Apocalipse 4
A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 4
Robertson says "after these things" describes a "change in the panorama not chronology." What? That's a very dogmatic statement, but is it really what "after these things" normally means? I think not. Even a review of the definition of the word "after" in English gives us the following - As a preposition after = in the time following (an event or another period of time); As a conjunction after = during the period of time following an event. As an adverb after = at a later or future time; afterwards; and finally as an adjective after = later. Here is the point -- the discerning Acts 17:11+ reader needs to be very careful reading the commentaries on Revelation (yes, even this one!), because many writers have a built in bias that causes them to depart from a simple, normal, literal reading of the text. Henry Morris on after these things - "After this" means after all that was revealed concerning the church age as represented by the seven church epistles. John is now carried forward, in the Spirit, to see the events that will take place next. God, who created time as well as space, transcends both time and space. Thus, He could easily translate John in both space and time--in space to heaven, and in time to the future. John, therefore, was able to see and hear these amazing events of the future as an actual eye-witness, just as we shall eventually see and hear them when we, like John, are caught up into heaven to be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17). In Revelation 4-22, the Lord shows us, through John's eyes, the "things which must be hereafter"--that is, after the church age ). (BORROW The Defender's Study Bible) Robert Mounce emphasizes the time sensitive or chronological aspect of the phrase after these things - John is about to see “what must take place after this.” This definitely assigns the content of the following chapters to a period of time yet future (although embedded in the material are sections that refer to times already past, e.g., 12:1–6). In 1:19 Christ had commanded John to write “what will take place later”; now he will show him those things. Since events on earth have their origin in heaven, the heavenly ascent is not unexpected. A true insight into history is gained only when we view all things from the vantage point of the heavenly throne. (BORROW The Book of Revelation - New International Commentary New Testament) Danny Akin - That these events were future to John there is no question. That they are future to our day is virtually certain given: (1) the catastrophic descriptions of the chapters; (2) the close parallels to Daniel 7 and 9, Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 2, all of which address the end of history; and (3) it is virtually impossible to reasonably identify any of the events of chapters 6 – 22 with past history. The seals (chapter 6), trumpets (chapters 8 & 9) and bowls (chapter 16) have not come. The beast, Antichrist (chapter 13), has not appeared. No, the scene shifts both to heaven (mentioned 50 times in Revelation) and the future as God lays out for us His purpose, His plan, for the consummation of history. Things will not unfold willy-nilly. There is purpose in God’s plan. History is not aimlessly moving forward out of control. There is purpose in God’s plan. Henry
Apocalipse 4
Robertson - As the vision opens John sees the throne already in place as the first thing in heaven. This bold imagery comes chiefly from 1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1ff+; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9-10+....use of kathēmenos (sitting) for the name of God is like the Hebrew avoidance of the name Yahweh and is distinguished from the Son in Rev. 6:16+ ("Him Who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb"); Rev. 7:10+ ("our God Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”). POSB - The picture being dramatized is this: the throne in heaven, God’s throne, is the throne above all thrones. It is the supreme seat of honor and majesty, of sovereignty and power. God is the supreme Majesty of the universe, the One who controls and holds all the events of history in His hands. He is the Supreme Authority over all the world and the coming events of the end time. No person can cause the events to take place but Him. The Lord Jesus Christ is returning to earth and the events of the end time are going to happen. But they are going to happen because of Him and because of Him alone. And note: the throne is “set in heaven.” That is, the events are set forever. God rules and reigns forever. There will never be an end to His rule. (BORROW Preacher's Outline Sermon Bible page 1096) (Throne) denotes monarchy, majesty, authority, royalty, and sovereignty.... In heaven, no one doubts who is in control. His authority is sovereign. -- Danny Akin Danny Akin on the throne - His authority is sovereign. Revelation 4:2 A throne set in heaven. Revelation is a throne book and Revelation 4 is a throne chapter. The word throne occurs at least 45 times in Revelation as a whole and 14 times in chapter 4. It denotes monarchy, majesty, authority, royalty, and sovereignty. The one on the throne is King and He sits (present tense) continually as sovereign Lord. Earthly monarchs, rulers and presidents come and go, but this One remains forever. As Isaiah 6:1 says, “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up.” Psalm 47:8 adds, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” In heaven, no one doubts who is in control. His authority is sovereign. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. -- Psalm 103:19+ David
Apocalipse 4
Robertson on glassy - here it is the appearance, not the material. Glass was made in Egypt 4,000 years ago. In Exodus 24:10 the elders see under the feet of God in the theophany a paved work of sapphire stone (cf. Ezekiel 1:26).
Apocalipse 4
Robertson - This seems to mean that on each of the four sides of the throne was one of the four living creatures either stationary or moving rapidly round (Ezekiel 1:12-13 - "And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went. 13 In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire."). THE "EYES" HAVE IT Four living creatures full (gemo in present tense) of eyes in front and behind - (See note below on their description and purpose) Living creatures, not beasts (as in the KJV) which is another word (therion). Alford aptly remarks that beasts is the most unfortunate word that could be imagined because zoon emphasizes the vital element and therion the bestial. Full of eyes signifies awareness, alertness, and suggests comprehensive knowledge. Adrian Rogers calls them “God’s cheerleaders!” THOUGHT - It is interesting that these creatures full of eyes are continually worshiping God (see Rev 4:8). One has to wonder if we presently earthbound humans could better see the heavenly majesty and holiness of God NOW (in His Word, illuminated by His Spirit), would we too not be more prone to live our lives as a continual act of worship? Just wondering! Perhaps the following song is a bit repetitive but how would our worship be different if God answered the prayer of this praise song? Sing it as a prayer to the One Who sits on the Throne - Open the Eyes of My Heart. (note the song cries out "Holy, Holy, Holy" like the four living creatures!) Warren