Revelation 22
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life(a), clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (b).
A contrast is made here with Genesis 1-3: Old vs New heaven and earth; river with 4 heads (2:10) and river of life; Tree of Life (2:9)(2); curse (3:17)(3) vs no curse; creation of lights (1:14+) and no need for them (5). (a): A river like this is spoken of in Ezekiel 47:1,12 concerning the Millenial reign of Christ. In vs. 17 there is the call for folks to take of this life giving water. The water must give “life” otherwise it is misnamed; not everything is an allegory; thus, there is significance to this water, which may simply be it gives eternal life (via Jesus Christ of course); maybe it is needed for those mortals that are translated from the Millennial kingdom. How does this differ from the Tree? One gives the other sustains? The problem is that eternal life is eternal; it isn’t partially eternal, until the next drink. (b): Probably describes the throne room area and the water literally flowing out of that region; but could be actually right out of the throne itself, for the throne is immense. If this is all symbolic, then the throne would be symbolic; I think not. Are there 2 separate thrones here? Probably. The Father’s and the Lamb’s. Will they have differing responsibilities in the eternal home? They will be God, that is for sure.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river(a), was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month(b): and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.(c)
In the Garden of Eden, man lost his right to this Tree; but here it is restored again. Many say that this is not the same Tree as in Genesis; I say, why isn’t it?! It is a wonderful Tree which most probably still functions just as it did back then; causing one to remain in the state they are in forever. (a) : This Tree was very large in that it covered both sides of the river; in fact, the river may actually pass through it; or the branches are on each side of it; The throne area has a “street” and this is where the river and Tree seem to be located in proximity. It must be an awfully large piece of real estate. (b) : Twelve might be referring to the tribes of Israel, or simply to each month. Each fruit was I am sure very tasty, but is that the only significance? The fruit on the Tree of Life would seem to be a sustainer of one in whatever state they were in: the curse of sin in that instance. (c) : It had to be a big tree for the leaves were used to help heal all the folk on the new earth (millions I presume). Some try to contort this to be referring back to the Millenial period, but I take it in context here to be the eternal state. There will definitely be “nations” on the new earth, with kings. It is fairly apparent by the text here that they will need “healing”. It may be that the “natural” saved folk at the end of the Millenium will be translated to this eternal state and need life giving properties of the fruit and healing properties of the leaves.
3 And there shall be no more curse(a): but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it(b); and his servants shall serve him:(c)
(a) : The curse from Adam eating the apple from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was done away with. The new heavens and earth have no curse upon it and shall always be kept perfect. (b) : the “it” here is probably referring back to the “street”, or possibly even the “river”. (c) : The “servants” will probably be select folk; though it could be all the saved. I believe some are banned from enterring the Holy City, and thus could not “see His face”. All will indeed “serve” Him though. So, there may be a special select group to serve Him at the location of His throne (see Rev 7:15, and see notes on vs 4b), and not necessarily simply somewhere on the earth.
4 And they shall see his face(a); and his name shall be in their foreheads.(b)
(a) : We shall see Him as He is. Face to face with Christ my Saviour… Moses beheld Him from the hinder parts, though talked with Him as it were face to face. We will be able to see God and not die! Again, I don’t believe all will have this special priviledge, though all will see Him at the Judgement. Those on the earth I don’t believe will be able to see His face due to the distance, but they will see the Light from Him for sure. (b) : According to Rev 7:3,4 and 14:1, there are servants who are sealed with the Father’s name in their foreheads. They are specifically the 144,000 Jews of the Tribulation. Thus, the identity of the “servants” of vs 3 could be these 144,000. This name is in contrast to the blasphemous name on the hand or forehead of those worshipping the Beast. The word “in” may simply refer to deeply written into the forehead; though, in the Tribulation it may refer to an actual implantation of maybe a “chip”. Some think it to be “holiness to the Lord” as worn by the priests on their mitres.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light(a): and they shall reign for ever and ever.(b)
(a) : In Rev 21:23,24 the Bible explains that Jesus Christ is the Light of the Holy City and there is no need of the sun or moon anymore. We will never need to sleep again! Jesus Christ will be exceedingly bright in order to light the whole city and the whole earth up! What glory! The Holy City is made in such a way to distribute the light rays well so as not to leave anywhere unlit. It may very well be a pyramid shaped city with Jesus Christ at the very top, the chief cornerstone, and the light progressing on down for 1500 miles to the bottom of the City and onto the earth. (b) : The “they” may be referring still to the “servants” of vs 3 of whom I defined as possibly a select group, maybe the 144,000. Will all indeed “reign” with Him forever? Who will they reign over if everyone is reigning? I suspect that only the minority will be reigning…just like in any kingdom that is ruled well. In Rev 5:10 the Bible explains that the 24 elders will be reigning on earth (maybe just referring to the Millenium). In 2Ti 2:12 it speaks of a general call that whoever “suffers” for Christ will reign. So, I assume there will be more reigning than just the 144,000…but definitely not “everyone”.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true(a): and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants(b) the things which must shortly be done.(c)
This seems to be the end of the “revelation” to John on the isle of Patmos. (a) : The “he” is from Rev 21:9 I presume, and is an angel. In Rev 19:11, the Lord Jesus Christ is named Faithful and True. His words are surely faithful and true. Every one of His words that are contained in this book, and in the whole Bible, is altogether true, without error. The prophecies in the Book of Revelation are to be totally believed. He wanted to make this very clear. They aren’t to be interpreted loosely; as does most of the religious “scholars” out there. (b) : Compare this verse (Lord God) with vs 16 (Jesus); this shows once again that Jesus Christ is indeed God. The “holy prophets” are those of 2Pe 1:21 reference which are from the Old Testament. He is trying to speak closely to the Jews here. Apparently there was just one “angel” showing John all these things in Revelation. (c) : He was showing John this about 1900 years ago and said it would be “shortly” coming about. God’s timeline is different than ours. Shorter than the previous 4000 years though.
7 Behold, I come quickly(a): blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.(b)
(a) : Since the vision has basically ended for John, this is reverting back to prior to the Tribulation. This is clarified in vs. 16 and refers back to the dialogue in chapters 1-3. His return spoken of here is not for His 2nd Coming but the Rapture. The 2nd Coming will be a known time, and won’t be quick when counting the days through the Tribulation. The Rapture is not a long time in God’s mind, or when we consider the time since Adam…thus it must be well before 4000 years from the writing of this, and 2000 years is about the max that I would consider being “quickly”. Also, the term “quickly” may refer to the speed in which His coming will appear to be. It won’t be over years, but probably just over minutes or hours…or as most believe, a second. (b) : Referring back to Rev 1:3. There is a special blessing for those that read or hear this Book’s prophecy and “keep” it. “Keeping” it may refer to believing it to be true and holding it as such deep within their heart and not changing their mind on it. It may also mean obeying the appropriate commands that are herein (especially chapters 1-3). The “blessing” has to be a deeper statement than simply the person having a “good, blessed feeling inside”. It is probably very significant and deals with special blessing via rewards and position in the time after the Rapture. Since this blessing promise is mentioned in both the first and the last chapters, it is markedly significant. For us, I believe it means this: We church folk who are faithful and righteous to our Lord and His body, and who believe the clear proclamations of this prophecy, will receive special blessing in the world to come. Remember, there is a special curse for those not keeping this Book; i.e. tampering with its words (see vs 19). So, don’t change the meaning, simply believe it.
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them(a). And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.(b)
(a) : The “things” are from the beginning of his vision to verse 7. John was trying to make believers out of us…to let us know that these things really did happen to him, though they are quite unbelievable overall. John was himself quite flaberghasted. He just spent a good couple hours or even days experiencing all this. (b) : He had to express his incredible excitement and awestruckedness over what he had just witnessed. This angel was the main focus during all of this, for he was the tour guide through it all. John got carried away and desired to worship the angel, for he was sent from God. We can get carried away with our spiritual experiences and improperly worship the Lord also: Charasmaticism, praise to the preacher, flesh dominated worship attempts, etc.. This is a good example of how to worship (but not whom to worship): fall at His feet, awestruck.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets (a), and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.(b)
(a) : John was warned once before in Rev. 19:10. It is not that John is disobedient, but that he got so overcome with this vision that he just had to give praise out. “Fellowservant” – servant of the Lord. “Brethren” – this is confusing; in Rev 1:1 it speaks of an ‘angel’ that brought John through this vision, and I believe this is the same angel speaking still, unless it is one of the 7 angels in Rev 21:9. But still, an angel. Maybe this word ‘angel’ here is referring to an immortal human. This fellowservant is related to the Jews, specifically the prophets. (b) : he is one that believed and wasn’t trying to change this book of the Revelation. This is re-emphasized here; thus it is important for us to simply believe, keep, and not try to get some unique meaning out of this book.
10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Rev 10:4 talks about ‘sealing’ up the prophecies of the 7 thunders. It may very well be Jesus Christ speaking here for He is the One speaking in vs 12 for sure. He stressed that this book, the Book of Revelation, was not to be sealed and saved for a later time. It was for then, and even now. The end times began some 1970 years ago. The beginning of things prophecied had already started taking place, thus there wouldn’t be any way to try to seal it, for it had already started. Could it be possible that a seal has been broken already? Probably not with our correct interpretation of Rev 4. But we sure are close to that first seal opening. The 7 churches have come and gone, so we are on the brink of Chapter 4, the Rapture. The ‘time’ is the beginning of the seals being opened, which occurs simultaneously with the Rapture, and the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy is fulfilled.
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
The time frame here is with ‘the time at hand’ and ‘behold, I come quickly’. Thus, it is right on the edge of the Rapture. So, it would only be plausible for vs 11 to be explaining what happens to one at the point of, or shortly before, the Rapture. The unjust and filthy sinners are probably lost folk; it may be explaining that folks that are lost and living wicked lives will continue to live that way through the Tribulation; and that maybe only folks searching for the truth might be saved then. Another possible explanation is that these wicked will be wicked for eternity; locked in that state of being. The ‘righteous’ and ‘holy’ will remain that way through eternity also.
12 And, behold, I come quickly(a); and my reward is with me(b), to give every man according as his work shall be.(c)
(a) : Surely the ‘I’ is not the angel; it is Jesus Christ. See notes on 7a. (b) : His ‘reward’ is labeled as ‘My’; showing it to be actually Jesus Christ’s own reward from the Father, of which He will give of it to us accordingly. It is not like Santa Claus in the sky carrying all the gifts. No, it is that the reward is a part of Him and goes with Him wherever He goes. He will descend from Heaven (1Th 4) and meet us in the ‘air’ and then take us to His Heaven and there He will actually ‘give’ the rewards. (c) : We are given ‘reward’ on what we have done for God here on Earth; carnal things get burned up and there is a loss of potential reward there, but spiritually sound things remain and are what the reward is based on. The reward is singular but involves many things I believe. This shows that the Judgement Seat of Christ may occur very close to the Rapture.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
I believe that Jesus Christ makes this statement here to show that it is He that is behind this whole book of prophecy, and it is He that wrote the Bible, who created the universe, and who is coming back to rule it, destroy it, create a new one, and to reign forever more on His Throne.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments(a), that they may have right to the tree of life(b), and may enter in through the gates into the city.(c)
(a) : The context may now be dealing soley with saved folk for vs 11 speaks about being in a fixed state (Heaven or Hell) , vs 12 about the rewards given to all the saints , and vs 13 about maybe the ending of time as we know it. Surely, Rv 22 is well after the Tribulation as far as the chapters are arranged. If in this context, then those that were known for ‘doing His commandments’, loving Him, they will have special priviledges that other saved folk won’t have. (b) : See notes on vs 2b. Thus, it may be that the obedient Christians can eat of this tree’s 12 fruits. A special ‘reward’ for these godly sort; but why would they need the ‘life’ from this ‘tree’? If it is referring to all the saved then it could fit here most likely, but not really in the next phrase. (c) : Here is the interesting part. These gates are each made of a very large pearl and are located about 500 miles from each other, 3 on each of the 4 sides of the city. Along with the gates is a 200 ft tall thick wall. The city was set up to be careful to keep certain folk out. Otherwise, why would there be walls and gates? Just for show? Some may enter, and thus, some may not. I feel that the Bride is actually living in the city itself in mansions. Rev 21:21-27 speaks of different groups present with different priviledges concerning the City. There will be nations of saved people walking in it’s light on the new earth, and their kings will be allowed to come into the City to give gifts to the King. And vs 27 helps us understand more that those that did not ‘do’ His commandments but were wicked (though still saved) will not be allowed to enter it at all. However, the last statement of vs 27 is hard to understand in this context. It seems to refer to them as the lost. Both scenarios need to be considered as possible.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
The word ‘without’ is referring to the location of these in regards to the subject which is the City; i.e. within or without its walls. It is ridiculous to think that any lost person who’s home is the Lake of Fire could find there way there and somehow walk on into the City. Without the city are the saved nations. Amongst them are all types of Christians, good, bad, and the ugly. They all may be allowed to enter freely, but it seems probable that only certain ones can; and these dogs and such listed here are not allowed. These folk were saved but were known for these sins. If the ‘without’ is referring to the Lake of Fire then why didn’t God simply state that? Thus, it is at least possible that there are at least 3 levels of priviledge in regards to this City: Those who live in it (the Bride), those who live on the earth but can enter into (righteous saved folk, including their kings), and those who are not allowed into it (wicked, carnal saved folk). The other option is that all have the same priviledges upon entering and living in the City. Then why have tall walls and gates 500 miles apart?!
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches(a). I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.(b)
(a) : Refer to Rev 1:1. All this that John had heard (Revelation) he was to ‘testify’ of in ‘the churches’; probably specifically speaking of the 7 of Asia. Why were these 7 so special? Preachers are to teach, preach, and testify these things, and all of the things of the Bible in their churches. Testifying to what God has spoken and shown us in His personal revelation via the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. (b) : Not only did He relate to Him His eternal Godhead lineage, but also His Messiahship lineage, which was through King David and His throne. He will be reigning on David’s throne all through the Millenium, and most likely the eternal state as well. He refers to Himself as a star because of His glory, brightness, and this star is probably the same as the ‘daystar’ that rises in our hearts. It is Jesus Christ who brings about the morning of our eternal lives; i.e. the beginning.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Now, apparently, we have moved back to vs 12’s timeframe of just prior to the Rapture; the ‘time’ being at hand. If referring to the eternal state, then I would derive that the Spirit and the Bride (and those that hear) are calling people to this river of life that is flowing from the Throne of God in the street of the City. Why would they be so urged to call them at this point? Would they not know to come and get it? What would be so important about it? More likely, this is referring to the time prior to the Millenium (and probably even the Rapture) where the Holy Spirit via the Lord’s churches are calling for the ‘athirst’ to come and get this ‘living water’ (see the Syrophenoecian woman’s story) so that they will never spiritually be thirsty again. Those that ‘heareth’ may be others who get saved but are not in the Bride. It is a soulwinning exhortation. It may be them ‘hearing’ the words of this book’, as vs 18 states. It may simply be them getting saved; though it may be referring to the priviledge of going to this river of life in the City whenever they want, and thus never really thirsting again. Where are they suppose to “come” to. The context is the City of God. It could simply be coming to a relationship with Jesus Christ. It could be referring to both! A double meaning. Or, it may be referring to the context of this book and is dealing with the Tribulational peoples who need to ‘come’. In Rev 1:3 it speaks of those that ‘hear’ this book shall be ‘blessed’. Meaning they that listen and accept it. There are a lot of possibilities with this verse…
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book(a), If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:(b)
(a) : The ‘hearing’ of vs 17 may be referring specifically to the ‘words of the prophecy of this book’, Revelation. You have now heard these words; don’t add unto them! (b) : Don’t say that ‘other’ things will be happening, more judgements, more prophecies to be fulfilled, etc. We can venture to try to understand what is being said, but to add things that are clearly not in the text is very wrong. There are some awful ‘plagues’ written in this book. This may simply be referring to folks that are alive during the Tribulation and have opportunity to actually experience these plagues. For how else would they be ‘added’ unto them? This book is written to the churches of Asia specifically, and may be also for those in the Tribulation. Many will add things to this during the Tribulation in order to make it all line up with the Beast’s plans. I assume this book will be looked at a lot in the Tribulation. Adding to the Bible is not appreciated by God. I believe He will judge those harshly that do this (Bible version editors).
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
See notes on vs 18b. This may be referring to those not believing the prophecies, thus minimizing their significance, and trying to spiritualize it all. Again, this may be written specifically to the Tribulational saints. Rev 3:5 speaks about ‘blotting’ out one’s name from this book. Apparently you can have your name removed from this book; this book contains the names of all those that every were created (procreated) and probably have their names written over again in blood upon salvation. At the end of one’s life their name is blotted out, but if in blood it cannot be, for it is permanent! However, it may be speaking here of a ‘part’ that was to be promised to the person as a reward. And also a ‘part’, or promised priviledge, of the New Jerusalem, and all the promises in this book. Thus, a saved person not taking seriously the statements in this book might lose ‘parts’ or priviledges in the coming world. Then again, the broader and more popular interpretation is that they will go to Hell. However, how could this be true for someone that is saved but chooses not to believe this book? Furthermore, many folks use and trust perversions of the Bible that have significantly taken away from the words of this prophecy. Use the right Bible!
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
This is the third time that Jesus Christ states that He is coming quickly. We need to believe this. John gave a firm Amen to this. Do you? Are you calling for Him to come and get you? The Tribulation is coming soon. Your heavenly home and rewards are awaiting you. There are lots of contingencies though on obtaining these positions and priviledges. We need to know this book. For those who hear it are promised a blessing. We must pay attention to the Book of Revelation……