5:2 The identity of the strong angel is probably unknowable. His loud voice indicated his authority and the importance of what he said. One with sufficient authority was necessary to open (Gr. anoixai) the scroll and by breaking its seals to unleash the judgments on the world that it contained. Any prophet could have revealed this information, but it took someone with adequate power to execute the events foretold as well as to reveal them. The "and"(Gr. kai) is probably epexegetical, meaning "even."
5:3 No created being (cf. Phil. 2:10) had authority to break the seals or even to learn of God's plans contained in the scroll--no one in heaven, on earth, or in the place of departed spirits.
"What simpler and more sublime way of picturing God's ultimate sovereignty over all history could be found than this picture of the scroll resting in the hand of God? However strong evil becomes, however fierce be the satanic evils that assail God's people on earth, history still rests in God's hand."226
5:4 John's continual weeping reflected his sorrow that the revelation of God's plans and their execution would remain hidden and postponed because no one had sufficient authority to open the scroll.
"He did not want to see God's vindication of His people as a part of the OT Messianic hope deferred for an undetermined period . . ."227
5:5 One of the 24 elders comforted John with the news that Jesus Christ would open the scroll (cf. Luke 7:13; 8:52). He had achieved victory over all God's enemies and therefore had the authority to open the scroll and to release its contents. The "Lion . . . of Judah"(Gen. 49:9) and the "Root [offspring] of David"(Isa. 11:1, 10; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Matt. 22:42-43; Rom. 15:12) are both titles of the divine Messiah who would fulfill the Old Testament promises of salvation and rule.228As God's ultimate Anointed One, Jesus alone possessed the authority necessary for this task. He overcame Satan, sin, and death so He could implement God's purposes for the future that this scroll revealed.
