FocusGod's works and righteous ways
Connection to the wholeThe vision introduces the last plagues alongside the song of those victorious over the beast, affirming God's justice before the vials are poured out.
interpretation Revelation 15:4
KJVWho shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Read it in context
Victors and their song
Start reading at Revelation 15:1 (Revelation 15:1 to Revelation 15:4).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The vision introduces the last plagues alongside the song of those victorious over the beast, affirming God's justice before the vials are poured out.
- 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
- 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
- 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
- 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John is the named writer. Early Christian tradition identifies him as John the apostle, although that further identification has been debated. Biblical references: Revelation 1:1; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 22:8. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Revelation 15:1–18:24): John sees angels with plagues and the judgment against Babylon; kings, merchants, seafarers, and saints are addressed or depicted within the vision. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Seven churches in the Roman province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The message also calls on everyone with an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Biblical references: Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 2:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Victors and their song. Read Revelation 15:1 through Revelation 15:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The vision introduces the last plagues alongside the song of those victorious over the beast, affirming God's justice before the vials are poured out. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? John describes receiving the revelation and being in the Spirit on the Lord's day. The book does not state a modern calendar date, and the order of visions should not automatically be equated with a settled event timetable. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? John names Patmos and addresses seven churches in Asia. The visions portray earthly and heavenly scenes that must be distinguished from his stated location. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Victors and their song (Revelation 15:1 to Revelation 15:4). Start reading at Revelation 15:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ, the slain Lamb, His testimony, judgment, and reign are central. Read symbols with their supplied explanations and retain the exhortations to hear, keep, repent, and overcome. See Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 22:7. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Remain faithful in worship and conduct under pressure. Do not turn symbolic visions into confident identifications of modern people, nations, or dates without evidence and explicit labeling as interpretation. interpretation
Cited: Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:4, Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 22:7
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names John four times as the one who saw and wrote these things.
Revelation 1:1Revelation 1:4Revelation 1:9Revelation 22:8
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debatedSome ancient and modern voices distinguish this John from the apostle because the Greek style differs from the Gospel.
Related passages
- Who Exod 15:14-16 Ps 89:7 Isa 60:5 Jer 5:22 Jer 10:7 Hos 3:5 Luke 12:4-5
- and glorify Ps 22:23 Ps 86:9 Isa 24:15 Isa 25:3 Rom 15:9 2 Thess 1:10-12
- thou only Rev 3:7 Rev 4:8 Rev 6:10 1 Sam 2:2 Ps 22:3 Ps 99:5,9 Ps 111:9 Isa 6:3
- for all Rev 11:15 Ps 22:27 Ps 86:9 Ps 117:1-2 Isa 45:23 Isa 66:18-20,22 Jer 16:19 Zech 2:11
- for thy Rev 16:7 Rev 19:2 Ps 97:8 Ps 105:7 Isa 26:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Revelation 15
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:9
The seven angels prepared
Revelation 15:5–8FocusThe heavenly temple
Connection to the wholeThe angels receive the vials, and the temple scene emphasizes the solemn character of the judgments about to unfold.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Revelation
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:9
The revelation introduced
Revelation 1:1–20FocusThe risen Christ and His churches
Connection to the wholeThe opening locates the prophecy among its first hearers and presents the vision of Christ who commands John to write.
interpretation The messages to seven churches
Revelation 2:1–3:22FocusHearing, repentance, and overcoming
Connection to the wholeThe individual messages apply Christ's knowledge and authority to the churches' actual conditions, joining promises with rebukes and commands.
interpretation The throne and the Lamb
Revelation 4:1–5:14FocusHeavenly worship and the sealed book
Connection to the wholeThe throne scene and the Lamb's reception of the book establish the heavenly setting for the judgments that follow.
interpretation The seals
Revelation 6:1–8:5FocusJudgment, witness, and the sealed servants
Connection to the wholeThe opening of the seals includes scenes of suffering, judgment, and preservation, leading to the seventh seal and the preparation for trumpets.
interpretation The trumpets and accompanying visions
Revelation 8:6–11:19FocusWarning, witness, and proclaimed reign
Connection to the wholeTrumpet judgments are interwoven with John's renewed commission and the witnesses, culminating in the seventh trumpet's proclamation.
interpretation The conflict and contrasting allegiances
Revelation 12:1–14:20FocusThe dragon, beasts, and the Lamb's people
Connection to the wholeThe visions portray opposition and demanded worship alongside the Lamb's followers, proclamations, and harvest scenes.
interpretation FocusGod's righteous judgments
Connection to the wholeThe heavenly preparation and seven vials develop the judgment sequence while retaining warnings and examples of refused repentance.
interpretation Babylon judged and heaven rejoicing
Revelation 17:1–19:21FocusThe fallen city and the victorious rider
Connection to the wholeThe explanation and fall of Babylon lead to heavenly praise, the marriage announcement, and the defeat of the beast and its allies.
interpretation Final rebellion and judgment
Revelation 20:1–15FocusThe thousand years and the throne
Connection to the wholeThe vision includes Satan's restraint and release, the final defeat of rebellion, and judgment before the great white throne.
interpretation The new creation and final appeal
Revelation 21:1–22:21FocusGod with His people
Connection to the wholeThe holy city and the removal of the curse bring the visions to their close, followed by commands, invitations, warnings, and the promise of Jesus' coming.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.