1. Revelation: an unsealed book (Intro., pt. 1)

Revelation, An Unsealed Book

by Timothy McKeown

Introduction, Part 1

1. The Setting of Revelation:

PHYSICALLY: The Island of Patmos, around 95 A.D.

PROPHETICALLY: Heaven, and the future earth.

Written around 95 A.D. on the Island of Patmos, the book of the Revelation is not a book of mystery but an unsealed book of prophecy (Rev. 22:10), intended to explain to those reading the things which John had seen, the things which were happening at the time, and also things which would occur in the future. While a very few have theorized that Revelation was written during Nero’s persecution, the very temperament of the seven churches do not fit that time period.

2. The Scribe of Revelation: John

According to Rev. 1:1, 4, 9; 21:2, 8, Revelation is written by John. How do we know this is the Apostle John? Virtually all ancient church fathers writing after the conclusion of the New Testament testify that it was penned by the Apostle John, the beloved disciple. The first record we have that John, the Apostle, was the author comes from Justin the Martyr, just 70 years after its writing. Another comes from Irenaeus who died in 190 A.D. He was a pupil of Polycarp, whom John the Apostle himself converted and discipled. Polycarp was the pastor of the church at Smyrna, which is mentioned in Revelation.

Ironically, neither the gospel of John, nor his three epistles tells us directly the name the author. Yet, in the Revelation, John names himself five times. There are distinct similarities in content of the New Testament books ascribed to John.

Jesus is the Word of God “Logos”	Rev. 19:13	John 1:1, 14, 1 John 1:1
Jesus is Divine	Rev. 1:11	John 10:30
Jesus as the Lamb of God	Rev. 5:6, 8, 12	John 1:29, 36
Jesus as Shepherd	Rev. 7:17	John 10:11
Fountain of thirst-quenching water	Rev. 21:6	John 4:14
Frequent use of sevens	7 churches, 7 lamps, 7 stars, 7 spirits, 7 seals, 7 horns, 7 eyes, 7 trumpets, 7 thunders, 7 “Blesseds”	7 “I Am” statements, 7 signs, 7 witnesses (testimonies), 7 major sermons,
False Jews; Demonic Judaism	Rev. 3:9	John 8:39, 44
Jesus as pierced	Rev. 1:7	John 19:34, 37

Why then is it so starkly different than the other books by John? In part, the book is different because the topic is so different. John was commanded to write exactly what he saw (Rev. 1:11), and not to interpret the things he saw; whereas John’s gospel was a reflective, meditative depiction of the life of Jesus, written to lead people to believe in Him.

Secondly, since neither the gospels nor his epistles specifically name John as the author, it is likely that God inspired John to employ scribe or writer who was proficient in Greek to help pen his dictation. This unnamed scribe was likely a devoted disciple and companion of the Apostle John who was able to craft the gospel and letters with refinement, and still retain the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. His emphasis was not the specific content (as much was deleted from the Synoptic Gospels), but rather the delivery and the desired result: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:29-30)

Thirdly, the book of Revelation was likely hand-written directly by the fisherman from Galilee who had been banished to Patmos, perhaps in solitude from any other Christian and surrounded only by other prisoners and guards. As a result, the grammar and syntax of the Greek is rough, with the emphasis on the content, not the delivery. Further, there are divine curses on adding to or taking away from any of the words of the prophecy of this book (Rev. 22:18-19). Hence, this book will retain the personal characteristics of John, the Apostle and author.

2. Revelation: Unhidden (Intro., pt. 2)

Introduction, part 2

3. The Subject of Revelation: Jesus Christ

As we study Revelation, we are only going to get to verse one. In fact, we are only going to really study the first three words of the Revelation. And the emphasis will really be on the first word. So you may go away from this and tell others that it is going to be a long study in Revelation, because Bro. Tim taught for 45 minutes on the first word. It will be a long study.

a. The Subject of the Revelation is Jesus and it is not hidden

By its very title, the book of Revelation is not a book which is to be hidden, obscure or mysterious. In fact, it is meant to be read openly and in so doing it is to be a blessing to both the reader and hearer. The opening words of the book-- “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”—clearly state that this book is to be unveiling and revealing and uncovering, but even these very words are often obscured and subject to interpretation to their true meaning. Does it mean Jesus Christ is going to reveal something? Or does it mean Jesus Christ Himself is going to be revealed in the contents of the book of the “Apocalypse” (the transliteration of the first Greek word used in Revelation).

The word apocalypse comes from two Greek words, “apo” meaning “away from” and “kalupto”, which means to hide, conceal, cover, or quite literally veil. Thus the Revelation means to stop hiding the real Christ. It is to reveal Him as He is, not as He was at the first appearance, but as He fully will be shown in His second coming. While the word is used as a noun 18 times in the New Testament, as it is here in Rev. 1:1, 26 times in the verb form, but only once in the entire book of Revelation.

There is only one part of the book of Revelation that was sealed, that being of the seven thunderous voices, found in Rev. 10:4. “Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.’” There is absolutely no reason for us to speculate what will be the contents of the seven thunders. It was not meant to be known to us, but the existence of them apparently will be revealed at the appropriate time, and will be likely understood by believers who read this prophetic book during the time of the Great Tribulation.

But the rest of the book is meant to be UNSEALED. Rev. 22:10 says, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book.” Other prophetic books are stated that they are to be sealed. Isa. 29:10-11, “The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, ‘Read this, please.’ And he says, ‘I cannot, for it is sealed.’” Dan. 12:4 says, “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end.”

Everything other than the thunders in Revelation is to be read, heard, studied, heeded, obeyed, and applied in the lives of believers, from the very first church which first read this letter in Ephesus, in Smyrna, in Pergamos, in Thyatira, in Sardis, in Philadelphia, in Laodicia, and in our churches today.

3. Revelation: Unveiled (Intro., pt. 3)

Introduction, part 3

3. The Subject of Revelation: Jesus Christ (continued)

b. The Subject reveals Jesus, both as the Lamb of God, and the lion of judah

Since much of the book is presented by those other than Jesus Christ Himself; that is, through visions and by angels, I believe that the opening words “the revelation of Jesus Christ” means that this final book of the Bible is the revealing of Jesus Christ Himself and not the revealing by Jesus Christ. Had we all of the books of Scripture, save this blessed and prophetic book, the unveiling of the Son of God would have been incomplete. If we only had 65 books in the Bible and 26 New Testament books, what would we know of his quickly approaching return? More than anything else, John received and wrote the contents of the book of Revelation to unveil the faithful and true and fulfilling appearance of Jesus Christ, showing forth the hope for Christians that Jesus Christ did not only come as a lamb slain (Rev. 5:6), but that He will indeed come again in His truest manifestation yet, that of the mighty “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” (Rev. 5:5), King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14, 19:16).

c. The Subject is only hidden by Satan Himself

Some people will use the excuse of the mystic style of Revelation as a reason for avoiding the study of it. Who do you think is the author of that excuse? “This book will keep you from Sin, that’s true, but so is the opposite: Sin will keep you from this book!” Satan, of course, will do all he can to keep you from knowing about the book of Revelation. In upcoming days, Wednesday nights will have many opportunities for you and for me to not be here to hear the words of what John saw on the island of Patmos. Why? The devil himself doesn’t want you to be blessed. His demons want you to be afraid of this book.

You’ve heard the phrase “Whenever Satan tries to remind you of your past, you just remind him of his future.” How do we know his future? The book of Revelation! That’s why Satan will use every excuse in the book to keep you from the book and especially the only book with a guaranteed promise of blessing.

Do not make an excuse not to study the book of Revelation.

d. The Subject is not scary for believers

It is not a scary book for believers. Notice I did not say it is not terrifying for everyone. I said it is not a book for Christians to fear. Do you remember what it says in 1 Tim. 1:7? “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” Again in 1 John 4:18, it says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” And again in Romans 8: 15 “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" Revelation is a book of hope for the Christians, especially those who have suffered in this life. As we study Revelation, we must see this as an open, unsealed book.

In Luke 2:32, Simeon’s prophetic utterance shows that Jesus was to be a revelation to the gentiles

30 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

If the book of Revelation is not fearful for Christians, then why do so many fear it? They may not fear in the sense of being petrified or terrified but AFRAID TO READ IT OR STUDY IT? Now it could be that some are afraid because they are not truly saved. But I want to answer the question by referring to other places in the Bible where the word and concept of “the apocalypse of Jesus Christ” is used. And we begin this study with the phrase “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” 

4. Revelation: Unafraid (Intro., pt. 4)

Fear Not! (Introduction, part 4)

e. The Subject is Joyous.

I really wanted to put a lot of words besides "Joyous" to explain what the feeling of Christians should be when they read the book of Revelation, and you can write down words that may come to your mind. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Paul wrote in response to Christians who thought the rapture had already taken place. You see some were shaken in their minds; they were troubled because someone had told them that the day of Christ had already come. Notice what Paul says to encourage them about the Revelation of Jesus Christ, when Christ will be revealed. Paul said in verse 3

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed (apokalupsei) from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire He will take vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.”

And again, turn to another 1:7, this time Corinthians 1:7, we will read beginning in verse 4:

4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

And finally let us turn to a third 1:7, this time 1 Peter 1:7, but starting in verse 3

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed (yes, that is the verb form of the word apocalypse, apokaluphthenai) in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things which angels desire to look into. 13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you (when?) at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Why have I asked you to read these three passages? Did you notice something other than all three were 1:7 passages? Did you notice the circumstances that the writers, first Paul, then Peter, and finally from the island of Patmos, the aged and beloved Apostle John, wrote. It was in agony and pain and in suffering that those readers were in the midst of that brought such excitement and longing and joy to hear of the apocalypses of Jesus Christ, the uncovering, the away from veiling, the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Why is the revelation of Jesus Christ so crucial to Christianity? Because true Christians are counted worthy of the kingdom of God and are rewarded with what? PERSECUTION. TRIBULATION. It is a manifestation of evidence of the RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD.

Revelation 1:7 says, “He comes with clouds.” That is joyful, delightful for the Christian. He’s coming in power, in majesty, in magnificence, in grandeur. The Subject of the Revelation is delicious to the Christian, and especially those who have been persecuted for his or her faith. Revelation uncovers and takes away the veil of the sufferings of Christ, but it also takes away the veil from the sufferings of the saints. And not just the sufferings of this old world, of old age, of the sufferings that overtakes the heathen and the Christian, the atheist and the saint. Paul, Peter, John and Jesus all point to the revelation as a victory to those who have suffered for the cause of Christ.

Look, please, one more time at another writing; this found in Romans 8.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be (WHAT?!!) revealed (apokaluphthenai, the verb form of “taking off the veil”. REVEALED in who?!!) in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing (your translation may say manifestation, but it might as well say ‘REVELATION’ because it is the same word as found in Revelation 1:1 APOKALUPSES! The taking away of the veil) of the sons of God.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is Joyous, it’s soothing, it’s rapturous, it’s ecstatic because it is not only the revelation and unveiling of Jesus Christ, it is our unveiling too from the sufferings of this world that are not worthy to be compared to the glories which shall be revealed.

One more thing about Revelation: We are to be excited about the revelation of Jesus Christ and also our own revelation, but look once again at Romans 8:19.

19 For the earnest expectation (apo-kara-dokia) of the creation for the revealation (apoc-a-lup-sin) of the sons of God eagerly waits (apek-dech-e-tai). (This is the original Greek order, using a play on words with three words beginning with “apo”)

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

The Revelation is not just Jesus Christ going from from a slain Lamb to a conquering King. Not just we believers from suffering saints to becoming priests and kings unto God and His Father. But the Revelation is of ALL of creation. ALL of creation groans and labors with birth pangs. But even creation will be delivered and revealed to what it should be.  

5. Revelation: Undefeated (Intro., pt. 5)

More than Conquerors (Introduction, part 5)

The Cave in which the Apostle John received the Revelation
(Note the three rocks, reminding us of the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
found repeatedly in the Revelation of Jesus.)

f. The Subject of Revelation is Jesus revealed completely.

Can you imagine Christianity without the Revelation? Ponder for a moment what would the hope have been throughout the last two millennia of Christians and their relation to the plan of God through Jesus Christ. God’s Messiah was not for the Jews only, but He was revealed to be the “Light of the Gentiles.” He was born in abject poverty, lived most, if not all, of his life in obscurity by the world’s standards. Jesus the Son of Man was misunderstood by his peers, from his closest disciples to His most ardent critics. What if this Anointed One had only been described in the pages of the inerrant, inspired, infallible Scriptures of the New Testament by only the gospels and the epistles of six, perhaps seven, early disciples, but not by the Book of Revelation.

There is an insatiable desire to know even more than what we now know through the Bible. But because of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, penned by the Apostle John, we have a vastly greater and immensely more impressive understanding of the Alpha and Omega than we would have had otherwise, even if we were to include the prophecies from the Old Testament passage.

If we had not the book of Revelation, we might have concluded that perhaps some of the prophecies of those inspired writers of the Old Testament were not to have been fulfilled at all since they were not realized in Christ’s first coming.

If you think that Revelation is a sealed, mysterious, hidden and obscure book, look at what you already understand about our Savior and Lord as a result of John’s Revelation on the island of Patmos.

Because of the book of Revelation, Christ is shown to be the ruler over the kings and lords of the earth and that He has made us kings and priests to God.

Without the book of the Revelation, we would not have seen Christ as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.

That He holds the keys of Hades and of Death, and yet He stands at the door and knocks and comes in to those who open the door to Him; that He gives a crown of life to those faithful unto death, but will spew out the lukewarm from His mouth; that even though He appeared as a slain Lamb at His first coming, He is nevertheless the Creator of all things and is the only One worthy to unseal God’s final judgment on the earth.

Because of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we know that the sky will one day recede as a scroll when it is rolled up, that 144,000 Jew men, undefiled by women and totally without guile and deceit, will come from every tribe of the nation of Israel will be on earth, following Christ.

We know that multitudes, an innumerable amount of people from every nation, from every tribe, every ethnicity, every tongue, of every language, of every people will be in heaven, praising the Lamb of God.

Because John on the island of Patmos received the Revelation of Jesus Christ and because he wrote in this unsealed book, we know that in heaven harpists will play harps, and the redeemed will sing songs, songs that are as old as Moses, songs that are a new as the new millennium and songs that no one but those who have been redeemed from the Tribulation will be able to sing.

And for those who are not in heaven during those last days, they will be able to see in this unsealed book that a demonic leader will perform signs and miracles and call fire down from heaven to earth, so that he might deceive those still on earth.

Amazingly, the Revelation of Jesus Christ shows that that despite God’s mercy and despite God’s wrath, there will always be those who refuse to repent of their sinful deeds.

John's eyes had seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, who is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; and that mighty Savior will sound forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; that God still has the ark of the covenant in his heavenly temple, that Satan will be bound into a bottomless pit, chained for a thousand years, sealed so never to deceive the nations again.

This prophetic book reveals the great white throne judgment, it reveals the book of life, it reveals the lake of fire, it reveals the new heaven and new earth, it reveals the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, the dwelling of God with humanity.

This Apocalypse unveils that there will be many things NOT in heaven: we shall no longer hunger, we shall no longer thirst, there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain, no need for light, no more defilement, no more abomination, no more lies.

Christ will make all things new, the fountain of the water of life given freely to all, the gates made of pearl, the streets made of gold, the city will have the glory of God to illuminate it.

In it there will be the tree of life, the presence of the dwelling of the God of all Creation and the presence of His Son, Jesus Christ.

No wonder than John, who in his youth had unabashedly and unashamedly said, “Yes, Lord, I am ready to be baptized with the baptism you are to be baptized with and drink from the same cup from which you will drink,” now old and who had seen every one of his fellow disciples crucified, beheaded, cut down by a sword, beginning with his own brother James, now this same John who had lived through the persecution of his own Jewish brothers, and then seen the persecution of Nero, of the Emperor Vespasian, of the Roman Emperor Titus, who destroyed Jerusalem, even as it almost destroyed itself, and now living in exile under the Emperor Domitian, at the age of at least 80 years old, said from his banished island and his baptized life of suffering and his bitter cup of a martyr’s life, “even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Revelation should not make us afraid, it should make us jump up and shout, Hallelujah, to the Lamb. Hallelujah to the King of Kings. Hallelujah to the Lord of Lords. We who have the testimony of the Lamb’s blood shed for our very souls should have no fear of the coming of the Lord. Notice Jesus says in verse 17, “Do not be afraid.” In 2:10, Jesus again says, “Fear not what you must suffer.”

The book of Revelation is a book that reveals that uncovers and takes away the veil of Jesus Christ in order to depict Him as He really is. 

6. Numbers and Meanings (Overview, pt. 1)

The Significance And Symbolism Of Numbers

In The Book Of The Revelation

A portrait of the Apostle John over the entrance
of the monastery, dedicated to John, atop the highest mountain
on the Island of Patmos.

What the significance of numbers in Revelation is a matter of interpretation, but that the numbers have significance is not in dispute. Revelation 19:10 says “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” According to The Complete Biblical Library, one of the purposes of prophecy “is to bear witness to Jesus, to exalt Him and to reveal His redemptive work.” (Revelation, pg. 295). Studying the amazing detail in numbers and symbolism in the book of Revelation is a testimony to how marvelous Jesus is and how powerful prophetic books like the Revelation is.

It is incorrect to call the study of numbers in the Bible “numerology.” Such a name conjures up practices in the occult which are inconsistent with the Bible. However, to ignore or fail to study the repeated use of numbers, especially three, six, seven, and twelve, and multiples of those, would be a disservice to the Scriptures and an incomplete study of the book. This study is by no means exhaustive, but it will delve into the most significant elements of numbers and their symbolisms. The practical relevance of the study is to affirm the divinity and wonder of the Scriptures, to alert us to the corresponding significance (for instance, upon seeing a theme of the number three, we should look for the holiness or heavenly significance of the passage), and to help in interpreting the objects corresponding to the numbers.

Perhaps the most discussed number in the book of Revelation comes from Rev. 13:18: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” The speculation that this number refers to Nero Caesar is a forced and false interpretation, since Nero had been dead for nearly 30 years by the writing of Revelation and also because the number is only arrived if you spell Nero as “Neron Kaisar”. More recent false designations have been Ronald Wilson Reagan (six letters in each name), Henry Kissinger, Hitler, Mussolini, the Pope, you name it.

The most repeated number in Revelation is seven and its multiples and divided in half, it is 3 ½ or sometimes seen as 42 months or 1260 days (a Jewish month is exactly 30 days). The number seven is used 31 times in the Greek, and represents a holy completion by God. With the Tribulation period existing for seven years in length, it is the final pouring out of wrath from God upon the earth, but it is also the time when an almost innumerable amount of persons will possibly come to Christ from every part of the earth.

Of all the significant words used in the book of Revelation, the singular and plural form of “angel” is one of the most recurring. From the Greek word aggelos, the word literally means messenger. It is likely that the angels of the seven churches are in fact the pastors, or messengers of the church, since the Lord Jesus would not need to communicate with them via a letter from John. The following study will show that the word angel is used exactly 72 times in the Greek, a holy number signifying three times 24, or the number of representatives from the Old Testament tribes of Israel and New Testament Apostles.

When the angels are not grouped together, there are exactly:

7 angels who stand alone

3 groups of angels which are in threes (the number of heaven and holiness)

2 groups of angels grouped in fours (the number of the earth)

3 groups of angels which are in sevens (including the seven “angels” of the churches)

7 groups of numerous angels which are only mentioned once in Revelation.

If this seems confusing, realize that this is merely one study of numbers as it relates to one group: angels. Volumes could be written on other divine numberings within the book of Revelation.

At the end of this study, we will see that Revelation also contains three signs in heaven, three voices from the throne in heaven, seven voices from heaven, and exactly 21 “great” (Greek: mega) voices from heaven (21 is the heavenly number of 3 times the completed by God number of 7).

We would be wise to listen to what the voices say…

Generally accepted applications of significant numbers are as follows:

7. Numbers and Angels (Overview, pt. 2)

A Numerical Study of Angels

(mentioned 72 times in Greek)

Truly a breath-taking view of the bay from in front of the cave at Patmos

Seven Individual Angels

1. JESUS’ ANGEL

Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John. 22:16 - "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

2. A STRONG (MIGHTY) ANGEL

Revelation 5:2 - Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"

3. AN ANGEL ASCENDING FROM THE EAST

Revelation 7:2 - Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

4. AN ANGEL WITH THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS

Revelation 8:3 - Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 - And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. 5 - Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

5. THE DEMONIC ANGEL

Revelation 9:11 - And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon (Destruction), but in Greek he has the name Apollyon (Destroyer). (Note Rev. 9:1b - And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.)

6. AN ANGEL STANDING IN THE SUN

Revelation 19:17 - Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,

7. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD GOD

Revelation 22:6 - Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

A TRIO OF THREE ANGELS RELATED TO HEAVEN

THREE ANGELS FLYING IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN

1.      Revelation 8:13 - And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" Revelation 14:6 - Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people--

2.      Revelation 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

3.      Revelation 14:9 - Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,

THREE ANGELS COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN

1.      Revelation 10:1 - I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven…8 - Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth." 9 - So I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth." 10 - Then I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.

2.      Revelation 18:1 - After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 - And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  21 - Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.

3.      Revelation 20:1 - Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 - He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 - and he cast him into the bottomless pit...

THREE ANGELS OUT OF THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE (FROM THE ALTAR)

1.      Revelation 14:15 - And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."

2.      Revelation 14:17 - Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 19 - So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  

3.      Revelation 14:18 - And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe."

TWO SETS OF FOUR ANGELS RELATED TO EARTH

FOUR ANGELS AT FOUR CORNERS

Revelation 7:1 - After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 - Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

FOUR ANGELS BOUND AT EUPHRATES

Revelation 9:14 - saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." 15 - So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.

A TRIO OF SEVEN ANGELS RELATED TO JUDGMENT

SEVEN ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA

1.      Revelation 2:1 - To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

2.      Revelation 2:8 - And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

3.      Revelation 2:12 - And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

4.      Revelation 2:18 - And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:

5.      Revelation 3:1 - And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

6.      Revelation 3:7 - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":

7.      Revelation 3:14 - And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

SEVEN ANGELS WITH TRUMPETS

Revelation 8:2 - And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

Revelation 8:6 - So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

Revelation 8:7 - The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

Revelation 8:8 - Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.

Revelation 8:10 - Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

Revelation 8:12 - Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.

Revelation 9:1 - Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.

Revelation 9:13 - Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

Revelation 9:14 - saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates."

Revelation 10:7 - but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

Revelation 11:15 - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"

SEVEN ANGELS WITH SEVEN PLAGUES

Revelation 15:6 - And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 - Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 - The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Revelation 16:1 - Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls* of the wrath of God on the earth." 2 - So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.

Revelation 16:3 - Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.

Revelation 16:4 - Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 - And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things.

Revelation 16:8 - Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.

Revelation 16:10 - Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.

Revelation 16:12 - Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.

Revelation 16:17 - Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"

SEVEN GROUPINGS OF NUMEROUS ANGELS

THE FATHER’S ANGELS

Revelation 3:5 – He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

MANY ANGELS AROUND THE THRONE

Revelation 5:11 - Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,

ALL THE ANGELS AROUND THE THRONE

Revelation 7:11 - All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,

FIGHTING ANGELS (WITH MICHAEL)

Revelation 12:7 - And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,

HOLY ANGELS

Revelation 14:9-10 - Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

DEMONIC ANGELS

Revelation 12:9 - So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

TWELVE ANGELS AT THE GATES

Revelation 21:12 - Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: