Revelation 5:1-3 1Then I saw in the right hand of the one sitting on the throne a scroll having been written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it,
John’s attention was next drawn to the person sitting on the throne. The next scene has many remarkable images that draw together biblical theology and the imagination. What John saw was both beyond comprehension, with descriptions hard to put into words, and deeply awe-inspiring. He noticed a scroll, which becomes central in the storyline until chapter 8. The scroll is mysterious for several reasons. First, it is unusual because it has writing on both sides. Ancient scrolls typically were written only on one side. Codices, which are books of pages sewn together with writing on both sides, became popular among early Christians. Second, it is sealed so no one can open it. Ancient scrolls used by royalty for official business were often “encrypted” with a wax seal from the writer. Only the recipient could open the scroll or face punishment or death. Such ancient seals have been found by archaeologists. The opening of the seven seals forms the plot of chapters 6–8.
Whatever is written on this scroll is important because everything that follows depends on opening it. The challenge facing the heavenly crowd is that no one is found worthy enough to open the seven seals of the scroll; neither can anyone in all creation open it, which presents a serious problem. Whatever the scroll contained would reveal God’s will for creation. These verses make it clear that God is in full control of history, and his plan will unfold in his time and way. Like the heavenly crowd, we can only fall down in worship and anticipation.