Study notes
This section introduces upcoming visions and judgments. John presents God in his heavenly court, which is the setting for the drama of Revelation (Revelation 4:1–11). The Lamb also plays a central role (Revelation 5:1–14). John contrasts God's majesty with the supposed majesty of Caesar. God's power and splendor surpass any earthly ruler's ceremonial court.
The scroll, like a dramatic script, describes God's plan for the world (Psalm 139:16).
The right hand represents God's gracious authority and power (see Revelation 1:17, 20).
The writing on both sides of the scroll shows that God's plans for history are full and complete.
sealed with seven seals: God has placed his purposes for history in something that cannot be opened by human effort (Isaiah 29:11–12; Daniel 8:26). His purposes will be fulfilled only when the seals are broken (see Revelation 5:4).
John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who is the main figure in Revelation and God's chosen one to fulfill his plans.
What was written on the scroll were God’s words about what was going to happen. They were about his plan for heaven and earth. The one who opened the scroll would put God’s plan into effect. No one could do this but Jesus.
Jesus was described as the Root of David. This was a way to talk about Jesus being the Messiah from David’s family line. He was described as the Lion of Judah. This was a way to talk about Jesus being from Judah’s family line. It meant that he was the king God had promised to send. It also described Jesus’ strength and power.
Jesus is also the Lamb of God. This name described how Jesus wins his victory through being weak and humble. He wins through the power of love that sacrifices everything for others. The Lamb looked as if he had been put to death. This is because Jesus had died on the cross but had been raised from the dead.
The elders and the living creatures praised him for being worthy to open the scroll. Jesus was worthy because of what he had done. He had rescued people from the power of sin, death and evil. He had made them God’s people. People from every tribe, people group and nation believe in him. He makes them one in God’s royal family. Because he does this, the Lamb is worthy of honour.
The angels sang about this. All of creation worshipped the Lamb and God. In Philippians 2:10 the apostle Paul wrote about this happening.
At first, no one in the entire universe seemed to have the divine authority or power to answer the angel’s call.
John cried because he feared he would not learn about God's plan for history, even though it was promised to him (Revelation 4:1; see 10:4). His tears show how important the revelation was to him.
Titles for Jesus such as the Lion … of Judah (see Genesis 49:9–10) and the Root of David (see Isaiah 11:10), are Old Testament metaphors for the Messiah (see Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; John 7:42).
Because Jesus won the victory at the cross (John 16:33), he is the only one worthy to open the scroll and reveal God’s purposes (Revelation 4:11; 5:2, 12). God’s plan for history centers around Jesus and his actions. His connection to the scroll shows his control of history.
The Jews expected the Messiah, God's chosen one, to appear as a powerful lion. Instead, Jesus came as a lamb (John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32–35; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). The lamb, once slaughtered but now standing, symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The Lamb’s seven horns are a symbol of his complete power, and the seven eyes are a symbol of his complete knowledge (see Zechariah 4:10). He is also fully connected to the perfect spirit of God (Revelation 1:4).
fell down before the Lamb: The crucified and risen Christ has the divine authority to start the events of this age. He is fully worthy of worship.
The prayers of God's people play a significant role in the judgments and plagues (Revelation 6:9–11; 8:2–5).
The entire created order sings a new song of praise to the lamb (compare Revelation 14:1–5; Psalm 149:1; Isaiah 42:10).
The lamb is worthy because his sacrifice earned him the right to open the scroll's seals and carry out God's plans in history.
The song highlights the meaning of the good news about Jesus (1 Peter 1:18–25).
Describing God's people as a kingdom of priests who will achieve ultimate victory and reign with Christ reflects Jesus as both king (Romans 1:3) and high priest (Hebrews 6:20).
A massive angelic choir, with thousands and millions of voices, responds in turn. All of heaven answers creation's acknowledgment of Christ's sacrifice.
This doxology (a short statement of praise) gives Jesus divine honors, which are usually only for God (see Revelation 4:11; 5:13; 7:12).
The second antiphonal response echoes from every creature, including those under the earth (the place of the dead) and in the sea (often linked with evil). This may suggest that even those rebelling against God must respond (Isaiah 45:23–25; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10–11).
The dramatic introduction of the lamb (Revelation 5:1–14) ends with the living beings (4:6–9). Their Amen affirms the truth of John's vision, while the twenty-four elders bow in worship.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources