Revelation 15:5

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 15:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
Revelation 15:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And after that I looked, etc.] That is, after John had seen the above vision, he looked again, and saw what follows: and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened; this does not refer to heaven itself, the antitype of the holy of holies, which is opened by the blood of Christ, by which he himself has entered, and his people have boldness to enter now by faith, and where their souls always enter upon their departure from their bodies; for of this temple cannot be said what is in (<661508>Revelation 15:8) nor to the Jerusalem state, or the most glorious state of the church on earth, during the thousand years' reign; for in that there will be no temple,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“So Rev 11:19; compare Rev 16:17. "The tabernacle of the testimony" appropriately here comes to view, where God's faithfulness in avenging His people with judgments on their foes is about to be set forth. We need to get a glimpse within the Holy place to "understand" the secret spring and the end of God's righteous dealings. behold--omitted by A, B, C, Syriac, and ANDREAS. It is supported only by Vulgate, Coptic, and PRIMASIUS, but no manuscript.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And after that I looked - After I had seen in vision the redeemed thus referred to, celebrating the praises of God, I saw the preparation made for the execution of these purposes of judgment. And behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony - Not the whole temple, but only that part to which this name was given. The word “tabernacle” - σκηνή skēnē - means properly a booth, hut, tent, and was the name commonly given to the tent or tabernacle that was erected in the wilderness for the service of God. See the notes on Acts 7:44. The same word came naturally to be applied to the temple that was reared for the same purpose in Jerusalem. It is called the “tabernacle of testimony,”…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“After these things the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony - The holiest of all. Was opened - Disclosing a new theatre for the coming forth of the judgments of God now made manifest. Revelation 15:6”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“15:5-6 God’s Tabernacle implies God’s presence (see John 1:14); even the plagues have their source in God’s presence. Christ’s sacrifice (Matt 27:51; Mark 15:38; Heb 6:19-20; 10:19-20) removed the veil between God and humanity (see Exod 26:31-35; Lev 16). Now those who do not belong to Christ experience the full force of God’s presence (see Rev 20:11-15; Isa 13:4-12; Zeph 2:1-3; Mal 3:2-3). • white linen: Linen, a symbol of purity, was also worn by the priests when performing their duties (see Exod 28:39-43; Lev 16:4, 23; see also Ezek 9:2-3; Dan 12:6-7). The function of these angels is not intercession; they are agents of judgment. The linen therefore represents the purity and justice of…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rev 11:19; Exo 25:21; Num 1:50, Num 1:53; Mat 27:51 Revelation 15:6”
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Sources and verification