Revelation 10

Revelation 10 — Christ the Living Word, the Open Gospel, and the Commissioned Church

Revelation 10 is a prophetic unveiling of Jesus in His full glory, not as a concealed figure behind types and shadows, but as the Living Word made manifest, holding in His hand the open book of fulfilled redemption. The mighty angel is Jesus Himself, now exalted, revealing that the work of atonement is complete and the Gospel is no longer sealed, but accessible to all nations. His stance over land and sea proclaims total authority, and His lion-like voice echoes the finality of the cross: "It is finished." The scroll is not just to be read, but to be eaten, taken into the innermost being, sweet to the spirit but bitter to the flesh, because the Word of God both comforts and confronts. Revelation 10 announces that the mystery of God, long foretold by the prophets, has now been fulfilled in Jesus, and the Church is called not to speculate, but to prophesy, to bear witness of the cross, the resurrection, and the eternal Gospel to every people, nation, tongue, and king. This chapter is not about secrets yet to be revealed, but about the glory already unveiled in Jesus, and the urgency of the Church’s mission to declare it.

Chapter 10 — Jesus and Bride

Revelation 10 presents the vision of a mighty angel with a little open book, standing on the sea and the land, declaring that “there should be time no longer.” The finished work of Jesus is symbolized in the open book, the mystery of God is no longer hidden but fully revealed in Jesus. The Bride’s identity is found in receiving and “eating” this book, taking God’s Word deep within, and becoming a prophetic voice in the world. False religion is exposed as powerless to unlock God’s plan; only Jesus reveals the fullness of truth. The Church is commissioned to “prophesy again” to carry the message of grace and truth to every nation.

Revelation 10:1

1. Jesus Covenant of Mercy and Grace- Glory and Steadfast!

1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Revelation 10:1 shows Jesus coming for atonement, clothed in glory, not just as the Son of God sent as our sin sacrifice, but also revealing the dual message of “all glory” He would receive when sin and death were conquered through His resurrection. Jesus comes with steadfastness and glory, in mercy, judgment, and covenant promise. His glory will now be in us, not a distant relationship with boundaries. Moses could not see God’s face (Exodus 33:20), and Jesus was covered in a cloud at the transfiguration which caused the disciples to fall on their faces in fear and distance themselves, unable to take part in it (Matthew 17:5–6). But Jesus has changed that by His atonement, so that we can now be partakers of His glory, and be unified with Him as husband and wife (John 17:22–23, Revelation 21:9).

Mighty angel come down from heaven
Jesus comes from heaven, this represents Jesus in glory. Though called an "angel" (messenger), the description aligns with previous Christophanies (Rev 1), showing His divine authority. This angel represents Jesus Himself, appearing as a glorious messenger. His descent shows the nearness and authority of God’s revelation.

Revelation 1:13–16 – Similar imagery of glorified Jesus

John 3:13 – “The Son of man... came down from heaven”

Exodus 23:20–21 – A divine “Angel” whose name is in Him

Clothed with a Cloud

Clouds are symbols of God’s presence and glory used in divine manifestations and associated with Jesus glory. You will see that the rainbow is seen as a crown, Jesus is King and His rulership is of glory and mercy!

Exodus 16:10 – “The glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud”

Matthew 17:5 – The cloud during the Transfiguration

Acts 1:9 – Jesus taken up in a cloud

Clothed with a cloud is Glory, the signifies divine presence and His glory (Ex. 16:10; Matt. 17:5). It also recalls the ascension and return of His Spirit (Holy Spirit in glory) on Pentecost. 

See Addendum- Taken up

A Rainbow on His Head

The rainbow is not above His head like in the sky, it is “upon his head” symbolically resting on it, like a crown, halo, or diadem. This is not just atmospheric, it is intentional symbolism placed on Him.

Symbolic Meaning of the Rainbow Upon His Head:

A Crown of Covenant Mercy

The rainbow first appears in Genesis 9:13–17 as God’s covenant sign of mercy after judgment. To have it upon His head suggests He bears the authority of covenant grace. It’s as if He wears the promise of mercy like a king wears a crown.

Genesis 9:16 – “And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant...”

A Symbol of Divine Glory and Faithfulness

In Revelation 4:3, a rainbow surrounds the throne showing God’s faithfulness encircling His rule. Here in Revelation 10:1, the rainbow is transferred to the head of Jesus, showing He now carries that authority and represents the throne’s mercy.

Revelation 4:3 – “...and there was a rainbow round about the throne...”

Jesus as the Mighty Angel – Crowned with Covenant Glory

This “mighty angel” is Jesus Himself: Clothed with a cloud (divine glory), Face shining like the sun (Rev. 1:16), Feet as fire (same in Rev. 1:15), And now a rainbow upon His head  like a crown of covenant glory. The rainbow is not decoration, it's a divine emblem of grace, judgment passed over, and heavenly royalty.

Genesis 9:13 – God’s covenant with Noah

Revelation 4:3 – Rainbow around God’s throne

Ezekiel 1:28 – The glory of God appearing with a rainbow

His Face Like the Sun
This reflects Jesus divine radiance, glory, and power seen in His transfiguration and glorified appearance. His face was as the sun we see Jesus’ glory of countenance. This mirrors the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2) and Revelation 1:16, representing purity, power, and divine light.

Matthew 17:2 – “His face did shine as the sun”

Revelation 1:16 – “His countenance was as the sun”

The Redemptive Arc:  Glory to Humiliation to Death to Resurrection to Restored glory!

His Face Like the Sun — Glory Lost and Restored in Jesus

This symbolic detail reflects the radiant glory of Jesus. His face shining like the sun points to divine splendor, authority, and resurrection power.

 We saw this glory unveiled at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), and again in John's vision of the glorified Jesus: “His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” (Revelation 1:16) But this radiance was once veiled willingly laid down at the cross. In Revelation 9, when the sun is darkened, it symbolically portrays the loss of divine light, Jesus, the Son of God, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He bore the shame and separation, descending into the depths of death. The sun being darkened echoes Calvary, when darkness covered the earth (Matthew 27:45), and Jesus cried out in forsakenness. But death did not have the final word. In victory, He rose again, the light of the world restored in power! As the Risen Son, He now wears the full glory and honor that was always His: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18) His face shining as the sun once again in Revelation 10 declares: The work is finished, The authority is restored, And Jesus now rules in full resurrection glory.

Matt. 17:2 – “His face did shine as the sun...”
Matt. 27:45 – “There was darkness over all the land...”
2 Cor. 5:21 – “He hath made him to be sin for us...”
Rev. 1:16 – “His countenance was as the sun...”
Rev. 9:2 – “And the sun and the air were darkened...”
Matt. 28:18 – “All power is given unto me...”

His Feet as Pillars of Fire
You will see as we go through the chapters that many prophetic scriptures have multiple meanings depending on the side of  Jesus you want to se revealed. In this instance we shall see Him as bridge between the old and the new and between spirit and the flesh.

A Dual Revelation of Jesus

Fire in scripture often symbolizes purity, judgment, and divine authority, while pillars speak of unshakable strength and steadfastness. When we see Jesus with feet like pillars of fire, it’s more than an image of judgment it's a dual message, a revelation that speaks on multiple levels. As we move through the book of Revelation, we’ll notice that many prophetic images carry more than one meaning and these meanings often depend on which side of Jesus is being revealed:

The Lamb or the Lion
The Judge or the Savior
The Son of Man or the Son of God

In this moment, we will see Him as the Bridge, the One who stands between the Old and the New, between law and grace, between flesh and spirit. His fiery stance on both sea and land proclaims His complete ownership, but also His role as the Mediator, the One who joins together what was once separated. This vision invites us to look deeper: not just at prophecy, but at the Person of Jesus, the One who fulfills, transcends, and unites all things.

Revelation 1:15 – “Feet like unto fine brass… as if they burned”

Exodus 13:21 – “Pillar of fire by night”

Ezekiel 1:27 – Fire from His loins

Feet as pillars of fire is the foundation and judgment, like in Rev 1:15, fire represents purity and judgment. Pillars also suggest steadfastness and dominion.

Jesus acts here as a bridge between nations.

John 12:32 – “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

Ephesians 2:14 – “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”

He will influence all not just Israel, but every tribe and people.

Revelation 7:9 – “A great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues…”

Isaiah 49:6 – “It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant… I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles.”

Jesus is the Rock and the Open Door, the Truth, the Life, and the Way.

1 Corinthians 10:4 – “That Rock was Christ.”

John 10:9 – “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”

John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

In this vision, He makes a stand as two pillars, symbolizing stability and strength in His New Covenant with the nations.

Galatians 2:9 – “James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars…” (symbolic use of pillars for strength/stability)

Revelation 3:12 – “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God…”

His Feet as Pillars of Fire — Jesus the Bridge 

These fiery feet symbolize judgment, purity, and divine authority. Yet, they also reveal something deeper, Jesus stands with one foot on the sea and one on the earth (v.2), claiming ownership of both realms. This echoes the original creation where God formed the land, then the waters, and separated them to bring forth life (Genesis 1:6–10). These two elements, land and sea, reflect a spiritual mystery: flesh and spirit. Like land, the flesh gives structure. Like water, the spirit flows. They are one life, yet function differently, and must work together. The spirit moves as the flesh yields. When the body surrenders, the Spirit flows freely. Here, Jesus plants His fiery feet in both realms declaring that He alone unites them.

He is the bridge of fire: 

The refining connection between what is natural and what is spiritual.

The owner and judge of both domains, earthly and heavenly.
The mediator who joins flesh and spirit through His cross and resurrection.

His Feet as Pillars of Fire — Jesus the Sword

This imagery of His feet as pillars of fire echoes the two-edged sword of His mouth: judgment and mercy, spirit and truth, heaven and earth, all met in Jesus.

Rev. 10:2 – “He set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.”
Genesis 1:6–10 – God separates the waters and brings forth land.
John 3:6 – “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Galatians 5:25 – “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
1 Timothy 2:5 – “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 12:29 – “For our God is a consuming fire.”

Revelation 10:2

2. Jesus the Gospel for All!

2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

Jesus acts here as a bridge between nations. He will influence all, not just Israel, but every tribe and people. Jesus is the Rock and the Open Door, the Truth, the Life, and the Way. In this vision, He makes a stand as two pillars, symbolizing stability and strength in His New Covenant with the nations. He is no longer hidden behind a veil. Jesus is open to all.

In his hand a little book open
The open book reveals fulfilled truth (unlike the sealed scroll in Rev 5). This represent the gospel message, now fully available and revealed through Jesus sacrifice. The mystery is open, God will send His Son to be a final sacrifice for sin. This is the fulfilled gospel the mystery now revealed.

Revelation 5:9 – Only the Lamb could open the scroll

Hebrews 10:7 – “In the volume of the book it is written of Me…”

John 17:6 – “I have manifested Thy name”

He is no longer hidden behind a veil. Jesus is open to all.

Hebrews 10:19–20 – “Having therefore… boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way… through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”

Romans 10:12 – “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek… the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”

One Foot on the Sea, One on the Earth
Symbolizing Jesus complete dominion. He rules over all. Jesus the gospel for all in one symbolistic picture!

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s…”

Daniel 7:14 – Christ’s dominion over all peoples

Revelation 13:1 vs. 10:1 – Contrast between beast and Christ’s authority

Right foot upon the sea, left foot on the earth we find the pillars on the nations. This stance shows authority over all creation, land and sea symbolizing universal dominion and unification of  all things. (Ps. 24:1).

Revelation 10:3

3. JesusJudgment-The Lion of Judah!

3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

“Cried with a loud voice” points directly to the moment when Jesus cried out on the cross and gave up His Spirit, as recorded in Mark 15:37 and John 19:30. This cry was not weakness, but power, a roar like that of a lion, fulfilling the prophetic image of the Lion of Judah, as declared in Revelation 5:5 and Amos 3:8. His loud cry was a final declaration: the work was finished, the judgment was about to begin and from that moment, the dividing line between grace and wrath was forever established. Jesus’ death is the offset for perfected judgment, offering grace to all, but warning that those who reject it will face eternal death, as confirmed in Hebrews 9:27, John 3:36, and Revelation 20:15. The Cross is where mercy shouted louder than sin but if that mercy is refused, the cry becomes judgment.

He cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth
Jesus crying out on the cross / now the Lion of Judah, His voice is now victorious. A lion’s roar speaks of strength, kingship, and fulfilled prophecy (Hos. 11:10; Amos 3:8).

“Cried with a loud voice” points directly to the moment when Jesus cried out on the cross and gave up His Spirit.

Mark 15:37 – “And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.”

John 19:30 – “He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

This loud cry is also the roar of the Lion of Judah, fulfilling the prophetic image of Jesus as the conquering Lion.

Revelation 5:5 – “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah… hath prevailed…”

Amos 3:8 – “The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken…”

This confirms that Jesus’ death is the turning point, the offset for perfected judgment.
He bore wrath so that grace could be offered to all. But if that grace is rejected, the only remaining outcome is eternal separation from God, the second death.

Hebrews 9:27–28 – “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…”

Revelation 20:14–15 – “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

John 3:36 – “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Seven thunders uttered their voices
Seven proclamations occurred, Seven seals, trumpets, and more, This may represent divine declarations too powerful or mysterious to be written down. God sometimes withholds full understanding (2 Cor. 12:4). This is the victorious voice of the Lion of Judah declaring authority and fulfillment.

Revelation 5:5 – “The Lion of the tribe of Judah”

Amos 3:8 – “The lion hath roared… who can but prophesy?”

John 19:30 – “He cried… It is finished”

thunders uttered their voices

Seven Thunders = Seven Prophetic Declarations from God
The number seven often symbolizes fullness, completion, or the Spirit of God (see Revelation 1:4, “the seven Spirits before His throne”). These thunders utter “voices” meaning they are not random sounds, but articulate, divine messages or judgments. Thunder is often associated with God’s voice in Scripture, especially when delivering judgment, law, or covenantal warnings.

God Speaks Through Thunder (Symbolic of Divine Judgments or Declarations)
Psalm 29:3-4  “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth… The voice of the Lord is powerful…”
Exodus 19:16-19  God’s presence on Mount Sinai came with thunders, symbolizing His law-giving voice. 

John 12:28-30  The crowd hears God speak and thinks it thundered: His voice was mistaken for thunder.

Connection to Jesus as the Lion
The mighty angel cries out “as when a lion roareth”  a clear tie to Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5). Jesus is the One through whom the Father speaks in these last days (Hebrews 1:1–2), and the seven thunders represent divine words through Him across all redemptive history.

Hebrews 1:1–2 – “God… spoke in times past… by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son…”
Psalm 18:13 – “The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice…”
Job 37:4–5 – “After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency…”
Revelation 4:5 – “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices…” (God’s throne surrounded by thunder = divine authority/judgment)
John 12:29 – “The people therefore… said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.”

The seven thunders in Revelation 10 represent God’s complete and powerful voice, thundering judgments or proclamations through time, echoing divine truth that may not yet be fully revealed. Each voice is not random, but intentional, reflecting the fullness of God’s counsel. Thunder in Scripture is consistently tied to God’s awe-inspiring presence, justice, and spoken authority. That John is told not to write the message indicates these are divine decrees known only to God, meant to show us His majesty and our need to trust in His timing and mystery. Jesus will reveal in the appointed time the judgements because the judgements must be mingled by His blood. Judgement without grace and mercy is finality!

Revelation 10:4

4. Seal Up- Almost Time!

4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

The judgments were made by God’s Spirit, expressed through the fruit and character of the Seven Spirits of God (Isaiah 11:2, Revelation 4:5). It was not cold judgment it was a mixture of grace, His blood, and righteous justice. At this point in the vision, it is not yet fully disclosed, because Jesus is still in the grave. He has descended to take the keys of the abyss, sin and death (Revelation 1:18, Ephesians 4:9), and is leading a victory parade with the enemies defeated, as if declaring, “I AM Boss!” (Colossians 2:15). But when the tomb opens, when the resurrection breaks through, then we will see clearly what these sealed judgments mean. That unveiling begins in verse 8.

Seal up -write them not

When God told the prophets to seal up the vision (e.g., Daniel), it meant the judgments were already determined but not yet revealed or executed. These sealed judgments were not postponed or discarded; they were stored until the fullness of time. Then, at the Cross, God executed all judgment, not upon the world but upon Jesus. Jesus was the only one to take the judgements on Himself and to mingle it with His pure untainted blood.

Sealed in the Prophets' Time

Daniel 12:4  "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end..."
Isaiah 29:11–12 “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed…”
 
This shows that God had already given the full picture, the warnings, the consequences, the judgments, but kept them sealed because the world was not yet ready for the execution of that judgment.

Daniel 12:9 – “The words are closed up and sealed”

Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The secret things belong to the Lord”

Unsealed in Jesus — The Execution Fell on Him

Revelation 5:9
“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain…”

Jesus doesn’t just reveal judgment, He absorbs it.

The Lamb alone could open the sealed judgments because He bore the wrath and fulfilled the justice.

Isaiah 53:5–6  “He was wounded for our transgressions… the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
2 Corinthians 5:21  “For he hath made him to be sin for us… that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
John 12:31–33  “Now is the judgment of this world... And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
(This He said, signifying what death He should die.) So when Jesus died, the sealed judgments were poured out on Him. This is the core of the gospel.

The Veil Torn = Judgment Executed

Matthew 27:51 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom…” This symbolized: Access to God opened, Final judgment satisfied, The Old Covenant ended, and the sealed scrolls now unlocked

Revelation as a Transition:

From sealed judgment (pre-cross) then to executed judgment (at the Cross) then to gospel proclamation (post-cross) This is why John sees: First, sealed scrolls (Rev. 5), Then, the Lamb opens them (Rev. 6–8), Then, the little book is open (Rev. 10), and John must now “prophesy again” God sealed the judgments in the time of the prophets, not because He was unsure, but because He had appointed a day when they would fall on Jesus. All wrath, judgment, and justice were poured out on the Cross. Jesus drank the full cup of God’s indignation (see Rev. 14:10 compared with Matt. 26:39). Now, what was sealed is open, not to condemn the world, but to reveal the finished work and proclaim the gospel.

Revelation 10:5

5. Jesus Will Drink the Cup!

5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth -lifted up his hand to heaven,

stand upon the sea and upon the earth

the mighty angel (a theophany of Jesus) stands:

"And he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth." Revelation 10:2

Before vs. After the Cross

Before the Cross – Partial Dominion

In Old Testament theophanies (like in Daniel or Ezekiel), God's dominion was prophesied but not yet fully executed. His authority over heaven and earth was declared but not fulfilled, because sin still had legal ground. Symbolically, if one foot was on the land and one foot on the sea, it reflect prophetic intention, a promise of authority to come, but not yet fully established.

The law and prophets testified, but could not enforce full redemption.
Psalm 8:6 – "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands..."
Hebrews 2:8 – "...But now we see not yet all things put under him."

After the Cross – Full Dominion

In Revelation 10:2, the mighty angel (Jesus in symbolic form) stands fully planted, right foot on the sea, left foot on the earth. This shows full possession, full claim, and executed judgment. Sea = the nations, chaos, Gentiles and Earth = Israel, religious system, legal world

Now Jesus has both realms under His feet.
He has: Conquered the sea (spiritual chaos, Gentile world, death – Psalm 65:7) and Conquered the land (religion, temple system, old covenant) Before the cross, the image is one of prophetic foreshadowing, partial, symbolic steps of dominion. After the cross, Jesus stands with both feet planted, symbolizing total fulfillment: redemption complete, judgment executed, authority over all realms fully established. This is not just geography, it is God's redemptive timeline in image form.

Matthew 28:18 – “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

 Ephesians 1:22 – "And hath put all things under his feet..."

Hebrews 10:12–13 – “...this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down... waiting till his enemies be made his footstool.”

lifted up his hand to heaven,

Jesus lifting His hands to heaven is a powerful sign of surrendering His life to the Father, just as He did on the cross. In that final moment, He prayed, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit” (Luke 23:46). This act of lifting His hands reflects total submission. not defeat, but willing surrender, offering His life as the Lamb. His hands raised to heaven symbolize the full giving of Himself, body, soul, and spirit into the Father’s will.

Revelation 10:6

6. Jesus Almost “It is Finish!”

6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Jesus makes an oath to the Father, just as He did in the garden when He prayed, “Father, if it be Thy will, let this cup pass from Me but not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This was not hesitation, but deep surrender. He knew exactly why He came, and He fully committed Himself to that purpose. His oath was not made in weakness but in power declaring in the presence of heaven that He would finish the work the Father had sent Him to do.

that there should be time no longer

Time no longer= no more waiting, the time has come and Jesus paid the price!

Jesus Knew His Purpose:

John 12:27–28  “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.”

Jesus acknowledges the suffering and reaffirms He came for this very reason.

John 18:11  “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Jesus accepts the Father's will in the moment of arrest.

Luke 22:42  “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

His surrender in Gethsemane, the true oath of obedience.

John 4:34  “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

Jesus lived every moment with purpose to finish what He was sent to do.

John 17:4  “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”

Spoken just before His arrest, Jesus declares He fulfilled His mission.

Sign of heaven and earth merging, this marks a transition: the delay is over, God's plan is unfolding. It signifies the ushering in of fullness, Jesus is the completion of time (Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:10). This marks the end of delay, not literal time ending, but the end of waiting for God’s redemptive plan to unfold. Jesus state that He will drink the cup and will suffer the cross for us to bring life eternal to mankind.

Galatians 4:4 – “In the fullness of time…”

Hebrews 10:37 – “He that shall come will come…”

Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it tarry… it shall not tarry”

Revelation 10:7

7. When Atonement is Done- The Glory will Follow!

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

The mystery is old, God had already revealed the plan of sacrifice and the restoration of one nation to Himself, unified under one Seed: the Line of Jesus. This was known by the faithful throughout the ages. They longed to be part of it (Hebrews 11:13). And now, in this scripture, Jesus declares that the time has come, it is D-day. He fulfills the ancient prophetic scriptures by giving His life and bringing complete restoration between God and man, unifying us with Him in marriage (Ephesians 5:31–32). It is now One Nation under God, with no more veil (Matthew 27:51), no more Jew or Gentile, slave or freeman (Galatians 3:28). The temple is no longer manmade, it is now spiritual, and we are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

In the days of the voice... the mystery of God should be finished
The mystery is now opened, Atonement complete! The “mystery” (Eph. 3:4–6; Col. 1:26–27) refers to God’s redemptive plan through Jesus, now fulfilled and made known. The hidden plan of redemption is now completed in Jesus!

Colossians 1:26–27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory”

Ephesians 3:3–6 – “The mystery… made known by revelation”

Romans 16:25–26 – “The mystery… now made manifest”

Declared to His Servants the Prophets
The Gospel was foreshadowed in prophecy, now fulfilled in Jesus. Declared to his servants the prophets we see a hidden mystery foretold, now fulfilled. Old Testament prophets foresaw the Messiah, but didn’t fully grasp the full work of Jesus. Now, in Him, it is revealed (1 Pet. 1:10–12).

1 Peter 1:10–12 – Prophets spoke of Christ’s sufferings

Luke 24:27 – Jesus explained all things concerning Himself

Acts 3:18 – “Fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets”

Revelation 10:8

8. The Glory is Open!

8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Jesus has atoned, and now John a mortal man can open the Book. He can look into Jesus, see His glory, and not die. This is a complete reversal of God’s words to Moses: “No man shall see My face and live” (Exodus 33:20). But now, in Jesus, everything has changed. Our spirit is made alive to God when we believe in Him and in His finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:5, John 5:24). We are now the dwelling place of His Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we carry His glory within us (2 Corinthians 4:6–7). God has made us part of His light to the world (Matthew 5:14). So now is the time to shine!

Take the little book which is open
Jesus is now revealed, God in full access to man, united in Him! This symbolizes receiving divine revelation. Jesus as the living Word (John 1:14).

Revelation 10:9

9. Glorious Word-The Flesh will Die but the Spirit will Live!

9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

Here we find John representing the believer’s acceptance of Jesus saying, in effect, “Lord, I want to eat of You and drink of You. Let me in, as I let You in.” The Book is now open and in this moment, Jesus reads us, and we read Him. This is not just revelation, it’s marriage, a divine union of oneness. We take up His name, just like in tradition a bride takes the husband’s name. “My sheep know My voice” (John 10:27) and “I will write upon him the name of My God…” (Revelation 3:12, Revelation 14:1)  all of this speaks of ownership, unity, and likeness. Jesus is saying, “My words will change your life.” You will digest them through circumstances, it will be sweet in your spirit, but bitter to the flesh (Revelation 10:9–10). Yet once you’ve received it, the life that flows from your belly will change the nations (John 7:38).

Eat it up
The Word digested is tough on the flesh. Just as Ezekiel ate the scroll (Ezek. 2:8–3:3), the act means fully internalizing the Word. It transforms and convicts. Receiving God’s Word must be personal and internal, like eating. It nourishes but also convicts.

Ezekiel 3:1–3 – Ezekiel eats the scroll

Jeremiah 15:16 – “Thy words were found, and I did eat them”

Psalm 119:103 – “Sweeter than honey…”

Sweet in the Mouth, Bitter in the Belly
God’s truth brings joy, but also challenges the flesh and brings suffering when proclaimed. In thy mouth sweet as honey is spoken in faith, it is sweet and rewarding, God’s truth brings joy and life (Ps. 119:103), even though obedience may be costly.

Hebrews 4:12 – The Word cuts deep

Acts 2:37 – “They were pricked in their heart”

2 Corinthians 2:16 – “To one… the aroma of death”

Revelation 10:10

10. Great to Hear Tuff to Live!

10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

In thy belly bitter

When Scripture speaks of Wormwood and the “Bitter Belly,” it is showing the deep impact God’s Word has on the soul. The cross is not just a story, it is the message of salvation that pierces the heart. At first the Gospel is sweet to hear, but once a believer truly understands the sacrifice Jesus made and the power of His resurrection, the weight of His suffering becomes real within. This is the “bitter belly” the inner man awakened to the cost of love. Yet from this very place of brokenness, Jesus brings new life. Out of the believer’s belly flows rivers of living water, and with it comes not only the ability but the burning urge to share the Good News with a dying world. After being transformed from a dead, meaningless life without God, how can one remain silent? Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

Sweet as Honey — The Joy of Revelation
Receiving the message of Jesus’ finished work is sweet. The Gospel is life, light, and truth, joyful to the soul.
Psalm 119:103  “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

In the Belly Bitter — The Cost of Understanding
But when the message moves deeper from head knowledge to heart reality, it becomes bitter. Why? Because to truly understand the cross, one must face the weight of His suffering and the reality of man’s rejection of Him.
It is bitter to see what sin cost, what He bore, and how He was despised and forsaken.
Isaiah 53:4–5  “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…”

The Call to Preach — New Life Out of Death
Once the book is eaten, the message must be proclaimed. John is told in verse 11: “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”  The Gospel must go forth, not just the sweetness of resurrection life, but the whole message: the bitter cross and the sweet victory.
2 Corinthians 4:10–11  “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

Revelation 10:10 shows that the revelation of Jesus is sweet to receive, but bitter to live out. The sweetness is the joy of His finished work, His love, and His resurrection power. The bitterness is the deep understanding of His suffering, rejection, and the weight of what He endured. To eat the book is to take the whole Gospel, both the joy and the cost and then to proclaim it to the nations.

Revealed truth can be painful to flesh. Receiving truth may bring suffering, persecution, or personal struggle. The gospel confronts sin and self. Here we find John experience the Word “Jesus Himself” in his life as said by Holy Spirit in verse 10. When Jesus enter your life you need to know that the Word will challenge you, Jesus has an expectation that you will lay down your life for Him and that you will pick up your cross just like He did His and follow Him. Salvation is free but keep in mind that the old life dies in Jesus if you want to live in a new life with Him.

“Revealed truth can be painful to flesh”

Hebrews 4:12  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful… piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Galatians 5:17  “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit… and these are contrary…”

“Receiving truth may bring suffering, persecution, or personal struggle”

2 Timothy 3:12  “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
John 16:33  “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

“The gospel confronts sin and self”

Luke 8:17  “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest…”
Titus 2:11–12  “The grace of God… teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly…”
Romans 8:13  “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

“Jesus Himself is the Word”

John 1:1, 14  “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

“The Word will challenge you”

James 1:22–23  “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only… beholding his natural face in a glass.”

“Lay down your life… pick up your cross”

Luke 9:23  “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
John 15:13  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

“Salvation is free, but the old life must die”

Romans 6:6–7  “Our old man is crucified with him… he that is dead is freed from sin.”
2 Corinthians 5:17  “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away…”
Galatians 2:20  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…”

See Addendum- Wormwood

Revelation 10:11

11. Now you See Me-Go Tell Them!

11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Now John understands and receives Jesus not just as a teacher or Messiah, but as a full Revelation, the Living Word revealed in power. After tasting the scroll and taking it in, he is released and sent to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News. This echoes the beginning of the book, where Revelation 1:3 says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” The blessing is in hearing, believing, and obeying. Now John is part of that blessing, not just hearing it, but becoming a witness of it. He receives the Revelation of Jesus and is commissioned to spread it, just like we are today. Jesus gave two different sets of instructions to His disciples at different times, first when He sent them out with nothing, and later when He told them to take provisions. Both moments carry prophetic meaning.

"Take nothing with you" — Total dependence on God

Jesus first sends out the disciples with no supplies, teaching them to trust fully in God's provision:

Luke 9:3  “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.”

Mark 6:8–9  “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.”

Matthew 10:9–10  “Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.”

"Take something with you" — Prepare for opposition and transition

Later, just before His arrest, Jesus updates the instructions. The time of protection and peace is shifting, now they must prepare for opposition:

Luke 22:35–36  “And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” First, Jesus trains them to trust God completely. Then, He prepares them for a new phase, filled with resistance, persecution, and the reality of spiritual warfare.

Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings

The Church (body of Christ) commissioned to proclaim Jesus. The mission isn’t over! Christ’s body must declare His finished work to the world (Matt. 28:19–20; Rev. 14:6). This is the Church’s ongoing mission, to proclaim Jesus finished work to the world.

Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore… to all nations”

Revelation 14:6 – “The everlasting gospel… to every nation…”

Acts 1:8 – “Ye shall be witnesses… to the ends of the earth”

Revelation 10 unveils Jesus in glory, holding the open book of redemption, and asserting His authority over all creation.

It reveals:

Jesus as the divine Messenger, full of glory and authority.

The open book as the fulfilled Gospel.

God’s redemptive mystery now complete.

The bittersweet experience of receiving and declaring truth.

The Church’s call to prophesy and proclaim the Word to the nations.

This is not about secrets of the future, it is a revelation of the finished work of Jesus, His lordship, and the Church’s call to carry His message forward with boldness, knowing it is both sweet and costly.

prophesy again

 The vision of Revelation begins in a pre-Cross, prophetic context (like the Old Testament), but then John sees the Lamb (Jesus) who has already triumphed at the Cross. This marks a leap in time from before the Cross to the fulfillment in Jesus. The instruction to “prophesy again” (Rev. 10:11) indicates a shift a new testimony, no longer pointing forward to the Messiah, but from the finished work of Jesus.

Symbolic Timeline in Revelation:

Pre-Cross Vision — Echoes of the Prophets

Revelation 1–4: John hears trumpets, sees candlesticks, angels, a throne, and imagery rich with Old Testament symbolism (lampstands, priestly garments, rainbow like Ezekiel’s vision). This parallels visions given to Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, etc.—all prophets before the Cross. John “sees” Jesus, but at first it's in a glorified symbolic form, not yet revealed as crucified Lamb. This suggests that the early vision echoes the state of prophetic revelation before Jesus full redemptive work.

A Leap in Time — Jesus the Lamb Revealed

Revelation 5: The scroll (book) is sealed, and no one can open it... until the Lamb who was slain appears. This is the first clear indicator of the finished work of Jesus, the Cross and Resurrection. He takes the book, opens the seals, a heavenly declaration that history has turned. This is the moment of transition: the veil is torn (Matt. 27:51), and now the full plan is opened.

The Open Book and New Testimony — “Prophesy Again”

Revelation 10:2: A mighty angel holds a little book open, not sealed anymore. John is told to eat the book (symbolic of inwardly receiving the message, like Ezekiel 3), and then he must: “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” (Rev. 10:11) The word “again” strongly suggests this is a new testimony, not a continuation of the old. The first testimony = the prophets pointing forward to Jesus. The second testimony = the Apostolic message of the finished work of Jesus. This matches Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8 “you shall be my witnesses... unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Hebrews 1:1–2  “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...”  A shift from prophetic shadows to Son-revealed glory.
1 Peter 1:10–12  “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired... but not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister...” Prophets saw the Cross from afar, but didn’t live in its reality.
2 Corinthians 3:14–16  “...the veil is untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.” Revelation begins veiled but is unveiled through Jesus.
John 1:17  “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

The phrase "you must prophesy again" in Revelation 10 is a spiritual marker:

It points to a new era of proclamation, no longer from the viewpoint of prophetic longing, but from the revelation of the Lamb who overcame (Rev. 5:5–6), and the open book (not sealed anymore) represents the clarity of the gospel after the Cross. John is transported across time, echoing the prophetic voices of the past, and then stepping into the now fulfilled kingdom of the slain Lamb, and is told to testify again, this time with a message rooted in the finished work of Jesus!

To My Bride

The Church is called to embrace her prophetic calling, rooted in the finished work of Jesus. As the Bride, we feed on the Word, allowing it to shape us, even when it is both sweet and bitter. Our victory is in living as witnesses to the Gospel, speaking truth, revealing Jesus, and carrying the message of God’s grace in a world still longing for true revelation. We overcome by boldly declaring what Jesus has accomplished, confident that the mystery is finished and the door to God’s presence is open to all who believe.