6 And he said to me, " These words are faithful and true "; and the Lord , the God of the spirits of the prophets , sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place . 7 "And behold , I am coming quickly . Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book ." 8 I, John , am the one who heard and saw these things . And when I heard and saw , I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things . 9 But he said to me, "Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book . Worship God ." 10 And he said to me, " Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book , for the time is near . 11 " Let the one who does wrong , still do wrong ; and the one who is filthy , still be filthy ; and let the one who is righteous , still practice righteousness ; and the one who is holy , still keep himself holy ." 12 "Behold , I am coming quickly , and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done e . 13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega , the first and the last , the beginning and the end ." 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes , so that they may have the right to the tree of life , and may enter by the gates into the city . 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters , and everyone who loves and practices lying . 16 " I, Jesus , have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches . I am the root and the descendant of David , the bright morning star ." 17 The Spirit and the bride say , "Come ." And let the one who hears say , "Come ." And let the one who is thirsty come ; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost . 18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book : if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book ; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy , God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city , which are written in this book .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 22:6-19
Commentary on Revelation 22:6-19
(Read Revelation 22:6-19)
The Lord Jesus spake by the angel, solemnly confirming the contents of this book, particularly of this last vision. He is the Lord God faithful and true. Also by his messengers; the holy angels showed them to holy men of God. They are things that must shortly be done; Christ will come quickly, and put all things out of doubt. And by the integrity of that angel who had been the apostle's interpreter. He refused to accept religious worship from John, and reproved him for offering it. This presents another testimony against idolatrous worship of saints and angels. God calls every one to witness to the declarations here made. This book, thus kept open, will have effect upon men; the filthy and unjust will be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God. Never let us think that a dead or disobedient faith will save us, for the First and the Last has declared that those alone are blessed who do his commandments. It is a book that shuts out form heaven all wicked and unrighteous persons, particularly those who love and make lies, therefore cannot itself be a lie. There is no middle place or condition. Jesus, who is the Spirit of prophecy, has given his churches this morning-light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of the perfect day approaching. All is confirmed by an open and general invitation to mankind, to come and partake freely of the promises and of the privileges of the gospel. The Spirit, by the sacred word, and by convictions and influence in the sinner's conscience, says, Come to Christ for salvation; and the bride, or the whole church, on earth and in heaven, says, Come and share our happiness. Lest any should hesitate, it is added, Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take of the water of life freely. May every one who hears or reads these words, desire at once to accept the gracious invitation. All are condemned who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to it, or taking from it.