Revelation 04: Jesus Reigns Supreme
The fourth chapter of Revelation marks the beginning of a shift. John’s conversation has been directly with Jesus concerning the seven churches. John’s view now shifts to Heaven. The genre of the book also begins to shift from didactic to apocalyptic. We will explore various types of metaphors derived from the Old Testament. It begins with a view of worship around the Throne Room of Heaven. Let us read and see what God’s Throne Room looks like and what is happening even now.
Text: Revelation 04 (click to expand)
Worship in Heaven
Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Chapter Overview and Summary.
The fourth chapter of the Book of Revelation marks a shift in the narrative of the book. From this point on, John will view everything from the Throne Room of Heaven. In this chapter, we see multiple metaphors occurring simultaneously. This is also where many of the debates begin concerning the book of Revelation. Some claim that many of the scenes John writes are literal and happen in the future. They also claim that when Jesus says to John, “Come up here,” Jesus is indicating when the rapture of the church will take place. Check the links in the additional resources to learn more about different views on the book of Revelation. To the original audience, two aspects would have likely stood out to them. First would be the Throne room. Since one of the main points of persecution would have been the emperor worship cults, the book of Revelation devotes time to describing the unparalleled majesty of God’s throne room. The second aspect they would have noticed is the worship of the twenty-four elders. In the Roman emperor’s throne room, he had advisors who would offer help and guidance as he judged the Roman kingdom. In the courts of Heaven, the elders advise God and worship.
SOAP Bible Study.
Title: The Never Ending Song
Scripture- (Revelation 4:9–11) Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Observation- When they were little, my girls watched a TV show that had a song called “The Song That Never Ends.” The song had lyrics that would loop, allowing you to keep singing it until you were tired. This is what I think about when I think of the Throne Room of Heaven. These elders and angels are constantly overwhelmed by the goodness of God and continually sing before Him. This song has been ongoing for a long time and will continue indefinitely. The fantastic thing is we get to join in that song. Imagine encountering the glory of God in such a way that you cannot help but sing, then having the energy to keep on going. That sounds like a big party.
Application- Take a moment and think about how, even in this moment, worship is happening in Heaven. One day, you get to join in. Why not start now?
Prayer- Thank You, Jesus, for being worthy to receive glory and honor and power.
Reflection Questions.
- If you could sing a song to Jesus, what would it be?
- What aspect of the Throne room of God impresses you the most?
- Do you think the four living creatures described are literal or metaphor?
- How does this chapter help you see that Jesus “reigns supreme?”
- Based on this chapter, what next step do you need to take?
Additional Resources.
- (Video) Thru the Bible Commentary – Revelation 1–5, Part 4: Revelation 4. YouTube video, 48:00. Jul 2020. (Link)
- (Book) Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
- (Article) Guzik, David. “Revelation 4 Commentary.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Accessed July 4, 2025. (Link)
- (Article) Barclay, William. “Daily Study Bible – Revelation 4.” (Link)
- (Article) “Revelation 4.” BibleHub. (Link)
- (Video) Verse by Verse – Revelation 4 Explained. YouTube video, 52:15. Feb 12, 2023. (Link)
