Revelation 4

Prayer Requests

What stood out to you reading this chapter?

What unanswered questions do you have?

Beeke—It is helpful to remember two principles for interpreting this book. First, we must interpret Revelation cyclically rather than linearly. With the first words of chapter 4, John opens his account of the second of seven parallel cycles of visions he was given. Each cycle applies to the church of all ages. The first of the seven is the vision of Christ in the midst of the golden candlesticks, with His messages to the churches of Asia (chs. 1–3). Chapters 4 through 7 record the second cycle of visions John saw on the island of Patmos. . . . Second, we must remember that Revelation is written symbolically. It is impressionistic—almost surrealistic in places. This material is more the genre of the artist, the poet, or the composer than that of the historian or scientist. . . . We must search for the central truth rather than press for details. We should not pick out a symbol here and a symbol there, then attempt to explain in detail what each symbol means in some spiritual sense. Rather, we should look for the overall central truth and interpret this vision from that vantage point. Such an approach is crucial for rightly understanding the book of Revelation. [176-77]

What is the central truth of Revelation 4?

Revelation 4:1-2

Jesus is the center of the universe, and His throne is the center of this chapter.

Beeke—God’s throne is the primary picture in Revelation. The word throne occurs in the New Testament sixty-two times, and forty-seven of these are in Revelation. The book is dominated by the idea that there is a throne in heaven at the center of all things and that there is a glorious One who sits upon that throne. [178]

How can thinking about Jesus seated on a throne in heaven help us amidst the daily challenges of life?

Revelation 4:3

What is the significance of these stones?

Beeke—Both these stones were among the precious gems on the high priest’s breastplate (Ex. 28:17, 20). They are also among the foundation stones of New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:19–20). [178]

What is the significance of a rainbow in Scripture?

Beeke—As a symbol, the rainbow tells God’s children in every age that the storm is past and the judgment over, for God’s wrath has expended itself by falling on Christ. [183]

This is also an allusion to Ezekiel 1:26-28, where Ezekiel sees a vision of heaven’s throne room and there’s also a rainbow.

Revelation 4:4

What is the significance of the number 24?

Chester—The twenty-four elders who surround the throne in Revelation 4:4 probably represent the complete people of God—the twelve Old Testament patriarchs plus the twelve apostles. [52]

Revelation 4:5-6a

What does the lightning and thunder remind us of?

Exodus 19:16—On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.

Beeke—This reminds us of God’s descent to Mount Sinai when Moses was given the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19). That mountain also shook with lightning, thunder, and voices. “And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake” (Heb. 12:21). The lightning, thunder, and voices signify that the throne of glory is also a throne of judgment. [183]

What are the seven torches?

Seven spirits = complete presence of the Holy Spirit

What is the significance of a sea that looks like glass?

It’s calm! In the ancient world the sea was a place of destruction and great threat. But before God the forces of nature are subdued and under His control.

How can we reconcile the two images of lightning and thunder and a calm sea? What do the two complementary images teach us about Jesus’ power and authority?

Revelation 4:6b-8

Why does John see four living creatures?

It’s an allusion to Ezekiel 1, where Ezekiel sees something similar.

In that vision Ezekiel will be commissioned to go and speak to a people who will not listen.

But in John’s vision, John will see a Lamb who has already conquered.

What is the significance of the number four?

Beeke—the activity of these beasts ultimately represents God’s sovereignty over all of His creation and all powers within His creation. Herman Hoeksema writes, “Four is the number that is symbolic of creation in all its fullness. Think of the four winds of heaven, and the four corners of the earth. In their number they therefore represent the entire creation.… [180-81]

What is the significance of the different faces of these creatures?

Beeke—“What the lion is among the beasts of the field, the ox is among the cattle, man among the intelligent creatures, and the eagle among the birds.” Much like Ezekiel’s similar vision of “four living creatures” (Ezek. 1:5–10), John’s vision indicates that God is sovereign in all created realms. He is always on the throne. He is the focal point of worship for all the assembled powers of the universe. He is sovereign over all. [180-81]

What is the significance of what the living creatures say?

Isaiah 6:1–3—In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!

Why is it important that John takes images from visions from Moses, Ezekiel, and Isaiah and applies them to Jesus?

Revelation 4:9-11

Who are the twenty-four elders?

The complete people of God (OT and NT)

What are they doing?

Casting crowns

Why do we have crowns?

1 Peter 2:9—But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Revelation 5:1—and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.

What is the significance of casting crowns before a king?

He has authority and deserves glory, not me

How should this affect the way I respond to good things in my life?

What are they saying?

Chester—The words “Worthy are you” greeted the Roman emperor in triumphal procession. During the reign of Emperor Domitian the words “our Lord and God” were introduced into the imperial cult. The empire cried “Worthy are you, our Lord and God” in acclamation of the emperor. Imagine then how the Christians felt as they heard the song of heaven: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power” (v 11). [55]