Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryRevelation 15

The Seven VialsThis section prepares for the pouring out of the seven vials, which are the last plagues God sends to finish the judgment against antichrist. Seven angels are chosen for this important work. The vision takes place in heaven, showing that these judgments come from God. The people who have overcome the beast stand as witnesses, praising God for His justice and truth. Their song celebrates God’s victory and calls all nations to worship Him.v. 1: John sees seven angels in heaven, each given a vial to pour out. These vials are the last plagues, showing that God’s judgment on Babylon is now complete. The sins of Babylon are full, so now God’s wrath will be poured out in full measure. The angels appear in a wonderful way because their work is so important—they will finish the destruction of antichrist and his followers.

v. 2: John sees those who have won victory over the beast, its image, and its mark. They stand on a sea of glass mixed with fire. This sea may represent the world, which is fragile and will be broken, or it may point to the gospel covenant, like the brazen sea in the temple where priests washed. It could also remind us of the Red Sea, where God saved Israel and destroyed Pharaoh. The fire shows God’s wrath against His enemies. These victorious people stand firm because of Christ’s righteousness.

v. 3: The victorious ones sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. They praise God for His great works and for His justice and truth in saving His people and judging their enemies. Even though the final victory is not yet complete, they rejoice in hope and trust God’s promises.

v. 4: Their song calls all nations to fear, glorify, and worship God. They ask, “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?”because God’s judgments show His truth and justice to the whole world (Revelation 15:4 ).

The Seven VialsThis section continues the vision of the seven vials, which are the final plagues of God’s judgment against antichrist and his followers. The scene begins with a vision of heaven’s temple being opened, showing that these judgments come from God’s promises, His listening to prayer, and His commitment to defend Christ’s honor. The angels receive their mission and are fully prepared to carry out God’s will. God’s presence fills the temple, showing His glory and power, and reminding everyone that these judgments are necessary before true peace and worship can return to God’s people.v. 5: John sees the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven opened. This points back to the holiest place in the Old Testament tabernacle, where the ark of the testimony and mercy-seat stood. Here, God kept His promises and listened to prayers. Now, God is about to fulfill His word and answer the prayers of His people by judging those who opposed Christ and His church (Revelation 15:5 ).

v. 6: Seven angels come out of the temple, dressed in pure white linen and wearing golden girdles on their chests. This clothing is like what the high priests wore when they served God. It shows the angels are doing God’s will in a pure and holy way. Each angel carries a vial filled with the wrath of God, ready to pour out His judgment. They receive these vials from one of the four living creatures, showing that these judgments are in response to the prayers of God’s people (Revelation 15:6; Revelation 19:17 ).

v. 7: One of the four living creatures gives the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. These vials are the tools God uses to bring judgment on His enemies. The angels are fully prepared and empowered by God Himself (Revelation 15:7 ).

v. 8: The temple is filled with smoke from the glory and power of God, so that no one can enter until the seven plagues are finished. This shows God’s powerful presence and that His judgment must be completed before true worship and peace can return. During this time, the world is shaken, and God’s people may have little rest, but when the work is done, the church will be delivered and blessed (Revelation 15:8 ).