Who has the authority to open the scroll in Revelation 5?
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ, alone has the authority to open the scroll. No one in heaven, not even angels, nor in earth, nor under the earth had that authority or capability. Christ, already in heaven, comes before the Father’s throne and is the only one who can open this mortgage.
Les explains that in Revelation 5, no man in heaven, no one, not even the angels, nor in earth, nor under the earth had the authority or capability of opening this mortgage. John wept much because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll or to look thereon. Then one of the elders told him, Weep not, behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Les points out that the word Lion is capitalized, and that Christ came out of Judah. So Jesus the Christ, already in heaven, comes before the throne of the Father and is the only one with authority to open this mortgage and say, I'll pay it off. Les also connects this to Jewish history and custom, especially the book of Ruth, where if a Jew had mortgaged his land and could not pay it off, a next of kin—not a stranger—could help, like a rich uncle, just before foreclosure.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
More Questions
Where is Jesus when He appears in Revelation 5?
At this point in John's vision, Jesus the Christ is already in heaven and comes before the throne of the Father.