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4:1 Then . . . I saw: This introductory phrase (see also 7:9; 15:5; 18:1; cp. 19:1) does not signal chronological sequence but the beginning of a new visionary experience. • Come up here: The voice of the Lord invites John to look at things from God’s perspective.
4:11 You are worthy: This phrase is never used of God in the Old Testament but was frequently used in Rome during emperor worship. As emphasized here, only God deserves worship. • you created all things: Many in the ancient world believed that the gods were too busy to be concerned with humans. But God is Almighty in more than a philosophical sense; he is in...
4:11 You are worthy: This phrase is never used of God in the Old Testament but was frequently used in Rome during emperor worship. As emphasized here, only God deserves worship. • you created all things: Many in the ancient world believed that the gods were too busy to be concerned with humans. But God is Almighty in more than a philosophical sense; he is involved as Creator and Lord. In Revelation, creation affirms that God is in sovereign control of the world (see 3:14; 10:6; 14:7; 21:1). • they exist because you created what you pleased: God had a purpose for everything that he created.
4:1-11 The description of God’s throne room stretches the imagination. It builds on the visions of Isa 6:1-4, Ezek 1:4-28, and Dan 7:9-10, where God is seen enthroned in power and majesty. God’s throne dominates Revelation, and the worship in the rest of the book flows from this scene. God’s magnificence, grace, and glory are fundamental to the church’s wors...
4:1-11 The description of God’s throne room stretches the imagination. It builds on the visions of Isa 6:1-4, Ezek 1:4-28, and Dan 7:9-10, where God is seen enthroned in power and majesty. God’s throne dominates Revelation, and the worship in the rest of the book flows from this scene. God’s magnificence, grace, and glory are fundamental to the church’s worship.
4:1–5:14 This section introduces the visions and judgments to come. John presents God in his heavenly court—the scene of the drama of Revelation (4:1-11)—and the Lamb, who has a central role (5:1-14). John contrasts the majesty of God with the so-called majesty of Caesar. God’s power and splendor is unequaled by the ceremonial court of any earthly ruler.
genesis 9:8-17
genesis 9:13-17
genesis 19:24-29
exodus 20:4
deuteronomy 4:15-19
1 chronicles 24:1-19
isaiah 6:1-13
isaiah 6:1-4
The Theater and Revelation
The Theater and Revelation Understanding the ancient theater can help us to understand Revelation 4–5. This passage introduces a divine drama and highlights the significance of God’s agent (the Messiah) in world history. This passage also sets the stage for the great drama of the book, which is about the world, the reality of judgment, and the victory that comes through the Lamb. In these chapters, a series of tableaus (scenes) is used to communicate the message. The passage opens by describing God on his heavenly throne (4:1-3). In the ancient theater, a divine persona was placed in a central box or throne high above the stage. This actor clarified the significance of each scene for the audience through positive and negative comments or solved dilemmas in the script when they became too complex for the characters on stage to handle. Similarly, readers of Revelation should watch for scenes where God or his messengers interpret or intervene to advance the message. The ancient drama took place on the stage below the divine figure. Between the stage and the audience, an orchestra of speakers voiced the emotional climate of the play. In Revelation, the four living creatures ha...