Revelation Ch. 10
“Seven Thunders and the Little Scroll”

Welcome back. It has been a few weeks, but I hope you have not forgotten all we have learned. This week we pick up at Ch. 10. We are in an interlude period. We are between the 6th and 7th seals. The 6th trumpet has blown and, the first 2 woes have been given. We now await the final trumpet and woe of the Lord! In this interlude scene, John will reveal 4 scenes: 1) The Seven unrecorded thunders 2) The Little Scroll that is sweet-bitter (and in Ch. 11- the measuring of the temple and the two slain witnesses returned to life).

Tonight, in Ch. 10 we will see the 7 thunders, which indicate that God is not going to give any additional warnings or calls to repentance. With the 7 thunders he is basically saying: “That’s enough warning!” No more warning……. THE JUDGMENT OF ROME IS AT HAND!

The little scroll is very similar to an experience from Ezek. 2:8-3:3. It is “sweet-bitter” because….well we will see why later. I don’t want to give away the answer yet!

Let us read the text and discuss:

The 7 Thunders (Vs 1-7)

V1- Some think this is Jesus. I do not see any justification for this. They claim that this description is close to the description of Jesus in Ch. 1. Do you see any similarities or reasons for or against this argument?
It says that the angel was clothes with a “cloud”. This is common attire for heavenly beings (see Dan 7:13, Acts 1:9-11, I Thess 4:17).
What do you think the “rainbow on his head” represented? I believe it is reminder of the mercy of God on his faithful (like Noah) and his commitment to ALWAYS follow through with his promises.
“His face was like the sun” most likely simply refers to the amazing glory of God!
“His legs were like pillars of fire” indicates, in my opinion, that this Angel’s primary [purpose was to bring judgment!

V2- The Little Scroll- Do you think it is part of the main scroll (Scroll of destiny) from Ch. 5? It is separate from that scroll. What do you think the description of his “right foot on the sea and left foot on the land” represent? It simply shows that what this Angel is about to reveals applies to the WHOLE earth! It is a worldwide message!

V3- The Angel cries….but never actually talks. His cry was a cry of attention…. A calling to of order! It was the signal…not the actual message! So what actually spoke? The 7 thunders!!!!!! In Revelation thunder has ALWAYS been a symbol of warning…..this is NO different! (note the usage again of the number 7).


V4- In Ch. 1, John was commanded to write down all he saw and heard. Now, God has commanded John to Seal up what has been stated by the 7 thunders. He starts to write it, but is told not to. Why do you think this is? Basically…..because God says he is giving no more warnings!!! What does he mean by “seal it up”? “Seal Up” does NOT mean to cancel the doom which the message caries. It simply states that God has decided that the case is closed, and need not be revealed any more to man. The inevitable is at hand. Even judgments over 1/3 of the earth brought no repentance.

V5-6-7-- He lifts his right hand up to heaven. Basically an OATH- just like in court. God is being called as a witness that the things being done are by God’s authority! Could you get a better oath?!?!?!?! He swears by the eternity and fullness of almighty God!
“There will be no more delay”- This does not predict the end of time (in actuality, the translation means “extension of time”.). So…now his judgment (upon ROME), will come with no more delay! As a result, John was not allowed to write down the warning. THERE IS NO MORE DELAY! God’s plan will be revealed with the last seal/trumpet (ch.11).

The Little Scroll

V8- Does anyone remember what the larger scroll contained? It is now time for the little one. God’s people will all be tested by the judgment of the Roman Empire! But…they have been assured repeatedly of final victory!

V9-10- I love this verse! I believe it is a synonym for all of God’s word really---even the Gospel! What do you think this is saying? It is obviously a metaphor. John is being told to take in what is in the scroll, to consume it all, to mentally digest it. What does he mean by the bitter to stomach and the sweet in the mouth? God’s word (ESPECIALLY HERE WITH THIS REVELATION!) is beautiful when taken in for yourself. It cleanses you and sets you free. But when you REALLY digest it, and realize the problems it may cause, and the pain, and the fact that you might have to make changes or share it, it becomes bitter to many!!!!! The joy of knowing his truth is often followed by deeper sorrows. No matter how much he realized that the message he has sealed must be brought pout and the guilty punished, the thought of delivering the message brings bitterness and sorrow!

V11- John is being told again to take a message to the peoples. It will be quite bitter to many, but to John and the Christians, the message is the ultimate victory!!!!