Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. John reports that he heard a majestic voice. What does this voice command him to do? Why is this command, or invitation, extended to John? See Revelation 4:1 (printed below)
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me, like the sound of a trumpet, now said, “Come up here, and I will show you the things that must occur in the future.” (Revelation 4:1)
John is not only permitted to gaze into heaven through an open door, he is also invited to pass through that door and enter into heaven. The invitation is not issued for the sake of satisfying his curiosity; he is summoned so that he may learn about “the things that must occur in the future,” the events that must take place in history and in the world before the final coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Note: The actual revelation of these things is not given until chapter 6; but because of the nature of these events (events that involve tribulation for the world and for the church), it is essential that the apostle and the church be prepared to handle them, that is why John is granted the two visions recorded in Revelation 4 and 5.
2. When he is granted entrance into heaven, what is the first thing John sees (note verse 2 printed below?) How does John describe what he sees? What is the significance of this?
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne set in heaven and someone was sitting upon it. (Revelation 4:2)
John reports that he saw “a throne in heaven.” A throne is the symbol and the seat of power, authority, and dominion. This throne is set “in heaven;” this throne and this kingdom does not belong to this present world, it is totally transcendent over all—it is divine and belongs to eternity (note Psalm 113:4-6; Isaiah 57:15a). John sees the One who is seated upon the throne. This heavenly throne is not vacant, it is not some impersonal force or blind chance that rules the universe; there is someone seated upon the throne: the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (note Psalm 47:7-8).
3. How does John describe the appearance of God (see verses 3 and 5a printed below?) How would you interpret this imagery?
He who sat upon it had the appearance of a jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne… (5) Out from the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. (Revelation 4:3,5a)
John now describes the appearance of God as He is seated upon His throne. He reports that God had “the appearance of a jasper and carnelian stone.” “Jasper” was probably a clear crystal (note Revelation 21:11), “carnelian” was deep orange or blood red in color. What is being depicted by the brilliant appearance of this multiple stone is the glory of God in its depth and radiance. John next mentions that he saw “a rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.” In Ezekiel 1:28 the rainbow is a display of the Lord’s over-arching glory; the presence of the bow also reminds us of the Lord’s covenant faithfulness (note Genesis 9:12-16). Finally, John tells us, “Out from the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder.” These powerful elements of nature are depicting the infinite power and awesomeness and majesty of the Lord God (cp. Exodus 19:16).
4. What does John see extending from before the heavenly throne (see verse 6a printed below?) How would you interpret this imagery?
Also, extending from before the throne was something like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. (Revelation 4:6a)
“Extending from before the throne was something like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.” The sea of glass in its clear depths is depicting the infinite purity of God (cp. 1 John 1:5 and Isaiah 6:3a). The sea of glass in its expanse, stretching out before the throne of God, is depicting the separation of God from His creation and from sinful mankind, making Him inaccessible to us apart from Christ (cp. Exodus 3:5; Isaiah 59:2; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18).
5. What does John observe around the heavenly throne (see verse 4 printed below?) What do you think this imagery represents?
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated upon the thrones were twenty-four elders. They were clothed in white garments and on their heads were crowns of gold. (Revelation 4:4)
According to verse 4, John observed that surrounding the throne of God were “twenty-four thrones,” and seated upon these thrones were “twenty-four elders,” clothed in “white garments” and wearing “crowns of gold.” Pictured here is the universal church of Christ: the Old Testament believers are represented by the twelve tribes of Israel and the New Testament believers are represented by the twelve apostles. Also, what is pictured is the triumphant church of Christ: wearing the crowns of gold and seated on thrones surrounding the throne of God, the church is depicted as she shares in the triumph and glory of Christ her Savior and Lord (cp. John 16:33; Romans 8:16-18,37). Finally, what is pictured here is the church in her spiritual union with Christ: seated with Christ in the heavenly places (note Ephesians 2:4-6), covered with the perfect righteousness of Christ our Savior (as depicted by the white robes, note Isaiah 61:10).
