angelology – Christopher L. Scott

I. HEAVENLY WORSHIP AND SERVICE

In the midst of Daniel’s vision of four beasts in Daniel 7, Daniel saw an event which is an example of how angels worship and serve God.

I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One[ref]This “Ancient One” is a “name for God that emphasizes his eternality; He is the God who had existed from eternity past, has planned all things, and is working out his plan” (Wiersbe, Be Resolute, p. 112).[/ref] sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. (Dan 7:9–10, NLT, emphasis added)

In this vision Daniel sees our Lord and there are “millions of angels” ministering to him and attending him. These are “God’s servants, angels who execute His will” (J. Dwight Pentecost, “Daniel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, vol. 1, 1351. (By the way, if you are looking for a good commentary on the whole Bible I highly recommend The Bible Knowledge Commentary because it covers the entire Bible, is concise, yet explains important parts of Scripture.)

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Past Lessons

B. Text of Rev 8:1-5

“1When the Lamb opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2Then I saw seven angels who had been standing in front of the throne and they were given seven trumpets. 3Then another angel came and stood near the altar holding a golden censer and a large amount of incense was given to him so that he can give the prayers of the many saints on the golden altar. 4Then the smoke of the incense from the prayers of the saints ascended up out of the hand of the angel in front of God’s throne. 5Next the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire from the altar and threw it on the earth. Then there was thunder, noise, lightening, and an earthquake.” (Rev 8:1-5)[ref]Unless otherwise noted, all translations are my own. The Greek text is from NA28.[/ref]

Matthias Gerung: “The Opening of the Seventh Seal and the First Four Sounding Trumpets, Revelation 8:1-13”

II. OPENING SILENCE (8:1-2)

A. The Seventh Seal’s Silence (v. 1)

Καὶ ὅταν ἤνοιξεν τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην, ἐγένετο σιγὴ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ὡς ἡμιώριον.

“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Rev 8:1)

1. The Sound of Silence