwell in God’s eternal kingdom.

16. Why does Jesus identify Himself as both the Root and the Offspring of David? (Revelation 22:16)

Jesus is both David’s Creator (“Root”) and David’s descendant (“Offspring”). This reveals both His deity and His humanity. As God, He existed before David; as man, He was born from David’s royal line, fulfilling God’s covenant promises concerning the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1; Matthew 1:1).

17. What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the Bright and Morning Star? (Revelation 22:16)

The morning star appears just before dawn, announcing that a new day is coming. Jesus is the One who brings the end of sin’s darkness and ushers in God’s eternal kingdom. He is the believer’s hope, assuring that eternal glory is certain.

18. What invitation is given in Revelation 22:17?

The Holy Spirit and the Bride invite everyone to come to Christ. This is one of Scripture’s final gospel invitations. Anyone who recognizes their spiritual thirst may freely receive the water of life through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is offered by grace without cost to all who believe.

19. Why is there such a strong warning against adding to or taking away from Revelation? (Revelation 22:18–19)

God’s Word is complete, authoritative, and sufficient. Altering its message distorts God’s truth and misleads others. The severe warning demonstrates the seriousness of preserving Scripture faithfully. Although directed specifically toward Revelation, the principle reflects God’s concern throughout Scripture that His Word not be changed or corrupted.

20. Why does Revelation conclude with the prayer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”? (Revelation 22:20)

This prayer expresses the longing of every faithful believer for Christ’s return. Throughout history, Christians have lived with the hope that Jesus will one day complete His work of redemption, judge evil, establish perfect righteousness, and dwell forever with His people. The final prayer reflects eager expectation, confidence in God’s promises, and joyful anticipation of eternal fellowship with Christ.

21. What is the central message of Revelation 22?

Revelation 22 brings the entire Bible to its glorious conclusion. The chapter reveals the full restoration of what was lost in Eden, the eternal presence of God with His redeemed people, the certainty of Christ’s return, the final invitation to receive salvation, and the solemn warning to remain faithful to God’s Word. It leaves believers with enduring hope, calling them to holy living, steadfast obedience, and joyful expectation as they await the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Bible begins with creation in a garden and ends with a redeemed creation where God dwells forever with His people, demonstrating that His redemptive plan has reached its perfect completion.

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