Revelation 8: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Revelation 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

When the seventh seal was opened, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour (v. 1). Seven angels, who stand before God, received seven trumpets (v.

Key verse

“When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”
Revelation 8:1 (WEB)

Outline

Revelation 8:1 Silence in Heaven
Revelation 8:2 Seven Angels with Trumpets
Revelation 8:3–4 Intercession of the Angel
Revelation 8:5 Fire and Cosmic Disturbances
Revelation 8:6 Preparation for the Trumpets
Revelation 8:7–12 The First Four Trumpets
Revelation 8:13 Warning of Woes to Come

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the silence in heaven for 'about half an hour' signify?
What is the action taken by the angel in v5 with the censer?
In vv. 7-9, what do the judgments with fire and blood suggest about the consequences of human actions?
The term 'Wormwood' in v11: how does this imagery convey the effects of the bitter waters?
When has a moment of 'silence' prompted you to think deeply about your prayers?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Revelation 8: Revelation 9, Revelation 16, Revelation 11.

Before next time: read Revelation 9.