iona's Bible Study Notes on Revelation 4

iona's Bible Study Notes - Revelation Chapter 4

Chapters 4 and 5 are introductory to Chapters 6-22.

The third and final portion of Revelation is divided into four sections:

The Tribulation (6:1-19:21)

The millennial reign (20:1-15)

The eternal state (21:1-22:5)

The epilogue and benediction (22:6-21)

After these things, the "Meta Tauta" with Tauta being the church age addressed in chapters 2 and 3
Again, see 1:19

Here, we have a heavenly perspective with much symbolism, however, just as in Jesus' parables some details have no other significance than to enrich the scene. When relating to anything Biblical, consider what the whole Word has to say about it. Often symbolism s carried through from Old to New Testament giving clues to the intended message. Remember a symbol is always less than the reality.

We do not encounter the word "church" in chapters 4-19. The church has already been raptured by the time these events unfold.

The voice in v.1 is Jesus. See 1:10-11, 17-20.

In v.2 the One on the throne is God, not "someone" as some translations have it. It is a reference to God and should be capitalized. But is He God the Father or God the Son? In Rev 3:12 we see both the Father and the Son on God's throne. Here, only One is sitting on the throne. In chapter 5, the Son is distinguished from the Father. Perhaps in preparation for the judgments to follow, the Son has risen from the throne. After no one is found worthy to open and release the judgments of the seven-sealed scroll, the Lamb who is also the Lion and who has overcome so as to open the book and its seals, is then seen coming to the throne to take the seven-sealed scroll of judgment from the hand of the Father.

God is described as like Jasper and Sardis (Carnelian) two of the 12 precious stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes and mounted in the "breastpiece of judgment" worn by the high priest who was to "carry them over his heart." See Ex. 28:15-21 and 29. The stones were arranged in the breastpiece according to the spiritual ranking of the tribes. However the first and last (Alpha and Omega) would be biological placement. Jasper represented the first tribe, the tribe of Reuben. The last tribe, Benjamin, was represented by the Sardis. So these two stones represent the whole nation, the first and the last and all in between.

Reuben means "Behold a Son" and Benjamin means "Son of my right hand."
Jasper is a clear, crystal-like translucent gem with a golden hue. It portrays the purity, brilliance and richness of God's holiness.

Sardis is a blood red stone relating both to God's wrath and justice and the salvation bought by the blood of the Lamb of God.

The rainbow is like and emerald and is "around" or encircling the throne. It reminds us of God's faithfulness and promises and is a sign of His mercy, grace and long-suffering.

The 24 elders of v.4 are distinguished from the "living creatures" and other angels in 5:11. They are not angels. Angels are never given crowns, nor do they reign with Christ. We know this of the 24 elders:

They are on thrones, thus reigning, obviously with Christ as is promised the saints. Rev 2:26-27; 3:21

They have golden crowns. "Crowns" is stefanos, the victor's crown, rather than a crown of glory.

They cast their crowns before the throne. See v. 10

Because of all the above, we know they have already been to the Judgment Seat of Christ.

They are called "elders," a term used in both Old and New testaments, of men rather than angels.

There are 24 of them, possibly representing the 12 Tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles (remember Judas was replaced).

There are 24 of them. David divided the priesthood into 24 orders. There were hundreds of priests, and not all could serve at once, so each order was represented by one. By Scripture's own use, the number 24 has a representative character to it. See 1 Chron 24; 25; Luke 1:5,8-9 So there was one high priest, 24 orders of priests with 24 who served as representatives of the whole. This 24 represents a kingdom of priests as are the redeemed. See Rev 5:9-10

Thunder and lightning in v. 5 represent God's presence, power and judgement just as they did at Mt. Sinai.

The "Seven lamps of fire … which are the seven Spirits of God" in v. 5 speak of the fullness and perfection of the one Holy Spirit and His ministries. Seven always refers to completeness, fullness, perfection.

The four living creatures of v. 6... The Greek word is zwon which means "a living being," that which is vibrant with life. These are created beings, not human, therefore angelic beings with special properties and functions. With their six wings and multitude of eyes, they are most likely a composite of both the seraphim of Isaiah 6 and the cherubim of Gen 3:24; Ezek 1 and 10. While cherubim are associated with judgment as in Gen 3:24, seraphim are identified with purification as in Isaiah.

The four living creatures are each different from the other and reflect God's attributes in a unique and beautiful way:

Like a Lion. Jesus was the "Lion of Judah," a kingly title. The lion is always associated with royalty. The gospel of Matthew presents Christ as King, as the lion of the tribe of Judah. Rev 5:5

Like a calf (ox), a patient and humble creature of service. The Gospel of Mark stresses the servanthood of Jesus.

Like a man. Jesus was fully man and fully God. The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man.

Like an eagle emphasizes deity. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Son of God.
It is thrilling to note that the four living creatures are listed in the very same order as the Holy Spirit led man to order the Gospels when the Word of God was canonized.

Take particular note of v.11. Think on it, ponder it in your heart, read it aloud and memorize it. Wow!

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