Revelation 10 introduces a mighty angel holding a little scroll, symbolizing God’s revealed yet mysterious Word. This powerful vision underscores divine authority, impending judgment, and prophetic urgency, as the angel declares there will be no more delay in God’s plan. The chapter blends awe-inspiring imagery with a call to obedient proclamation—even when God’s truth is both sweet and bitter. Revelation 10 reminds believers of God’s sovereignty and the urgency of His message, urging us to receive, digest, and proclaim His Word faithfully.
Revelation 10 Overview
- The Mighty Angel Appears (Revelation 10:1-7)
- John Eats the Little Scroll (Revelation 10:8-11)
The Mighty Angel Appears
1 I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 2 He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land.
3 He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don’t write them.”
5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.
John Eats the Little Scroll
8 The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” 9 I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. He said to me, “Take it, and eat it up. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” 10 I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.
11 They told me, “You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
Bible Commentary
▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.
Revelation 10:1-7
The apostle saw another representation. The person communicating this discovery probably was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or it was to show his glory. He veils his glory, which is too great for mortal eyes to behold; and throws a veil upon his dispensations. A rainbow was upon his head; our Lord is always mindful of his covenant.
His awful voice was echoed by seven thunders; solemn and terrible ways of discovering the mind of God. We know not the subjects of the seven thunders, nor the reasons for suppressing them. There are great events in history, perhaps relating to the Christian church, which are not noticed in open prophecy.
The final salvation of the righteous, and the final success of true religion on earth, are engaged for by the unfailing word of the Lord. Though the time may not be yet, it cannot be far distant. Very soon, as to us, time will be no more; but if we are believers, a happy eternity will follow: we shall from heaven behold and rejoice in the triumphs of Christ, and his cause on earth.
Revelation 10:8-11
Most men feel pleasure in looking into future events, and all good men like to receive a word from God. But when this book of prophecy was thoroughly digested by the apostle, the contents would be bitter; there were things so awful and terrible, such grievous persecutions of the people of God, such desolations in the earth, that the foresight and foreknowledge of them would be painful to his mind.
Let us seek to be taught by Christ, and to obey his orders; daily meditating on his word, that it may nourish our souls; and then declaring it according to our several stations. The sweetness of such contemplations will often be mingled with bitterness, while we compare the Scriptures with the state of the world and the church, or even with that of our own hearts.
Sermon Themes
Revelation 10 reminds us of God’s sovereignty and the dual nature of His Word—joyful yet challenging. It calls us to trust His timing, embrace His Word, and boldly share His truth with the world. How does Revelation 10 inspire you to trust God’s plan and proclaim His truth? Explore the following themes and topics to shape your sermon on this chapter of Revelation.
- The Mighty Angel’s Glory – The angel’s radiant appearance reflects God’s power and majesty, clothed with a cloud, a rainbow over his head, and feet like pillars of fire. (Revelation 10:1)
- The Little Open Book – The little book represents God’s revealed will and plans, available for His people to understand and act upon. (Revelation 10:2)
- The Roar of the Lion – The angel’s loud cry, like a lion’s roar, signals the authority and finality of God’s declarations. (Revelation 10:3)
- The Sealed Thunder – The instruction to seal the words of the seven thunders reminds us that some mysteries belong to God alone. (Revelation 10:4)
- No More Delay – The angel swears that there will be no further delay in God’s plan. (Revelation 10:6)
- Eating the Scroll – The little book is sweet to the taste but bitter to the stomach, symbolizing the joy and burden of receiving God’s Word. (Revelation 10:9-10)
- Prophesying to the Nations – John is commanded to prophesy again to all peoples, nations, and kings. (Revelation 10:11)
- Listen to His Roar – Hear and respond to the powerful voice of God in Scripture and circumstances. (Revelation 10:3)
- Be Spiritually Ready – Live with urgency, knowing God’s timing is perfect. (Revelation 10:6)
- Embrace the Sweet and Bitter – Accept both the joy and challenge of following God’s Word. Be willing to share God’s truth even when it’s hard. (Revelation 10:9-10)
- The Ongoing Commission to Prophesy: (Revelation 10:11) – The final instruction highlights the continuous call for believers to share God’s message with the world
- Trusting God’s Timing: (Revelation 10:6) – Have faith in God’s perfect timing and plan, even when things seem delayed4
- Embracing God’s Revealed Truth: (Revelation 10:8) – Actively seek and accept the truths God has made known to you
Bible Readings Free Downloads
- Revelation 3:7-13 Letter to the Church in Philadelphia
- Revelation 3:14-22 Letter to the Church in Laodicea
- Revelation 4: The Throne of God
- Revelation 5: The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll
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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.