Again John looks away from what is happening on earth. He sees a "mighty angel" approaching from heaven. The angel stands, straddling earth and sea and holds a "little scroll" (10:1-2). The announcement made at his appearance is sealed—kept secret (vv. 3-4). Yet it is no secret that "there will be no more delay": the day of judgment foretold by the Old Testament prophets has come (vv. 5-7). John is then told to take the scroll the angel holds and "eat" it. As a result of being prepared by appropriating God's Word, John is told to speak out again, describing events that will affect "many peoples, nations, languages, and kings" (vv. 8-11).
The believer’s personal application: Take advantage of every opportunity given to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
Some see this as an interlude, intended to prepare John for the final, bitter revelations to come. Others agree this is an interlude, but take it as a promise that God will not abandon His own as they await the judgment that will come at time's end.
“The angel” (10:1):
The angel is not named, but his portrayal suggests he is very significant. Some have identified him with Christ, but in Revelation, Christ and angels are always distinct and carefully identified.
"Seal up" (10:3-4):
The phrase means to keep secret. Some have speculated that the words of the thunders concerned additional judgments. However, this is pure speculation and remains a mystery. God does not reveal everything He intends to do, even in symbolic or concealed terms.
“Raising the right hand” (10:6):
When the Jewish people swore an oath they typically raised their right hand (Deuteronomy 32:40; Daniel 12:7). The angel conveys God's promise that there will be no more waiting: the "mystery of God" will be accomplished.
"The mystery of God" (10:7):
Here "mystery" does not indicate a revelation of something that has been hidden, but the fulfillment of prophetic visions that have been delayed. Again John specifically links the revelations in this book with the visions of the future reported by Old Testament prophets. It is difficult to see how Revelation could be interpreted accurately except within the framework of Old Testament prophecy concerning history's end.
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