| Geneva Study Bible And one of the {13} four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. (13) Of these before Re 4:7. People's New Testament 15:7 One of the four beasts. For notes on The Four Living Creatures, see topic 9657. Gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. As the servant and agent of the Almighty he hands the seven vials of God's wrath to the angels. The thought is that in succession seven plagues are to be poured upon the earth. Wesley's Notes 15:7 And one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels - After they were come out of the temple. Seven golden phials - Or bowls. The Greek word signifies vessels broader at the top than at the bottom. Full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever - A circumstance which adds greatly to the dreadfulness of his wrath. Scofield Reference Notes Margin angels See Scofield Note: "Heb 1:4", Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 7. one of the four beasts-Greek, "living creatures." The presentation of the vials to the angels by one of the living creatures implies the ministry of the Church as the medium for manifesting to angels the glories of redemption (Eph 3:10). vials-"bowls"; a broad shallow cup or bowl. The breadth of the vials in their upper part would tend to cause their contents to pour out all at once, implying the overwhelming suddenness of the woes. full of . wrath-How sweetly do the vials full of odors, that is, the incense-perfumed prayers of the saints, contrast with these! Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 15:5-8 In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word. These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles, representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice, and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed, and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and spirituality, shall be firmly established. | 
