John Wesley on Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders - Probably one of those who rose with Christ, and afterwards ascended into heaven. Perhaps one of the patriarchs. Some think it was Jacob, from whose prophecy the name of Lion is given him, Gen 49:9. The Lion of the tribe of Judah - The victorious prince who is, like a lion, able to tear all his enemies in pieces. The root of David - As God, the root and source of David's family, Isa 11:1,10. Hath prevailed to open the book - Hath overcome all obstructions, and obtained the honour to disclose the divine counsels.