What type of scroll is referred to in the text?
1. Last Will and Testament demonstrating the property rights of the Lamb – “The seven seals have led some scholars to identify the scroll as a testament or will, testamentum (e.g., Zahn, Introduction 3:393-94; 4-6 n. 8; Zahn, 1, 1:341-42; G. Schrenk, TDNT 1:618; Birt, Buchrolle, 243-44; Hadorn, 75; Behn, 34), which is sealed by five or seven witnesses who must eventually attest to its authenticity upon the death of the testator (Kubitschek, “Signum,” PW, 2nd series, 2:2400; B. Kübler, “Testament [juristisch],” PW, 2nd series, 5/1:998-99).” See also Randy Richards. See Gaius, Institutes 2. 147, “However, wills which in the beginning were not legally executed, or if they were legally executed afterwards became void, or were revoked, are still not absolutely inoperative; for if they have been sealed with the signets of seven witnesses, the appointed heir can demand possession of the estate in accordance with the provisions of the will, provided the deceased testator was a Roman citizen and his own master at the time of his death; but if the will became inoperative, for example, because the testator lost his citizenship or his freedom, or gave himself in adoption, and he dies under the control of his adoptive father, he cannot demand possession of the estate in accordance with the provisions of the will.”
2. A Testamentum Praetorium – A Testament according to Roman Law. “A testament valid according to Roman law (but invalid under civil law). The Praetorian Edict granted BONORUM POSSESSIO SECUNDUM TABULA [The Second Ruling Board] if some of the formalities required ius civile (mancipatio familiae – owner of the family property, nuncupatio – an oral will) had not been observed and a written will was made in the presence of seven witnesses and sealed by them.” Aune the “motif of seven seals is used in a variety of contexts and cannot be exclusively linked with the testamentary form.”
3. A Book of Redemption - the Lamb’s book of Life. This is difficult because the books (scrolls) content is especially associated with judgments on unbelievers.”
4. Military Document – A type of “double document was the diplomata militaria, i.e., ‘military papers,’ with a sealed text on the inside and a readable copy on the outside (Kleine Pauly 3:1300-1301).”
5. A collection of prophecies or judgment oracles only the Lamb had authority to pronounce and execute – Ben Witherington. If Ezekiel and Isaiah form the background on this scroll, then the scroll represents a collection of prophecies setting the stage for a series of unveilings through the rest of the letter of Revelation of which only Jesus, the Lamb, is authorized to issue. See Ezekiel 2:8-10, “8 “Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” 9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. 10 When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.” See Isaiah 29:11-12, “11 The entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, “Please read this,” he will say, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, “Please read this.” And he will say, “I cannot read.”
