Revelation Study

Revelation Study — Chapter 4

Revelation 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."

After the revealing of the letter to the churches John has another vision. This is a heavenly vision; a glimpse into heaven. I doubt very much that it is worthwhile to go into a verse by verse commentary of this chapter. It uses various symbols to indicate the awful power of God. That all things are in subjection to him and the heavenly help he has in regard to his care for mankind.

Vss 2-3 "And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."

As in the first chapter he is in a spirit of prophecy, visionary, ready to see the heavenly revelation. Precious gems are used to bring to our minds beauty and value.

Vs 4 "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."

There is considerable controversy about the identity of the 24 elders. It seems though that since this scene is a scene of completeness it would have to include both covenant dispensations therefore the 24 elders would indicate the 12 fathers of Israel and the 12 apostles. No use quibbling about there being more than 12 apostles. Twelve is the common number assigned to the apostleship. These elders had their justified clothing of white and their crowns of gold. The Greek word "stephanos" for crown indicated a crown or wreath of victory. Sometimes it was a mark of rank or majesty. But here it seems to be the same as that for which Paul was anticipating: "a crown of righteousness."

Vs 5 "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."

The omnipotence, omniscience of God and His omnipresence; the all-seeing eye.

Vss 6-8 "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

The sea of glass separated Deity from Humanity. "Four beasts" has been rendered "four living creatures" in most of the more modern translations. They are indicative of the character of God. A lion: strength. A calf, the opposite of lion: meek and gentle. A man: intellect. An eagle: swiftness. They had enough wings and eyes to see what was needed and the power to perform. They exalted the ever-present God.

Vss 9-11 "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

All things are of God and for God. "How great thou art."

The 96th Psalm perhaps describes God better than any other passage.

Psalm 96:1 "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindred of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."