1. Revelation 14:6 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the significance of the term “another” angel?

Revelation 14:6 (ESV)

6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

In previous chapters John had seen seven angels blowing seven trumpets. The details of what happened when the seventh angel blew his trumpet had extended from Revelation 11:15 to Revelation 13:18 (about the dragon and the two beasts) and culminated in the appearance of the victorious Lamb in Revelation 14:1–5. Now in Revelation 14:6 John sees another angel, and that is to make clear that this angel is not the one who held and blew the seventh trumpet. Instead, God has sent another ministering spirit to Earth with a heavenly message directed to the ears of those confronted by the dragon and his beasts. The fact that the message originates from the Lord’s throne room implies that the inhabitants of earth are obligated to pause and pay attention.