Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 14:6

"And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people;" — Revelation 14:6 (ASV)

And I saw another angel. This must, of course, mean a different one from someone mentioned before; but no such angel is referred to in the previous chapters, unless we go back to Revelation 12:7. It is not necessary, however, to suppose that John refers to a particular angel immediately preceding this.

In the course of these visions he had seen many angels; and now, accustomed to these visions, he says that he saw "another" one employed in a remarkable embassy, whose message was fitted to cheer the hearts of the desponding and to support the souls of the persecuted and the sad—for his appearing was the pledge that the gospel would be ultimately preached to all who dwell on the earth.

The design of this vision is, therefore, substantially the same as the former: to cheer the heart, and to sustain the courage and the faith of the church, in the persecutions and trials which were yet to come, by the assurance that the gospel would be ultimately triumphant.

Fly in the midst of heaven. This means in the air, so as to appear to be moving along the face of the sky. The scene cannot be in heaven, as the gospel is not to be preached there; but the word must denote heaven as it appears to us—the sky. Professor Stuart renders it correctly, "mid-air." He is represented as flying to denote the rapidity with which the gospel would spread through the world in that future period referred to. (Compare the notes on Isaiah 6:2).

Having the everlasting gospel. The gospel is here called everlasting or eternal for several reasons:

1. Because its great truths have always existed, or it is conformed to eternal truth.
2. Because it will forever remain unchanged—not being liable to fluctuation like the opinions held by people.
3. Because its effects will be everlasting—in the redemption of the soul and the joys of heaven. In all the glorious eternity before the redeemed, they will be only developing the effects of that gospel on their own hearts and enjoying its results in the presence of God.

To preach unto them that dwell on the earth. This means to all people—as is immediately specified. (Mark 16:15).

And to every nation, and kindred, etc. This refers to all classes and conditions of people, to all people, without any distinction or exception. (See the notes on Revelation 7:9).

The truth taught here is that the gospel is to be preached to all people as equals, without any reference to their rank, their character, or their complexion; and it is also implied that at the time referred to, this will be done.

When that time will be, the writer does not intimate further than that it would be after the beast and his adherents had attempted to stay its progress. For the fulfillment of this, therefore, we are to look to a period subsequent to the rise and fall of that great Antichristian power symbolized by the beast and his image.

This is in entire accordance with the prediction in Daniel. (See the notes on Daniel 7:19 and following verses).