1. The Angel and the Little Scroll Revelation 10
Dr. Michael D. Wedman

2. An Interlude Between Trumpets
In chapter 10 and 11 we have an interlude between the 6th trumpet and the 7th trumpet
NOTE!
We also saw an interlude between the 6th seal and the 7th seal
There is also an interlude between the 6th bowl and the 7th bowl

3. Notes about the interlude
A mighty angel introduces the interlude just as in the seal judgements – see 7:2
A little scroll is introduced – The seal judgements were introduced with the scroll – see 5:1
A mighty angel introduces the scroll as in 5:2
The focus of this interlude is believers as in the interlude between the seal judgements

4. Notes about the interlude
The theme of this interlude is prophecy – 10:11
The first half of the book is framed with prophetic witness – see 1:1.
Thus, the purpose so far is for the salvation of all people.
It seems that conversion does take place in 11:13
The second half of the book is wrath of God as opposed to judgement of God

5. Notes about the interlude
The Great Tribulation is introduced here as it is mentioned in 7:14
The phrase 42 months and 3 ½ years is introduced
The beast is introduced in 11:17

6. Another Mighty Angel He introduces the little scroll His appearance:
Robed in a cloud – Ps 104:3
Rainbow above his head – Rev 4:3; Ezek 1:28
Face like the sun – Rev 1:16; Mt 17:2
Legs like fiery pillars – Rev 1:15; Ex 13:21ff
Shout like a roar of a lion – Hosea 11:10; Amos 3:8

7. Another Mighty Angel Question: Can this be Jesus?
Problem – He is introduced as an angel
Jesus does not appear as an angel in Revelation but always himself
Verse 6 seems inappropriate for Jesus to say

8. Another Mighty Angel This could be Michael the archangel
See Dan 10:1-11:1; 12:1:1-3
The name “Michael” means “One who is like God” or “representative of God”
The great angel in Rev 18:1 is said to illuminate the earth
Particular angels appear all throughout the book

9. Another Mighty Angel Conclusion:
This angel has come from the throne of God and is a special herald who shares in the glory of God
See Moses in Exodus 34:29-36
See Rev 18:1

10. Another Mighty Angel One foot on the land and one foot on the sea
Signifies the authority of God over the whole world.
Note also the authority of God over the sea, the place of Leviathan, the great sea monster of destruction and chaos

11. Another Mighty Angel The seven thunders answer the angel
This is likely a reference to Ps. 29 because of the use of the definite article, “The”
The seven thunders are the judgements of God
Seven indicates the fullness of the judgement of God
7 lamps, spirits, seals, trumpets, bowls, thunders

12. The Voice from Heaven
John is told to seal up the words of the seven thunders. He is not to write them down.
See Dan 12:1-10; 2 Cor 12:1-4
Apparently there are things of God that we are not to know, but will be revealed as God determines.
We cannot know the mind of God except that which He reveals to us – Revelation, special and general

13. The Introduction of the 7th Trumpet
This is a significant turning point in the book.
The 7th trumpet seems to mark the time where the theme turns from judgment for repentance to judgment for wrath
The mystery of God will be revealed to all creation

14. The Introduction of the 7th Trumpet
Note that there is still activity that needs to take place before the sounding of the 7th trumpet and the bowls of God’s wrath.
This may very well be the beginning of the Great Tribulation – the 7 years.
Chapter 11 is still the 6th trumpet – until 11:14

15. The Great Tribulation
There is 3 ½ years before the antichrist is revealed – see 11:2-3
For 3 ½ years the church is in the Great Tribulation. Then the antichrist attacks them
See 11:7
The church is taken up into heaven – the rapture?
See 11:13
This seems to coincided with the 7th trumpet- 11:15

16. The Little Scroll
We have not yet seen the contents of the large scroll that was sealed with the 7 seals
Question: Could this little scroll be part of the large scroll? Or the same scroll?
Possibly because of the parallel with the mighty angel
There seems to be identity between the scrolls but not necessarily unity however

17. The Little Scroll
NOTE! We do not know the contents of the little scroll either!
John is commanded to eat the scroll.
See Ezek 2:3-3:7
Sweetness – symbol of the Words of God
Ps 119:103; 19:10; Jer 15:16
To eat the scroll is to take in the words of God put them into practice in one’s life so they bring comfort and life

18. The Little Scroll
Bitterness – symbol of the judgment of God
See 2 Cor 2:14-16
The words of God also include judgment and woe to those who do not listen and receive them
The words of God contain both salvation and judgment, salvation and sin
We are speak the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27

19. The Commission of John
John is told to prophecy regarding the words he has just eaten.
He is called to preach the gospel for repentance for all people
NOTE! Ezekiel was called to prophecy only to Israel
This seems to be the last chance for repentance for the nations

20. Conclusion/Summary
The 7th trumpet will bring the wrath of God upon all mankind who do not believe in and receive Jesus
This interlude gives the command for the church to preach the gospel for the salvation of all mankind
God is not willing that any should perish – see 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim 2:4