The Book of Revelations Chapter 4
Chapter 4
(1-2) Many people see John’s trip to heaven as a picture of the rapture of the church. John was called up by a voice that sounded like a trumpet—similar to how the church will be called up, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
John begins his description of Heaven with God’s throne, the central focus of everything he sees. Every detail that follows is connected to this throne, showing its importance. In fact, the word ‘throne’ appears 15 times in just chapters 4 and 5. John reminds us that God is seated on His throne—showing that, no matter how bad things seem on earth, He is still in control and all is well in Heaven.
(3) The one sitting on the throne is not Jesus, but God Almighty. We don’t see Jesus introduced until chapter 5. Here, John makes it clear that the throne belongs to God, who is later called ‘God Almighty’ in verse 8.
John doesn’t describe God’s appearance directly but instead focuses on what surrounds the throne. A throne declares God’s authority— ‘I rule and can do whatever I want.’ Yet the rainbow around the throne reminds us that God limits His power by His promises, showing that He will always keep His word.
(4) Commentators debate whether these are glorified humans or angelic beings—but I personally don’t think angels as angels are never called elders and nowhere does it say angels get crowns. Most agree they represent God’s people: either the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles, 12 rulers from the Old Testament and 12 from the New, or possibly the 24 priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles. Each one wears a golden crown. Interestingly, the word for crown here in Greek is stephanos—a victor’s crown, like the laurel wreath awarded to Olympic athletes. But when Jesus appears in chapter 19, He wears a different kind of crown. The word used there is diadema—a royal crown, showing His supreme authority.
(5-6a) The lightning, thunder, voices, and fire remind us of God’s fearful presence at Mount Sinai and highlight the awe surrounding His throne. But what about the sea of glass—was it literal, or only something that looked like it? Commentators are divided. Some see it as a reference to the great basin outside the Tabernacle, where priests washed before entering God’s house. Others note that in Scripture, the word ‘sea’ often has a figurative meaning, like the ‘sea of humanity.’ In this case, the sea like crystal may symbolize believers at rest in God’s presence—calm, still, and at peace. What a hope it is to know that one day in heaven we too will finally experience that perfect peace.
(6b-8) John describes four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. The first was like a lion, the second like an ox, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each had six wings and continually cried out, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’ The word holy is the only word in Scripture repeated three times to describe God.
From comparison with Ezekiel, we understand these creatures to be cherubim—the angelic beings surrounding the throne of God. In fact, Scripture tells us that Satan himself was once among these cherubim. In John’s vision, their many eyes symbolize wisdom and intelligence—not simply in the human sense, but the ability to see beyond time into both past and future, since in heaven there is no limitation of time.
The four creatures also reflect the fourfold picture of Christ given in the Gospels:
The Lion (Matthew) – portraying Jesus as the Lion of Judah, the King for the Jewish people.
The Ox (Mark) – showing Jesus as the humble servant, the one who bears the burden.
The Man (Luke) – emphasizing Jesus as fully human.
The Eagle (John) – revealing Jesus as fully divine, soaring above all.
Together, these living creatures proclaim the holiness, wisdom, and majesty of God, while also pointing us to the fullness of Christ revealed in the Gospels.
(9-11) In the Roman Empire, the emperor ruled over many lesser kings. At times, these kings were commanded to appear before him and lay their crowns at his feet in homage. The emperor would then return the crowns to them, showing that their authority, their right to rule ultimately came from him.