Scrolls were commonly written on one side of the parchment only. The scroll John saw in God’s hand had writing on two sides, an indication that this scroll contained much detail. Given that the scroll was tightly sealed, John could not see for himself that the scroll had writing on two sides. We can only conclude that the Holy Spirit indicated to John that the writing was on both front and back. (See also Ezekiel 2:10.)
1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.