Revelation 10:9-11

John went to the angel and asked for it but was told again to take it. Coffman sees this as meaning God's message cannot be given to a man but he must take it through his own study. (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11) The word of God is sweet in the mouths of his people. (Psalms 119:103; Psalms 19:9-10) Ezekiel had a vision very similar to this one. (Ezekiel 2:8-10; Ezekiel 3:1-3) There is joy in receiving God's message, but the reception is often followed by bitter persecution.

Eating would symbolize the assimilation of the message of the open little book. Of course, God's message also contains bitter pronouncements of judgment upon the wicked which are bitter for a preacher to receive and have to deliver. John was one of the Lord's apostles and had been preaching to many people since Pentecost. Now, he is told he will speak God's word to many people, nations, languages and rulers. This he did in person after returning from Patmos and does, through the words he wrote, even today.