What Is a Scroll?

Understanding Biblical Scrolls and Their Meaning

In ancient times, a scroll was a common format for written texts. Unlike the modern books we use today—with pages bound together—scrolls were long strips of material, usually made from leather or parchment, that were rolled up for storage and reading. The term scroll is often used in the Bible and is key to understanding certain prophetic scriptures, especially in books like Ezekiel and Revelation.

Today, due to the advancement of technology and printing, we use paper books. But when we read about “books” in biblical times, it’s important to realize that they were referring to scrolls—not books with pages like ours.

Scrolls in the Bible: Their Structure and Significance

Scrolls were sometimes sealed, especially if they contained important or prophetic content. In the Book of Revelation, we read about a remarkable scroll sealed with seven seals, which only the Lamb of God—Jesus Christ—was worthy to open:

“And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.”
—Revelation 5:1

This scroll represents God’s final plan for judgment and redemption. The fact that it was written “inside and on the back” suggests completeness, and the seven seals point to divine perfection and fullness.

Jesus is described as the only One in heaven or on earth who is worthy to break these seals:

“But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.'”
—Revelation 5:5

This imagery draws from the ancient Jewish practice where legal documents or prophetic scrolls were sealed to protect their contents until an authorized person could open them (see Isaiah 29:11).

Other Mentions of Scrolls in Scripture

The word scroll appears in many key passages of the Bible. Each usage reveals the scroll as a vehicle of divine message or judgment:

• Psalm 40:7 — “Then I said, ‘Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.'”
  (A messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ — see Hebrews 10:7)
• Jeremiah 36:2-6 — God commands Jeremiah to write His words on a scroll to warn Judah of coming judgment.
• Ezekiel 2:9–3:3 — Ezekiel is given a scroll written with “lamentations and mourning and woe.” He is told to eat it, symbolizing internalizing God’s word.
• Zechariah 5:1-2 — A flying scroll represents a curse going out over the land, symbolizing judgment.
• Hebrews 10:7 — A direct quotation from Psalm 40:7, applied to Jesus: “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.’”

Understanding these references helps us realize that scrolls in the Bible were not just writing tools—they were sacred carriers of divine revelation, prophecy, and covenant.

Why This Matters

The scroll in Revelation is central to eschatology (the study of end times). It contains God’s plan for judging evil and restoring creation under Christ’s rule. Only Jesus—the sinless Lamb—can unlock this plan, showing His exclusive authority in heaven and on earth (Philippians 2:9-11).

Understanding that this “book” is actually a scroll helps us visualize the solemnity of the moment when the seals are broken. It also connects us with the ancient biblical world and the seriousness with which God’s word was preserved and delivered.

A Call for Reflection

The same Jesus who opens the scroll in Revelation is calling us today:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
—Revelation 3:20

So, let me ask you:

• Have you received Jesus as your personal Savior?
• Have you been baptized by full immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins?
  (See Acts 2:38 — “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”)
• Have you received the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a transformed, holy life? (See Romans 8:9)

Jesus is coming soon. The rapture of the Church could happen at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Don’t delay your decision.

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