John Eats The Scroll

John Eats the Scroll (Revelation 10)

In Revelation 10, John experiences a symbolic and powerful moment where he is commanded to eat a scroll. This act signifies the internalization of God’s message and his responsibility to proclaim it, even though it will bring both sweetness and bitterness. This event parallels similar prophetic experiences in the Bible.

1. Key Passage: Revelation 10:8-11

Revelation 10:8-10:
“Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: ‘Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.’ So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, ‘Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’ I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.”

Revelation 10:11:
“Then I was told, ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.’”

2. The Scroll and Its Symbolism

A. What is the Scroll?

  • The scroll is described as “little” and open in the hand of the mighty angel.
  • It represents God’s prophetic message—His plans for judgment, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

B. Eating the Scroll

  • Eating the scroll symbolizes internalizing God’s Word (Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 2:8-3:3).
  • It indicates John’s personal responsibility to absorb and deliver God’s message faithfully.

C. Sweet and Bitter

  • Sweetness: Reflects the joy, hope, and beauty of God’s Word and His promises (Psalm 119:103).
  • Bitterness: Represents the sorrow, judgment, and suffering that accompany God’s message, especially in the face of human rebellion and impending judgment.

3. The Mighty Angel

  • The angel standing on the sea and the land symbolizes God’s universal authority over all creation.
  • The angel’s loud voice (like a lion’s roar) and the seven thunders emphasize the power and mystery of God’s plans (Revelation 10:3-4).

4. Parallels with Ezekiel

This act echoes the experience of the prophet Ezekiel:

  • Ezekiel 3:1-3:
    Ezekiel was commanded to eat a scroll filled with words of lament and mourning. It tasted sweet in his mouth, but its message brought sorrow as he delivered it to rebellious Israel.
  • Connection:
    • Both prophets are given a bittersweet message.
    • Both are commissioned to deliver God’s Word to people, knowing it will bring joy to some and rejection to others.

5. Themes and Significance

A. God’s Word Must Be Internalized

  • Just as John ate the scroll, believers must internalize God’s Word, allowing it to transform their lives before sharing it with others.

B. The Dual Nature of God’s Message

  • The message of the gospel brings salvation (sweetness) but also judgment for those who reject it (bitterness).
  • It reflects the reality of God’s justice and mercy working together.

C. The Global Scope of Prophecy

  • John is told to “prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings” (Revelation 10:11).
  • This emphasizes the universal scope of God’s message and the responsibility of believers to proclaim it globally.

D. The Cost of Prophetic Ministry

  • Delivering God’s message often brings personal suffering and rejection, as seen in the lives of John, Ezekiel, and other prophets.

6. Reflection Questions

  1. How do you experience the “sweet” and “bitter” aspects of God’s Word in your life?
  2. What does it mean for you to internalize God’s Word before sharing it with others?
  3. How can you remain faithful in proclaiming God’s message, even when it is difficult or unpopular?

7. Application

  1. Meditate on God’s Word:
    • Like John eating the scroll, spend time reading and internalizing Scripture, allowing it to shape your thoughts, actions, and heart.
  2. Embrace the Fullness of God’s Message:
    • Acknowledge both the sweetness of God’s promises and the bitterness of judgment, sharing both with humility and faithfulness.
  3. Proclaim the Gospel Boldly:
    • Just as John was commanded to prophesy, be prepared to share God’s truth with others, even in challenging circumstances.
  4. Trust God’s Sovereignty:
    • Remember that God’s plans, though mysterious, are unfolding perfectly, and His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

8. Conclusion

The act of John eating the scroll in Revelation 10 symbolizes the prophet’s commission to internalize and proclaim God’s bittersweet message. It reminds believers of the dual nature of God’s Word—both joyful and sobering—and the responsibility to share His truth with a world in need. This moment underscores the global and eternal significance of God’s redemptive plan.