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| 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: |
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Mighty angel come down from heaven – Our Lord at His second advent.
There are only three places in Revelation where an angel comes down from heaven. Here in this verse, also in 18:1 and 20:1. In the other two cases it clearly refers to our Lord at His second advent. So too here. This is supported by the further descriptions given in this verse as well as what follows. R1233:5
A rainbow was upon his head – Rainbow = covenant (Gen 9:12-17). This seems to say, 'here is the Messenger [angel] of the Covenant'. (Mal. 3:1 – see B147:1)
His face was as it were the sun – The SUN of Righteousness, our Returned Lord (note this description of our Lord in Rev. 1:16).
Note Paul's description of his conversion when Jesus revealed himself to him on the road to Damascus as being "a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun". – Acts 26:13.
His feet – Indicating the close connection between the feet members of the Body of Christ to the Head, our Lord Jesus.
Feet as pillars of fire – This is almost the exact language used to describe our Lord in Rev. 1:15.
Our Lord used this exact method of identifying Himself in His message to the seven churches, i.e., of describing Himself by a portion of the description given in the first chapter. For example see Rev. 2:1,8,12,18, also Rev. 3:1,7,14.
By thus identifying Himself there can be no doubt that this 'mighty angel' is our Lord.
Compare also with Eze. 1:27, 28. |
| 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, |
A little book – The message concerning Michael's Kingdom. C89
The book signifies the plan and purpose of God as written in the Law and the prophets. R530:3*
Open – Unsealed prophecies--"shut up the words, and seal the book even to the time of the end." (Dan. 12:4) HG79:2
Gradually opening from 1829 onward. C89
It was sealed perfectly (with seven seals) until Christ began to open it. R530:3*
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A little book open – This little book appears to be the understanding of Present Truth. The fact that this book is open indicates this is now something which can be understood. If it were otherwise the book would be closed.
In vss 8-10 this little book is eaten by John and is "sweet as honey" in his mouth. This clearly is a reference to Eze. 2:8-10; 3:1-3. There we are told that the book was written both within and without. This lets us know that this book is the same as the one in Rev. 5:1 which was "written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." Since this little book is now "open" it indicates that the seventh seal has been opened.
The only places where there is an open book (prophetically) are:Dan. 7:10; Rev. 20:12 [these are both related to the judgment of the world of mankind in the future]; Rev. 5:2-5,9; and here in 10:2,8-10. See Dan. 12:4 where the book is to remain shut until during the Time of the End.
This indicates again that this strong angel is Jesus. See Rev. 5:1,6,7,9.
Sea – Irreligious restless masses of mankind. R498
Earth – Organized society under religious restraint. R498
Sea .. Earth – This shows that our Returned Lord begins to exert His authority over both these classes of humanity, especially as relates to Christendom. |
| 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. |
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Cried with a loud voice – 1 Thess. 4:16.
Lion – Indicating power.
Our Lord is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Rev. 5:5
Seven thunders – Seven controversies. In order to understand what these might be, we need to first consider the verses that immediately follow and note what they relate to. Once we have done that, we may have more clues as to just what these seven controversies are. |
| 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. |
Seal up – Make secret, render secure against intrusion. E246
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I was about to write – Whatever these 7 thunders are they immediately grabbed the attention of John (who pictures the church in the flesh during the time of our Lord's 2nd Presence).
I heard a voice from heaven – The question often arises in the book of Revelation: "is this the true or the symbolic heaven?" In this case we may reasonably conclude it is the true heaven. It certainly is not the nominal heaven because John (the church in the flesh during the 2nd Advent) is obedient to this voice and therefor they have left the nominal heaven.
Write them not – At this point we must inquire, why not allow John to write them? Surely there must be some very good reason to keep John from writing just what these seven thunders are. – One suggestion is that if there were something more written about what the seven thunders uttered, they might not accomplish their intended work. |
| 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, |
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The angel – The Returned Lord, here working through the seventh messenger, Pastor Russell. This is indicated by the fact that he raises his hand to heaven and then swares (see vs. 6).
Stand upon the sea – Exercise authority over the "sea" class – the irreligious restless masses of mankind. R498
Upon the earth – Exercise authority over the "earth" class – organized society under religious restraint.
Lifted up his hand – Raised up his hand (power) to heaven – to God.
Compare vs 5-6 with Dan. 12:7 (and notice 'the man clothed in linen.') |
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: |
Time no longer – This Gospel time or age. R194:4
Many are the "times and seasons which God hath put in his own power" (Acts 1:7) and no doubt each of these will end as its work is accomplished. Many have so ended already. R194:3
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Sware – Men swear an oath as an end of strife (Heb. 6:16). The 'strife' here is the result of the 7 thunders (controversies).
By him that liveth for ever and ever – For all eternity. This is Strong's 1519, 165, 165 – "For the ages of ages." This is the expression in the Greek that equates to the English word "forever." – This angel is swearing, giving an oath, before God.
Who created heaven – While it is true that God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1,) yet we remember that this entire book is a symbolic one (Rev. 1:1.) We suggest that God did create the symbolic heaven (the true gospel church, consisting of our Lord Jesus, the head and the spirit-begotten members of the church, His body.) We also know that during the first century, the Adversary sowed tares (imitation wheat) within the early church, even as Paul declares "the mystery of iniquity doth already work." 2 Thes. 2:7
Would seem to be the true heavens. If it were the nominal heavens it might seem to imply that God created them. Really they were created by "the god of this world" by means of the great "falling away" from the purity of the Truth.
And the things that therein are – The wonderful pageantry of the universe.
And the earth – Could refer to literal or symbolic earth. If creating the heavens refers to literal, then it would seem logical that this refers to the literal earth.
The things that therein are – The incredible natural beauty of this planet as well as the amazing diversity of life found here.
"and the sea, and the things which are therein" – Omitted by Sinaitic MS.
Time no longer – Here the thought is not that time itself would come to an end. Not at all! Rather it indicates that the various time features of the Gospel Age will all come to fruition, i.e., they will be fulfilled.
It also indicates, according to the context, that there would be controversy over time (the seven thunders of verse 3), but these controversies will be done away with.
Time has been the primary issue of controversy amongst the brethren throughout the time of the end. The time of the Lord's return was pre-maturely taught (1844 – Miller movement). The time of the 2nd advent (1874) was correctly taught by Adventists but the manner of His advent was not understood. The time of separation Harvest was coupled with the call to 'come out of her my people' (1878). The time for the ending of the general call to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus being reached in 1881. With all of these dates there was, and still is, controversy. But for those who recognize and accept the teachings of 'That Servant', the controversy has ended – there is time (controversy) no more.
It is also interesting to note that there are 7 primary dates associated with the 'Time of the End.'
1799 Dan. 12:7 (1260 days)
1829 Dan. 12:11 (1290 days)
1844 Parallels
1874 Dan. 12:12, Parallels, Jubilees (1335 days)
1878 Parallels (Israel's double)
1881 Parallels
1914 Parallels, Times of the Gentiles. |
| 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. |
In the days – Years. HG79:4
Seventh angel – Many of the sweetest notes of the glad tidings of restitution are reserved until now, during the sounding of the seventh trumpet. R757:2, 287:2
We are now living in the days of the seventh angel. R368:3; B148
During which the first resurrection and change of the living saints comes. R194:4, 152:3
The seventh trumpet covers the entire period of the Millennial reign of Christ, as indicated by the events which are to transpire under it. (Rev. 11:15, 18) B149
The sixth trumpet ended Aug. 11, 1840. Since then we have been living under the "seventh trumpet," or "last trump," or "trump of God," which continues until the kingdoms of this world, by a great time of trouble, become the kingdoms of our Lord. R368:5, 194:4, 152:6; HG79:3
Begin to sound – In the forepart of his sounding. R368:2
Greek, mello. In other cases it is rendered "will," "should" or "shall." Hence: "when he will or shall sound." HG79:5
Mystery of God – Both God's plan and his Church are called a "mystery." Neither is comprehended by the world. R194:4, 5928:1, 1427:4; A87
Kept secret from the foundation of the world. R757:2, 1427:4, 287:2; OV6:T; SM152:2
The mystery has been in operation from the beginning of the world and is still a mystery so far as the world is concerned. It will continue to be a mystery until the end of the present dispensation. CR10:5; NS399:1
The only exception will be the Revelation of the mystery granted to the saints--those fully consecrated to the Lord. CR10:5; NS399:1
Many features of the Divine Plan are now hidden in mystery. NS588:1; OV230:3
God kept these matters a "mystery," a "secret," because this was wise, so as not to interfere with the purposes out-working. CR406:1
Which is "Christ in you the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27)--your membership in the Body of Christ, your share with him in present sufferings and future glory. R4495:5, 368:2
The mystery is that the Church, as well as the Lord, and in association with him, will be the world's great restorer--Regenerator. CR406:1; R3192:4
The peculiar relationship between the Gospel Church and its Head and Lord is not intended to be understood by the world or by the nominal Christian nor by even the true Christian who is not in a proper attitude of heart and fully consecrated to the Lord. R3192:4
Evidently the gospel: the taking out of a people to become sons by the mysterious process of being begotten and born of the Spirit. HG79:5
Mystery is used in the same sense as the word church. Thus the true and false churches are called, "The mystery of God," and "The mystery of iniquity." (Col. 1:27; 2 Thes. 2:7) R368:6
The Messiah, composed of many members, of which the Lord Jesus was the Head. HG275:1; NS142:2
"To make all see what [are the conditions of] fellowship of the mystery." (Eph. 3:3-6, 9) R369:4
The mystery class began with Pentecost. There was no mystery class before that. The Church is this mystery class. The world knoweth not what God is doing. HG178:6
Be finished – When the Church is exalted, the mystery both of the Church and God's plan will be finished. R194:4; A87
The secret, hidden plan will have sought out the full, complete number of the members of the Body of Christ, and hence it, the Body of Christ, will be finished. A87; CR415:5; OV7:4
The plan will cease to be a mystery, because there will be no further object in perpetuating its secrecy. A87
Some of the mysteries of God were due to be understood at once, and some more gradually down through the age, but the great unfolding of the divine mystery we are told was reserved until the close of the Gospel age. R2208:2; OV6:T
While the unfolding of the mystery of God commenced in the days of the apostles, it will not be finished until the end of this Gospel age. R368:3
Not until the days of the voice or sounding of the seventh trumpet--in the end or close of this Gospel age and the dawn of the Millennial age. R4452:5, 368:3; CR361:4; OV6:T
Not until the last seal was broken, did the scroll fly wide open, permitting the "mystery of God" to be fully disclosed. (Rev. 5:1) R2209:1, 2156:4
The due time for revealing to the Church the divine plan respecting its participation with Christ in the blessing of all the families of the earth--"meat in due season." R2490:2
During the trump of God, God will finish the mystery by letting his saints come to a full appreciation of his glorious plans. (Col. 1:27) R368:5
The due time has come for the mystery to be finished. R1867:3, 2156:4, 1279:2
We are now living in the time when the "mystery" is ending and the righteous dealings of God, from the Scriptural standpoint, may be clearly seen. But these Revelations are not meant for the world in general, but merely for "the elect." ; NS588:1; OV230:3
Daily and hourly the saints of God are being searched out and sealed "in their foreheads" [intellectually] with a clear appreciation of the "mystery of God" which has been kept secret in part hitherto. R1279:2
As the mystery and cloud of error and evil begins to roll away, we get a glimpse of our Father's loving plans. R255:4
The "wise" of his people may understand. (Dan. 12:10) CR406:1
Therefore God has provided for his people's instruction and use the orderly presentations of Millennial Dawn to point out to them his plan of the ages, and the duties and privileges of this "harvest" time. R1867:3; 1536:1*
Very shortly now, this mystery of God, this company of divinely-begotten ones, will be "finished"--completed. R369:1; A87; OV7:3
Then, no longer the mystery, we shall be Jehovah's agents in blessing all the families of the earth. R369:4
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The voice – While the Lord used Pastor Russell to be his mouthpiece (even as Moses used Aaron as his mouthpiece), nevertheless it is still really the voice (word, message) of our returned Lord as expressed through 'That Servant.'
The seventh angel – The messenger to Laodicea – Pastor Russell.
When he shall begin to sound – In the early days of his ministry.
Mystery of God should be finished – This applies to both the mystery of the Great Plan of the Ages AND to the Mystery hidden from ages and generations, Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26-27), i.e., the church class, the 144,000. A87:2.
This seems to have particular reference to 1881 when all the crowns were allotted and, from one standpoint, the 'Mystery of God,' the true church, the 144,000 was complete (in number). While it was not yet complete in teaching, it began to be complete then. It is that year that both 'Tabernacle Shadows' and 'Food for Thinking Christians' (pre-cursor to 'The Divine Plan of the Ages') were published. – Despise not the day of small beginnings. Zech. 4:10. |
| 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.
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I – The John class, the church in the flesh at the end of the Gospel Age.
Little book – The prophetic features of the Divine Plan of the Ages.
Which is open – It is Time for God's Truth to be revealed, to be opened! This is why we often refer to the Studies in the Scriptures as being the Keys to the Bible. They do indeed OPEN this wonderful storehouse of Truth.
The angel – The fact that this book is open indicates that the angel is our Lord. Rev. 5:1, 5-7 indicate that our Lord, the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb is the one who opens the book.
Standeth upon – Is in control of.
The sea – The irreligious, restless masses of mankind. R498
The earth – Organized society, under religious restraint. |
| 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. |
Thy belly bitter – After partaking of truths, you must expect to encounter bitter opposition from your old nature and your former friends. R426:4, 530:4*
The after effects are always more or less a blending of the bitterness of persecution with the sweetness. C89
Signifies the pleasurable but often painful labor of serving it to others that they may find it easily and eat it. R1867:6
It is indeed a severe trial to come out boldly and acknowledge former errors and advocate the truth in the face of so much organized opposition as we find today. R950:6
Having been digested, it leads to self-denial, crucifixion, death. R530:5*
The bitterness which followed needs no explanation to such as know the bitterness of the disappointment of the 10th day of the 7th month of 1844. HG79:3
Sweet as honey – The experience of all who receive these truths--wondrous sweetness; Oh, the blessedness. C89
Great rejoicing in the strong meat of God's Word. R426:4
Receive the truth gladly, if you would have its full sweetness and strength. R951:1
To those who love the appearing of our Lord. HG79:2
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I – The John class.
The angel – 1) Our Lord. 2) Pastor Russell as our Lord's earthly agent. See again Rev. 1:1.
Make no mistake here. The angel is our Lord. He merely uses Pastor Russell as His 'angel' in delivering His message to 'His servants.' (again, see Rev. 1:1)
Give me – The church does not gain the knowledge of present truth on it's own. It needs to go to the source authorized by the Lord, i.e., the angel. This is the same angel that is mentioned in Rev. 1:1.
Eat it up – Take in these truths. This is exactly the same symbolism used of the priests in the Tabernacle. When they eat anything they are appropriating it to themselves. The priests only are getting the nourishment from it. In this case, the saints are getting needed spiritual nourishment from these truths.
Belly bitter – This leads to bitter experiences – if we truly take in these truths.
Sweet as honey – Oh how wonderful are these truths! Dan. 12:12 |
| 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. |
And I – John represented the "wise" of the "holy people." (Dan. 12:10, 7) C89
Ate it up – He who will not eat of a full table will be empty and starved, as truly as though there were no food. E225
The proper attitude of the Church is to be active in eating the food already received and in using the strength derived from it. She is not to leave the table bountifully spread to pray for more. R1867:5
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." (Jer. 15:16) HG79:2
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Compare vss 10, 11 with Eze. 2:8-10; 3:1-3.
I – The "John" class, the church in the flesh during the presence of the Lord.
Took – The church must actually take the action of taking the book. We cannot simply stand there and admire it. We must take action.
The little book – The now open book, the understanding of the Word of God.
Out of the angel's hand – From the hand of Our returned Lord. This is His gift to us.
And ate it up – It is not only for us to have access to this truth that is important, but we must also 'eat it.' We can have the volumes and reprints in our possession but they will not do us any good if they are simply decorations on our bookshelves. The Lord's people (the John class) will all delve into Present Truth as delivered to us BY THE LORD JESUS, through the 'angel' of His choosing, Br. Russell.
In my mouth – Jer. 15:16; John 6:63. |
| 11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. |
Prophesy again – Now being fulfilled in this midnight cry and harvest message. HG79:3
These two messages are also given in Matt. 25. The first: the virgins go forth to meet the Bridegroom (verses 1 to 5); the last from verses 6 to 12. The one was to end in the bitterness of disappointment, the other in success. HG79:3
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Thou – John, the "John" class, the church in the flesh at the end of the Gospel Age.
Must – Jer. 20:9 – Because, for love of the truth, we must speak it; Luke 19:40 – Because the Lord said it will take place, therefore we must speak it.
Prophesy again – Indicating that this will not be the first time that he has 'prophesied.' – see Rev. 1:9 – The thought here seems to be that the John class (the church in the flesh during our Lord's parousia), with a greater knowledge of the truth, must prophecy before the nations. Previously they did so, but not from the standpoint of the open book (revealed plan of God) in the angels' hand.
Before peoples, nations, tongues, kings – Jer. 1:4-10; Dan. 7:13,14 |