1
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9
And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4 Study & Commentary
Overview & Chapter Summary
Revelation 4 describes a "door opened in heaven" as John is caught up to witness the celestial throne room. He sees the Almighty surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures who worship Him continually for His work of creation.
Theological Context & Insights
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. The Centrality of God’s Throne: In a world of shifting power, there is a stable throne in heaven (v. 2). Everything in history revolves around the will and glory of the One who sits upon it.
2. Continuous Worship: The heavenly beings rest not day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy" (v. 8). Our earthly worship is a participation in the eternal adoration occurring in the presence of God.
3. Worthy of All Glory: God is worthy to receive glory and honor because He created all things for His pleasure (v. 11). Our life’s purpose is found in fulfilling the pleasure of our Creator.
Practical Lessons & Daily Application
FORMAL PRAYER
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which wast, and art, and art to come: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power. We join the heavenly host in worshipping Thee for Thy great work of creation. Amen.
