查經資料大全

 

| Back to Home Page | Back to Book Index |

 

Revelation Chapter Twenty-Two

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Holy City New Jerusalem

I. There is a river of water of life (v.1)

II. There is the tree of life on either side of the river (v.2)

III. The everlasting blessings of men of God (v.3-5)

 

The Summary of the Book of Revelation

I. I am coming quickly!----blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book (v.6-9)

II. I am coming quickly----blessed are those who do His commandments (v.10-16)

III. The Spirit and the bride say "Come!"----whoever desires let him take the water of life freely (v.17)

IV. I am coming quickly----warning men not to add to or take away from the words of the book of this prophecy (v.18-21)

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Rev. 22:1 “And he showed me a pure river of water of life clear as crystal proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

   YLT: “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life bright as crystal going forth out of the throne of God and of the Lamb:”

   Meaning of Words: “show”: point out show clearly; “clear”: gorgeous radiant bright.

   Literal Meaning: “A pure river of water of life clear as crystal ” “water of life” means that the working and flowing of the spirit of life is for the watering of life (See Gen. 2:10). “Clear as crystal” refers to purity without any adulteration (See 21:11).

“Proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” The singular word “throne” means that there is one throne. “The throne of God and of the Lamb” In eternity God and the Lamb are one and there is only one administrative center. “Proceeding from the throne” the throne is for rule and proceeding is for the provision and it refers to the rule by provision (See 2:27; 19:15 “rule” is “shepherd” in the original).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) There is a throne one street one river of water of life one source one communion and one provision. In the true spiritual realm it is simple instead of complicated.

2) The river of water of life proceeds in the middle of the street of the holy city showing that as long as we come to the only way we will have the provision of the truth and the life (See John. 14:6). The Lord Jesus said that you search the Scriptures. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life (See John. 5:39-40).

3) The river of water of life is clear as crystal and the true provision of life is pure without any impurity. Today in the church many teachings are nominally the provision of life however many adulterations are in them actually. Some preachers even put their own attempts and ambitions into the teachings.

4) Those who trust in God shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of God’s house. He shall make them drink of the river of His pleasures. Because with God is the fountain of life (See Ps. 36:8-9).

5) In the theology today there are many differences between God and Christ. However the throne of God and the Lamb is one in eternity and there is no difference between God and Christ.

 

Rev. 22:2 “In the middle of its street and on either side of the river was the tree of life which bore twelve fruits each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

   YLT: “in the midst of its broad place and of the river on this side and on that a tree of life yielding twelve fruits in each several month rendering its fruits and the leaves of the tree for the service of the nations;”

   Meaning of Words: “twelve”: two and ten; “yield”: give reward.

   Literal Meaning: “In the middle of its street ” the singular word “street” shows that there is only one street in the holy city.

“And on either side of the river was the tree of life ” “on either side of the river” means there is the tree of life on both sides of the river. “The tree of life” is singular in the original and it means that there is one tree of life. One tree of life grows on both sides of the river showing that this tree of life is a kind of vine which spreads and extends along the sides of the river instead of the woody plant which grows upward.

“Which bore twelve fruits each tree yielding its fruit every month.” “Bore twelve fruits” is “bearing fruits twelve times” in the original. “Every month” means that there are new fruits every month.

The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” “Healing” refers to “keeping sound” in the original. In the new heaven and the new earth there shall be no more death nor sorrow nor crying nor pain (See 21:4). It means that there shall be no disease and therefore “keeping sound” instead of “healing” shall be needed.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) It is easy to pick the fruits of the tree of life----one only needs to bow his head to pick them instead of climbing up the tree. And the tree yields new fruits every month. They are abundant and fresh.

2) When preachers shepherd believers in the church the service should be convenient diverse abundant and fresh. And therefore preachers have to be humble condescend to men and manage the church diligently. The pride and lazy ones are not suitable to serve the saints in the church.

3) The leaves of the tree of life symbolize that the behaviors shown through life can make those who get in touch with them comfortable and sound. Otherwise the artificial behaviors will corrupt men.

 

Rev. 22:3 “And there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and His servants shall serve Him.

   YLT: “and any curse there shall not be any more and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and His servants shall serve Him ”

   Meaning of Words: “curse”: everything which deserves curse; “serve”: minister worship.

   Literal Meaning: “And there shall be no more curse ” Christ having become a curse on the cross has redeemed us from the curse brought in by the sin and fall of Adam (See Gal. 3:13; Gen. 3:17). Since men in the holy city have been redeemed there shall be no more curse.

“But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it” “Throne” is the center that God and the Lamb rules shows mercy and provides (See v.1-2). The throne is set in the holy city and therefore he whoever enters the city can receive the gracious rule and provision directly.

“And His servants shall serve Him.” “His servants” are those who have part in the holy city. “Shall serve Him” means that all of them shall be priests and serve God according to His will.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) In eternity the elements that men are cursed have been taken away and therefore there won’t be curse forever. It also tells us that the whole holy city is the reappearance expansion and renewing of the first Garden of Eden. There are everlasting blessing there.

2) “Serve Him” is not only the duty but also the privilege of servants. It is men’s greatest blessing to serve God before Him forever.

 

Rev. 22:4 “They shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads.

   YLT: “and they shall see His face and His name upon their foreheads ”

   Meaning of Words: “face”: the front appearance countenance.

   Literal Meaning: “They shall see His face” refers to seeing the light of God’s countenance having communion with Him and receiving the fullness of joy.

“And His name shall be on their foreheads.” “His name” represents God Himself. When men enjoy what God is and what He has in communion and the abundance of God organizes upon them they will naturally manifest God Himself. It also means that they are fully of God.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) It is men’s deepest desire in their heart and the greatest satisfaction to see the face of God and have perfect communion with Him (See Ps. 17:15).

2) One thing that we believers should seek after is to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of our life to behold the beauty of the LORD and to enquire in His temple (See Ps. 27:4).

3) We all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory just as by the Spirit of the Lord (See 2Cor. 3:18).

 

Rev. 22:5 “There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

   YLT: “and night shall not be there and they have no need of a lamp and light of a sun because the Lord God doth give them light and they shall reign -- to the ages of the ages.”

   Meaning of Words: “lamp”: oil lamp candle torch; “give…light”: shine illuminate.

   Literal Meaning: “There shall be no night there:” The glory of God illuminated the holy city (See 21:23) and therefore there shall be no night there (See 21:25).

They need no lamp nor light of the sun ” “lamp” is the man-made light. “The sun” is the natural light. God is light which is much lighter and more comfortable than them and therefore they are useless.

“For the Lord God gives them light.” It is another blessing of those who have been bestowed grace in eternity to receive the enlightenment of God.

And they shall reign forever and ever.” “Reign” means that the new order of the universe is under our control and even the right to judge angels is of us (See 1Cor. 6:3). “Forever and ever” refers to endless and boundless.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God is light (1John. 1:5). There is light wherever God is. The light of God is the beginning of all grace: one’s being bestowed grace and saved because he sees the light (See 2Cor. 4:4); one bears the fruit of the light after he was saved because of the light (See Eph. 5:8-14); one’s life is renewed and changed because of the light (See 2Cor. 3:18).

2) God never rewards men excessively and He will never give the right to reign to the unqualified ones and therefore if we want to reign with the Lord in future we have to receive the training for the king today and equip ourselves.

 

Rev. 22:6 “Then he said to me These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

   YLT: “And he said to me `These words stedfast and true and the Lord God of the holy prophets did send His messenger to shew to His servants the things that it behoveth to come quickly:”

   Meaning of Words: “faithful”: trustworthy trustful; “true”: authentic genuine.

   Literal Meaning: “Then he said to me These words are faithful and true.’” “He” (See v.1) refers to the angel who showed John the holy city (See 21:9-10). “There words are faithful and true” please see the notes in 21:5.

And the Lord God of the holy prophets” “the Lord” refers to the Lord Jesus. “The holy prophets” refers to all the prophets of the New Testament and the Old Testament. “God” indicates that God inspired the spirit of the holy prophets that they received the burden of God and spoke prophecies for God. It shows that: 1) here God the Lord and the Spirit all inspire the holy prophets; 2) all the prophecies of the Old Testament and the New Testament are spoken by the holy prophets who were moved by the Lord God through the Spirit; 3) all the prophecies in this book are also spoken under the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord.

“Sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.” Please see the notes in 1:1.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) All the messages in the Book of Revelation are faithful and true. We should use the simple faith to trust all the words revealed by Christ in the Book of Revelation

2) Many of the revelations in the Book of Revelation coincide with the revelations of the holy prophets of the Old Testament because they are of the inspiration of the same Spirit of God.

 

Rev. 22:7Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’”

   YLT: “Lo I come quickly; happy he who is keeping the words of the prophecy of this scroll.'”

   Meaning of Words: “quickly”: shortly readily without delay; “keep”: hold fast guard; “the words of the prophecy”: words spoken in advance.

   Literal Meaning: Behold I am coming quickly!” It means that the time is short and we should never procrastinate lest we loss the opportunity of receiving grace.

Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’” “Keep” is in the present continuous tense and it means that saints should keep the words the prophecy of this book after they have seen and heard them.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “The words of the prophecy” and the plural word “words” refer to all the words spoken by the prophets under the spirit of God. We must keep all the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation instead of some of the words. 

2) Keeping the words of God once or twice is not enough and we must keep them continuously and forever.

 

Rev. 22:8 “Now I John saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

   YLT: “And I John am he who is seeing these things and hearing and when I heard and beheld I fell down to bow before the feet of the messenger who is shewing me these things;”

   Meaning of Words: “saw”: perceive take heed; “worship”: do reverence to adore; “show”: point out show clearly.

   Literal Meaning: “Now I John saw and heard these things.” John the apostle seriously testified that all the things recorded in the Book of Revelation are what he had seen with his eyes and had heard with his ears (See 1John. 1:1-3) and he never fabricated or forged them.

And when I heard and saw I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.” It is the same silly thing that John the apostle had done (See 19:10) and he recorded it without out any concealment. Probably the aims are as follows: 1) the vision of the holy city that he had seen is so wonderful that he cannot help appreciating the angel; 2) he specially wanted to testify that all the material in this book is neither made up by himself nor initiated by the angel.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today there are many phenomena of worshipping the spiritual giants in the church----they are grateful to those whom they worship and regard their teachings as holy words and those who are worshipped even receive their worship gladly and then build their own kingdom (domain).

2) Any worship to men is a kind of behavior of looking down upon God. And exalting men and even overstepping the authority of God offend God greatly.

3) Even John the apostle made the same silly fault and it shows that any saint----no matter how great attainments he has achieved----may make fault. Audience please remember that at all times and in all countries a perfect man who never makes a mistake does not exist except the Lord Jesus.

 

Rev. 22:9 “Then he said to me See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant and of your brethren the prophets and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.’”

   YLT: “and he saith to me `See -- not; for fellow-servant of thee am I and of thy brethren the prophets and of those keeping the words of this scroll; before God bow.'”

   Meaning of Words: “see”: behold pay heed to (it refers to seeing clearly what one does); “not”: no negative none; “fellow servant”: the servants who are of the same lord; “prophets”: words.

   Literal Meaning: “Then he said to me See that you do not do that.” “See that you do not do that” in the original means that you have to see clearly and you should not do it.

For I am your fellow servant and of your brethren the prophets and of those who keep the words of this book.” This sentence makes many kinds of men into a list of the fellow servants: 1) the angel who is sent; 2) John the apostle i.e. the author of this book; 3) brethren who are with John the apostle; 4) the prophets; 5) those who keep the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation.

Worship God’” It is in the imperative tone in the original and it means that we should never worship anyone or anything else except God.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) All the servants of God----the angels apostles prophets common believers----have an unshirkable duty----to worship God only. It is an honorable duty.

2) All things should worship the only true God and every creature---no matter how great attainments he has achieved or how great contributions he has made or how noble he is----is unworthy of men’s worship. Worshipping any creature looks down upon God on one hand and corrupts men on the other.

 

Rev. 22:10 “And he said to me Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book for the time is at hand.

   YLT: “And he saith to me `Thou mayest not seal the words of the prophecy of this scroll because the time is nigh;”

   Meaning of Words: “seal”: stamp seal up; “time”: set time.

   Literal Meaning: “And he said to me Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book ” “Do not seal” refers to making public as far as possible that all the people may know. “The words of the prophecy of this book” refers to all the things God has revealed through this book.

“For the time is at hand.” “For” shows the reason why it should not be sealed. “The time is at hand” means that: 1) the time for preparation is not enough; 2) the closer to the last day the easier to understand the mystery of the prophecy.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Every word written in the Bible is the open word which has not been “sealed”. As long as those who have been born from above and saved are willing to understand the will of God they will understand the meaning of the words and receive instructions. 

2) “The time is at hand.” Time is limited and we have to seize every opportunity to understand the Book of Revelation because the more we understand the book the more we will admire the second coming of the Lord and speed up preparing ourselves.

3) Among the sixty-six rolls of the Bible the most annotations of the Book of Revelation have been published and it is also the most controversial one. However no one can ensure that his opinion is absolutely correct. Actually as long as one’s opinion does not vary from the basic truth of salvation it is not the heresy. And the opinion can be published and propagated as far as possible that this book can become men’s vigilance more. 

 

Rev. 22:11 “He who is unjust let him be unjust still; he who is filthy let him be filthy still; he who is righteous let him be righteous still; he who is holy let him be holy still.’”

   YLT: “he who is unrighteous -- let him be unrighteous still and he who is filthy -- let him be filthy still and he who is righteous -- let him be declared righteous still and he who is sanctified -- let him be sanctified still:”

   Meaning of Words: “let”: (this words does not exist in the original however the meaning exists in the sentence); “still”: ever further henceforth.

   Literal Meaning: “He who is unjust let him be unjust still; he who is filthy let him be filthy still;” “unjust” refers to behaving unjustly and dishonestly. “Let” refers to letting nature take its course and it implies that once one has lost the opportunity he will never have it again. “Filthy” refers to walking filthily and foully.

“He who is righteous let him be righteous still; he who is holy let him be holy still.’” “Righteous” refers to behaving just and upright. “Holy” refers to walking separately and kindly.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Though the Lord has warned men again and again to prepare themselves as soon as possible and wait for His second coming the Lord never forces anyone to do it. It all depends on men’s reaction to the word of the Lord and everyone has to be responsible for his own behavior.

2) We try our best to spread the gospel and the message of the Book of Revelation however whether one receives them depends on himself. Once the door of grace shuts up it will be too late for many people to regret.

3) The choice of life influences one’s way in future and even the eternity. When death or the last day comes nothing can be changed.

 

Rev. 22:12And behold I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work.

   YLT: “And lo I come quickly and my reward with me to render to each as his work shall be;”

   Meaning of Words: “reward”: pay for services wages; “give”: pay up render.

   Literal Meaning: And behold I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me” it means that when the Lord comes for the second time He will judge and give to every one the wage he deserves.

“To give to every one according to his work.” “Every one” includes the unbelieving world however it mainly refers to believers. It is said again and again in the Bible that when the Lord comes for the second time He will render to every one according to His works (See Matt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6; 2Cor. 11:15; 1Pet. 1:17; Rev. 2:23).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God (1Pet. 4:17). Those who firmly hold that the whole church will be raptured at a time before the tribulation should take care. And they should not misunderstand the righteous Lord and think that there will be no problem as long as they believe in the Lord. The Lord shall ask about our behavior after we have believed in the Lord.

2) The preachers who invariably preach that men shall be fine as long as they believe in the Lord shall probably bear the sin of many fallen believers at that time because they misinform the message of peace (See Jer. 6:14; Ezek. 13:10).

 

Rev. 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega the Beginning and the End the First and the Last.’”

   YLT: “I am the Alpha and the Omega -- the Beginning and End -- the First and the Last.”

   Meaning of Words: “beginning”: first of all; “end”: final; “first”: head; “last”: ending.

   Literal Meaning: “I am the Alpha and the Omega ” it emphasizes that He is the declarer of the revelations in the book (See v.6; 1:1) and He is also the one who sums up the revelations.

“The Beginning and the End ” it means that no one is before or after Him. Concerning all the revelations that the Lord has begun He shall promote the endings of them by Himself. 

“The First and the Last.’” It means that He is the leader of all things (See Col. 1:17) and also the finisher of all things. All things exist because of Him and shall be ended through Him.

   Enlightenment in the word:

1) Jesus Christ shall come for the second time and fulfill the revelations given by Him. The prophecies and woes recorded in the whole Book of Revelation shall come true absolutely.

2) From the beginning of all things the Lord pays close attention to all the things of every one all the time. He is thoroughly familiar with all the conditions of men and no one can cheat Him.

3) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever (Heb. 13:8) and He never changes.

 

Rev. 22:14 “Blessed are those who do His commandments that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city.

   YLT: “`Happy are those doing His commands that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of the life and by the gates they may enter into the city;”

   “Darby Version” written as: Blessed [are] they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life and that they should go in by the gates into the city.

Meaning of Words: “wash”: launder rinse; “robe”: long clothing; “enter”: come in go in; “city”: the city with walls.

   Literal Meaning: “Blessed [are] they that wash their robes” “robes” symbolizes deed. “Wash their robes” symbolizes the behavior that one is cleansed from all unrighteousness by the Lord’s precious blood through confessing his sins (See 1John. 1:9; Rev. 7:14). “Blessed” means that they can enjoy the following words of promise.

“That they may have the right to the tree of life ” the way of the tree of life was closed off because of men’s sin and fall (See Gen. 3:24). Today those who wash their robes have the privilege to approach the tree of life and enjoy its precious fruits.

“And may enter through the gates into the city.” It refers to being accepted by the angels at the gates (21:12) to enter the holy city and enjoy all the blessings in the holy city.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Wash” is in the present continuous tense in the original. It does not refer to the one-off wash but the continuous wash. We need to be cleansed by the precious blood of the Lord when we believed in the Lord in the beginning and we still need to appropriate the Lord’s precious blood continuously after we have believed in Him.

2) They that wash their robes are those who live a separated life by the precious blood of Christ under any circumstance and bear witness to the Holy God through his holy deeds.

 

Rev. 22:15 “But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters and whoever loves and practices a lie.

   YLT: “and without the dogs and the sorcerers and the whoremongers and the murderers and the idolaters and every one who is loving and is doing a lie.”

   Meaning of Words: “outside”: external outward; “dogs”: hound; “sorcerers”: men who enchant others by sorcery; “sexually immoral”: a male prostitute fornicator; “love”: have affection for kiss; “practice”: make do.

   The Background: “outside are…” There was Topheth in the valley of the children of Hinnom outside of Jerusalem the old city in the past (See 2Kings 23:10; Is. 30:33; Jer. 19:11-13). It was the place for the residents of the city of Jerusalem to throw away rubbish and burn bodies. It smoked throughout the year and therefore it was used to symbolize the hell-fire (See Matt. 5:22) i.e. the lake of fire in future (See 20:10).

   Literal Meaning: “But outside are dogs and sorcerers” “outside” refers to the lake of fire. “Dogs” refers to the evil and unclean breed (See Ps. 22:16 20; Phil. 3:2) and the following words are the examples of dogs. “Sorcerers” refers to those who believe in the devil and actually contact with the devil.

“And sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters ” “sexually immoral” refers to those who are sexually promiscuous in their minds or acts. “Murderers” refers to those who do not cherish the lives of men in their minds (See Matt. 5:21-22) or acts. “Idolaters” refers to those who worship the visible or invisible idols.

“And whoever loves and practices a lie” refers to those who are accustomed to lying.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) In the Bible sexual immorality and worshipping idols are always mentioned in the same breath (See 1Cor. 5:10; 6:9; Col. 3:5) because worshipping idols (including the invisible idols men and things) actually commits the spiritual sexual immorality----admiring others besides God. 

2) The most serious phenomenon in the last days is that almost everyone tells a lie. The world tells a lie and believers also lie. Men tell both malicious and good lies. Men make up and cover up lies.

 

Rev. 22:16I Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David the Bright and Morning Star.’”

   YLT: “`I Jesus did send my messenger to testify to you these things concerning the assemblies; I am the root and the offspring of David the bright and morning star!”

   Meaning of Words: “testify”: witness; “offspring”: seed; “bright”: radiant shining gorgeous.

   Literal Meaning: I Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.” “I Jesus” is only used here in the whole Bible proving that this Book of Revelation was revealed by Himself to John the apostle. After He had revealed it to John He signed His name to show its truthfulness. “To testify to you these things in the churches” indicates that the testimony of this book is for the churches. 

I am the Root and the Offspring of David ” “the Root of David” indicates that He is the source of David and it shows the divinity of the Lord Jesus (See Matt. 22:42-44). “The Offspring of David” indicates that He is the seed of David according to humanity (See Rom. 1:3).

“The Bright and Morning Star.’” “The Bright and Morning Star” is the first star before dawn and soon after which the day dawns and then the Sun of righteousness occurs (See Mal. 4:2). And therefore “the Bright and Morning Star” refers to Christ who predicts that He is coming. “The Sun of righteousness” refers to Christ who shall come to reign.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord’s declaration in this verse is a great comfort to us because since He had sent the apostle to reveal to the churches He will not let us fail. He is both God and man. He has the great power of God and also sympathize our infirmities and therefore He will stretch out His hands to help us.

2) To those who watch and wait for the Lord’s second coming He is the Bright and Morning Star who will appear to them in advance and guide them and keep them out of the coming great tribulation (See 3:10).

 

Rev. 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say Come! And let him who hears say Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.

   YLT: “And the Spirit and the Bride say Come; and he who is hearing -- let him say Come; and he who is thirsting -- let him come; and he who is willing -- let him take the water of life freely.”

   Meaning of Words: “desire”: be disposed will.

   Literal Meaning: “And the Spirit and the bride say Come!’” “The bride” does not refer to the bride in future but the bride of Christ at present i.e. the church (See Eph. 5:32). “The Spirit and the bride” indicates that the church expresses her heartfelt wish in the Spirit. “Come” is the response to v.16 and therefore it refers to inviting the Lord to come for the second time to marry the bride.

And let him who hears say Come!’” “Him who hears” refers to the one who hears what the Spirit says to the churches (See 2:7 11 17 28; 3:6 13 22) especially he who hears the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation (See v.18). “Come” also refers to asking the Lord to come for the second time.

And let him who thirsts come.” “Him who thirsts” refers to he who thirsts concerning the present situation of his life i.e. he who thirsts in the spirit. “Let…come” is not “come” and it refers to the hope and invitation of the Spirit the churches and believers to the world that they should come to the coming Lord Jesus.

Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.” “Desires” indicates that those who have received the invitation have to use their own will and come willingly. “Freely” indicates that the gospel is for free (See Is. 55:1). “The water of life” refers to the Lord Jesus and His salvation.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Spirit inspires the hearts of men to thirst after the Lord. May the Lord open our ears that we will hear the sound of the Spirit (See Is. 50:4-5).

2) He whoever asks the Lord to come quickly will not ignore the souls of sinners. When we desire the Lord to come earnestly we are also deeply concerned the sinners’ being saved sincerely.

 

Rev. 22:18 “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;

   YLT: “`For I testify to every one hearing the words of the prophecy of this scroll if any one may add unto these God shall add to him the plagues that have been written in this scroll ”

   Meaning of Words: “add”: put on lay upon.

   Literal Meaning: “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:” “I” refers to the Lord Jesus who sent the angel to reveal the prophecy of this book to John the apostle (See v.16 1:1). “Everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book” refers to “those who hear” in the previous verse (See v.17). “Testify” refers to proving the genuineness and trustworthiness of the prophecy (See v.20).

If anyone adds to these things ” “these things” in the narrow sense refers to the prophecies in the Book of Revelation and in the broad sense refers to all the words of the Bible. “Adds to” refers to adding new prophecies besides the prophecy instead of the explanations to the prophecy of this book. Certainly one who interprets the prophecy at random and adds the doctrines which are not in the Bible to these things is in danger of “adding to these things”.

God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;” “the plagues that are written in this book” refers to the three woes in the great tribulation (See 8:13) and the second death (See 20:14).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Every word of God is pure and men should not add to His words (Prov. 30:5-6).

2) Christians should take a serious attitude to the Bible and we should not have any private interpretation (See 2Pet. 1:20) or distort the Bible purposely (See 2Tim. 2:15) in order to make a trade of the word of God (See 2Cor. 2:17).

 

Rev. 22:19 “and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy God shall take away his part from the Book of Life from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.

   YLT: “and if any one may take away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy God shall take away his part from the scroll of the life and out of the holy city and the things that have been written in this scroll;'”

   Meaning of Words: “take away”: remove cut off; “part”: a share.

   Literal Meaning: “and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy ” “takes away from” indicates that when one interprets the prophecy or words of the Bible he purposely ignores passes the obvious truth and turns a blind eye to it and even denies the truth written in black and white.

God shall take away his part from the Book of Life from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.” It indicates that it is impossible for him to overcome forever.

 

Rev. 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus!

   YLT: “he saith -- who is testifying these things -- `Yes I come quickly!' Amen! Yes be coming Lord Jesus!”

   Meaning of Words: “He who testifies”: the witness; “surely”: verily truth; “Amen”: trustworthy verily so be it.

   Literal Meaning: “He who testifies to these things says” refers to the Lord Jesus Himself (See v.16).

“‘Surely I am coming quickly. Amen.” “Surely” shows that the following words “I am coming quickly” are assured. “Amen” indicates that the previous words “I am coming quickly” are yes (See 2Cor. 1:20).

Even so come Lord Jesus!” The one who says this sentence refers to John the apostle the author of this book and it also applies to all the audience of this book.

 

Rev. 22:21 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

   YLT: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.”

   Meaning of Words: “grace”: gift gracious love; “with”: and together.

   Literal Meaning: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” refers to His grace. We not only need the grace of remission but also need the gracious strength of the Lord that we can overcome our weaknesses (See 2Cor. 12:9) and have part in the holy city and the tree of life. Amen.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The New Paradise

I. There is a river of water of life (v.1)

II. There is the tree of life (v.2)

  A. the tree yields new fruits every month

  B. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of men

III. There is the perfect blessing:

  A. there is the perfect satisfaction----drinking the water of life and eating the fruits of life (v.1-2)

  B. there is the perfect redemption----there shall be no more curse (v.3)

  C. there is the perfect administration----the throne of God and of the Lamb (v.3)

  D. there is the perfect service----His servants shall serve Him (v.3)

  E. there is the perfect communion----they shall see His face (v.4)

  F. there is the perfect likeness to God----His name shall be on their heads (v.4)

  G. there is the perfect light----there shall be no night and the Lord God gives them light (v.5)

  H. there is the perfect royalty----they shall reign forever and ever (v.5)

 

The Last Witness

I. The last witness of the angel (v.6-7)

II. The last witness of John the apostle (v.8-11)

  A. bearing witness to his witness (v.8-9)

  B. bearing witness to the last witness of the angel (v.10-11)

III. The last witness of the Lord Jesus (v.12-16 18-19)

  A. testifying that He is coming quickly (v.12)

  B. testifying that He shall give rewards and impose punishments (v.12-15)

  C. testifying that His words and deeds are absolutely effective (v.16)

  D. warning anyone who adds to or takes away from the words of the prophesy of this book (v.18-19)

IV. The last witness of the Holy Spirit (v.17)

V. The last prayer of the church (v.18)

 

The Nature of the Book of Revelation

I. The origin of the Book of Revelation

  A. the Lord God of the holy prophets (v.6)

  B. sending His angel----the angel (v.6)

  C. showing the things which must shortly take place to his servant----John the apostle (v.6)

  D. it predicts the thing that the Lord is coming quickly (v.7)

  E. it makes those who read it keep the words of the prophecy of this book (v.7)

  F. it is what John the apostle saw and heard (v.8)

  G. it guides men to worship God (v.8-9)

II. The purpose of the Book of Revelation

  A. do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book for the time is at hand (v.10)

  B. making men who read it get response voluntarily (v.11)

  C. the Lord’s rewards and punishments are based on how everyone responds in his work (v.12)

  D. the Lord will accomplish what He has initiated (v.13)

  E. blessed are those who do His commandments (doing righteousness by the Lord) because of reading this book (v.14)

  F. otherwise those who practice evilness have no part in the holy city (v.15)

III. The trustworthiness of the Book of Revelation

  A. the Lord Jesus sent His angel to testify to us by Himself (v.16)

  B. the Lord guaranteed us by His identity (v.16)

  C. the Holy Spirit inspired the church to have the heartfelt wish (v.17)

  D. those who hear it should get the response (v.17)

  E. men should express their inner willingness through action (v.17)

IV. The reliability of the Book of Revelation

  A. men should not add to the prophecy (v.18)

  B. men should not take away from the prophecy (v.19)

  C. the Lord testifies to these things by Himself (v.20)

  D. John the apostle said amen (v.20)

V. The blessing of the Book of Revelation----the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all (v.21)

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren