Tyndale Open Study NotesRevelation 5

This section introduces upcoming visions and judgments. John presents God in his heavenly court, which is the setting for the drama of Revelation (Revelation 4:1–11). The Lamb also plays a central role (Revelation 5:1–14). John contrasts God's majesty with the supposed majesty of Caesar. God's power and splendor surpass any earthly ruler's ceremonial court.

John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who is the main figure in Revelation and God's chosen one to fulfill his plans.

• The scroll, like a dramatic script, describes God's plan for the world (Psalm 139:16).

• The right hand represents God's gracious authority and power (see Revelation 1:17, 20).

• The writing on both sides of the scroll shows that God's plans for history are full and complete.

• sealed with seven seals: God has placed his purposes for history in something that cannot be opened by human effort (Isaiah 29:11–12; Daniel 8:26). His purposes will be fulfilled only when the seals are broken (see Revelation 5:4).

At first, no one in the entire universe seemed to have the divine authority or power to answer the angel’s call.

John cried because he feared he would not learn about God's plan for history, even though it was promised to him (Revelation 4:1; see 10:4). His tears show how important the revelation was to him.

• Titles for Jesus such as the Lion … of Judah (see Genesis 49:9–10) and the Root of David (see Isaiah 11:10), are Old Testament metaphors for the Messiah (see Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; John 7:42).

• Because Jesus won the victory at the cross (John 16:33), he is the only one worthy to open the scroll and reveal God’s purposes (Revelation 4:11; 5:2, 12). God’s plan for history centers around Jesus and his actions. His connection to the scroll shows his control of history.

• The Jews expected the Messiah, God's chosen one, to appear as a powerful lion. Instead, Jesus came as a lamb (John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32–35; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). The lamb, once slaughtered but now standing, symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus.

• The Lamb’s seven horns are a symbol of his complete power, and the seven eyes are a symbol of his complete knowledge (see Zechariah 4:10). He is also fully connected to the perfect spirit of God (Revelation 1:4).

• fell down before the Lamb: The crucified and risen Christ has the divine authority to start the events of this age. He is fully worthy of worship.

• The prayers of God's people play a significant role in the judgments and plagues (Revelation 6:9–11; 8:2–5).

• The entire created order sings a new song of praise to the lamb (compare Revelation 14:1–5; Psalm 149:1; Isaiah 42:10).

• The lamb is worthy because his sacrifice earned him the right to open the scroll's seals and carry out God's plans in history.

• The song highlights the meaning of the good news about Jesus (1 Peter 1:18–25).

Describing God's people as a kingdom of priests who will achieve ultimate victory and reign with Christ reflects Jesus as both king (Romans 1:3) and high priest (Hebrews 6:20).

A massive angelic choir, with thousands and millions of voices, responds in turn. All of heaven answers creation's acknowledgment of Christ's sacrifice.

This doxology (a short statement of praise) gives Jesus divine honors, which are usually only for God (see Revelation 4:11; 5:13; 7:12).

The second antiphonal response echoes from every creature, including those under the earth (the place of the dead) and in the sea (often linked with evil). This may suggest that even those rebelling against God must respond (Isaiah 45:23–25; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10–11).

The dramatic introduction of the lamb (Revelation 5:1–14) ends with the living beings (4:6–9). Their Amen affirms the truth of John's vision, while the twenty-four elders bow in worship.