Apocalipse 5
John Phillips · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 5
Phillips - The gauntlet is now to be thrown down to men and angels, to principalities and powers, to thrones and dominions. Who, of all God's creatures, is fit to rule the world? (BORROW Exploring Revelation) I saw in the right hand (dexios) of Him Who sat (kathemai) on the throne (throne) - So as chapter 5 begins John is still in heaven and still describing the Father. Right (dexios) in the Bible often symbolizes power and authority. In Heb 12:2+ Jesus "sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Right hand is literally "right," translators adding hand, but the text does not specifically state "hand" (cheir) so it could just as accurately be translated "right side." The fact that the Lamb took the book "out of the right" would tend to justify the translation of hand. Why am I making such a big deal of this? If John truly saw what was a divine hand, that supports the premise that we will see God some day, which is an awesome thought to ponder (see note). For Him Who sat on the throne see comments on Revelation 4:2 There's an old spiritual written in 1927 entitled "He's got the whole world in His hands" (Play children singing this true song!) That song could be the theme song for Revelation 5, because in His hands, the Father has the fate of the whole wide world! He is in charge of human history. The scroll contains history before it happens. We often hear the phrase history is HIS-story, and such a saying was never more apropos than here in Revelation 5! The sovereign God has a plan and a purpose for His creation and nothing and no one can prevent it from coming to pass just as He has fore-written! THOUGHT - Believers need to be watching less of the world nightly news and more of God's prophetic news in the Revelation. The former will cause you to become depressed and disillusioned, but the latter will boost your morale and give you an eternal perspective as the Spirit renews your mind with "Vertical Vision". You cannot get closure on many of the world's news stories but you can have confident closure regarding the final chapter of God's drama of redemption in the Revelation! A T
Apocalipse 5
Phillips - A deep silence descends upon the scene, as every voice is hushed and the angels themselves cease to sing. Not a voice is raised to say, "Here am I, Lord, give that scroll to me!" (BORROW Exploring Revelation) Revelation 5:4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; BGT Revelation 5:4 καὶ ἔκλαιον πολύ, ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἄξιος εὑρέθη ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον οὔτε βλέπειν αὐτό. KJV Revelation 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. NET Revelation 5:4 So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. CSB Revelation 5:4 And I cried and cried because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or even to look in it. ESV Revelation 5:4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. NIV Revelation 5:4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. NLT Revelation 5:4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. NRS Revelation 5:4 And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. NJB Revelation 5:4 I wept bitterly because nobody could be found to open the scroll and read it, NAB Revelation 5:4 I shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to examine it. YLT Revelation 5:4 And I was weeping much, because no one was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, nor to behold it, MIT Revelation 5:4 I was weeping much because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look it over. because: Rev 4:1 Da 12:8,9 JOHN BREAKS THE SILENCE WITH LOUD SOBBING! Then - Marks sequence, so based on the fact that no one anywhere had the power to open the book he began to weep. I began to weep (klaio) greatly - Weep is in the imperfect tense giving us a vivid picture of John bursting into tears and continuing to sob uncontrollably (i.e., he kept on weeping). Clearly John knew that there was something very special about the sealed book, but he does not explain how or what he understood. The verb weep (klaio) means to cry aloud, expressing uncontainable, audible grief typically accompanied by wailing and sobbing, as when one suffers a traumatic personal loss or despair (like the death of a family member in Mk 5:38-39+). Klaio is the verb Mt 26:75 used of Peter after he had denied Jesus 3 times "and went out and wept (klaio) bitterly." John's weeping is different from that of Jesus in Jn 11:35+ where "Jesus wept," for that Greek word (dakruo) means Jesus "shed a tear," but did not cry out loud as John does in the present passage. However is used of Jesus in Lk 19:41+ "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept (klaio) over it." John is clearly emotionally distraught! He may have been "in the Spirit," but he still had very human emotions. John Phillips wrote, “There stood the aged apostle, amid scenes of grandeur that defy description, weeping with salt tears running down his weather-beaten face, weeping in shame for all the sons of Adam’s ruined race, not one of whom was worthy to take up the challenge from the throne. Think of it! Not a single man of all the billions who have lived on earth, not one fit to rule and reign!” (BORROW Exploring Revelation) Because (term of explanation) - It is easy to see what John is explaining in this context. (Absolutely) No one (oudeis) was found worthy (axios) to open (anoigo) the book (biblion) or to look (blepo) into it - No one was worthy (axios) or deserving, or as Swete says no one had the moral fitness to allow them to open the scroll. John repeats Rev 5:3 to explain why he began to weep greatly. A search of the entire universe came up with not one person worthy! As Seiss observed, no political system, no scientific achievement, no artistic accomplishment, no educational breakthrough or reform, and no philosophical insight can open the book and restore what Adam has forfeited. (LECTURE TENTH) George Alan Ladd wrote that "There “is a simple but profound biblical truth here which cannot be overemphasized: apart from the person and redeeming work of Jesus Christ, history is an enigma....Christ Alone has the key to the meaning of human history.” (A Commentary on the Revelation of John) TECHNICAL NOTE - The KJV (based on the Textus Receptus) has "and to read (anaginosko) the book" but the more modern manuscripts do not have this verb anaginosko which is not considered authentic. This is substantiated by the fact that there is no statement that the scroll was actually read, even by the One Who was worthy to open the scroll! Charles Swindoll suggests why John may have begun to weep - John knew that if no one had been found worthy, the hopeless condition of the present world would continue indefinitely. The suffering, pain, sickness, and death that characterize everyday life would never come to an end! Yet John’s weeping may have had another dimension. For over sixty years he had placed all his hope in Jesus Christ to turn the world right side up. If heaven’s search for a worthy heir failed, so would his confidence in Jesus Christ. (See Insights on Revelation) Rod Mattoon comments "John wept bitterly. This word “wept” means a strong, unrestrained emotion. This is the only time in Scripture that tears are actually seen in Heaven. (ED: MATTOON THEN SPECULATES BUT IT IS NOT A BAD THOUGHT) John wept because failure to find a Redeemer meant that this earth in its curse is destined forever to death. It meant that death, sin, damnation, and hell should reign forever and be under Satan’s influence." Weep (2799) (klaio) means to mourn, to weep, to lament or to wail with emphasis upon noise accompanying weeping. It expresses one’s immediate and outward reaction to suffering. The picture is of one lamenting with sobs or wailing aloud and was used to describe the wailing that took place when someone died. Weeping thus was a sign of the pain and grief for the entity or person being wept over (See all verses below and note who wept and over what/who?) Klaio is frequently used to mean professional mourning. Klaio implies not only the shedding of tears, but also external expression of grief. It was a term frequently used to describe the actions of professional mourners. Josephus reports people in his time hired flute-players to lead lamentations for public mourning. The haunting sound of the flute then became synonymous with death, tragedy and mourning. The custom of employing professional mourners (generally women) is still prevalent in the Middle East. Fearful Tears So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll. —Revelation 5:4 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-12 John, the great apostle and the one Jesus loved, was reduced to tears. In a vision he received while imprisoned (Rev. 5:1-12) he found himself in God’s throne room as future events unfolded. In heaven, John saw God hold up a sealed scroll. He wept because as he observed the glories of God’s presence, he saw no one who could open the scroll—no one with the power to reveal God’s final revelation and to complete the concluding chapter of history’s drama. As an apostle, John had observed the power of sin in the world. He had witnessed Jesus’ life and death on earth to conquer sin. He had seen Him ascend into heaven. But now he was fearful when he saw that no one was worthy to open the scroll and vanquish sin forever (v.4). Imagine the drama of what happened next. An elder approached John and said, “Do not weep,” and pointed him toward Someone he knew: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (v.5). John looked, and he saw Jesus—the only One with the power to take the scroll, open the seals, and complete the story. Soon John’s tears were dry, and millions of angels were proclaiming, “Worthy is the Lamb!” (v.12). Are you crying? Behold, John’s friend—Jesus. He is worthy. Turn things over to Him. By: Dave Branon Our Lord is worthy all our days Of all our love and highest praise; He died to take our sin and shame— Oh, bless the Savior’s holy name! —Egner The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who lives to lead us. Revelation 5:5 and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." BGT Revelation 5:5 καὶ εἷς ἐκ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων λέγει μοι· μὴ κλαῖε, ἰδοὺ ἐνίκησεν ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα, ἡ ῥίζα Δαυίδ, ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον καὶ τὰς ἑπτὰ σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ. KJV Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. NET Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals." CSB Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, "Stop crying. Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has been victorious so that He may open the scroll and its seven seals." ESV Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." NIV Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." NLT Revelation 5:5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals." NRS Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." NJB Revelation 5:5 but one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed, and so he will open the scroll and its seven seals.' NAB Revelation 5:5 One of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed, enabling him to open the scroll with its seven seals." YLT Revelation 5:5 and one of the elders saith to me, 'Weep not; lo, overcome did the Lion, who is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, to open the scroll, and to loose the seven seals of it; MIT Revelation 5:5 One of the senior men said to me, "Cease weeping. Look! The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered, qualifying him to open the scroll of seven seals." one: Rev 4:4,10 7:13 Stop weeping: Jer 31:16 Lu 7:13 8:52 23:28 Joh 20:13 the Lion: Ge 49:8-10 Nu 24:9 Heb 7:14 the Root: Rev 22:16 Isa 11:1,10 Jer 23:5-6 Ro 1:3 Ro 15:12 has overcome: Rev 1:1 6:1 See discussion of The Scroll in Revelation 5 - Title Deed to the Earth Related Passages: Deut 33:7+ And this regarding Judah; so he said, "Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them; And mayest Thou be a help against his adversaries." Hebrews 7:14+ For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. Revelation 22:16+ “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Isaiah 11:1; 10+ Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. 10 Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. Romans 15:12 (MESSIANIC INTERPRETATION) Again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.” Jeremiah 23:5-6 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. 6 “In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The LORD our righteousness.’ THE LION HAS WON THE VICTORY AS THE LAMB And one of the elders (presbuteros) said to me, "Stop weeping - Stop weeping is present imperative with a negative which means to cease an action in progress. John is expressing a strong inner emotion manifest by loud sobbing. This emotion implies that John had some sense or understanding of the great importance of the scroll in the possession of God the Father. Warren Wiersbe on John's weeping - John wept for several reasons: (1) he yearned to see creation set free from bondage; (2) he wanted the promise of Rev 4:1 to be fulfilled; (3) he knew that the OT promises to Israel could never be fulfilled unless the scroll could be opened. John was sharing in the “groaning” of Ro 8:22–23. The angel dried his tears by pointing to Christ. (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) God never leaves Himself without a man, and in this hour of solemn crisis, He has One ready. -- John Phillips Behold (idou) is used to call attention to what follows as of special importance that One Who is worthy has been found! John had not seen Him yet! John Phillips - How could he ever have missed Him? There He was, in the midst all the time. John had been so taken up with the sights and sounds of glory, so occupied with the throne, the emerald rainbow, the thunderings and lightnings, the sea of glass, the elders, and the cherubim, that he had completely missed the Lamb! Yet the Lamb was in the midst of it all! How often we do the same. We come and go to meetings, we listen to the most stirring messages, read the most profound passages from God's Word, sing the most sublime hymns, harken to the noblest of prayers, and yet miss the Lord in the midst (Matt. 18:20). (BORROW Exploring Revelation) The Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root (rhiza) of David - The Lion that is from the tribe of Judah lion is a Messianic Title (see explanation below). Lion is an emblem of strength, majesty, courage, and authority as well as intellectual excellence. The Root (rhiza) of David is also a Messianic title and there is some difference of opinion as to how this should be interpreted. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Root of David - root (he rhiza Daueid Rev 5:5; 22:16): Root here means stock, family, descendant, hence, "the Root of David" is that which descended from David, not that from which David descended (ED: CONTRA EXPLANATION BELOW). Jesus Christ in His human nature and family connections was a descendant of David, a member of his family. Warren Wiersbe said, “He is also the Root of David, which means He brought David (and David’s line) into existence. As far as His humanity is concerned, Jesus had His roots in David; but as far as His deity is concerned, Jesus is the Root of David. This speaks of course, of our Lord’s eternality.” Briah Bell - Why a Root? Because he existed before David & brought David’s kingly line into being. Isaiah 11:1 - As far as His Humanity was concerned - Jesus had his roots in David. Isaiah 11:10 - As far as His Divinity was concerned - Jesus is the root of Jesse(David’s dad). Remember when Jesus asked the Pharisees how the Messiah could both be David’s Lord & David’s son? (they couldn’t answer) Mt 22:41-46. Macleod - Revelation 5:5 also refers to Christ as “the root of David.” This title goes back to Isaiah 11:10 and is generally taken in the sense of a shoot from a root; that is, Christ is a descendant of David, and He will restore the Davidic kingdom. Some commentators, however, say the title “root of David” refers not to Jesus’ human descendancy from David, but more likely to Christ as “the Divine root, which brought forth David.” In favor of this view is the wording in 22:16, where Jesus said, “I am the root and the descendant of David” (ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυίδ). It is highly unlikely that “root” (ῥίζα) and “descendant” (γένος) are merely synonymous. It is true that in Isaiah the Messiah is viewed as growing from the stump or root of Jesse. But in Revelation 22:16, “the risen Lord … reverses the concept of Isaiah 11:1. He is the root from which David grew, and so [He is] the source of David’s line.” The word “root” in this context, therefore, does not mean that Jesus is David’s son (though that is true as other verses make clear); rather it suggests that He is David’s God and Creator (cf. Matt. 22:41–46). As “root” He is David’s ancestor; as “descendant” He is David’s son. Thus He is the God-Man. “He is at once the … Beginning and the End of the whole economy associated with the Davidic family.” Wiersbe on Lion and Lamb - In the two names Lion and Lamb we have the two-fold emphasis of OT prophecy: as the Lion, Christ conquers and reigns; as the Lamb, He dies for the sins of the world. We cannot separate the suffering and glory (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 1:11), the crown and the cross. (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Leon Morris on Lion and Lamb - There is a striking combination of the utmost in power and the utmost in self-giving. (Borrow Revelation of St John) Danny Akin - As the lion He is the strength of our salvation, as the Root of David, He is the source of our salvation. In describing Jesus as the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah John alludes to the Messianic passage in Genesis 49:8-10 “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to you. 9 “Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up? 10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Gotquestions.org has this explanation of Genesis 49:8-10 - Judah’s descendants would be strong and receive praise and honor from the other tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:8). This was fulfilled in David, a strong and mighty warrior and king, and ultimately by the Messiah, who came from the line of Judah. • The tribe of Judah is likened to a lion, both young and old (Genesis 49:9). Again, this blessing has its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). • The tribe of Judah would experience prosperity and peace and health (Genesis 49:11). This is likely a prophecy concerning the millennium. That will be a time of peace (Micah 4:2–4; Isaiah 32:17–18), joy (Isaiah 61:7, 10), comfort (Isaiah 40:1–2), and no poverty or sickness (Amos 9:13–15; Joel 2:28–29). In Genesis 49:10, we find the reference to Shiloh. “Shiloh” (as translated by the NASB and NKJV) is someone predicted to come from the tribe of Judah. Other translations give this person’s title as “he to whom [the ruler’s staff] belongs” (NIV), “Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One]” (AMP), and “he whose right it is” (CSB). Prior to Shiloh’s coming, the tribe of Judah would continue to maintain power and strength, signified by the scepter—the symbol of authority and rule of law. This began in David, who was of the tribe of Judah, and continued to the Babylonian captivity. But, notably, the first governor of Judah after the captivity ended was Zerubbabel, who was of the tribe of Judah. Shiloh (SEE ISBE NOTE) is best interpreted as the Messiah. It is the Messiah Who has the true right to take the throne and hold the scepter (John 18:36–37; Psalm 2:7–9). It is the Messiah Who, at His Second Coming, will have the people’s obedience (Daniel 7:13–14; Isaiah 2:2). It is the Messiah, the Lion of Judah, who will rule the whole world (Revelation 11:15) and preside over a time of unprecedented blessing and peace on earth (Isaiah 11:6–13; Micah 4:1–5). The Reformation Study Bible God’s purposes of redemption and rule can be accomplished only through One who is uniquely worthy—Jesus Christ. He is simultaneously the fierce Lion of the tribe of Judah, warring against God’s enemies (Rev 17:14; Rev 19:11–21), and the gentle Lamb that has been slain, who purchased His people with the blood of His atoning sacrifice (Rev 5:9, 10). Only God in His trinitarian fullness can accomplish these magnificent purposes. Note the presence of the Father (“him who was seated on the throne,” Rev 5:1, 7), the Son (“Lamb,” Rev 5:6, 7), and the Spirit of God (Rev 5:6; Rev 1:4), who is the horns and eyes of the Lamb. THE VICTORIOUS LAMB QUALIFIED TO OPEN THE SCROLL Has overcome (nikao) - Has overcome is past tense (aorist tense)! Overcome = Has conquered (ESV, NET), has triumphed (NIV, NJB), has been victorious (HCSB), has won the victory (NLT), has prevailed (NKJV). Jesus has won the victory! Jesus has prevailed over every enemy of God and God's children - over sin (Heb 1:3+, 1Pe 2:24+, 1Pe 3:18+), over this godless world (Gal 1:4, Jn 16:33), over Satan and his minions (Jn 12:31, Jn 16:11, Col 2:14-15+, Heb 2:14-15+), over death (1Co 15:25-26, 55-57+). With his dying words Jesus declared His victory crying "It is finished!" (TETELESTAI!) The price of redemption had been paid in full (Jn 19:30+). The outcome is not in question. And because the Lamb has overcome, those who believe in His "Overcoming" (Cross, Resurrection) are also overcomers (1Jn 5:4-5+) as described at the end of each of the letters to the seven churches (see below). So as to open (anoigo) the book (biblion) and its seven (hepta) seals (sphragis)." - While John does not state his reaction, surely his weeping turned to rejoicing as the elder announced this news! Jesus is the ultimate Overcomer, having achieved His victory over the world, the flesh, the devil and death at the Cross, His victory being confirmed and affirmed by His resurrection from the dead. His payment in His precious blood was sufficient to not only redeem believers (Ro 8:23+, Eph 4:30+), but to also redeem the earth, which has been groaning since sin entered the world (Ro 8:19,20,21,22+). One was found worthy to take it and open it by breaking the seven seals! To open (anoigo) can speak of unrolling a scroll. THOUGHT- Adrian Rogers asked, “Do you have a cause worthy living for? Is what you are living for worthy of Jesus’ dying for? When you get to where you are headed, where will you be? Many of us are shoveling smoke and plowing water. When this world is over, much of what we have done will make no difference whatsoever (ED: Eccl 1:14, 5:16) … “Years ago, Reader’s Digest reported that in order for a person to have a meaningful life, he needs three things. First, he needs someone to love. Second, he needs something to do. Third, he needs something to hope for. I think Reader’s Digest is right, and the answer to all three of these things is Jesus. He is the One we love, the One we serve, and the One in whom we hope. Jesus Christ is the only One worthy of my love, my life, my all—and yours.” John
Apocalipse 5
Phillips - John turned to behold a Lion. But instead of a shaggy mane and gaping jaws and dreadful teeth, he saw-a Lamb! Was there ever a more dramatic moment in the history of the universe? The Lion was none other than the Lamb! The Lord Jesus is referred to directly as the Lamb only twice in the Old Testament (Isa. 53:7; Jer. 11:19), only twice in the gospels (John 1:29, 36), only once in the book of Acts (Acts 8:32), and only once in the epistles (1 Pet. 1:19). But He is referred to as the Lamb twenty-eight times in the book of Revelation. It is His apocalyptical title. As Lamb, He came to save; as Lamb, He comes back to subdue. Surely this is what Paul meant when he said, "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty; and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought the things that are" (1 Cor. 1:27-28). A little lamb! But this is no ordinary lamb, for this Lamb has the seven horns of omnipotence, and the seven eyes of omniscience. This Lamb is "Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24). (BORROW Exploring Revelation) Between the throne (thronos) (with the four living creatures [note]) and the elders (presbuteros) a Lamb (arnion) standing - Exactly how John saw the Lamb rather than the Lion is not clear, except that this is what the Spirit moved him to record (2Pe 1:21+). It is interesting that John was told to behold the Lion but his first description is of a Lamb standing. The Lamb has been sacrificed and yet stands erect and alive in the sight of all heaven. Hallelujah! John
Apocalipse 5
Phillips - Suppose the question had been asked Him, "What is the basis of Your claim to the title deed of earth?" His reply could have been threefold. He could have said, "That world is Mine by right of creation,for I made it; it is Mine by right of Calvary, for I redeemed it and bought it with My blood: it is Mine by right of conquest for, since the only language the unregenerate heart of man understands is the language of power, I'm going back to claim that world in war." The world is His, and His rights are not questioned at all. As He steps into the spotlight, His right is instantly owned. And notice this: from the moment the Lamb is put into the picture, John cannot take his eyes off Him. He mentions Him again and again-four times within the space of the rest of this chapter alone (Revelation 5:6. 8, 12, 13).(BORROW Exploring Revelation) God’s Perfect Lamb Mary had a little Lamb, His soul was white as snow. And anywhere His Father sent, the Lamb was sure to go. He came to earth to die one day, the sin of man to atone. And now He reigns in heaven alone. He’s the Lamb upon the throne! Hampton Keathley - In the act of receiving the book from God the Father, it is made evident that judgment and power over the earth are committed to Christ the Son of God. Daniel 7:13-14+ is a parallel passage. There Daniel reveals the ultimate triumph of Christ when the kingdoms of the world are given to Christ. Daniel declares,“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” In that future day complete authority over the world will be realized by Christ, an authority which He will exercise both in the judgments which precede His second coming and in His reign for one thousand years which will follow His second advent. Warren Wiersbe on the significance of the book - This particular scroll is Christ’s title deed to creation. A Roman will was sealed with seven seals; this scroll is the will, or testament, giving Christ the right to claim creation by virtue of His sacrifice (Rev 5:9). A will could be opened only by the heir, and Christ is the “heir of all things” (Heb. 1:2)....To understand this scene, we must consider the Hebrew system of owning land. If a man became poor and had to sell his land, or himself, he could be redeemed by a kinsman. The story of Ruth is based on this law; see also Jer. 32:6–15 and Lev. 25:23–25. This redeemer had to be a near relative who was willing and able to purchase the property and set the kinsman free. All of creation has been under bondage to sin, Satan, and death; but now Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer, is going to set creation free. (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I'll tell, How the victory He giveth Over sin and death and hell. —Bliss Brian Bell - Satan offered Him the whole world in return for one act of worship (Mt.4:8-10+), but Jesus won the right to receive the scroll when He gave Himself on the cross. I WILL SING OF MY REDEEMER Fernando Ortega I will sing of my Redeemer And His wondrous love to me; On the cruel cross he suffered From the curse to set me free Chorus Sing, oh sing of my Redeemer With his blood, he purchased me On the cross, he sealed my pardon Paid the debt, and made me free I will tell the wondrous story How my lost estate, to save In his boundless love and mercy He, the ransom freely gave I will praise my dear Redeemer His triumphant power I'll tell How the victory he giveth Over sin, and death, and hell Mark Hitchcock (See page 114 in 101 Answers to Questions About the Book of Revelation) lists the most common interpretations of the meaning of the scroll... "There are many views regarding the contents of the scroll. Here are seven of the most prominent ones: (from David MacLeod's article The Lion Who is a Lamb - Bibliotheca Sacra 164, 2007, pages 325-28) 1. The book of the new covenant, which has yet to be instituted with Israel in the millennial kingdom 2. A book of redemption (the Lamb’s book of life) 3. The title deed to the earth (ED COMMENT - MacLeod's article actually does not mention a "title deed"!) 4. The events of the Tribulation (a doomsday book) 5. A bill of divorce—the Lamb divorcing unfaithful Israel 6. A record of the sins of mankind 7. A testament or will When the context and evidence are considered, the best view is that the seven-sealed scroll is a will. A will was the only document in the first-century world that was closed with seven seals. Every person in the churches John addressed would have understood this imagery." COMMENT - A number of other respected Bible scholars do not agree that the scroll represents a will but is actually the title deed to the earth, which is the view I hold. See an excellent discussion by Renald Showers that supports this interpretation - The Scroll in Revelation 5 - Title Deed to the Earth. Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. BGT Revelation 5:8 Καὶ ὅτε ἔλαβεν τὸ βιβλίον, τὰ τέσσαρα ζῷα καὶ οἱ εἴκοσι τέσσαρες πρεσβύτεροι ἔπεσαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ ἀρνίου ἔχοντες ἕκαστος κιθάραν καὶ φιάλας χρυσᾶς γεμούσας θυμιαμάτων, αἵ εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαὶ τῶν ἁγίων, KJV Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. NET Revelation 5:8 and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground before the Lamb. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense (which are the prayers of the saints). CSB Revelation 5:8 When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ESV Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. NIV Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. NLT Revelation 5:8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people. NRS Revelation 5:8 When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. NJB Revelation 5:8 and when he took it, the four living creatures prostrated themselves before him and with them the twenty-four elders; each one of them was holding a harp and had a golden bowl full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. NAB Revelation 5:8 When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones. YLT Revelation 5:8 And when he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, having each one harps and golden vials full of perfumes, which are the prayers of the saints, MIT Revelation 5:8 When he took the document, the four animate creatures and the 24 senior men prostrated themselves before the lamb. Each had a harp and a gold bowl full of incense representing the prayers of the holy ones. the four: Rev 5:14 4:4,8,10 7:10-12 19:4 Joh 5:23 Ro 14:10-12 Php 2:9-11 Heb 1:6 having: Rev 14:2,3 15:2 Ps 33:2 43:4 81:2 150:3 golden: Rev 15:7 the prayers: Rev 8:3-4 Ps 141:2 Related Passages: Revelation 8:3-4+ Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. Psalm 141:2+ May my prayer be counted as incense (Lxx = thumiama) before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. Source: Swindoll's Insights on Revelation THE BEGINNING OF THE REVERSAL OF THE CURSE! Paradise lost by the first Adam, is about to become paradise restored by the last Adam (1Co 15:45+)! Danny Akin points out that in Rev 5:8-14 we have 3 beautiful hymns in Heaven - The first choir is the smallest (8-10), the second larger (11-12), and the third the largest of all (13-14). The first song is the longest, the second shorter, and the third the shortest by far. When the Lamb takes the scroll, John records the majestic worship beginning around the throne and radiating outward, from the four living creatures and twenty four elders (Rev 5:8-10), to the countless angels (Rev 5:11-12) and finally to every creature in the universe (Rev 5:13)! THOUGHT- It would be easy to read Revelation 5:8-13 and forget that we will be in attendance at the greatest worship service creation has ever witnessed. All the pains, the sorrows, the afflictions, the persecutions, etc, we have experienced for His Name, will fade into a distant memory. Even as Jesus' encouraged His disciples before He went to the Cross, would we too be encouraged by His words -- "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) May our anticipation of this glorious celebration of the ultimate Overcomer be used by the Spirit to cause each of us to "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." In the Name of the Lamb Who is worthy. Amen (2Co 4:18) Charles Swindoll sets the stage for the last 6 glorious verses of chapter 5 - When the incarnate Son of God took the scroll from the Father, everything changed. The rule of humanity over all creation, which has been derailed by the Fall and wrecked by the curse (Gen. 1:28; 3:17–19), will be restored through the God-man, Jesus Christ. As a truly human descendant of Adam, Jesus Christ is qualified to fulfill the original calling of humanity to exercise dominion over the earth and to subdue it, restoring the conditions of Paradise throughout the whole world. As the truly divine Son of God, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to fulfill this calling where Adam failed. Don’t miss this! In Revelation 5:8 we see the beginning of the process of God putting everything in its right place by placing everything in the right hands. What a reason to rejoice! (See Insights on Revelation) Alan Johnson on Revelation 4-5 - “In these two chapters, the sequence of hymns shows that the first two are addressed to God, the next two to the Lamb, and the last one to both. There is also a gradual enlargement in the size of the choirs. The internal movement also builds as the last hymn is sung by ‘every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth’ to ‘him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb’ (Rev 5:13). (See Revelation) William
Apocalipse 5
Phillips - The worship of glory is now lifted an octave higher. In chapter four the theme was, "Thou art worthy for thou hast created." The theme here is, "Thou art worthy... for thou wast slain." Oh, the wonder of it all! That heaven's Beloved should beggar Himself, should be born in a barn, should be commonly called "the carpenter's son," should journey through time as a homeless Stranger in the very world His hands had made, should suffer unspeakable indignities and barbarities at the hands of His creatures, should be butchered on a cursed cross, and, above all, should be made sin! These are wonders that will never cease to draw out the awe and worship of those at the very focal center of things in glory. In that bright scene of splendor, far beyond the skies, at the innermost heart of the universe, they worship Him. They see no man save Jesus only. They worship Him as the Lamb that was slain. It is Calvary that fills their vision and prompts their worship. Over yonder at this very moment they are doing what we do when we worship Him, when we spread the table and remember Him. (1Co 11:24-25+) (BORROW Exploring Revelation) Brian Bell - A 5-fold new song: [1] A Worship Song - “you are worthy”. [2] A Gospel Song - “you were slain…have redeemed…by your blood” Interesting, Heaven sings about the Cross & the Blood, & yet some churches today have omitted all Hymns with this subject matter out of their hymn books! [3] A Missionary song - “Every tribe, tongue, people, nation”. Lifted from Daniel 7:13,14. The church now serves as Israel once did, with the tasks of worshiping God & making Him known to the world. Question: What does this mean for evangelism that the Lamb has purchased people from every tribe, language, people, & nation? [4] A Priestly song - “and have made us a kingdom of priests”. [5] A Prophetic song - “We shall reign on earth” The future is to share Christ’s rule on earth. New? – It’s 2000 years old! 1. New, not in time or origin; but new in the sense of its nature, something previously unknown & unprecedented. Moses song in Ex.15 was a song of redemption from Egypt. A new work of redemption calls for a new song! Beasley-
Apocalipse 5
Phillips puts it beautifully writing - The triumphant anthems swell and roll and thunder out to the farthest reaches of space. They awaken the echoes of the everlasting hills. They reverberate and throb until all heaven is filled with praise. Just as a great crowd will pick up a slogan and beat it out in unison, so over yonder they thunder out the theme "Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb! Power! Riches! Wisdom! Strength! Honor! Glory! Blessing! Worthy is the Lamb!" So then, at the focal center of the universe He is praised. But that is not all. He is worshiped also at the furthest circumference of the universe (Rev 5:13). (BORROW Exploring Revelation) WORTHY IS THE LAMB (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) Thank you for the cross Lord Thank you for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace Thank you for this love Lord Thank you for the nail pierced hands Washed me in Your cleansing flow Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious High and lifted up Jesus, Son of God The Darling of Heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb To receive (lambano) power (dunamis) and riches (ploutos) and wisdom (sophia) and might (ischus) and honor (time) and glory (doxa) and blessing (eulogia) - Receive (lambano) is the same verb used in Rev 5:7 ("took") and Rev 5:8 ("had taken") to describe the Lamb taking the book from the right hand of the Father. Since He received the book, He is now worthy to receive the "seven fold praise." Notice that there are seven attributes ascribed to the Lamb. He is "Worthy times seven!" Hallelujah! Glory to the Lamb! Power (dunamis) is likely mentioned first because He will use His power to accomplish His purposes on earth as the seal-trumpet-bowl judgments unfold. Riches (ploutos) speaks of the wealth of the universe, which were His by creation and now by redemption and reclamation. Wisdom (sophia) refers to Jesus' ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on His omniscience. Might (ischus) refers to the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment but does stresse His omnipotence to carry out God’s will. Honor (time) of course is the esteem that is due Christ for who He is and what He has done (Cross) and will do (redemption of the creation). This is the value we ought to attribute to Christ. Is He more valuable to us than anyone and anything else? Glory (doxa) means to give a proper opinion of and thus refers to the adoration that should be given to Christ. Blessing (eulogia) is literally the good word (English = eulogy, eulogize) and are the "good words" of praise for what He has done to assure redemption and reclamation. Christ is to be well-spoken of. Danny Akin points out that "Neither we nor the angels can give Him the first four things. We can only acknowledge He has them in all their fullness and perfection. However, we can give Him honor, glory, and blessing." THOUGHT- As long as we have breath, we can say a good word about Jesus. We can witness to others about Jesus. We can brag on Jesus. We can take the gospel to the nations for Jesus. We do talk about what we love, do we not? Are we talking a lot and saying good gospel things about our Lord and King (Rev 19:16)? (Akin) R C H
Apocalipse 5
Phillips - From every possible sphere and from every single tongue there rings out an acknowledgment at last that Jesus Christ is Lord. There will not be a single dissenting voice. The fallen angels, the angels imprisoned in the abyss, the angels bound near the Euphrates, the demon hordes, Satan himself, wicked, Christ-rejecting sinners of earth, one and all acknowledge Him as Lord. Deep in every heart will be the absolute conviction that the choice of Jesus is wise and just and blessed and honorable and glorious and irresistible. God has placed into the hands of men the decision as to whether or not they will accept Christ as Savior, but the decision as to whether or not they will acknowledge Him as Lord is not theirs to decide. The supreme tragedy of a lost eternity will be to know that there, shut out from the focal center, sentenced to the farthest, darkest, loneliest extreme of separation, His rejectors still have to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. He will be praised at the focal center of things by the sinless sons of light and by the redeemed of all ages with joy unspeakable and full of glory. And He will be praised at the furthest circumference of things by every damned and outcast soul with sobs and tears and choking cries. "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name or Jesus every knee should bow, or things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11+). (BORROW Exploring Revelation) A W Tozer on worship - Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient Mystery, that Majesty which philosophers call the First Cause, but which we call Our Father Which Are in Heaven Dominion (2904) kratos means strength or might, especially manifested power, the power to rule or control or dominion (power to rule, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine). Krátos denotes the presence and significance of force or strength rather than its exercise. It is the ability to exhibit or express resident strength. Most of the NT uses (10/12) are in references to God Almighty, and make the point that ultimate dominion belongs to God Alone. Kratos - 12x/12v - dominion(6), might(1), mightily(1), mighty deeds(1), power(1), strength(2). Lk. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. 1:19; Eph. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. 6:16; Heb. 2:14; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 5:13 Everyone Sings! Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! —Revelation 5:13 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:8-14 Each summer I enjoy attending many of the free outdoor concerts presented in our city. During one performance by a brass band, several of the members briefly introduced themselves and told how much they enjoyed practicing and playing together. The pleasure of sharing music in community has drawn people together for centuries. As followers of Christ, whether we are in small groups, choirs, or congregations, bringing praise to God is one of the key elements in our own expression of faith. And one day, we’ll be singing in a concert that defies imagination. In a sweeping vision of the tumultuous events at the end of time, John records a chorus of praise that begins with a few and swells to a company beyond number. In honor of the Lamb of God, who with His blood has redeemed people from every tribe and nation (Rev. 5:9), the song begins at the throne of God, is joined by multiplied thousands of angels, and finally includes every creature in heaven, earth, and sea. Together we will sing, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (v.13). What a choir! What a concert! What a privilege to start rehearsing today! By: David C. McCasland Give me a spirit of praise, dear Lord, That I may adore Your name, Sing praises from a grateful heart To the One who is always the same. —Dawe Those who know Christ now will sing His praise forever. In His Presence Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne. —Revelation 5:13 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14 As the bus rounded another bend in the Israeli road, I was not prepared for my reaction to what I would see. There stretching before us lay the Sea of Galilee. Its beauty sparkled in the bright sunlight, but my heart was not touched just by its natural grandeur. No, the tears of wonderment that clouded my vision came when I realized anew that I was in the land of Jesus’ earthly life. When I looked over that body of water, I was viewing the sea on which Jesus sailed. When I visited the city of Capernaum, I was walking exactly where He walked. When I came to the Mount of the Beatitudes, I was standing in the very place where Jesus gave His remarkable sermon. My heart was renewed by these realizations. It was warmed with the realities of Jesus’ life—and especially His sacrificial death. Although those experiences in Israel have no redeeming power, they made me think about something that will happen in the future. I was touched by this thought: If being in the place where Jesus walked has the power to quicken my heart, how overwhelming it will be to stand in His presence in heaven! Imagine the absolute ecstasy of being where Jesus is—not just where He was. It will be astounding! By: Dave Branon To be in His presence! A glorious thought So awesome I cannot conceive; I'll bow down and worship the Lord on His throne And add to the praise He'll receive. —Sper The greatest joy on earth is the sure prospect of heaven. John Butler - PRAISE FOR GOD Revelation 5:13 “Every creature which is in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever” (Revelation 2:21). Our day is certainly not interested in giving honor and praise to God. Our courts, through perversion of the constitution, have run God out of many of our schools and other places. The government is very present in our lives but God is not. That seems to please government. It is true that if we were to honor and praise God today it would hurt our government and many businesses. But we need a lot of that hurt in our land today if we are going to have any healing. Note four things from our text about this praise for God. FIRST—THE SOURCE OF PRAISE “Every creature which is in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are n them.” Praise for God will be universal. God will be honored by every creature sooner or later. Even those “under the earth” will praise God. “Under the earth” refers to the place of the condemned. Hell will not be a place where men will curse and blaspheme God. It will be a place where they will praise God. But oh, the agony of that praise for those in hell. Praising God brings blessing to those who praise Him in this life. But if you wait until you are dead and have gone to hell, praise will not be the blessing it could have been. Many who have profaned the name of God in this life will praise Him in hell. SECOND—THE SPECIFICS OF PRAISE “Blessing and honor, and glory, and power.” Each ot these words tell of various areas and meanings of the praise for God. Viewing them together simply says that God will get much praise. Unlike much of our day which is opposed to praising God, the day is coming when God will be praised profusely by everyone—including those who are so opposed to His praise and honor today. What a great day that will be, for when God is honored, it is always blessed. THIRD—THE SUBJECT OF PRAISE “Unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” All Deity will be praised. Here it is God the Father and God the Son (“Lamb”). The “Lamb” refers to the great work of Christ on the cross. Christ was scorned and mocked in His day on earth but time will bring much honor to Him and by all that scorned and mocked Him. FOURTH—THE SEASON OF PRAISE “Forever and ever.” Once started the praise will never end. All eternity will be filled with praise to God. And the ACLU and the courts of our land and all other haters of God will not be able to stop it. Hallelujah! Perpetual praise for God will be heard throughout the universe. The universe will be a place ringing with Divine praise. That day cannot come too soon. (Butler's Sermon Starters) Revelation 5:14 And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped. BGT Revelation 5:14 καὶ τὰ τέσσαρα ζῷα ἔλεγον· ἀμήν. καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ἔπεσαν καὶ προσεκύνησαν. KJV Revelation 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. NET Revelation 5:14 And the four living creatures were saying "Amen," and the elders threw themselves to the ground and worshiped. CSB Revelation 5:14 The four living creatures said, " Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. ESV Revelation 5:14 And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped. NIV Revelation 5:14 The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. NLT Revelation 5:14 And the four living beings said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. NRS Revelation 5:14 And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped. NJB Revelation 5:14 And the four living creatures said, 'Amen'; and the elders prostrated themselves to worship. NAB Revelation 5:14 The four living creatures answered, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. YLT Revelation 5:14 and the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' and the twenty-four elders fell down and they bow before Him who is living to the ages of the ages. MIT Revelation 5:14 The four animate creatures also were saying, Amen. The senior men prostrated themselves and worshiped. the four: Rev 19:4 And the four and: Rev 4:9-11 A FITTING END TO REVELATION 5 AMEN AND AMEN! And the four living creatures (note) kept saying, "Amen (amen)." - It is fitting that at the end of the heavenly scene in Revelation 4 and 5 we hear the first use of the exclamation "Amen!" Amen solemnly confirms that which went before. TDNT says here it is used "As an acclamation in worship, it signifies response." Kept saying is in the imperfect tense picturing them as saying "Amen" over and over and over. With their "amen's" the four living creatures affirm the validity of the previous praises. In essence, they were saying the old Beetle's song "Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, etc." And the elders (presbuteros) fell down (pipto) and worshiped (proskuneo) - The elders fall again in response to the "Amen's" humbly acknowledging the sovereignty of the Father and worthiness of the Lamb to reclaim the earth from sin and satan. In Rev 4:10 the elders fell down before the Father. In Rev 5:8 the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb when He took the scroll from the Father. The idea of fall down is to throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion or humility, as was often done before high-ranking persons. THOUGHT - It bears repeating that what we read today as prophecy regarding this great chorus of heavenly praise, will one day be our reality! Mark it down that this will be the very real experience of EVERY blood bought, heaven bound believer of all the ages! Is this not part of our present blessed hope, a hope sure, not a hope so? In other words, no matter what trials and afflictions and suffering you have experienced, are experiencing or will yet experience (1Pe 1:6,7; James 1:2-4), you can have a "rock solid" confidence that your "best is yet to come." (As an aside if you are not a true believer in Jesus, your "worst is yet to come." And our attendance at this incredible heavenly worship ensemble celebrating the transfer of the scroll from the Father to the Son will surely be one of the high points of our future experiences! So hang on dearly beloved of God (1Th 1:4, Jude 1:1, 1Jn 3:1). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Worthy One (Heb 12:2+). And may God be pleased to grant that His Holy Spirit supernaturally enable all who read Revelation 4 and 5 to continually be energized by Vertical Vision, all for His glory! In the Name of the Alpha and Omega. Amen. Amen (281) amen [OT = Amen (0543) amen] is a transliteration from the Hebrew word amen which in turn is from the Hebrew verb aman = to be firm, to believe, this word conveying the idea of certainty) Amen is transliterated into Latin and English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. In fact amen has been called the best-known word in human speech. To say “Amen” confirms a statement by someone else. It acknowledges that which is valid and binding. Amen indicates the solemn affirmation of the divine will in about one-third of the 129 NT occurrences. The remaining uses of convey an adverbial meaning "truly." Amen in 129x/103v - Amen(30), truly(99). Matt. 5:18; Matt. 5:26; Matt. 6:2; Matt. 6:5; Matt. 6:13; Matt. 6:16; Matt. 8:10; Matt. 10:15; Matt. 10:23; Matt. 10:42; Matt. 11:11; Matt. 13:17; Matt. 16:28; Matt. 17:20; Matt. 18:3; Matt. 18:13; Matt. 18:18; Matt. 19:23; Matt. 19:28; Matt. 21:21; Matt. 21:31; Matt. 23:36; Matt. 24:2; Matt. 24:34; Matt. 24:47; Matt. 25:12; Matt. 25:40; Matt. 25:45; Matt. 26:13; Matt. 26:21; Matt. 26:34; Mk. 3:28; Mk. 8:12; Mk. 9:1; Mk. 9:41; Mk. 10:15; Mk. 10:29; Mk. 11:23; Mk. 12:43; Mk. 13:30; Mk. 14:9; Mk. 14:18; Mk. 14:25; Mk. 14:30; Lk. 4:24; Lk. 12:37; Lk. 18:17; Lk. 18:29; Lk. 21:32; Lk. 23:43; Jn. 1:51; Jn. 3:3; Jn. 3:5; Jn. 3:11; Jn. 5:19; Jn. 5:24; Jn. 5:25; Jn. 6:26; Jn. 6:32; Jn. 6:47; Jn. 6:53; Jn. 8:34; Jn. 8:51; Jn. 8:58; Jn. 10:1; Jn. 10:7; Jn. 12:24; Jn. 13:16; Jn. 13:20; Jn. 13:21; Jn. 13:38; Jn. 14:12; Jn. 16:20; Jn. 16:23; Jn. 21:18; Rom. 1:25; Rom. 9:5; Rom. 11:36; Rom. 15:33; Rom. 16:24; Rom. 16:27; 1 Co. 14:16; 1 Co. 16:24; 2 Co. 1:20; Gal. 1:5; Gal. 6:18; Eph. 3:21; Phil. 4:20; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 Tim. 6:16; 2 Tim. 4:18; Heb. 13:21; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:11; 2 Pet. 3:18; Jude 1:25; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 3:14; Rev. 5:14; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 19:4; Rev. 22:20 ILLUSTRATION - If we were all gathered together and the state governor were to walk in, it would be appropriate for us to stand in honor of his office, whether we agreed with his politics or not. And if the president were to walk in, it would be right both to stand and to applaud, regardless of his politics. But if the Lord Jesus, the Lamb who is a Lion, were suddenly to walk in, to stand would be inadequate, and to stand and applaud would almost be arrogant. No, in light of Who He is and what He has done, the only rightful response is to do what we see in verse 14: they “fell down and worshiped Him Who lives forever and ever.” The Lamb is Lord in heaven. Is He Lord in your heart?(Danny Akin) ILLUSTRATION (APPLICATION) - As we so clearly see from this chapter, in heaven, all believers in their glorified state, without a sinful nature, will be occupied with giving praise and glory to God. But that’s not something we should put off until heaven. May we now be living to the glory of God as those who love Him and are living in the moment-by-moment expectation of the Savior’s coming. Three men worked on a large building project. One was asked, “What are you doing?” “I’m mixing mortar,” he said. The second man said, “I’m helping put up this great stone wall.” When the third man was asked, he replied, “I’m building a cathedral to the glory of God.” Those three men could just as well have been working on a car, a truck, a house, a road, or any legitimate product or service a man or woman might provide. Most people work to earn a living, attain success, or amass wealth. Such reasons, however, must not be the Christian’s primary motive for working. Like the third man in our story, we need to see that what gives work eternal value is not the product or service of our labor but the process of laboring itself—doing the job faithfully to the glory of the Lord (Source: Hampton Keathley III)