REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 10.1

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Ten

The Great Tribulation

(Parenthesis)

 

 

Preface  

Some contend Revelation is not a chronological book, though it is indeed linear. Since John transcribed it exactly the way the Holy Spirit showed it to him, Revelation is written in a sequential linear fashion which overrides the importance of a narrative chronology.

 

Once again, the main sequence of the Great Tribulation narrative events is interrupted as did in the prior parenthesis between the sixth and seventh seals found in Chapter Seven. You recall, in that pause, the reader was given a behind-the-scenes look as God sealed the foreheads of the 144,000 remnants of Israel to preach the Gospel to the unsaved Jews and Gentiles.

 

General Overview

An abbreviated synopsis would mirror the outline of Revelation 1:19 as such:

1.  The things which you have seen – During the First coming, Christ walked among mankind in human form and flesh, was crucified, died, buried, rose again, and ascended back into Heaven: The post-resurrected glorified Christ is recorded by John in Revelation

 

2.  The things which are – Another Comforter (the Holy Spirit) is sent to teach and keep the lights of believers shining in a dark world during the seven periods of church history. At the end of the Laodicean Age, the Church is caught up before Christ retakes the title deed to this earth just before the launch of Tribulation judgments

 

 

3.  The things which shall be hereafter –Christ is recorded as directing the wrath of Tribulation accordingly, while amid the Throne of God the Father in Heaven. He then comes back a second time at the Battle of Armageddon and establishes a one-thousand-year reign of peace called the Millennial Kingdom

 

Tribulation Outline

Overall, the Great Tribulation is divided into three waves of judgments. The three segments are labeled as follows:

1.  The Seven Seals

2.  The Seven Trumpets

3.  The Seven Vials or Bowls

 

Intermission

This study begins with a pause between the sixth and seventh trumpets. In the interlude of Chapters Ten and Eleven, John the Apostle records some pertinent information to behold before the seventh trumpet is sounded. This parenthesis is the longest of three: The next pause will be the shortest (Revelation 16:15) between the sixth and seventh bowl. Thereafter, the Tribulation will conclude with the Battle of Armageddon and the glorious return of Jesus Christ.

 

Before being completely swept away by divine judgment, God comforts and reassures His believers, not only that He is in total control of events, but also shows, even amid unimaginable horrors, His grace continues to be extended to those who accept Jesus Christ as Saviour or Messiah before the final destruction of the earth.

 

 

(Verse 1)

 

And I (John) saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.

 

And I (John) saw, marks the beginning of a new revelation: He sees a created being never seen before.

 

Another Mighty Angel

Question:

Who is this mighty angel?

It has been a long-held view by scholars throughout the centuries that this angel is Jesus Christ. There are many believable indications and similarities from the passage that support its supposition. For example:

1.  This angel is mighty

2.  This angel comes down from Heaven

3.  This angel is clothed with a cloud

4.  This angel’s face is like the sun

5.  This angel’s feet are like pillars of fire 

6.  This angel has in His hand a little open book

7.  This angel stands, one foot on the land, and one on the sea

 

Although there are convincing arguments and references to this angel being Jesus Christ, a meticulous application of biblical hermeneutics (interpretation) --- one being the literal --- discloses greater evidence that lends support to the contrary. Although there are many, for simplification, just a few will be discussed.

 

Consider:

1.  There are two Greek words often used to express another:

a.  Allos – Another (angel) of the same kind

b.  Heteros – Another (angel) of a different kind

 

Since allos is used in this passage, an angel of the same kind of heavenly being and not of another kind is John's original intention. Also, you recall, the Greek word for angel, is aggelos having its primary definition as a messenger. The mighty angel is one of many angels mentioned in Revelation, each having a different function but acting as a servant on behalf of or representing Jesus Christ.

 

A good point to observe: If this was Christ, John would have fallen down and worshipped Him as in Revelation 1:17 and other references. Here, John does not fall down and worship the mighty angel.

 

2.  Some may argue that this is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus similar to those in various Old Testament (a Theophany or Christophany) passages. Nonetheless, such an appearance is always referenced as The Angel of the Lord and not an angel or a mighty angel.

 

3.  Verse 1 states: "A rainbow was upon his head." Many confuse this with early paintings of Jesus. The rainbow in the Old Testament is always associated with mercy and the covenant God made with Noah (cf. Genesis 9:16) that the earth would never again be destroyed by water.

 

 

Only in the New Testament, references the colors surrounding the Throne of God in Heaven (cf. Revelation 4:3). Labeling the angel as such highlights his power and authority as one higher in command. Moreover, there is no other verse in the Bible where Jesus Christ is depicted crowned with a rainbow.

 

Consequently, from the above arguments, the mighty angel mentioned is merely one of God's attending angels, especially commissioned by God and entrusted with great authority. Just as an angel (messenger) was heard by shepherds heralding Christ's first incarnation (cf. Luke 2:9-10), likewise the mighty angel announces --- the end of the age --- seven thunderous voices (cf. Revelation 3b-4), which in turn foreshows Christ's Second Coming.

 

4.  The angel's face shone like the sun – Moses' face also glowed like the sun after coming from the presence of God on Mount Sanai (cf. Exodus 34:29-10)

 

5.  Quickly observing Verse 6, the mighty angel is similarly heard taking an oath by swearing on the name of Him who is the Creator, Jesus Christ (cf. John 1:1-3). If this being was Jesus, He would swear by Himself because there is none greater than God. Observe:

Hebrews 6:13 - For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself.

 

6.  Clothed with a cloud: - Clouds of glory are associated with the Second Coming. Once Jesus comes the second time, He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood (cf. Revelation 19:13). However, the angel described in this verse is not coming in clouds of glory, but a cloud. Like his other descriptive garments, the cloud is merely part of his clothing or uniform. Nothing is outstanding or unusual about the spirit being's attire.

 

7.  Mainly and lastly, no clear evidence is uncovered in Scripture supporting Christ coming down to earth during the Tribulation or before His second incarnation. Since Christ's Second Coming is the main apex of Revelation prophecy, it would be erroneous to state otherwise.

 

 

(Verse 2)

 

And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.

 

The Little Book

In the right hand of the mighty angel is a visible opened little book or scroll.

There are three words for a book that appears in the Greek language. To understand what the book is, let us consider these words being applied:

1.  Biblos (G976) is a book seemingly on a larger scale as in a papyrus sheet or scroll

2.  Biblion (G975) is a smaller book or scroll in a Biblos' diminutive form, i.e., a little book or scroll

3.  Bibliaridion (G974) is also a little book, yet in the form of a booklet

 

Following its usage and thought pattern beginning in Revelation Chapter 1 and Verse 11, John was told to write what he sees in a little book or scroll (G975 – biblion). This book or scroll reappears in Chapter 5 as a sealed document or scroll that has seven seals – The title deed to the Earth which no one can open but Christ (Obviously not the same scroll on which John is writing).

 

As the biblion is opened, each seal unleashes judgments of God's wrath sequentially until it reappears in our text in Verse 10 as bibliaridion (G974), a diminutive of biblion indicating a smaller size book. At this juncture, six of the seven seals have been opened and pronounced in judgment, leaving one scroll remaining (bibliaridion (G974). What John sees in the hand of the mighty angel is a smaller version of the seven-sealed scroll – the final scroll.

 

By comparison, within the last chapter of Revelation, biblos (G976) is employed – A large scroll or sheet of parchment.

Revelation 22:10 – And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book (G976): for the time is at hand.

 

Further evidence is found in the Greek construct of the word open (V.2) which is in the perfect passive tense, indicating the book the angel is holding has already been opened before it appears, and it remains open. So, the little book in the mighty angel's hand is the seventh and final trumpet judgment (containing the seven vials or bowls) that is about to be released.

 

And he set (purposely set down) his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth

Something very unusual is happening in this phrase. The mighty angel is also seen setting his right foot on the sea and left on the earth. The significance of this action metaphorically connotes subjugation, taking possession, and conquest of the entire world. Interestingly, while feet are the lowest extremities of man, they are generally analogous to servitude.

 

Right and Left

a.  The right denotes goodness and wisdom. It is a place of honor and strength

 

b.  The left denotes evil and foolishness. It is a place of humility and weakness

 

Land and Sea

Psalm 24:1 - A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

a.  The earth - Often referred to as the inhabitants of the land also symbolizes the church

 

b.  The sea – Often used symbolically for restlessness or stability and is analogous to sin

 

Summary

Thus far, one-fourth of the earth was destroyed after the first wave of judgments. Then, after the second wave, one-third was destroyed. Now, when addressing both, the entire world is in play, and it becomes a general indication and anticipation of what is to come - Destruction.

 

The Judgment of the Nations

Presently, as mentioned in earlier studies, Satan is the prince of the power of the air (cf. Ephesians 3:2) and the prince of this world. John's Gospel predicts his future in no uncertain terms:

John 12:31 - Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

 

During Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a parabolic prophecy of two classes of people is in view during the Great Tribulation.

Matthew 25:31-33, 41 - When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the Throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations (both Jews and Gentiles): and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep (righteous believers) from the goats (unrighteous heathen unbelievers): And He (Jesus, the Good Shepherd) shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left…Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

 

And so, what the future holds, in expectation, is solely in the sovereign control of God. The following study will further reveal more activities of the mighty angel.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   What is the meaning of the word angel?

2.   Name three reasons this angel may be Christ

3.   Name three reasons this angel may not be Christ.

4.   What is the purpose of interrupting the judgment narrative?

5.   What is the little book?

6.   Explain the symbolism of left and right?

7.   What events are about to take place?

 

 

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REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 9.20

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Nine

Judgment Resumed:

The Seven Trumpets

 

 

6. Trumpet Number 6 (Woe Number 2)

 

Preface

By way of review, along with the previous instructions given, the sixth angel sounds the alarm of the sixth trumpet's impending judgment, the Second Woe. Pursuant to this order, the Lord's voice is heard, simultaneously from four horns of the golden altar of incense (similar to four loudspeakers positioned in four different directions: east, west, north, and south), which stands before God's Throne in Heaven saying, "Release the four demonic angels (from the Bottomless Pit) that have been prepared and bound in chains at the Euphrates River."

 

On His timetable, under God's sovereign control, these four fallen angels had been prepared for a specific year, month, day, and hour to be released for the sole purpose of killing one-third of the global population. Each command four cavalry brigades --- totaling two-hundred-thousand armored spirit beings and demonic mutant horses from hell --- to invade the four corners of the earth. Reminiscent of the pre-Noahic flood conditions, the aftermath scenario is chronicled in the following verses:

 

 

 (Verse 20)

 

And the rest of the men (the ungodly) which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.

 

The rest of the men concern one-third of mankind spared and unscathed by the prior judgments. After this continental spiritual warfare is imposed, one-half the world's population survives. God providentially allows this massive holocaust. Imagine the thoughts of the survivors. Please keep in mind - There is no deliverance apart from saving knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Still unwilling to come to repentance (a complete one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn) and acceptance of God's grace, people adhere to their own will and desires instead.

Observe the post-wrath results:

Men's Works

1. They repented not of their works of their hands   

2. They repented not of their worship of devils

3. They repented not of their worship of idols

a.  Gold

b.  Silver

c.  Brass

d.  Stone

e.  Wood

 

The aforementioned is listed in God's commandments, first and foremost:

Exodus 20:3-6 - Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (carved idols), or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Thou shalt not bow down (worship) thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity (sins, evil perversities, offenses, disobedience) of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; And shewing mercy (steadfast loving-kindness) unto thousands of them (generations) that love Me, and keep (obey) My commandments (directives, decrees, mandates).

 

Man inherently has a sinful nature due to his eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (cf. Genesis 2:17). The text is very explicit and speaks for itself, the implication carries to the nth degree (those left behind). Two Scripture verses substantiate God's will and purpose for mankind:

Titus 2:11 – For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.

 

John 3:17 - For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

The free love of God is founded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ – The sum of His moral precepts.

However:

Romans 1:16 - The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

 

Contrary to the attitudes of worldly men, God's wisdom, power, and love stand visible throughout the universe. Therefore, they that willfully refuse to accept Him as Creator God are inexcusable. So, to truly comprehend why God is a just God, John the Apostle was permitted to see, document, and disseminate the truth to the world His book of Revelation.

 

Bible Exposition

By way of introduction, in the following passage, the Apostle Paul metaphorically describes himself as a master builder to instruct his readers and listeners.

1 Corinthians 3:10-13 - According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed (be careful) how he buildeth thereupon. For (any) other foundation can no man lay than that [which] is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation [with or using] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest (evident, obvious): for the day shall declare it (disclose, make clear) because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try (test, prove)[the quality of] every man's work of what sort it is.

 

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul articulates that Jesus Christ has laid a rock-solid foundation, the pattern for which to follow. Anything else is a counterfeit and will lend itself to destruction. He continues his instruction by explaining certain things:

1 Corinthians 7:31 - Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world, as we know it will soon pass away. (NLT)

 

1 John 2:15 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 

Worldliness oftentimes results in a hardened heart toward God. This, in turn, causes abusive behavior, such as addictions, other forms of bondage, or slavery to sin. Illustrations following are individually presented for consideration:

 

Man's Works

Fundamentally, man's works are considered any action divergent to God.

1. They repented not of the works of their hands

Used in context, works of their hands refer to manmade objects of worship.

For Example:

1. The first fruit sacrifice Cain offered to God (cf. Genesis 4:3)

 

2. The Tower of Babel Nimrod was built to heaven (cf. Genesis 11:4)

 

 

3. The worship of Nebuchadnezzar's statue (cf. Daniel 3:1)

 

Such acts are branded:

1. Fraudulent (Jeremiah 51:17-18)

Jeremiah 51:17-18 - Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. For his images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

 

2. Non-profitable

Isaiah 44:10 - Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?

 

3. Vanity

Isaiah 41:29 - Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

 

In the final analysis, man's malicious deeds anger God:

Deuteronomy 31:29b - Evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands.

 

Demon and Devil Worship

Because of man's inherent sinful nature, in effect, this practice has been prevalent throughout history since the pre-flood economy (cf. Genesis 6)

 

2. They repented not of their worship of devils

Devils (Greek, Daimonion) are usually correlated with demonic beings or demons. The ancients referred to them as Baals or dragons, and everything involved satanic worship. In modern times it is disguised as the occult (satanic practices) – An under-the-umbrella all-inclusive term encompassing astrology, magic, mysticism, parapsychology, spiritism, divination, or something paranormally supernatural.

 

The main purpose of these judgments is to lead men to repentance from disobedience. So, instead of repenting, unfortunately, men turn themselves over to the hardening of their hearts and spiritual blindness, causing them to believe the deceit of Satan and ironically, even worship the very creatures that set out to destroy them.

 

To reiterate: The only way man's heart can be transformed is by the power of God. There is no deliverance apart from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

Idols and Idolatry

3. They repented not of their worship of idols

An idol is any graven (carved, shaped) or molten (cast, melted, poured over) image or representation of a pagan god used as an object of worship. Venerating, worshipping, or bowing down to someone or whatever else constitutes idolatry, is strictly forbidden by Almighty God:

Exodus 20:3-5a - Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God.

 

Some materials used for fashioned idols include:

a.  Gold

Recognized as both metal and mineral, gold is considered scarce and most valuable and used mainly for royalty and liturgical purposes. It does not deteriorate, corrode, or spoil and it has high adaptability to become shapeable. Apropos of the text, the Ark of the Covenant was gilded with gold.

 

Interestingly, the first mention of gold is found in Genesis:

Genesis 2:11 - The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.

 

Most notable is the image of the golden calf worshiped by the Israelites at Mount Sanai. Another example of how gold is used relative to the text is the great statue of the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Daniel 3).

 

b.  Silver

Lesser in value than gold is silver. Ten times more abundant than gold, silver's properties are also mineral and metal which can be easily molded or shaped. As the head of gold in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (cf. Daniel 2) represented the Babylonian Empire, the breasts and arms of silver are evocative of the Medo-Persian Empire.

 

c.  Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is more readily available and is lesser in value than gold or silver. The belly and thighs of Nebuchadnezzar's statue serve as a representation of Alexander the Great's Grecian Empire.

 

d.  Stone

Stone is a hard, solid, nonmetallic mineral matter as part of the earth's natural mixture from which rock is made, especially as a building material. The artwork of the ancients often used stone monuments and obelisks for sculptures. The notorious stone megaliths found on Easter Island were objects of that civilization's worship.

 

e.  Wood

Normally mentioned in the Bible, wood is oftentimes associated with gofer wood taken from Cypress trees. It was famously used as a building material for Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant. Many wood carvings of pagan gods were readily available and lightweight for the common folk. One example is when Rachel is reported stealing her father's idols (cf. Genesis 31:19, 34).

 

The listed manmade objects above are shapes, forms, or representations of pagan gods not able to see, hear, or walk. They are all lifeless inanimate objects contrasted to the one true and living God.

The reality of Jehovah's Godhead is summed up in this verse:

Isaiah 44:6 - Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last, And there is no God besides Me.'

 

 

(Verse 20)

 

[But] Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

 

After observing all His wrath and destruction, God still allows an open door for the repentance of men. However, since the Fall, man's heart is naturally evil. Similar to the Pharaoh of the Egyptians, the heart continues to remain hardened; thus proving history does not change.

 

In recalling the Pre-Flood conditions:

Genesis 6:5-6 - And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.

 

Now, ponder four other evil things that continue to displease God and consider each for discussion:

1.  Murder

2.  Sorcery

3.  Fornication

4.  Thievery   

 

Murder

1.  They repented not of their murdering

The first documented murder committed after the Fall was Cain killing his brother Abel. This act is explicitly forbidden by God in the Ten Commandments, one of the shortest – Thou shalt not Kill [commit murder (cf. Exodus 20:13)]. It is considered vicious, violent, and wicked.

 

Sorcery

2. They repented not of their sorceries

The Greek word for sorceries is Pharmakeia. Defined as a pharmacy in English, its primary focus is on drugs and extended to encompass magic and witchcraft. Sorcery is also a blanket term for poison, drugs, contacting mediums, magic spells, incantations, and witchcraft in association with idols, amulets, or charms.

 

Practicing, participating, and delving into the magic arts (occultism) is forbidden by the LORD's mandates. Only used two times in the New Testament and found in the Book of Revelation, the second warns:

Revelation 18:23b - For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Both verses confirm the above and below.

       

Fornication

3. They repented not of their fornication

Fornication is a word exposed in Greek as porneia, from which we derive the modern term pornography. It categorizes all forms of sexual practices such as adultery, rape, homosexuality, and any indescribable perversion. Fornication is also forbidden in God's statutes.

   

Stealing

4. They repented not of their thievery

Defining Theft: Klemma (Greek) is the act of stealing or that which is stolen, including robberies, fraud, deceit, and dishonesty - Another component of the Ten Commandments.

 

Postface

Even with the aftermath of all the judgments of God seen by the remaining people alive on earth thus far, their hearts continue to remain hardened, and yet, there is still no repentance - A sad commentary. However, even during the Seventh Trumpet judgment, God permits His grace to abound and allows another chance for man's redemption. Though His wrath continues, God has no other alternative than being just, for He is still a God of second chances (cf. Psalm 30:2).

 

Before the last Woe judgment, Chapters 10 and 11 offer the reader another parenthesis. This interlude interrupts the Tribulation narrative to detail micro revelations concerning Satan, his actions, and motives. Please read ahead.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   Explain the meaning of the works of their hands.

2.   Why would someone worship devils?

3.   Why does God forbid idolatry?

4.   Why is sorcery an abomination to God?

5.   What causes men not to repent?

6.   What wood was most commonly used for idols?

7.   How is God a just God?

 

 

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