Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 22:21

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the saints. Amen." — Revelation 22:21 (ASV)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .—There is some variety of reading among the manuscripts. We should probably read, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all (or else, following the Sinaitic MS., be with the saints). Amen.

In any case, it is the grace or free pardon of the Lord Jesus which is the last word left in our ears. It reminds us that whatever may be the dangers or difficulties, the afflictions or persecutions which have been pictured in the book, there is strength and love in the Lord.

It reminds us that whether we are readers or interpreters of this book, or whether we are trying to carry out its teachings practically in daily life, our power and wisdom must come from Him.

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Without Him it would not have been written; without Him it cannot be understood; without Him it cannot be obeyed.

The writer prays that this grace of Christ our Lord, for mind and heart and life, may rest with those who read this Commentary, so that they may be led into deeper knowledge of Him who is our life.

The writer asks the reader to pray that this grace of Christ may rest in forgiveness and love upon him who has now finished his task of commenting on this book, whose hidden meanings must far transcend our knowledge and our expectations.

May He (He alone can) open our eyes to see the shining towers of the Heavenly Jerusalem; may He unseal our ears to hear the heavenly music to which it is being built; may He bind us by His love to that sweet service and citizenship which is perfect freedom, and bring us to that spiritual city which is full of divine enchantments—

“For there is nothing in it as it seems
Except the King; though some hold
The King a shadow, and the city real;
Yet take heed of Him, for, if you pass
Beneath this archway, then you will become
A slave to His enchantments, for the King
Will bind you by such vows as it is a shame
A man should not be bound by, yet which
No man can keep; but if you dread to swear,
Do not pass beneath this gateway, but remain
Outside among the cattle of the field.
For, if you hear music, likely enough
They are building still, since the city is built
To music, therefore never built at all,
And therefore built for ever.”