Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 16:15

"(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walked naked, and they see his shame.)" — Revelation 16:15 (ASV)

Behold, I come . . .—Translate, Behold, I come as a thief. It is the often-repeated Scripture warning (Revelation 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3; 2 Peter 3:10. Compare Luke 12:35-40). It reminds us not only that our Lord may come unexpectedly, but that He may even come and we may be unaware. There is one day when He will come, and every eye will behold Him; but He comes in various ways and forms to bless and to test man.

Blessed are they who are ready, watching. But vigilance is not enough: the garments must be kept. The powers of evil are abroad. Sloth and pleasure may counsel ease, and tempt the watcher to lay aside his garments and take rest and sleep. The earnest watcher desires, like St. Paul, to be found in Christ, clad in the true righteousness of faith (Philippians 3:9).