God and the Lamb are God and the Lamb are glorified 5:1-14glorified 5:1-14

The focus shifts from creation The focus shifts from creation in 4:11 to redemption and re-in 4:11 to redemption and re-

creation in 5:1-14. creation in 5:1-14.

5:1)5:1) Then I saw in the right hand of him who Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both

sides and sealed with seven seals.sides and sealed with seven seals. This “scroll” in Greek is a book. John is taking This “scroll” in Greek is a book. John is taking

imagery from Ezekiel 2:9-10 along with imagery imagery from Ezekiel 2:9-10 along with imagery from the book in Daniel 7:10. from the book in Daniel 7:10.

The “book” is interpreted in at least five ways: The “book” is interpreted in at least five ways: (1) Lamb’s book of life (3:5; 8:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27). (1) Lamb’s book of life (3:5; 8:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27). (2) The OT. Christ is the only one who can truly unlock (2) The OT. Christ is the only one who can truly unlock

the prophecies of the OT (Matt 5:17) the prophecies of the OT (Matt 5:17) (3) The book contains God’s plan of Judgment and (3) The book contains God’s plan of Judgment and

redemption. redemption. (4) The book contains the coming events that John has (4) The book contains the coming events that John has

been charged to communicate. been charged to communicate. (5) An eclectic view which sees the book as the (5) An eclectic view which sees the book as the

covenantal promise of inheritance. covenantal promise of inheritance.

Beale comments, “The book in Beale comments, “The book in Revelation 5 concerns a predestined Revelation 5 concerns a predestined plan that is eschatological in nature, plan that is eschatological in nature, since its contents are revealed in chs. since its contents are revealed in chs. 6-22 and are summarized in 4:1 as 6-22 and are summarized in 4:1 as ‘what must take place after these ‘what must take place after these thing,’ a Danielic allusion indicating thing,’ a Danielic allusion indicating end time…It is explained that the end time…It is explained that the historically conclusive work of Christ’s historically conclusive work of Christ’s death and resurrection has begun to death and resurrection has begun to fulfill Daniel’s prophecies, so that now fulfill Daniel’s prophecies, so that now the seals have been removed” (Beale, the seals have been removed” (Beale, Revelation, Revelation, 342-47). 342-47).

5:2)5:2) And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals

and open the scroll?"and open the scroll?" Verse 2 asks the question that Verse 2 asks the question that

introduces the worthiness of Christ, introduces the worthiness of Christ, who being incarnate deity is the only who being incarnate deity is the only one who accomplishes God’s one who accomplishes God’s redemption and recreative plan for redemption and recreative plan for Adam, Israel and humanity as a Adam, Israel and humanity as a whole. whole.

5:3)5:3) But no one in heaven or on earth or under But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look the earth could open the scroll or even look

inside it.inside it. Silence is the only response to the angel’s Silence is the only response to the angel’s

question in verse two. There is a gross question in verse two. There is a gross inability among any of God’s creatures to inability among any of God’s creatures to execute His plan of redemption and execute His plan of redemption and judgment. judgment.

Cosmic geography:Cosmic geography: Apparently there is a three level cosmos Apparently there is a three level cosmos

consisting of, heaven, earth, and the consisting of, heaven, earth, and the underworld. John’s use of this expression is the underworld. John’s use of this expression is the same as saying nowhere in the entire universe same as saying nowhere in the entire universe was there anyone able to open the book. was there anyone able to open the book.

5:4)5:4) I wept and wept because no one was I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or found who was worthy to open the scroll or

look inside.look inside. Until the scroll is opened God’s Until the scroll is opened God’s

purpose is not yet accomplished. purpose is not yet accomplished. John is hoping that God will fulfill all John is hoping that God will fulfill all of his prophecies in the OT and of his prophecies in the OT and vindicate his name by punishing evil vindicate his name by punishing evil and by rewarding the righteous. and by rewarding the righteous.

Where is the agent who will Where is the agent who will accomplish God’s work? accomplish God’s work?

5:5)5:5) Then one of the elders said to me, "Do Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,

the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to

open the scroll and its seven seals."open the scroll and its seven seals." These two designations for Christ come from These two designations for Christ come from

Gen. 49:9-10 and Isa. 11:1, 10 respectively. Gen. 49:9-10 and Isa. 11:1, 10 respectively. Because Christ has already begun to Because Christ has already begun to

overcome the enemy based on the activity overcome the enemy based on the activity of the cross, he is worthy to open the scroll.of the cross, he is worthy to open the scroll.

Christ is also pictured as the hope of all OT Christ is also pictured as the hope of all OT and NT promises. He has fulfilled them, and and NT promises. He has fulfilled them, and thus he is worthy. thus he is worthy.

Beale writes, “the basis and hope of Beale writes, “the basis and hope of the repeated exhortation to the the repeated exhortation to the churches to ‘overcome’ (nika,w) in churches to ‘overcome’ (nika,w) in chs. 2-3 is the fact that the Lamb has chs. 2-3 is the fact that the Lamb has already ‘overcome’ the malevolent already ‘overcome’ the malevolent forces that threaten the church” forces that threaten the church” (Beale, (Beale, Revelation, Revelation, 350).350).

5:6)5:6) Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, been slain, standing in the center of the throne,

encircled by the four living creatures and the encircled by the four living creatures and the

elders.elders. The picture of Christ that we see is the same that is The picture of Christ that we see is the same that is

presented in the Gospels, it is of a messiah who presented in the Gospels, it is of a messiah who conquers by means of the suffering servant conquers by means of the suffering servant language in the OT (Isa 53). language in the OT (Isa 53).

John calls Jesus the fulfillment of OT prophecy by John calls Jesus the fulfillment of OT prophecy by giving him the title “lion of the tribe of Judah” and giving him the title “lion of the tribe of Judah” and “root of David.” This Messianic reference is “root of David.” This Messianic reference is combined with two other OT allusions: The OT combined with two other OT allusions: The OT Passover Lamb (Ex 12; Jn 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Cor Passover Lamb (Ex 12; Jn 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Cor 5:7; 1 Pet 1:19; Col 2:15) and the suffering servant 5:7; 1 Pet 1:19; Col 2:15) and the suffering servant (Isa. 53:7ff). This combined picture is the history of (Isa. 53:7ff). This combined picture is the history of salvation with all of its imagery and theological salvation with all of its imagery and theological panorama. panorama.

He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the the seven spirits of God sent out into all the

earth.earth. Horns typically represent power in the OT Horns typically represent power in the OT

and also in ancient Near Eastern texts and also in ancient Near Eastern texts (Deut. 33:17; 1 Kgs. 22:11; Ps. 89:17; Dan (Deut. 33:17; 1 Kgs. 22:11; Ps. 89:17; Dan 7:7-8:24; 1 En. 90:6-12, 37). The lamb has 7:7-8:24; 1 En. 90:6-12, 37). The lamb has “seven” horns and “seven” eyes; this “seven” horns and “seven” eyes; this probably signifies that he has complete probably signifies that he has complete strength and sovereignty (omniscience) cf. strength and sovereignty (omniscience) cf. Zech 1:7-17. See also Zech 4:10 “These Zech 1:7-17. See also Zech 4:10 “These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range throughout the earth.”range throughout the earth.”

On omnipotence Storms writes, “A highly On omnipotence Storms writes, “A highly simplistic definition of ‘power’ would be that it simplistic definition of ‘power’ would be that it is the ability to produce effects, or to is the ability to produce effects, or to accomplish what one wills. The Scriptures accomplish what one wills. The Scriptures clearly affirm not only that God has such an clearly affirm not only that God has such an ability but that he has it without limitations. ability but that he has it without limitations. Hence, we speak of God as being Hence, we speak of God as being omnipotentomnipotent, , infinite in power” (Storms, infinite in power” (Storms, Systematic Systematic theologytheology NotesNotes, 8). See also Psalm 135:6; Isa , 8). See also Psalm 135:6; Isa 14:27; 46:10; Job 42:1; Dan 4:35.14:27; 46:10; Job 42:1; Dan 4:35.

““The slain Lamb thus represents the image of The slain Lamb thus represents the image of a conqueror who was mortally wounded while a conqueror who was mortally wounded while defeating an enemy. Christ’ death, the end-defeating an enemy. Christ’ death, the end-time sacrifice of the messianic Lamb, time sacrifice of the messianic Lamb, becomes interpreted as a sacrifice that not becomes interpreted as a sacrifice that not only redeems but also conquers” (Beale, only redeems but also conquers” (Beale, Revelation, Revelation, 351).351).

5:7)5:7) He came and took the scroll from the right He came and took the scroll from the right

hand of him who sat on the throne.hand of him who sat on the throne. In a similar manner, Dan 7:13 portrays a In a similar manner, Dan 7:13 portrays a

messianic figure approaching the throne of messianic figure approaching the throne of God. That God intended to give him the God. That God intended to give him the scroll is inferred from the fact that it is in scroll is inferred from the fact that it is in his right hand. his right hand.

According to Aune, the right hand had According to Aune, the right hand had positive associations of success and good positive associations of success and good fortune, and the right hand was the fortune, and the right hand was the acceptable hand for the act of giving and acceptable hand for the act of giving and thanking. thanking.

5:8-10 The inner heavenly circle 5:8-10 The inner heavenly circle that praises the Lamb.that praises the Lamb.

5:8)5:8) And when he had taken it, the four And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.saints.

The immediate result of the Lambs reception of The immediate result of the Lambs reception of the scroll is worship on the part of the inner the scroll is worship on the part of the inner heavenly circle of beings. heavenly circle of beings.

the prayers are not merely praise; however, they the prayers are not merely praise; however, they should also be associated with the appeal from should also be associated with the appeal from the saints for divine judgment and vindication the saints for divine judgment and vindication (see Rev 6:9-11 and 8:4ff). (see Rev 6:9-11 and 8:4ff).

5:9)5:9) And they sang a new song: "You are And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe you purchased men for God from every tribe

and language and people and nation.and language and people and nation. Verses 9-10 illustrate the content of the Verses 9-10 illustrate the content of the

“new song.” Beale would link this “new “new song.” Beale would link this “new song” as an inaugurated element to the song” as an inaugurated element to the “new creation” (Beale, “new creation” (Beale, Revelation, Revelation, 358). 358).

This song puts Jesus on the same level as This song puts Jesus on the same level as God. Notice that in the NT, the only being God. Notice that in the NT, the only being that does not turn away worship is God that does not turn away worship is God himself. Here, Jesus pictured as the Lamb himself. Here, Jesus pictured as the Lamb of God receives worship. of God receives worship.

The reason or basis by which the The reason or basis by which the Lamb is “worthy” is that he was slain Lamb is “worthy” is that he was slain and that this purchased men for God. and that this purchased men for God.

Notice also the imagery of blood. Notice also the imagery of blood. Without the shedding of blood there Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:7, 12, is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:7, 12, 14, 18, 22; 10:19; 13:12, 20). 14, 18, 22; 10:19; 13:12, 20).

God is not ethnocentric. He redeems God is not ethnocentric. He redeems some from every race. some from every race.

5:10)5:10) You have made them to be a kingdom and You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on priests to serve our God, and they will reign on

the earth."the earth." In the same way that Israel of the Old In the same way that Israel of the Old

Covenant was chosen from all nations to be Covenant was chosen from all nations to be a “kingdom and priests” so also God has a “kingdom and priests” so also God has chosen men from every nation to be a chosen men from every nation to be a “kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6; cf. Rev 1:5-“kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6; cf. Rev 1:5-6).6).

Just as blood purchased Israel from the Just as blood purchased Israel from the domination of Pharaoh, so also the blood of domination of Pharaoh, so also the blood of Christ bought Christians from the Christ bought Christians from the domination of sin. The blood of Christ has domination of sin. The blood of Christ has freed us to serve a new master: Christ. freed us to serve a new master: Christ.

In what sense should we understand the In what sense should we understand the verb, verb, basileusousinbasileusousin “they will reign” in “they will reign” in 5:10. There is a good degree of evidence 5:10. There is a good degree of evidence that would support a present tense verb in that would support a present tense verb in this context. If this is the case then it this context. If this is the case then it would be a natural reading of the text in would be a natural reading of the text in light of the context of 1:5-6 where it says light of the context of 1:5-6 where it says that the saints are presently reigning.that the saints are presently reigning.

The New Jerusalem Bible translates verse The New Jerusalem Bible translates verse 10 in this manner. NJB Revelation 5:10 and 10 in this manner. NJB Revelation 5:10 and made them a line of kings and priests for made them a line of kings and priests for God, to rule the world. God, to rule the world.

With this being noted, verse 10 should be With this being noted, verse 10 should be understood as an inaugurated reigning of understood as an inaugurated reigning of the saints. The new creation and the the saints. The new creation and the priesthood of believers has already begun priesthood of believers has already begun to break onto the scene of this fallen to break onto the scene of this fallen world. world.

5:11-12 The outer heavenly 5:11-12 The outer heavenly circle that praises the circle that praises the

Lamb.Lamb.

Angels make up the next Angels make up the next choir that praises the Lamb. choir that praises the Lamb.

5:11)5:11) Then I looked and heard the voice of Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon many angels, numbering thousands upon

thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the thousand. They encircled the throne and the

living creatures and the elders.living creatures and the elders. Typically in Revelation songs or hymns Typically in Revelation songs or hymns

interpret the content of the vision. The hymn interpret the content of the vision. The hymn that these angels sing is a further that these angels sing is a further interpretation which is similar to that of vv. 9-interpretation which is similar to that of vv. 9-10. 10.

Both Beale and Aune contend that the phrase Both Beale and Aune contend that the phrase “thousands upon thousands” comes from “thousands upon thousands” comes from Daniel 7:10. Here the Ancient of Days is said to Daniel 7:10. Here the Ancient of Days is said to be attended by thousands upon thousands be attended by thousands upon thousands (Beale, (Beale, Revelation, Revelation, 364 and Aune, 364 and Aune, Revelation, Revelation, 363). 363).

5:12)5:12) In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor wealth and wisdom and strength and honor

and glory and praise!"and glory and praise!" It has been suggested that 1 Chron 29:11-12 It has been suggested that 1 Chron 29:11-12

is the OT background for this statement of is the OT background for this statement of praise. There “power”, “wealth”, “strength”, praise. There “power”, “wealth”, “strength”, and “glory” are combined to praise the glory and “glory” are combined to praise the glory of God in a temple context. Also, “wisdom” of God in a temple context. Also, “wisdom” could have been added to this list based could have been added to this list based upon Dan. 2:20. In Daniel wisdom is upon Dan. 2:20. In Daniel wisdom is associated with an apocalyptic and divine associated with an apocalyptic and divine kingdom.kingdom.

5:13-14 The whole Cosmos 5:13-14 The whole Cosmos praises both God and the praises both God and the

Lamb.Lamb.

““The destiny of the entire universe is The destiny of the entire universe is here adumbrated. All things find their here adumbrated. All things find their

fulfillment and the true meaning of their fulfillment and the true meaning of their being in a climax of service to God and being in a climax of service to God and revelation of his glory” (Poythress, revelation of his glory” (Poythress, The The

Returning King, Returning King, 112) 112)

5:13)5:13) Then I heard every creature in heaven and Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and and honor and glory and power, for ever and

ever!"ever!" Christ’s death and resurrection made him Christ’s death and resurrection made him

worthy of all praise. worthy of all praise. The outburst of praise that we see in the The outburst of praise that we see in the

throne will ultimately be echoed at the throne will ultimately be echoed at the final climax of all time. Eschatology will final climax of all time. Eschatology will find its fulfillment in praise and glory to find its fulfillment in praise and glory to both Christ and God (cf. Phil 2:10-11; Col. both Christ and God (cf. Phil 2:10-11; Col. 1:20).1:20).

5:14)5:14) The four living creatures said, "Amen," The four living creatures said, "Amen,"

and the elders fell down and worshiped.and the elders fell down and worshiped. The praise chorus ends with the living The praise chorus ends with the living

creatures affirming “let it be so” the creatures affirming “let it be so” the truth of God and Christ’s glory. This is truth of God and Christ’s glory. This is followed by a visible manifestation of followed by a visible manifestation of worship. The word for worship worship. The word for worship (“(“proskuneo”proskuneo”) literally means to ) literally means to prostrate yourself before someone or to prostrate yourself before someone or to bow down and kiss someone’s feet. bow down and kiss someone’s feet. Here the elders worship in voice and in Here the elders worship in voice and in action. action.