Revelation 5

Revelation 5, part of the Book of Revelation, written around AD 70 by the apostle John while exiled on Patmos, to churches in Asia Minor facing persecution, depicts a heavenly scene where the Lamb, identified as Christ, is declared worthy to open a sealed scroll held by God. The chapter emphasizes the Lamb’s redemptive work, His universal authority, and the worship of all creation, highlighting the centrality of Christ in God’s plan of judgment and salvation.
Key Sections
The Sealed Scroll (5:1–5): John sees a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne, written on both sides, sealed with seven seals. A mighty angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” No one in heaven, earth, or under the earth is found worthy, causing John to weep. An elder comforts him, saying, “The Lion of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered,” and is worthy to open the scroll.
The Lamb’s Worthiness (5:6–10): John sees a Lamb standing, as though slain, with seven horns and seven eyes (the seven spirits of God sent to earth), who takes the scroll. The four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall down, holding harps and golden bowls of incense (the prayers of the saints). They sing a new song, proclaiming the Lamb worthy because He was slain, ransoming people for God from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, making them a kingdom and priests to reign on earth.
Universal Worship (5:11–14): Myriads of angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, surround the throne, singing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing!” Every creature in heaven, earth, under earth, and sea offers praise to both the One on the throne and the Lamb. The four living creatures say, “Amen!” and the elders worship.
Cross-References
Sealed Scroll: 
Ezekiel 2:9–10: Scroll written both sides.

Daniel 12:4: Seal the book.

Isaiah 29:11: Sealed scroll.
Lion of Judah: 
Genesis 49:9–10: Judah’s scepter.

Hebrews 7:14: Jesus from Judah.

Revelation 22:16: Root of David.
Lamb Slain: 
Isaiah 53:7: Lamb to slaughter.

John 1:29: Lamb of God.

1 Peter 1:19: Precious blood.
Seven Horns, Eyes: 
Zechariah 4:10: Eyes of the Lord.

Daniel 7:8: Horns of power.

Revelation 4:5: Seven spirits.
New Song: 
Psalm 33:3: Sing new song.

Revelation 14:3: Redeemed’s song.

Isaiah 42:10: New song for Lord.
Kingdom, Priests: 
Exodus 19:6: Kingdom of priests.

1 Peter 2:9: Royal priesthood.

Revelation 1:6: Priests to God.
Universal Praise: 
Philippians 2:10–11: Every knee bows.

Psalm 148:1–13: All creation praises.

Revelation 7:12: Glory to God.
Theological Meaning
Christ’s Authority: The Lamb’s worthiness to open the scroll affirms His sovereignty over history (vv. 5–7; Colossians 1:18).

Redemptive Sacrifice: His death ransoms a universal people, fulfilling God’s plan (vv. 9–10; Ephesians 1:7).

Universal Worship: All creation acknowledges the Lamb’s glory, uniting heaven and earth (vv. 13–14; Romans 14:11).

Divine Plan: The scroll represents God’s decrees of judgment and redemption, executed by Christ (v. 1; Psalm 139:16).

Saints’ Role: The redeemed are a kingdom and priests, serving God’s purpose (v. 10; Revelation 20:6).

Prayer’s Power: Saints’ prayers, as incense, influence divine action (v. 8; Luke 1:10).
Questions and Answers
What is the sealed scroll (v. 1)?
Likely God’s plan for judgment and redemption, sealed until Christ opens it (v. 1; Daniel 12:9).

Why does John weep (v. 4)?
No one is initially found worthy to execute God’s plan, causing despair (v. 4; Lamentations 1:16).

Who is the Lion of Judah (v. 5)?
Jesus Christ, the messianic conqueror from Judah’s tribe (v. 5; Genesis 49:10).

Why is the Lamb worthy (v. 9)?
His sacrificial death ransomed humanity, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan (v. 9; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

What are the seven horns and eyes (v. 6)?
Symbols of Christ’s complete power (horns) and omniscience (eyes, seven spirits) (v. 6; Zechariah 3:9).

What does the new song signify (v. 9)?
Praise for the Lamb’s redemptive work, uniting all nations (v. 9; Psalm 96:1).

How does this apply today?
Worship Christ, trust His sovereignty, and live as His kingdom of priests (v. 10; Hebrews 13:15).
Eschatological Interpretations
Dispensational Premillennial View:
Interpretation: The scroll (v. 1) is the title deed to earth or tribulation judgments, opened by Christ in heaven post-rapture. The Lamb (vv. 6–7) is Jesus, worthy due to His atonement, initiating tribulation seals (Rev. 6) before His return and literal millennium. The redeemed (v. 9–10) are the church, raptured and worshiping in heaven, distinct from Israel and tribulation saints. Their priestly role (v. 10) is fulfilled in the millennium, ruling with Christ. Universal worship (vv. 13–14) anticipates millennial and eternal praise. The scene sets up future judgments for earth’s redemption.

Timing: Future, post-rapture, before tribulation and literal millennium.

Key Features: Literal scroll; pre-trib rapture; church in heaven; Israel’s future role.

Support: Scroll’s seals (v. 1; Jeremiah 32:10–11); church’s priesthood (1 Peter 2:5).
Historic Premillennial View:
Interpretation: The scroll (v. 1) contains God’s plan for judgment and redemption, opened by Christ before His single return (post-tribulation, no rapture). The Lamb (vv. 6–7) is Jesus, worthy through His sacrifice, launching seals (Rev. 6) culminating in His coming and the millennium (Rev. 20). The redeemed (vv. 9–10) include all believers, enduring tribulation, called to reign as priests in the future millennium. Universal worship (vv. 13–14) foreshadows Christ’s reign. No church-Israel distinction; all saints face trials and worship together in this heavenly vision.

Timing: Historical redemption, future tribulation, before literal millennium.

Key Features: Symbolic or literal scroll; unified redeemed; single return.

Support: Lamb’s universal ransom (v. 9; Acts 10:34–35); priestly reign (Revelation 20:6).
Amillennial View:
Interpretation: The scroll (v. 1) symbolizes God’s eternal plan, unfolded through Christ’s work across the church age. The Lamb (vv. 6–7) is Jesus, worthy due to His death, governing history’s judgments and salvation (Rev. 6). The redeemed (vv. 9–10) are the church, worshiping now and eternally, already priests in a spiritual kingdom. The millennium (Rev. 20) is Christ’s current reign, with the scroll’s opening reflecting ongoing divine acts. Universal worship (vv. 13–14) represents present and future praise. The scene encourages perseverance in the church age’s trials.

Timing: Church age, from Christ’s first to second coming; symbolic, not chronological.

Key Features: Symbolic scroll; spiritual kingdom; present millennium; church universal.

Support: Symbolic imagery (v. 6; Zechariah 4:2); universal worship (Psalm 86:9).
Postmillennial View (Including Preterist):
Interpretation: Postmillennial: The scroll (v. 1) is God’s redemptive plan, opened by Christ to enable gospel triumph for a future golden age (millennium, Rev. 20). The Lamb (vv. 6–7) is Jesus, whose sacrifice empowers global salvation (v. 9). The redeemed (vv. 9–10) are the church, spreading the gospel as priests, transforming culture. Universal worship (vv. 13–14) anticipates worldwide conversion. Preterist: The scroll (v. 1) is God’s judgment on Jerusalem (AD 70) or Rome, opened by Christ. The redeemed (v. 9) are early Christians, with priesthood (v. 10) fulfilled in the new covenant post-70. Worship (v. 13) reflects the church’s victory.

Timing: Postmillennial: Gospel millennium. Preterist: Mostly AD 70; ongoing kingdom.

Key Features: Gospel triumph; symbolic or AD 70 fulfillment; church’s mission.

Support: Universal ransom (v. 9; Isaiah 66:23); AD 70 for Preterists (Matthew 24:34).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written to seven churches in Asia Minor (Rev. 1:4) under Domitian’s persecution (AD 95). John’s Patmos exile shapes the vision’s hope, using Jewish apocalyptic imagery (Isaiah, Daniel) to affirm Christ’s authority amid trials.

Cultural Questions: “Scroll” (v. 1) evokes Jewish legal documents, vivid in synagogues (Jeremiah 36:2). “Lion of Judah” (v. 5) ties to messianic hopes, central in worship (Genesis 49:9). “Lamb” (v. 6) reflects Jewish sacrificial imagery, bold for readers (Exodus 12:5). “Seven horns” (v. 6) use Jewish power symbols, striking in churches (Deuteronomy 33:17). “New song” (v. 9) echoes Jewish psalms, resonant in diaspora (Psalm 98:1). “Every creature” (v. 13) fulfills Jewish universal praise, hopeful in persecution (Psalm 150:6).

Application: Revelation 5 calls believers to worship the Lamb, trust His redemptive plan, and serve as His priests. It challenges despair, idolatry, and fear, urging hope in Christ’s victory (Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 2:9).