10:1 descending John’s visions shift between earth and the throne room in heaven. This chapter takes place on earth.

wrapped in a cloud Recalls the Son of Man imagery from Dan 7:13 and Rev 1 as well as the ascension scene from Acts 1:9. This angel shares similarities with the glorified Christ from Rev 1; he may serve in close proximity to the Lamb. John identifies this being as an angel.

Angels in the Bible Table

rainbow Recalls God’s covenant with humankind in Gen 9:8–17. Following the seven seals and six trumpets, this angel is a harbinger of mercy.

his feet were like pillars of fire See Rev 1:15. The combination of pillars of fire and cloud recalls God’s leading Israel in the exodus event (see Exod 13:21). The exodus deliverance motif, established in ch. 8, may be hinted at here to bring hope to God’s people (see 8:6 and note).

Theophany in the Old Testament

10:2 a little scroll The diminutive term is suggestive of size, not importance. It was small enough to be consumed.

that was opened Though its contents are unknown, it is opened, suggesting the contents are not secret.

right foot on the sea and his left on the land Describes a colossal angel. His stance may suggest his authority as well as the universal scope of his message.

10:3 like a lion roars He may have literally roared. Ultimately, the shout was meant to gain attention so all would hear his message (vv. 6–7).

seven thunders These may be heavenly voices or God’s voice (compare John 12:28–29). The following verse, which indicates John was going to write down what they said, suggests that the thunder was more than just noise.

10:4 Seal up A seal would prevent disclosure. The little scroll and the message of the mighty angel are the focus of the chapter. They—not the words of the thunder—are important for humanity to hear.

10:5 to heaven The angel makes a solemn oath and proclamation before God (see Dan 12:7).

10:6 swore The angel swore to the truth of his proclamation.

the one who lives forever and ever Refers to God.

who created God created everything.

There will be no more delay The heavenly reply to the martyrs’ question about the timing of God’s vengeance on their murderers (Rev 6:10).

10:7 the mystery of God The connection of the mystery with the seventh trumpet may indicate that the mystery is the full establishment of God’s kingdom (see 11:15–18; compare note on Mark 1:15).

The Kingdom of God: Already but Not Yet

the prophets While generally referring to the ot prophets, this may be a reference to prophets of the gospel (compare Rev 11:18). Either association is possible if the mystery is related to the kingdom (see Amos 3:7).

10:8 take the opened scroll Unlike the scroll in ch. 5 (which could only be opened by the Lamb), this scroll is already open, and John is allowed to take it.

10:9 Take and eat it By eating the scroll, John can speak the very words of God (v. 11). In Ezekiel, the prophet is also told to consume a scroll (the words of God) in order to make them known (compare Ezek 2:9–3:4).

bitter The scroll is bitter or sour because it contains God’s judgments.

sweet as honey The scroll is also sweet because it contains God’s words (see Psa 19:10; 119:103).

10:11 prophesy again Refers to the latter part of Revelation (Rev 12–22).