Bible Commentaries
Revelation 22

Verses 1-5

4. THE FINAL VISION

Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, --This paragraph completes the vision of the new Jerusalem as the angel presented it to John. Attention was called to a river proceeding from the throne of God and Christ. Water is necessary to physical life; hence, the appearance of a river fits into a symbol that portrays life and happiness. Being bright as crystal and coming from the throne of God show that all genuinely pure blessings come from God. In harmony with his will heavenly mansions are being prepared by Jesus. (John 14:2.) The throne in this glorious city is said to be "of God and of the Lamb." Paul tells us that in the final state even Christ shall be subject to the Father "that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:28.) This will be after Christ has turned the reigning power back to God. Notwithstanding that fact it is said that in heaven it will be the "throne of God and of the Lamb." This is said, doubtless, because God and Christ are one in providing the salvation. Question: If in the final state the throne (reign or rulership) can be called that of both God and Christ, though it strictly belongs to God, why cannot the kingdom in which Christ reigns now also be called God's? It can and is as the following passages show: (Luke 8:1; Luke 8:10; Mark 1:15; John 3:5; John 18:36; Colossians 1:13.) Paul speaks of the inheritance as being in the "kingdom of Christ and God." This use of the words "throne" and "kingdom" proves that Christ is now reigning, even though his throne is also the throne of God.

2 in the midst of the street thereof.--This completes the description of the river. Their reference to a river may be an allusion to Genesis 2:10 which speaks of a river flowing from the original Paradise of God. In the restored Paradise there will be a river of divine blessing--here called the water of life.

And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life. --Probably the most simple view here is that the word "tree" is not used to signify just one, but generically to mean that the "tree of life" is a class or kind of tree. This will allow for the streets and both sides of the river to be lined with this tree. Such a vision would indicate abundant life for all throughout the whole city. Twelve manner or twelve crops--one every month--would symbolically represent a perpetual abundance of spiritual blessings. Of course, months and years are inconceivable in a state where there is nothing but continuous light, but all unseen states must be presented through the medium of what is seen. Healing, of course, implies disease, but that happens to be one of the things that will be unknown in heaven. (Revelation 21 :4.) The meaning is that the tree of life has supplied just the things that have healed people of all nations and will then protect them against disease. No tears or crying does not mean that there will be occasions for such things in heaven, and God will then wipe the tears away, but rather that nothing will come to produce them.

3 And there shall be no curse any more.--When man sinned in Eden he was driven out from the tree of life under a curse, including pain, sickness, sorrow, and death. In the final city of God, these curses can never come. The reason assigned is that the throne (reign of God and the Lamb) is there. A perpetual service by the saved will guarantee a perpetual freedom from all curses.

4 And they shall see his face and his name shall be on their foreheads.--They will never be driven from his presence nor disowned, for his name will be upon them.

5 And there shall be night no more.--See notes on Revelation 21:23-25. And they shall reign for ever and ever.--There is absolutely nothing in this verse to indicate any special class as those who will reign over others. There will be no wicked in that heavenly place; the whole tenor of these two chapters is against that. The redeemed are represented as "his servants." (Verse 6.) So whatever the meaning given the word "reign," here it applies to all the saved in heaven. It cannot be understood literally as exercising authority over others for two reasons: (1) That prerogative, in whatever way it may be necessary, will belong primarily to God, and secondarily to Christ; and both will be present. (2) All the saved will be in the reigning and have no others but themselves to reign over. The language must be taken figuratively. It is not possible for one in the flesh to describe accurately a purely spiritual state. Nothing seems more reasonable than the thought that through the ceaseless age then to begin redeemed humanity will truly and completely submit to God's rule, and thus figuratively rule with him by a loving submission to his authority.

This completes the emblematic description of the new Jerusalem, and the ultimate blessings that await the faithful in God's spiritual family. It also brings to a close the symbolic part of the book of Revelation. The remainder of this chapter is a brief conclusion, in which the last warnings and promises of a loving Father are laid before a sinful race.

Verses 6-7

PART SIXTH

PRACTICAL WARNINGS, COMMANDS,

AND PROMISES

Revelation 22:6-21

1. THE ANGEL'S ATTESTATION

Revelation 22:6-7

6 These words are faithful and true.--As the symbolic images are now completed the angel comes directly to John with the assurance that the words (visions and spoken words) are true that there has been no deception and all things will come to pass just as disclosed. That an angel was the speaker is evident from verse 8 compared with Revelation 21:9. John had already been commanded to write that the sayings were true. (Revelation 21:5.) He further assures John that the God who inspired the prophets of old had sent his angel to make these revelations; hence, the same proof that they were divine and properly classed as prophetic sayings.

The things which must shortly come to pass.--This is the same statement with which the hook opens. See notes on Revelation 1:1. It is appropriate, after the symbols had been finished, that John should again be assured that the revealed things would shortly come to pass. Of course, the natural meaning for this expression is that the things revealed would soon begin to transpire, not that all of them would soon begin. If these symbols contain a series of events, however few, then all of them could not begin at the same time. If the series is long, then some could be in distant centuries. Since the millennium and the judgment are a part of the imagery, it is unquestionably a fact that all did not begin soon; therefore, the beginning of the series must be the meaning.

7 And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.--Apparently the angel is here repeating the words of Jesus, or Jesus is speaking through the angel. The expression "I come quickly" evidently is intended to encourage saints to keep "the words of the prophecy of this book." Of course, it cannot mean that he promised to come personally in a short time or soon from the time John received these revelations; for more than eighteen hundred years have passed and he has not come yet. If it means that he would come figuratively in blessings and punishments during the time covered by the symbols of the book, then he did come soon and the words are equivalent to "shortly come to pass" in the preceding verse. In a similar way he did come to those who faithfully suffered during the time signified; for each individual's death was a virtual coining of the Lord to him--it meant his sufferings would soon be over. If it refers to his actual coming at the judgment, then "quickly" must be understood as God views time, not as men do. In a practical sense the encouragement would apply to each individual with the assurance that his efforts would not be very long in comparison with the length of his reward. We have here the statement that the symbols of this hook are a prophecy.

Verses 8-11

2. JOHN'S CONFIRMATION

Revelation 22:8-11

8 And I John am he that heard and saw these things. --This is a plain declaration from John that he heard the revelations in the words and saw the symbols; he wrote what occurred or he misrepresented facts and that would destroy his veracity. When the angel had shown these things the apostle, after the ancient custom, fell at his feet thinking he should be worshiped.

9 See thou do it not.--The angel promptly forbade it and offered reasons for his refusal. He declared he was a "fellow-servant" with John and other prophets. Angels, prophets of old, and the apostles were all moved by the same Spirit, and were therefore "brethren" in prophetic labors. John should no more worship the angel than the angel worship John. Moreover, the angel was a fellow servant with those who "keep the words of this book"; he obeyed God in revealing the prophecies and they obey in keeping them.

10 Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book.--The angel further instructed John not to seal up the words of this prophecy, the reason assigned being that "the time is at hand." That is, the time was near when the series of symbols would begin to be fulfilled, and the saints would need their instruction to aid them in successfully overcoming temptations. Regarding the seven thunders the opposite command was given, and John was told to seal them up. See notes on Revelation 9:4. The explanation there of what is meant by sealing up is that be was not to write them. "Seal not up" would then mean that John was promptly to write them so the churches then in existence would have a knowledge of what they would receive for faithfulness amid trials.

11 He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still.----The same is mentioned for the filthy, and the opposite side for both characters is stated. This part of the book is not dealing with the inability of either saint or sinner to change his state after reaching the judgment, but with warnings and commands that can be heeded during the time covered by the symbols. In that period men can change, if they will; but will be lost, if they persist in sin. The only plausible application of these expressions seems to be this: with these prophecies and promises before him, if one cannot be influenced to serve God, then the truth will not reach him and he will have to continue wicked still and be lost; for, God offers to save none against his will. Do not "cast your pearls before swine" is just as appropriate now as when uttered. Those desirous of being righteous can continue to do so. The word "still" in the margin of the Revised Version is exchanged for yet more. Whatever either character determines to do, let him continue "yet more"--the only course that vindicates the justice of God and makes man responsible for his deeds.

Verses 12-16

3. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS

Revelation 22:12-16

12 And my reward is with me.--This verse is a repetition of verse 7 with assurance that each one will be rewarded according to his works. See notes on verse 7. On being judged according to works compare 2 Corinthians 5:10.

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega.--The text explains these words as first and last, beginning and end. Christ was with the Father in the creation (Colossians 1:15-17), has been in the plan of salvation, and will be at the judgment, and in the new Jerusalem. It is wonderfully encouraging to know we have one with such power to make us promises of rewards he will make no mistakes.

14 Blessed are they that wash their robes.--The promise made to such is that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Adam because of disobedience was denied this right; through Christ man by obedience may come to it. Washing robes means to be pardoned through the merits of Jesus' blood. Other texts show that the blessings of the eternal city depend upon faithfulness unto death. (Revelation 2:11.)

15 Without are the dogs.--This verse contains substantially the same thought as Revelation 21:8. To the Jews the dog was an unclean animal and was a fit emblem of the abominable characters here named. "Without" means that such persons will not be allowed admittance to the heavenly city.

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel.--In these words Jesus directly confirms the testimony of the angel as being his own. His words were sent to churches then existing--the seven named --but are intended for all others in like conditions or subject to the same sins.

I am the root and the offspring of David.--Being a descendant of David, he was what the prophecies demanded he should be; without this lineage he could not have occupied the throne of authority. This fact was mentioned in the first chapter of the New Testament and confirmed by Jesus here in the last chapter. As the offspring of David, he now rules at the right hand of God; at the judgment he will be sitting on the same throne; in eternity he will still be in association with the Father. (Verse 2.)

4. AN INVITATION AND A WARNING

Revelation 22:17-19

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.--The invitation is to come to Christ, and is based upon his right to our devotion and service. This right rests upon his character as Creator and the legal Ruler in the "tabernacle of David." The Holy Spirit entreats us to come by the teachings of the apostles and prophets. These contain the motives of mercy and rewards, as found in this book and other parts of the sacred record. The church, which is the wife (Revelation 21:9), invites by preaching the word and proper Christian living. Those that hear (heed) are authorized to say, Come. Those who desire and are willing may take the water of life freely--that is, can have an abundant "entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:11.) With such invitations no earnest and honest soul need be lost.

18 If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book.--This is probably the language of John himself. He warns of the disasters that will come upon those who tamper with the divine record of this book. The same principle applies to all God's laws at whatever time they are in force. (Deuteronomy 4:2; Galatians 1:6-9.) John, however, is here speaking of Revelation; the expression this book is sufficient proof. Being a prophetic book with the fulfillment of its symbols yet future when John wrote, there would be more temptations to change its words to fit supposed fulfillments. The desire to add other predictions would need to be curbed.

The opposite danger--leaving out what might seem to conflict with views already taken--would also be strong. Those rejecting any part of the book would lose their inheritance in the heavenly city. This will condemn not only actual mutilation of the book, but also its perversion through teaching to support a false theory. No book should be studied with more caution or care.

Verses 20-21

5. A FINAL PROMISE AND BENEDICTION

Revelation 22:20-21

20 He who testifieth these things saith, Yea.--Regardless of how or by whom these things were made known to John, Jesus was the real source of the revelation. He here places the stamp of approval upon them by saying "Yea"--that is, they are true. On the promise "I come quickly" see note on verse 7. As already noted, Jesus could not have meant that he would come soon after talking to John, for centuries have passed since then and he has not come yet. To God it may be "quickly," but to us the point of importance is the element of certainty that the promise carries, regardless of its actual time. To these words John replied: "Come, Lord Jesus." The meaning is this "Come, Lord, in your own time and for the purpose in view." Truly a pious wish that should fulfill every contrite heart.

21 The usual benediction closes this book, and with it ends God's written revelation to men.

This study of Revelation has been pursued with both pleasure and profit to the author. It is hoped that the results of his labors may prove helpful to the readers. With a prayer for the "grace of the Lord Jesus" to rest upon these comments upon the sublime symbols of man's duty and destiny, this book is submitted to the candid consideration of "honest and good hearts."

LESSON 26.

THE LAST WARNINGS, COMMANDS, AND PROMISES

Read Revelation 22:6-21

1. What assurance was given of no deception in the words of the; Revelation? Ans. Revelation 22:6.

2. What had John already been commanded to write regarding these words? Ans. Revelation 21:5.

3. By whom was the angel sent to reveal these things? Ans. Revelation 22:6; Revelation 22:16.

4. When were these things to come to pass? Ans. Revelation 22:6; Revelation 1:1.

5. At the time John wrote the symbols of this book were they a prophecy or history? Ans. Revelation 22:7.

6. What did John attempt to do when he had heard and seen these things. Ans. Revelation 22:8.

7. Why did the angel prevent him? Ans. Revelation 22:9.

8. What was he told not to seal up and why? Ans. Revelation 22:10.

9. What is meant by "sealing up" a book or event? Ans. Revelation 10:4.

10. What is said of the unrighteous, the filthy and their opposites? Ans. Revelation 22:11.

11. How will each person be rewarded at the coming of Christ? Ans. Revelation 22:12.

12. What is meant by Alpha and Omega? Ans. Revelation 22:13.

13. On what does the reception of the blessings of the eternal city depend? Ans. Revelation 22:14.

14. What classes of persons will not be allowed admittance? Ans. Revelation 22:15.

15. To what are all invited by the Spirit and the bride? Ans. Revelation 22:17.

16. What warning is given to all who would add to the record of this Book? Ans. Revelation 22:18.

17. What of those who would take away from the words of this Book? Ans. Revelation 22:19.

18. Does this principle apply to the rest of the Bible? Ans. Deuteronomy 4:2; Galatians 1:6-9.

19. How does Jesus place his stamp of approval upon the book of Revelation? Ans. Revelation 22:20.

20. Repeat the benediction which ends God's written revelation to man. Ans. Revelation 22:21.