NOTES for Rev 10:8-11

The angel gives the apostle John an astonishing little scroll. First, this scroll is not to be read, but eaten. Its content is not a text, but a kind of knowledge. Second, it has an interesting range of flavors. It is sweet in the mouth: that is, accepting this knowledge is easy and pleasant. This is understandable, for the words of God should indeed be sweet to someone who loves Him. But in the stomach it is bitter; that is, it causes discomfort, even pain. Why? Because hearing is not enough. Once taken inside, this scroll demands action from a person. One cannot simply sit and savor the sweetness of God's words: one must rise and go and speak these words to people. And that is nowhere near as sweet as we would like.