We
are now entering upon the main revelation of the book (see 1:1 and 4:1). We
have seen the conditions of the churches. Persecution had begun, and times of
greater trial loomed ahead (see 2:10, 13; 3:10). The question, ‘What of the
future?’ must have troubled every thoughtful Christian and is now about to be
answered. But, first in chapters 4 and 5 God shows John a vision of the
heavenly realities which abide unshaken behind and above the changes and
uncertainties of earth.
Study
8 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 4
1-
When John looked into heaven, what is the chief and outstanding
sight which met his eyes? What may we also learn from this vision about the
origin, the control and the purpose of the created universe? What kind of
response ought this awareness to call forth from us?
2-
What is here indicated or symbolized concerning the nature and
character of God, and concerning the way in which He ought to be worshipped?
Notes
1-
Verse 3. ‘Like Jasper’: i.e., radiant; cf. 21:11. ‘Like…carnelian’:
i.e., red like fire or blood. The ‘rainbow’ suggests God’s faithfulness. Cf.
Gn. 9:12-17.
2-
Verse 4. These elders are normally taken to represent the church
of Old and New Testaments
3-
Verses 6-8. ‘Four living creatures’: similar to those of Ezekiel’s
vision. See Ezk. 1:5ff.; 10:12. Their appearance suggests the characteristics
of strength, service, intelligence and swiftness. For their song, cf. Is. 6:3
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