Revelation 10

John’s Mission

Since Revelation 9 tells of the fifth and sixth angels, it may be expected that chapter 10 would tell of the seventh angel. Instead we read of “another mighty angel” (v. 1) who came down to teach John what must happen before the seventh angel sounds his trumpet and about John’s role in the latter-day events he saw in vision.

Understanding the Scriptures

Revelation 10

As it were (v. 1)Like

Mystery (v. 7)Things not known to the world as a whole

Revelation 10:8–11—What Was the “Little Book” That John Ate?

Doctrine and Covenants 77:14 reveals what that little book represents. As confirmed in Doctrine and Covenants 7, John was translated. He experienced a change in his body that allows him to live without aging or experiencing physical pain. This allows him to accomplish the special mission given to him in Revelation 10. In June 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith “prophesied that John the Revelator was then among the Ten Tribes of Israel who had been led away by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, to prepare them for their return from their long dispersion” (History of the Church, 1:176).

Studying the Scriptures

Do the following activity as you study Revelation 10.

1. Mission Call

   1. John’s eating the little book (see Revelation 10:8–11) represented his call to a special mission for the Lord. Read 2 Nephi 32:3 and explain what you think is symbolized by John eating the book and why he would want to do this before serving his mission (see also D&C 11:21–22).

   2. Find the two words used to describe how the book tasted to John. Write what you think the meaning is of both these things (see also Alma 17:4–5; 26:28–33).