Verse 17
The elders thank God for taking His power in hand and finally reigning. This is the only use of eucharisteo, "I give thanks," in Revelation. In the vision God was about to do this. "Lord God, the Almighty" stresses God’s irresistible power and sovereignty, which now become evident. "Who art and who wast" emphasizes God’s uninterrupted existence, which makes His endless rule possible. Until now God had allowed powers hostile to His people to control the earth, but now He will begin to rule directly.
The elders’ statement has led some interpreters to conclude that it signals the beginning of Jesus Christ’s reign. [Note: E.g., Beale, p. 609; and Swete, p. 146.] In view of the events that seem to follow this one and precede the beginning of His reign in chapter 20, a different understanding is preferable. It seems better to regard the elders’ statement as anticipating the inauguration of that reign.
"The event is so certain that throughout this section it is repeatedly spoken of as already having taken place." [Note: Mounce, p. 231.]
Preterist Chilton believed this reign was consummated in A.D. 70, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. [Note: Chilton, The Days . . ., pp. 290-91.]
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