John begins to describe a vision of a mighty angel holding a scroll. In John's vision he is viewing what is happening from earth. This takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
# He was robed in a cloud
John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
# His face was like the sun
John compares the brightness of his face with the brightness of the sun. AT: "His face was bright like the sun" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])