Chapter 22
The first five verses in this chapter continue the overview of eternity. They bring us back to a time before the fall of man, especially reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. For example, the garden had a river flowing out of it that became four other rivers (the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates, see Genesis 2:10-14). The Tree of Life was in the center of the garden (see Genesis 2:9) and creation had not been cursed yet (see Genesis 3:17, see also Romans 8:20-22). While some of these verses may sound redundant to what has already been presented, this ’snapshot’ gives us a glimpse of our future sinless life eternal with God.
The River of the Water of Life
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
John is next shown a river flowing from the throne of God the Father and His Son. Instead of a classic headwater of a lake, another river, or a mountain runoff, this water is flowing from the source of all things, including all life. John describes the river as being “the water of life, bright as crystal.” There has never been a dispute about how water has always been essential for life, even secular science admits that. In the Bible, water is introduced in the second verse of the first book and it played a major role in creation (see Genesis 1:2, 6, 7, 9, 10). Water continues to be important throughout Scripture, for example: It was used to punish the world in a worldwide flood (see Genesis chapters 6-9); When God gave Moses the Law, water was a major component of cleansing after being spiritually defiled (see Leviticus chapters 14-16; Numbers chapter 19); In the New Testament water continued to be used for cleansing, as it represents forgiveness if sins and the renewal of life through the process of baptism (see Mark 16:16; John 3:5); And now we see the water of life flowing from God’s throne. From creation, to judgment, then to cleansing, all life is now without sin, no impurities, the water represents life as it was originally intended, truly radiant and clear!
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
A number of commentators and theologians stumble with this verse due to its apparent contradictions. For example, a river down the middle of a street, a single tree on both sides of the river, a tree having more than one kind of fruit, and the leaves providing healing for people who cannot get sick or hurt. Again, we need to remember that the “laws of nature” that we understand today do not apply here.
Having the river of the water of life flowing through the middle of the street in new Jerusalem is not too difficult to imagine, but what about the tree (singular) of life being on both sides of the river? Is this one tree connected underground with multiple tree trunks? Before answering, remember things are different now. Some commentators believe the river will be lined with several trees of life. The last time this tree was seen was in the garden of Eden before Adam and Eve were removed (see Genesis 3:24-25). The tree was taken out of reach from humanity because they would have lived forever in a fallen state (see Genesis 3:22). God wanted more for His people, here the tree is seen once again as life is no longer fallen. Plus, this certainly is not an ordinary tree as it has twelve kinds of fruit, one for each month of the year (which indicates that time is still being measured to some degree). Some suggest an alternate interpretation, that the tree produces the same kind of fruit but new fruit is available every month (allowing for twelve harvests).
Then we read that the leaves of the tree were for healing of the nations, as pointed out above, healing is unnecessary at this time. Since humanity is now free of disease and impervious to injury, there is no further need for physical healing. There will also be no need for psychologists or any form of psychotherapy as everyone’s minds will be renewed (see Romans 12:2; Titus 3:5). These leaves represent the relief God provided to all those in heaven (see Considerations below).
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Several Bible versions translate the beginning of verse three straightforwardly with words like, “There will no longer be any curse” (ASV, CSB, GW, ISV, KJV, LSB, NASB, NIV, NKJV, NLT, etc.) The curse on creation began immediately after the first sin (see Genesis 3:17) and everything that pertained to humanity changed, death introduced, along with corruption and decay. With the curse removed, creation will be restored to how it was originally intended. With the curse lifted and the corruption that resulted from the fall and the curse now gone forever, the throne of God the Father and God the Son will be in the new Jerusalem. No more separation, God and man together! Everyone will have access to God and will be able to worship Him face to face. And the name of God will be on everyone’s foreheads (see Revelation 3:12; 7:3; 14:1).
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
John once again records that there will no longer be night (see Revelation 21:25) and reiterates that there will no longer be the need the light of the sun as Jesus will provide the light (see Revelation 21:23).
Many question the plural ‘they’ regarding who will reign forever. Some believe that it refers to the Godhead, or at least God the Father and God the Son. A few quote 1 Corinthians 15:24-25, where Paul wrote: “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” They believe Paul is referring to Jesus stepping down from His reign in eternity. This would be an incorrect interpretation as the Jesus’ reign will never end. Paul is referring to the nature of His reign at that time during the Tribulation which would continue up to the time of final judgment. But now that everyone who belonged to Him are safely in heaven and the enemies are all gone, sent to the lake of fire (hell), His reign continues with those saved. The ‘plural’ is Jesus and all the saints (see Daniel 7:18, 27; Romans 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:4).
Considerations
It’s Not About the Water, the Fruit, Nor the Leaves
It’s easy to dream about the river, the tree of life, and its healing leaves, but instead of using our imaginations or even try to analyze what John is seeing, we need to stop and go back to the source. There is no life-giving water, no tree that offers life, and certainly no tree leaf that can heal, apart from God. These may represent a new existence, something entirely new, but we need to remember that God is the only life-giver. The life He is offering is beyond our comprehension. Just these three items alone tell us that God created and gave each of us life (represented by water throughout Scripture); healed our iniquities, illnesses, and freed us from all corruption (represented by the leaves); and then gave us eternity to live (represented by the Tree of Life). They will serve to remind us throughout eternity what He did for us, just as John Newton wrote, “When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.”[1] All praise, honor, and glory belong to Him!
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
The prophetic insight to the end of days and the transition to eternity is now complete. John is told by the angel (one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls of plagues, see Revelation 21:9) that what he heard was true and trustworthy. That the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets (referring to God being the source and inspiration of His prophets) had sent this angel to John to provide this prophetic information of what will happen in the future to all of His people.
The Greek ‘tachei’,[2] translated here as ’soon’ is often debated as it can influence one’s idea of God’s timing (see also Revelation 1:1).[3] The noun captures the idea of something occurring quickly or a short duration between two points in time. Some debate that from an ‘eternal’ perspective that the last nearly 2,000 years would be quick. Others debate that these events already took place, or that the text was wrong. But since the word can refer to something occurring quickly, it could mean that the events of the end times will happen in rapid succession.
7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
John hears Jesus say, “Behold, I am coming soon.” The adverb ‘soon’ (Greek ‘tachy’)[4] again carries the idea of quickly, with haste, but can also refer to something occurring suddenly. Jesus often spoke about His return (see John 14:1-4, 18, 28; 21:22-23; Revelation 3:11; 22:12, 20), He is once again reiterating this promise, and adds that everyone who keeps the words of the prophecy presented in the book of Revelation will be blessed, essentially repeating the promise He made early in the first chapter (see Revelation 1:3). As pointed out in the commentary of Revelation 1:3, the word ‘keep’ refers to keeping watch, to observe attentively. Readers will be blessed for their diligence and vigilance (don’t be influenced by a non-believing world or false teaching).
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
After seeing and hearing all that was presented to him to write, John testifies that he indeed witnessed these things, but apparently he again was overwhelmed (see Revelation 19:10). He fell down prostrate before his angel guide to worship him. The angel quickly stopped him and was told again that the angels are fellow servants of God and like all servants of God, they are to worship only God. Some question why would John include twice that he was moved to worship an angel. He could have easily left one or both events out, but with these ‘lapses’ of emotional stability he is loudly testifying that what he heard and saw were real, so real that he, one of Jesus’ apostles, fell to the ground!
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
John is told not to “seal up the words of the prophecy,” as the time is near. Up to this point the book of Revelation has presented a number of ‘seals’. First, Jesus was handed a seven-sealed scroll (see Revelation 5:1-7); the 144,000 Jews were sealed as recorded in Revelation 7:1-8; then John was told to “seal up” the words spoken by the seven thunders (see Revelation 10:4); and Satan was sealed in the bottomless pit for a thousand years (see Revelation 20:3). All these ‘seals’ were to prevent something, but here in the last chapter John is told to not seal the words. These words are to be available to all who desire to read the prophecy. Beside the words of the seven thunders, the book of Revelation is open for reading, studying, and keeping (see verse seven).
11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
Upon first glance this verse appears to be a statement that advocates for things to remain the same, keeping everything status quo. But these words near the end of the book can apply to any part of the Bible, either a reader accepts what is written and applies them to their lives, or they reject the words and carry on doing what they want regardless, there is no middle ground. An evildoer will continue doing evil, and the filthy (Greek ‘rhyparos’,[5] morally foul, filthy, or impure) will remain filthy, but those who read the words of prophecy that have accepted Jesus will continue to do that which is righteous and holy.
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
John quotes Jesus saying, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (NIV) Jesus repeats that He is coming soon (see verse seven) and adds that He is bringing with Him the rewards for those who aided in His kingdom (see Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:23; 20:12, see also Isaiah 40:10; 62:11).
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Jesus then proclaims again that He is the Alpha and the Omega, previously He noted that He is “the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come” (Revelation 1:8b, NLT). Which tells us that He is eternal, always the same, whether in the past, present, or future. But here He states that He is the “first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Note that any reference to the ‘present’ is gone, as the ‘end’, or more appropriately the last stage, has arrived. Being at the end there is only a past.
Considerations
In reading the book of Revelation we encounter on numerous occasions the sense of urgency. For example, Jesus promised He will come back soon (see Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20); that the things presented before John will occur soon (see Revelation 1:1; 22:6); and that Jesus will come again unexpectedly (see Revelation 3:3; 16:15). Even though we cannot know the date and time of Jesus’ return (see Matthew 24:36), believers need to be ready and expect to see Him at any time. What does that readiness look like? It will vary from person to person, but readiness for a believer is to continue doing the work of His kingdom. As ambassadors for Jesus that may mean through evangelism, teaching, caring for others, etc.
Final Warnings and the Ultimate Invite
We come to the final eight verses of the book of Revelation and of course since Revelation is the last book of the Bible, they are also the last verses of the Bible. Jesus summarizes the story of redemption through Him in this conclusion. As mentioned earlier, the entire Bible is about God’s plan of salvation with nearly every verse pointing to Jesus. Sadly, even though salvation is offered to all, not everyone will accept.
The following two verses summarize this choice, somewhat similar to signs on a road. If you are on a road that has a sign that reads, “Road Closed Ahead,” or one that describes a coming ‘Y’ in the road, a decision is needed to be made soon, perhaps very quickly. Here we read about the coming choice that will be required while still alive.
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
Believers in Jesus as their Savior will have their sins (illustrated as stains on robes, see Revelation 6:11; 7:9, 13-14) washed, so that they will be able to live forever with Jesus (as represented by the tree of life) and have access to Him and heaven (through the gates).
Some manuscripts begin with “Blessed are they that do his commandments” (or similar), as reported in the AV, GB, KJV and NKJV, instead of “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” This is believed to be a scribal error, either by them misplacing or incorrectly inserting the wording which can be found earlier in Revelation 12:17 and 14:12.[6]
15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
However, if the warning is not heeded, the person will remain unforgiven and in their sins. Here we read that those include people that are considered dogs (throughout the Bible dogs are used as a pejorative, for example see Deuteronomy 23:17-18; Isaiah 56:10-11; Philippians 3:2, some believe that this refers to them being sodomites); sorcerers (Greek ‘pharmakoi’, a pagan magician, often related to altered mental states through the use of drugs, see also Revelation 21:8); sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood (Greek ‘pseudos’,[7] to lie, also includes making a up a lie such as constructing an idol and calling it a god, see also Revelation 14:5; 21:8, 27). They will not be allowed to enter the new Jerusalem nor any part of heaven, as they will be casted into the lake of fire, a location also known as hell.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Jesus tells John, and through John to all readers, that He sent the angel to present the prophecy regarding the future for the churches. The book of Revelation was written for all believers. Jesus wanted to let them know what will happen in the ‘last days’. Jesus adds that He is the root and the descendant of King David (being the much-prophesied Messiah, see the following verses:[8] Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 22:18; 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; 2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 2:1-12; 16:1-11; 22:1-31; 40:1-17; 45:1-17; 110:1-7; Isaiah 7:10-16; 9:1-7; 11:1-16; 13:1-22; 52:13-53:12; 61:1-11; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; Micah 5:2; Malachi 3:1-4; Matthew 1:1; Revelation 5:5) and the bright morning star (being the prophesied King of kings, see Numbers 24:17).
This is the first reference of any church since chapter three, there was no mention of the church in the presentation of either the Tribulation or Millennium. The church, as a whole, existed on earth up to the time every believer was raptured (caught up) into heaven before or near the beginning of the Tribulation. Here, Jesus is saying that the book of Revelation is for the people of the churches, so that all believers can know what happens next. Revelation should not be considered frightening or even unknowable, it is an appropriate conclusion to an incredible love story that we call the Bible! Jesus didn’t need to give this book to us, but He did, because He loves us.
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 desires take the water of life without price.
One of the many roles of the Holy Spirit is to encourage people to accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus. And the primary role of every believer (the Bride, also known as the church) is to “go and make disciples of all nations” (see Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus tells us that both the Holy Spirit and the Bride extend an invitation to obtain eternal life with Him by saying “come.” Those that are thirsty are to be allowed to come (see Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37; Revelation 21:6) and anyone who desires to take the water of life that is provided for them for free by Jesus, is also to be invited (see Revelation 21:6).
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Jesus then offers a stern warning to anyone who tampers with the prophecy of the book of Revelation. No one is to add to the prophecy, in so doing God will add to them the plagues described in the book. Plus, no one is to remove any of the words of the book, as God will take away their share in the tree of life (no eternal life with Jesus) and will not be able to enter the new Jerusalem (or any part of heaven). This reiterates what Jesus once stated, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35b). If one teaches an abbreviated version of Revelation they risk being plagued like those described in the book, and if someone decides to include something that is not presented in the book, they are risking their eternity (see also 2 Peter 3:16-17). This would include someone seeking or professing any new revelation from God (false prophets and teachers). This is a serious warning, perhaps this is why many avoid reading the book (see below).
This warning should not be used out of context, verse nineteen is not proof that a believer can lose their salvation in this manner, it asserts that a true believer in Jesus will not modify nor tamper the Bible in any way.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
As the One who testifies to the creation and authenticity of the prophecies contained in this book (see verse sixteen), Jesus concludes by reminding all readers that He is coming back soon. And therefore all believers should respond with a resounding “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” John then closes the book with not only a comforting statement, but one that exemplifies the message of the entire Bible, that the grace of the Lord Jesus (that of receiving salvation which no human deserves) has been and continues to be available to all while they are alive, so make the right decision! To that, John and all believers can say again, “Amen!”
Considerations
Often called the “Beatitudes of Revelation,” there are seven blessings specifically offered in this book: 1) Revelation 1:3, to those who read the book of Revelation and keep watch will be blessed; 2) Revelation 14:13, to those who die believing in Jesus from that moment on will be blessed; 3) Revelation 16:15, to those who remain awake watching with their clothes on, ready for Jesus’ return will be blessed; 4) Revelation 19:9, to those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb will be blessed; 5) Revelation 20:6, to those who will share in the first resurrection will be blessed; 6) Revelation 22:7, to those that keep the words of the prophecy in the book of Revelation will be blessed; and 7) Revelation 22:14, to those who had their robes washed so that they can access the tree of life and enter new Jerusalem will be blessed.
A Very Serious Warning Indeed!
The warnings outlined in verses eighteen and nineteen are strong warnings (see also Deuteronomy 4:2), while it is true that the entire Bible should be treated with the same respect (left alone without human modification), these are truly a remarkable warnings. It is curious why these warnings are either overlooked or ignored. As we have already discussed, the book of Revelation, and Biblical eschatology as a whole, have been added to and subtracted from possibly more than any other component of theology, as attested by the great number of conflicting commentaries, this commentary included. That is why prayer should precede every time Scripture is read and studied. The Holy Spirit should supply the discernment, not a human author.
As mentioned before, Jesus and every epistle writer warned against listening to false teachers and prophets. One popular approach through the years has been to claim that God has given them new instructions through divine inspiration. These last eight verses of the Bible help us recognize that through the written word of God, the Bible, we have what we need to make a decision, nothing more is required, nor allowed.
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[1] Fourth stanza of the popular hymn "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton (1725-1807).
[2] Strong’s Greek 5034.
[3] See commentary under Revelation 1:1 regarding interpretations of timing.
[4] Strong’s Greek 5035.
[5] Strong’s Greek 4508.
[6] Metzger, B. M., United Bible Societies. (1994). A textual commentary on the Greek New Testament, second edition a companion volume to the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament (4th rev. ed.) (p. 690). United Bible Societies.
[7] Strong’s Greek 5579.
[8] To follow the ‘Messiah’ (the Anointed One) thread, the Septuagint version of the Old Testament may be required.