Bible Commentaries
Revelation 10

Introduction

The Angel with the Little Book Revelation Ten

Revelation Ten is the record of "another" mighty angel. This is a new scene as John is on earth and the mighty angel descended from heaven. The angel with the little book appeared between the sixth and seventh "woe trumpets." The angel was, "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." This heavenly messenger was a "mighty angel."

The mighty angel had a little book in his hand. Revelation five pictured a book sealed with seven seals. This little book was open so its contents may be read. It contains a message that could be properly understood. It was a message for the entire world.

The angel roared forth a message. It is pictured as the voice of seven thunders. John was about to write what he had heard and then he was told not to. The specific reason why John was not to write what he heard was not given.

The angel stood upon land and sea and lifted up his hands to heaven. He swore by the most solemn things that "there should be time no longer." John is then commanded to take the little book from the angel and eat it. It was to be sweet as he ate it, but would be bitter afterwards. ( Rev_10:8-10 ) The chapter concluded with a declaration that he must yet prophesy before many people and nations. ( Rev_10:11 )

Verses 1-2

The angel with the little book Rev_10:1-2 : In this interlude "another mighty angel appeared." The description of this angel resembles that of the glorified Christ in Rev_1:16 . This has caused some to conclude that this was the Christ. It could not be the Christ because he is called "another" angel. It could not be the Christ if there was "another." This mighty angel could be Michael. There are several similarities to this mighty angel and to Michael as he is described in Dan_12:1 and Dan_12:6-7 . Angels are mentioned several times in the book of Revelation. Only three of the angels in Revelation are called mighty angels.

The description of this angel shows that he came from the presence of God. Such was the case with Gabriel in Luk_1:19 "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings." John said, "And I 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." Clouds pictured God's righteous judgment. ( Psa_97:2 ) The rainbow pictured God's faithfulness to His people. ( Gen_9:13-17 )

The angel had a little book in his hand. "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. ( Rev_10:2 ) The book was opened. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the angle set his right foot upon the sea and his left foot on the earth this indicated that the gospel is for all. God provides every opportunity for man to learn the truth and turn from his wicked ways. There, however, comes a time when God's mercy comes to an end. The wicked Roman Empire had now reached that point. These principles are repeated again and again in the Christian age.

Verses 3-4

Seven thunders uttered their voices Rev_10:3-4 : The mighty angle "cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices." ( Rev_10:3 ) This cry was loud because it was designed to attract attention to the message of God. When God speaks men do well to take heed! When the loin roars the other beast of the jungle tremble. When the Almighty God speaks the occupants of sea and land should hear His voice and heed His message. Sadly many will not hear nor repent. Remember the words of Rev_9:20-21 . "And the rest of the men 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: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."

John said, "when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." The seven thunders indicate that a storm is coming. This was another warning from God concerning the wicked. John had been commanded to write what he saw. ( Rev_1:11 ) Now he is told not to write what the seven thunders uttered. Judgment had been announced, God's warnings had been given and now there would be no delay.

Verses 5-7

There shalt be time no longer Rev_10:5-7 . The angle raised his hand toward heaven with an announcement. The people had received their warnings. They did not repent. Now the announcement is that "time shall be no more." The wicked had rejected the gospel plan of salvation and now there is nothing left to offer them.

When the seventh trumpet sounded God's mystery would be finished. More than enough time will be given for man's repentance and then God will have the trumpet blown. Then it will be too late for repentance. Before the trumpet is blown God has some more words of encouragement for His people.

Verses 8-11

Take the little book and eat it Rev_10:8-11 . The message of the little book was that His people must continue to preach the word. The voice John heard was likely the voice of God. The little book is very similar to what was seen in Eze_2:8-10 ; Eze_3:1-14 . The message to Ezekiel was "eat and preach." The word of God tasted good as John studied and meditated upon it.

When we teach and apply God's word it often becomes bitter. John must speak the word of God even though the "woes" were coming. People had rejected the word of God. The Christians would endure physical woes. The church would suffer because of great world conflict. But mostly the Roman Empire would suffer because of their rejection of God. It is never pleasant to preach to people like this! However, in the scheme of God it was very necessary that the gospel be preached. God's word will be proclaimed throughout history, no matter what evil men might do.