John is still in heaven and begins this section with the familiar words “I saw.” In verses 2, 6, and 11, he repeats those words. The passage also says that he “heard” the voices of heavenly creatures.

The Scroll with Seven Seals (Revelation 5:1-7)

 

A certain degree of drama is connected with this scroll. There is an apparent emphasis here on the importance of this scroll as it relates to the total message of the book. The scroll unravels the events of the tribulation period and appears to be a summary of what God intends to do in bringing world history to a grand finale.

The Identity of the Scroll (Revelation 5:1)

Its location.
Its design.

 

Roman law required that a will was to be sealed seven times. The wills of Caesar Augustus and Emperor Vespasian were sealed in this way. Some see this scroll as the “last testament” of the One Who died for us, containing the terms of His wrath upon those who reject His love and sacrificial death.

 

It is of great interest to prophecy students that the book of Daniel predicts much of what is recorded in Revelation. In Daniel 12:4 we read that Daniel was instructed to “close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.” Daniel 12:9 repeats, “the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.��� Here in Revelation, the scroll with seven seals is unrolled, each of the seven seals being broken and revealing a special message of what God will do to planet earth in “the time of the end.”

 

The Importance of the Scroll (Revelation 5:2-4)

The scroll contains much more than what is said in Revelation 6. The seventh seal that is broken reveals seven trumpet judgments of which the last one announces seven last plagues to be poured out upon the earth. It is implied that the seven-sealed scroll contains everything that is depicted in chapters 6 through 22.

 

The proclamation by a strong angel. The word “strong” or “mighty”(NIV) could emphasize the importance of the angel and his message, and it could also be a clue as to which angel is involved.

 

The text uses a Greek word for “proclaiming” that speaks of a herald, one who simply proclaimed a message without added commentary or explanation. A herald spoke with urgency and was under orders to proclaim it on behalf of a higher authority.

 

When the Bible says, the angel spoke in a “loud voice,” we are reminded that this message is one of great concern and urgency. Loud voices are mentioned frequently in Revelation to denote the importance of what is being said. A person who is “worthy” is sought to break the seals and open the scroll.

 

The problem John faced. Combining the importance of the scroll with the fact that no one in God’s universe was “worthy” to open the scroll caused John many tears.

 

PRAY. PREPARE. PROTECT. PROCLAIM. PERSIST. PERSEVERE. PRAY AGAIN. PASS IT ON. POWER UP. POSITION PROPERLY. PAY ATTENTION. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.