CHRIS' COMMENTARY NOTES FOR REVELATION CHAPTER 4
Revelation 4: Intro. Considered the “Heavenly Vision.” It is my opinion that this is the Rapture of the Church (see note directly below) and there are several things you can look it for more on this. For a comparison/contrast on the Rapture and the Second Coming see the section “Jesus’ Second Coming vs. the Rapture”. Another theory that I have heard that can be looked at as OPINION (yet interesting) is that the 7 traditional Hebrew feasts match up to events that Jesus has (or will) introduce. The Rapture is looked at as the Feast of Trumpets, for more see “Seven Feasts”.
Timeline: This is the third division in Revelation, which comes from Rev. 1:19 (“which will take place after this”). See note titled, “Revelation 1:19” and notes on Rev. 1:19, for more.
The Rapture: I believe this represents the “rapture” (as do many others) but Halley’s makes the great point that it doesn’t specifically say that here so we must view this as “opinion” rather than an “unequivocal teaching of Scripture” (p. 708). One reason to think it shows us the rapture is because in here in Rev. 4:1 the door is open in heaven, and in Ezekiel 46:1 the door to the inner court is only open on Sabbath and the new moon. Also see note under Rev. 3:8 titled, “An open door” and Matthew 25 (specifically v. 10, “and the door was shut”).
Timeline: This is the third division in Revelation, which comes from Rev. 1:19 (“which will take place after this”). See note titled, “Revelation 1:19” and notes on Rev. 1:19, for more.
The Rapture: I believe this represents the “rapture” (as do many others) but Halley’s makes the great point that it doesn’t specifically say that here so we must view this as “opinion” rather than an “unequivocal teaching of Scripture” (p. 708). One reason to think it shows us the rapture is because in here in Rev. 4:1 the door is open in heaven, and in Ezekiel 46:1 the door to the inner court is only open on Sabbath and the new moon. Also see note under Rev. 3:8 titled, “An open door” and Matthew 25 (specifically v. 10, “and the door was shut”).
Notes on Revelation 4:1-11
4:1. After these things. See Rev. 1:19 (“which will take place after this”) for how this is future. Also notice “must take place after this” again at the end of this verse.
A door standing open in heaven. Matthew Henry notes that “We can know nothing of future events but what God is pleased to [show] to us” (Source 1).
Voice…like a trumpet. This “trumpet” like voice announces Jesus’ second coming when he gathers the church in the rapture. See note titled, “Feast of Trumpets” under “Seven Feasts” in the “Keys to Understanding Revelation 4-22” section.
must take place after this. This is the second place in this verse where the future tense is shown (the first is “After these things”). Also see Rev. 1:19 (“which will take place after this”) for how this was communicated early on.
4:2. In the Spirit. So these aren’t just John’s thoughts or opinions but everything he shares with us he is given via the Holy Spirit and it is therefore beyond question.
One sat on the throne. This “One” is God the Father. We see this especially in Rev. 5:5-6 when it is Jesus who is the Lion and the Lamb who can open the scroll that the Father who sits on the throne has. Also see notes on Rev. 5:1 titled, “Him who sat on the throne.” Halley’s makes a great point that regardless of how discouraging the future looks we must always remember that God sits on the throne and He knows exactly how everything will turn out and we can take comfort in that (Source 2, p. 708-709).
Revelation 4:3. Interestingly God the Father (see Rev. 5:1 note titled, “Him who sat on the throne”) is not described by physical characteristics or objects but instead by the brightness and colors of light. Men will lock in on a description and worship what God is like instead of who He is.
4:3. Like a jasper and a sardius stone…rainbow…emerald. It says that God had what looked “like” these items and colors emanating off of Him. There are no words to describe it and we shouldn’t get so locked into these descriptions that we miss that this description is the best that a finite language can do.
“Jasper” is usually thought to be diamond. Diamonds “refract all the colors of the spectrum in wondrous brilliance” (MacArthur, p. 1998). Henry says this represents “the glorious perfections of God” (Source 1).
“Sardius” was “a fiery bright ruby stone” (Source 3, p. 1998) and was therefore “red” (Source 2, p. 709). Henry states, “signifying the justice of God, that essential attribute of which he never divests himself in favour of any, but gloriously exerts it in the government of the world, and especially of the church, through our Lord Jesus Christ. This attribute is displayed in pardoning as well as in punishing, in saving as well as in destroying sinners” (Source 1).
“rainbow” shows all of the colors in the spectrum coming from God. MacArthur reminds us that the rainbow was left as a promise of God’s covenants and “faithfulness to His word” (Source 3, p. 1998).
“Emerald” is green in color (Source 2, p. 709). Henry says, “This rainbow looked like “the emerald”; the most prevailing colour was a pleasant green, to show the reviving and refreshing nature of the new covenant” (Source 1).
4:4. Twenty-four thrones. Henry notes that “their sitting about the throne signifies their relation to God, their nearness to him, the sight and enjoyment they have of him” (Source 1).
Twenty-four elders. There are several theories on who these could be: 1. It could be representative of 12 tribes of Israel and 12 groups of the Church (A culmination of the Old Testament and New Testament) (Source 2, p. 709). MacArthur brings up a difficulty with this, national Israel isn’t “saved, glorified, and coronated” yet. 2. They could be heavenly princes or “various classes of angels” (Source 3, p. 709). But MacArthur makes a great point that their “white robes” and “gold crowns” indicate that they are redeemed humans (Source 3,p. 1998). 3. They could be Tribulation believers (but again, MacArthur makes a great point that at this point in the timeline they haven’t been saved (Rev. 7:9-10). 4. They could be “the church”, those who are able to sing “the song of redemption” (Rev. 5:8-10) (Source 3, p. 1998).
Clothed in white robes. Remember the “white garments” that are promised by Jesus to “overcomers” in Revelation 3:5 (See note there titled, “Clothed in white garments”)?
crowns of gold on their heads. Henry says, “signifying the honour and authority given them of God, and the glory they have with him” (Source 1).
4:5. From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. First, we see that these originated with God the Father, “from the throne.” Pretty much every commentator says that the “lightnings, thunderings” represent God’s judgment, usually pointing to Sinai. They also mention that the “voices” show that this isn’t a natural storm but coming from God. A mentor of mine had a very good perspective on this (different from the status quo but I can’t remember it for the life of me! I hope I can find a note on it and replace this note with the actual perspective.
“Lightnings” is used in Rev. 4:5 (here), 8:5, 11:19, 16:18.
“Voices” in Greek is phone (G5456) meaning "Of thunder" but also "declaration from heaven although no speaker is seen” (Source 4).
Seven Spirits of God. The Holy Spirit (see note on Rev. 1:4 titled, “Seven Spirits.”
Revelation 4:6-8. This sounds like the angels from Ezekiel 1. But I’m not sure they are the same. These “creatures” here are “like” a lion, calf, “face like a man”, and an eagle.
4:6. Sea of glass. There are many different theories on what this could be. In my OPINION it is calm people who have come through tribulation (like Rev. 15:2, see note titled, “Something like a sea of glass mingled with fire” for more). Also see Rev. 17:15 (specifically note titled, “are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues” for an example. Here, not the Great Tribulation since that hasn’t happened yet, just have gone through difficulties, bore their cross, for the Lord and are now at peace. Since God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the cherubim, 24 elders are accounted for why aren’t the believers who are already in heaven mentioned? I believe this is that place, but this is just an opinion, not dogma.
Midst of the throne…around the throne. How can these angels be in the “middle” of the throne? “Midst” in the Greek is mesos (G3319) and simply means “middle.” However, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon has a note that it can mean in the middle of an assembly (Source 5). So it is possible that they are in the center of the elders thrones.
4:7. There are many thoughts on what the descriptions of the angels mean. One common theory is that “The four different faces of the cherubim are often taken as symbols of Jesus as represented in each gospel” (Source 6). Here is a chart from Guzik:
4:1. After these things. See Rev. 1:19 (“which will take place after this”) for how this is future. Also notice “must take place after this” again at the end of this verse.
A door standing open in heaven. Matthew Henry notes that “We can know nothing of future events but what God is pleased to [show] to us” (Source 1).
Voice…like a trumpet. This “trumpet” like voice announces Jesus’ second coming when he gathers the church in the rapture. See note titled, “Feast of Trumpets” under “Seven Feasts” in the “Keys to Understanding Revelation 4-22” section.
must take place after this. This is the second place in this verse where the future tense is shown (the first is “After these things”). Also see Rev. 1:19 (“which will take place after this”) for how this was communicated early on.
4:2. In the Spirit. So these aren’t just John’s thoughts or opinions but everything he shares with us he is given via the Holy Spirit and it is therefore beyond question.
One sat on the throne. This “One” is God the Father. We see this especially in Rev. 5:5-6 when it is Jesus who is the Lion and the Lamb who can open the scroll that the Father who sits on the throne has. Also see notes on Rev. 5:1 titled, “Him who sat on the throne.” Halley’s makes a great point that regardless of how discouraging the future looks we must always remember that God sits on the throne and He knows exactly how everything will turn out and we can take comfort in that (Source 2, p. 708-709).
Revelation 4:3. Interestingly God the Father (see Rev. 5:1 note titled, “Him who sat on the throne”) is not described by physical characteristics or objects but instead by the brightness and colors of light. Men will lock in on a description and worship what God is like instead of who He is.
4:3. Like a jasper and a sardius stone…rainbow…emerald. It says that God had what looked “like” these items and colors emanating off of Him. There are no words to describe it and we shouldn’t get so locked into these descriptions that we miss that this description is the best that a finite language can do.
“Jasper” is usually thought to be diamond. Diamonds “refract all the colors of the spectrum in wondrous brilliance” (MacArthur, p. 1998). Henry says this represents “the glorious perfections of God” (Source 1).
“Sardius” was “a fiery bright ruby stone” (Source 3, p. 1998) and was therefore “red” (Source 2, p. 709). Henry states, “signifying the justice of God, that essential attribute of which he never divests himself in favour of any, but gloriously exerts it in the government of the world, and especially of the church, through our Lord Jesus Christ. This attribute is displayed in pardoning as well as in punishing, in saving as well as in destroying sinners” (Source 1).
“rainbow” shows all of the colors in the spectrum coming from God. MacArthur reminds us that the rainbow was left as a promise of God’s covenants and “faithfulness to His word” (Source 3, p. 1998).
“Emerald” is green in color (Source 2, p. 709). Henry says, “This rainbow looked like “the emerald”; the most prevailing colour was a pleasant green, to show the reviving and refreshing nature of the new covenant” (Source 1).
4:4. Twenty-four thrones. Henry notes that “their sitting about the throne signifies their relation to God, their nearness to him, the sight and enjoyment they have of him” (Source 1).
Twenty-four elders. There are several theories on who these could be: 1. It could be representative of 12 tribes of Israel and 12 groups of the Church (A culmination of the Old Testament and New Testament) (Source 2, p. 709). MacArthur brings up a difficulty with this, national Israel isn’t “saved, glorified, and coronated” yet. 2. They could be heavenly princes or “various classes of angels” (Source 3, p. 709). But MacArthur makes a great point that their “white robes” and “gold crowns” indicate that they are redeemed humans (Source 3,p. 1998). 3. They could be Tribulation believers (but again, MacArthur makes a great point that at this point in the timeline they haven’t been saved (Rev. 7:9-10). 4. They could be “the church”, those who are able to sing “the song of redemption” (Rev. 5:8-10) (Source 3, p. 1998).
Clothed in white robes. Remember the “white garments” that are promised by Jesus to “overcomers” in Revelation 3:5 (See note there titled, “Clothed in white garments”)?
crowns of gold on their heads. Henry says, “signifying the honour and authority given them of God, and the glory they have with him” (Source 1).
4:5. From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. First, we see that these originated with God the Father, “from the throne.” Pretty much every commentator says that the “lightnings, thunderings” represent God’s judgment, usually pointing to Sinai. They also mention that the “voices” show that this isn’t a natural storm but coming from God. A mentor of mine had a very good perspective on this (different from the status quo but I can’t remember it for the life of me! I hope I can find a note on it and replace this note with the actual perspective.
“Lightnings” is used in Rev. 4:5 (here), 8:5, 11:19, 16:18.
“Voices” in Greek is phone (G5456) meaning "Of thunder" but also "declaration from heaven although no speaker is seen” (Source 4).
Seven Spirits of God. The Holy Spirit (see note on Rev. 1:4 titled, “Seven Spirits.”
Revelation 4:6-8. This sounds like the angels from Ezekiel 1. But I’m not sure they are the same. These “creatures” here are “like” a lion, calf, “face like a man”, and an eagle.
4:6. Sea of glass. There are many different theories on what this could be. In my OPINION it is calm people who have come through tribulation (like Rev. 15:2, see note titled, “Something like a sea of glass mingled with fire” for more). Also see Rev. 17:15 (specifically note titled, “are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues” for an example. Here, not the Great Tribulation since that hasn’t happened yet, just have gone through difficulties, bore their cross, for the Lord and are now at peace. Since God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the cherubim, 24 elders are accounted for why aren’t the believers who are already in heaven mentioned? I believe this is that place, but this is just an opinion, not dogma.
Midst of the throne…around the throne. How can these angels be in the “middle” of the throne? “Midst” in the Greek is mesos (G3319) and simply means “middle.” However, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon has a note that it can mean in the middle of an assembly (Source 5). So it is possible that they are in the center of the elders thrones.
4:7. There are many thoughts on what the descriptions of the angels mean. One common theory is that “The four different faces of the cherubim are often taken as symbols of Jesus as represented in each gospel” (Source 6). Here is a chart from Guzik:
(Source 6)
4:8. The “creatures” glorify God. Halley’s says these are thought to be Cherubim and they are singing “songs of praise for man’s redemption” (Source 2, p. 709).
Full of eyes all around. This shows the angels observance and the fact that they worship God, shows they perceive truth. Guzik notes that “Their multitude of eyes” shows they’re not robots but “they know and understand, and have greater insight and perception than any man…The way these super-intelligent beings worship God reminds us that our worship must be intelligent” (Source 6).
4:10. Twenty-four elders. See note on Rev. 4:4 titled, “Twenty-four elders” for more.
Cast their crowns before the throne. Since Jesus gives them these crowns for things Jesus has done (through them) it is only fitting that the elders would give them back to Him in worship.
References
Source 1: Matthew Henry, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_004.cfm?a=1171001
Source 2: Halley's Bible Handbook, 1998.
Source 3: John MacArthur, The John MacArthur Study Bible.
Source 4: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5456&t=KJV
Source 5: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3319&t=KJV
Source 6: Guzik, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Rev/Rev_4.cfm?a=1171002