What does Revelation 11:15 mean?

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15

Explanation

Revelation 11:15 captures a momentous event within the broader narrative of the Revelation of John, the last book of the New Testament. It portrays the sounding of the seventh trumpet by an angel, marking a significant turning point in the prophetic visions of the book. Literally, the verse suggests that at the sound of this trumpet, a declaration is made in heaven that the sovereignty over the world has shifted from human or evil rulers to God and His appointed Messiah, Jesus Christ. This occasion signifies not a mere change in governance but the culmination of divine intervention in the world’s history, ushering in God’s unending reign. The deeper meaning might relate to the ultimate victory of good over evil, divine justice, and the fulfillment of God’s plans for the creation.

Historical Context

Revelation, or the Apocalypse, is traditionally believed to have been written by John of Patmos, likely around the end of the first century A.D., a time when Christian communities were facing persecution under the Roman Empire. The book comprises a series of visions that promise the eventual triumph of God over the forces of evil and are often understood as a source of hope and encouragement for Christians enduring hardship. It is heavily symbolic and apocalyptic, drawing from earlier Jewish prophetic writings and employing vivid imagery to convey its messages.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Revelation 11:15 in varying ways. Dispensationalist theologians may view this as a precise event that will occur within an end times timeline, following a period of tribulation. Amillennialists may interpret it more symbolically, representing the ultimate victory of Christ through His church over the world’s spiritual battles. Postmillennialists might see this as indicating that Christ will return after the Christian faith has met certain milestones of influence over the world’s systems.

Practical Applications

Revelation 11:15 can provide several practical applications:

• Encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, as it announces the eventual divine triumph.
• A call for Christians to participate in the establishment of God’s kingdom values of justice, peace, and love in the present world.
• Inspiration for Christians to maintain an eternal perspective, with hope beyond current circumstances or suffering.

Cross-References

• Daniel 2:44: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”
• Revelation 19:6: “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:24-25: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• “Sounded” (ἐσαλπίσθη): Refers to the blowing of the trumpet, a signal or proclamation.
• “Great voices in heaven” (μεγάλαι φωναί): A phrase that suggests significant pronouncements or divine decrees.
• “Kingdoms” (βασιλείαι): The term refers to realms or dominions, which are under the rule of a king.
• “Our Lord” (Κυρίου): The Greek term for Lord, often applied to God and denoting authority or sovereignty.
• “His Christ” (τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ): Christ, from the Greek for “Anointed One,” referencing the promised Messiah.
• “Reign” (βασιλεύσει): To rule as a king, indicating the exercise of authority and power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the announcement of a divine kingdom overtaking earthly realms resonates with themes in ancient myths and religions where gods assert dominance over human affairs. For example, in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, myths often depict gods establishing order from chaos. However, the uniqueness of the Christian perspective is the merging of the divine kingdom with the historical process and the personal nature of God’s direct involvement with His creation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly correspond with the apocalyptic imagery and prophetic declarations found in Revelation 11:15. While science deals with empirical observations and testable hypotheses, apocalyptic literature communicates through symbolic and theological representations that transcend empirical verification. Nonetheless, the perpetual nature of God’s reign as “forever and ever” could evoke reflection on the nature of time from a scientific standpoint, though the text is not discussing temporal mechanics per se.

Commentaries

Various experts on Biblical exegesis and theology offer diverse interpretations of Revelation 11:15. Some, like Matthew Henry, view it as a prophecy pointing to the future triumph of God’s kingdom. Others, such as Craig S. Keener in his “NIV Application Commentary,” suggest that the verse assures believers of God’s ultimate control amidst seemingly chaotic world events. Still, others emphasize the liturgical and worship elements that are reflected in the heavenly declaration, as found in the worship-centered approach in commentaries like the “Worship in the Early Church” by Ralph P. Martin. Experts are divided on the timing and nature of the fulfillment of this prophecy, with some advocating for a future historical fulfillment and others interpreting it in a more symbolical or spiritual sense.