Bible Commentaries
Revelation 5

Verses 1-14

Now we come to the mysterious purpose of John's invitation to heaven. A tightly sealed scroll is introduced to him. It is written on both sides and sealed with seven seals (5:1). There is an immediate problem in heaven. No one there can dare open this scroll or loose its seals (5:2-3).

This sealed scroll has great significance. It is the document detailing the remainder and climax of human history. ^(F1) The scroll also contains the "mystery of God" long foretold by the prophets of Israel. ^(F2) It is likely a similar thing that Daniel once saw, and did not fully understand. How could he understand it? It was sealed (Daniel 12:8-9).

At this point John begins to weep (5:4). Undoubtedly his weeping is much akin to the deep sorrow and sickness the prophet Daniel must have felt as he saw a similar vision. Daniel probably realized both the glories and horrors of the end-times. He likely realized that these horrors would touch the people of God (Daniel 8:27). John seems to sense the same thing.

He greatly desires to know the details of the scroll, but there is no one in heaven or on earth who can open it (5:3-4). The sealed book is certainly an account of the Day of the Lord, including the Great Tribulation and the coming kingdom.

John is then told to stop weeping, since the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has overcome and is able to open the book (5:5). Suddenly the metaphor is switched and John is looking at a Lamb. Interestingly, the Lamb has seven horns which no doubt stand for all power and authority (5:6). Later in the book, the Beast will also have seven horns, in his attempt to emulate this total power.

In the presence of the Lamb who has been slain, the all-powerful, all-knowing Savior, the twenty-four elders again fall down and worship. The living creatures, who are likely representatives of all creation, fall down with them and adore the Lamb (5:8). With this symbolism it is made plain that Christ alone is the key to the understanding of all human history. ^(F3) Indeed, he is the Lord of History.

It is interesting that these heavenly beings each hold a golden bowl, which represents the prayers of the saints (5:8). In some mysterious way, the prayers of the saints greatly figure in, and even help precipitate the tribulation that is about to be poured out on the earth, as well as the advent of the kingdom. Perhaps these are prayers like, "Come Lord Jesus," or, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done." Could it be that in 2 Peter 3:12, the apostle is talking about the same thing when he speaks of our hastening the coming of the day of God?

All heaven now worships the slain Lamb who is able to open the seals and who has redeemed humankind with his blood (5:9).

Again, we see the theme of kings and priests reigning on earth (5:10). Through Jesus, fallen man will now be elevated to reign once more as a co-regent of God on earth. This is one of the great goals of redemption, to elevate man in Christ to the place he was before the fall. It will be a reversal of what Satan has done.

We read in Genesis 1:26, "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule…'" (cf. Hebrews 2:8). In Revelation 20:6 we see this at last become a reality, as overcomers reign with Christ throughout the Millennium and forever afterward. So, it becomes clear that what God began in Genesis he will finish in Revelation. Indeed Genesis, and even the rest of the Bible, would simply not be complete without Revelation.

In this book we will hear much about overcomers reigning with God. When we hear this we must remember that there is really only one overcomer, and he is Jesus. The Lord says in John's gospel, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Thus, all the overcoming that humanity will ever do is solely because of what Jesus has already done and because of his living within. It is his victory, totally and exclusively. As we have faith in him, we too can share in this victory. In 1 John 5:4 the apostle says, "…This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."

At this, all heaven and earth resound with praise to the Lamb who alone is able to open the seals (5:11-14). To Jesus, the victorious one, and the coming one, be all power, glory, praise and dominion forever and ever! Amen!