The answer is: He ate it

Rev 10 vs 10

In Revelation 10:10, John, the author of this apocalyptic book, shows us a rather unusual action – he eats a little scroll he receives from an angel. This moment is rich in symbolism and reflects a deeper interaction between the spiritual and physical realms. Eating the scroll implies not just consuming words but internalizing the message contained within.

When John describes the scroll as sweet in his mouth and bitter in his stomach, it hints at the duality of God's messages—joy intertwined with sorrow. This reflects the experiences faced by prophets throughout the Bible. Think of Jeremiah, who said that God’s words became a joy and delight to him (Jeremiah 15:16), or more poignantly, Ezekiel when he similarly consumed a scroll (Ezekiel 3:1-3).

This eating motif can stir a remembrance of wisdom literature, where acquiring understanding often translates to a deep, personal immersion. For example, Proverbs frequently counsels, “Intake of wisdom,” for transformative growth.

Moreover, it's fascinating to consider that the scroll is still unopened — a future prophecy unfolding for those who seek spiritual truth. Throughout the Book of Revelation, numbers like 7 (symbolizing perfection) and metaphors like that of sweet and bitter beckon the reader to engage critically but reverently with its mysteries. When John ingests that scroll, he's committing to live out what it means to be a messenger for such profound truths, regardless of their sticky, or bitter, aftermath.