What is the “scroll” in Revelation?

The “scroll” (alternatively called “book” in some translations) is found in Revelation 5. As it is described there, Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals—Revelation 5:1. This is typical of various kinds of contracts in the ancient world. The inside of the scroll contained all the details of the contract, and the outside—or back—contained a summary of the document. This appears to be a deed—the title deed to the earth. Coincidentally, Romans sealed their wills seven times—on the edge of each roll—to prevent unauthorized entry. Because the outer edge of the scroll was sealed, the contents could only be seen when all seven seals were removed. What is contained inside is the details of what is to come upon the earth. Initially held in the right hand of God the Father, the “Lamb” (Jesus) takes the scroll, indicating a willing transfer of authority from Father to Son (the identity of the Lamb) to initiate the contents of the scroll: And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center before the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne—Revelation 5:7.