Revelation 22

      8, 9. I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel. See on these two verses the notes on 19:10. There John attempts to worship the angel and is prevented. Among the idolatrous tendencies that early showed themselves in the church was angel worship. This not only rebukes it, but the worship of any being, earthly or heavenly, who is not divine.

      10-12. Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book. To seal them would mean to conceal them and store them away. But they are not to be hidden. The time had come for the fulfillment to begin. 11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still. This is not a command, but a warning. He that is fixed in injustice and unrighteousness, let him go on. The future judgments revealed in the preceding visions show that he shall reap that he has sown. But the holy and true, let them be encouraged to press on; they have their reward. The reason that the saints may be sure of this is next given. 12. Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me. Then the unjust and the holy shall each be rewarded according to his works.

      13-16. I am Alpha and Omega. See notes on 1:8. The three titles given here have a similar signification. 14. Blessed are they that wash their robes. See the Revision. Those who have their robes washed are those whose sins are forgiven, and who obey Christ. These have the right to enter the city, for no sinner can enter there. 15. Without are dogs. In an oriental city the dogs, an unclean animal, are seen in great numbers in the streets, and are a disagreeable feature. These are taken to represent one type of sinners. Others with different characteristics are also given. All are without. None of them ever pass through the portals of the New Jerusalem. 16. I Jesus. The Lord is still Jesus, that is the Savior. Have sent mine angel to testify. See 1:1 . Here at the close where the Lord speaks in personal communication to John, he speaks of himself by the name Jesus. I am the root and the offspring of David. See Chap. 5:5 .

      17-20. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. Twice ( Revelation 22:7 Revelation 22:12 ) the Lord has said, "I come quickly." In verse 20 John repeats that the Lord saith, "Surely I come quickly." The subject of these verses is the coming of the Lord. The Bridegroom has promised to come, and in verse 17 the Bride responds to the promise of the Bridegroom by inviting him to come. The church, filled with the Spirit, stands with hands extended, "loving his appearance," inviting the coming, and eager for the coming of the Lord. Let him that heareth. Let all who have heard the gracious promise join in the invitation and say, "Come." Let him that is athirst come. Let all thirsty for the water of life come and partake of it freely. Whosoever will. To will to come is the essential thing in order to coming to Christ. 18. If any man add to these things. See Deuteronomy 4:2 Deuteronomy 12:32 . The whole spirit of the Scripture is against adding to or taking from the Lord's words. This is a warning against spurious revelations. 19. If any man take from. This could be done by denying, or explaining away the words of prophecy. To do either is a deadly sin. Indeed, to tamper with the Divine word in any way is sinful. 20. He which testifieth. It is John who now speaks and exults that the Lord has promised soon to come. He adds his prayer for the coming. 21. The grace of our Lord. The usual apostolical benediction.