Revelation 5:1-4 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 5:4

I wept much - Because the world and the Church were likely to be deprived of the knowledge of the contents of the book. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1

And I saw. As in Revelation 4:1 , this phrase introduces a new incident in the vision. That which had been witnessed remained, but a further development now takes place. Revelation 4:1-11 . relates the revelation of the glory of the Triune God (see on Revelation 4:2 ) surrounded by his Church and creation. The glory of Jesus Christ, the Lamb, is now set forth, since he is the only One worthy to receive and declare to his Church the mystery contained in the sealed book. In the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-5

The government of God. "And I saw," etc. Concerning the government of God, observe— I. THAT IT IS CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO A VAST PRECONCERTED PLAN . There was a book, seven pieces of parchment rolled together, and each one sealed, in the hand of him that "sat on the throne." The Almighty never acts from impulse or caprice, but ever from plan or law. And this plan is truly vast, wonderfully comprehensive. It is "written within" and on the "back side." This book... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-7

The sealed book. The homily must be based upon the interpretation. For our guidance we take the view which regards this sealed book as a title deed, the background of the figure being found in Jeremiah 32:6-16 . It is the title deed of the purchased possession—the redeemed inheritance—which noone has a right to touch or open but him to whom it belongs; concerning whom it may be said, "The right of redemption is thine to buy it." Concerning "the Lamb," this is recognized by the song of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14

Continuation of vision. In the preceding homily we noted that the apostle records five songs. We have already referred to two of them. We now have the three remaining ones before us. 1 . The third song is the new song—of redemption. Creation being effected, what is to be done with it? Of what events is earth to be the scene and the witness? and what are the developments which Providence has in store? See. In the right hand of him who sits upon the throne there is a book—a roll,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14

The adoration of the Lamb. The theophany of Revelation 4:1-11 . is continued in this. We are permitted to see more of the high court of heaven, and to witness the purpose of its session, the centre of its adoration, and the transactions in which its members share. We have surveyed the throne and him that sat thereon, the rainbow above the throne, the crystal sea, the burning torches, the elders and the cherubim, and their worship of God. But now the vision is enlarged, and we behold the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:2

And I saw (see on Revelation 5:1 ). A strong angel ; ἰσχυρόν , rendered "mighty" in Revelation 10:1 . Possibly, as De Wette and others think, so called because of higher rank—De Lyra says Gabriel; but probably on account of the great voice, which sounded "as a lion roareth" ( Revelation 10:3 ). Proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? with a great voice. "Worthy" is ἄξιος , fit morally, as in John 1:27 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:3

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon ; no one in the heaven, or on the earth (Revised Version). That is, no one in all creation—in heaven, or on earth, or in the place of departed spirits. No one was able "to look thereon" (that is, "to read therein") as a consequence of no one being fit to open the book. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:4

And I wept much ( ἔκλαιον ); I burst into tears, and continued weeping. A strong expression in the imperfect tense. Because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereo n. The words, "and to read? should be omitted. They are found in few manuscripts. The equivalent phrase follows, "neither to look thereon." read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 5:1

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne - Of God, Revelation 4:3-4. His form is not described there, nor is there any intimation of it here except the mention of his.” right hand.” The book or roll seems to have been so held in his hand that John could see its shape, and see distinctly how it was written and sealed.A book - βιβλίον biblion This word is properly a diminutive of the word commonly rendered “book” (βίβλος biblos), and would strictly mean a small book, or a book... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 5:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 5:1

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