"And there was given me a reed like unto a
rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and
measure the temple of God, and the altar,
and them that worship therein. But the
court which is without the temple leave out,
and measure it not; for it is given unto the
Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread
under foot forty and two months."
Revelation 11:1-2

Until now, John has been a spectator of
what was happening in heaven. With the
eating of the little book, he is taking part
in what is to take place.

Though John represents the whole Church,
he is not the sole-inheritor of the title-deed.