Earlier references to the throne made clear that he who sat on the throne was sovereign God himself (see Revelation 4:2; Revelation 5:1; Revelation 6:16; Revelation 7:10). The fact that John highlights the chair instead of the occupant draws attention to the task at hand instead of to the person doing the task. Jesus had earlier said that the Father had given all judgment to the Son (John 5:22, John 5:27). The reference to “him who was seated on it” ought not to prompt us to query whether the Father does the judging or the Son. Clearly, the Father does the judging through the Son.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.