Revelation 4

Revelation 4:1

But was rebuked for his iniquity. By the voice that was put into the mouth of the brute he rode (Numbers 22:28-30).

Revelation 4:2

These are wells without water. “Springs without water” (Revised Version). They promise much but disappoint. Clouds that are carried with a tempest. “Mists driven by a storm” (Revised Version). The thought is the same. These mists promise rain, but it fails to descend. To whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For these apostates the “blackness of darkness is reserved” (Revised Version).

Revelation 4:3

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity. This shows how they promise great things and disappoint. They offer “great swelling words”, and entice those who are about to be delivered from error.

Revelation 4:4

While they promise them liberty. Liberty from all restraint, complete freedom to serve their own wills, such liberty as those who rail against God’s law are wont to offer. They are servants of corruption. Those who offer liberty are themselves slaves, serving their own passions and lusts. He who is swayed by appetite or habit cannot be free.

Revelation 4:5

The latter end is worse with them than the beginning. If one who has been converted is enticed back again into his sins, his state is worse than before. That this is possible is taught in many places.

Revelation 4:6

For it had been better, etc. To other sins there is then added the sin of rejecting the way of righteousness after an experimental knowledge of it.

Revelation 4:7

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb. Their relapse is described in the proverbs. See Proverbs 26:11. The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again. Such a repulsive course can be compared only with the most disgusting habits of unclean animals.

Revelation 4:9

The End of All Things SUMMARY OF II PETER 3: The Purpose of the Second Epistle. The Sayings of Scoffers. God’s Apparent Delay to Give Opportunity for Repentance. The Day of the Lord. The New Heavens and New Earth. The Blameless Lives We Ought to Live. Paul’s Writings. Final Admonitions. This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you. This language implies a former letter written to the same persons to whom this is addressed. I stir up your pure minds. In both letters his object was mainly to exhort them to holy lives. By way of remembrance. By reminding you of the claims of Christ as shown by prophets and apostles.

Revelation 4:10

That ye be mindful of the words which were spoken. Both of what was spoken by the prophets in the Old Testament, and what of what the apostles have now spoken. Of us the apostles. The Twelve, and Paul, who is alluded to in 2 Peter 3:15.

Revelation 4:11

Knowing this first. The apostles and prophets have reminded them that there will be scoffers in the last days. Under the last dispensation.