Matthew Henry Commentary Revelation 22

All streams of earthly comfort are muddy, but these are clear and refreshing. They give life and preserve life to those who drink of them, and thus they will flow forevermore. These point to the quickening and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to sinners through Christ. The Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, applies this salvation to our souls by His new-creating love and power. The trees of life are fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God.

The presence of God in heaven is the health and happiness of the saints. This tree was an emblem of Christ and of all the blessings of His salvation; and the leaves for the healing of the nations mean that His favour and presence supply all good to the inhabitants of that blessed world. The devil has no power there; he cannot draw the saints from serving God, nor can he disturb them in the service of God.

God and the Lamb are spoken of here as one. Service there will be not only freedom, but honour and dominion. There will be no night. There will be no affliction or dejection, no pause in service or enjoyment—indeed, no diversions or pleasures of human invention will be wanted there. How different all this is from gross and merely human views of heavenly happiness, even those which refer to pleasures of the mind!

The Lord Jesus spoke by the angel, solemnly confirming the contents of this book, particularly of this last vision. He is the Lord God, faithful and true. He also spoke by His messengers, the holy angels, who showed these things to holy men of God. They are things that must shortly be done; Christ will come quickly and remove all doubt.

This confirmation also comes through 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 the idolatrous worship of saints and angels. God calls everyone to witness to the declarations made here.

This book, thus kept open, will have an effect on people; the filthy and unjust will become more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God. Let us never 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 from heaven all wicked and unrighteous people, particularly those who love and make lies; therefore, it 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 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 anyone should hesitate, it is added, Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take of the water of life freely. May everyone who hears or reads these words desire at once to accept the gracious invitation. All are condemned who dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to it or taking from it.

After revealing these things to His people on earth, Christ seems to take leave of them and return to heaven; but He assures them it will not be long before He comes again.

And while we are busy in the duties of our different stations of life, whatever labors may test us, whatever difficulties may surround us, whatever sorrows may press us down, let us with pleasure hear our Lord proclaiming, Behold, I come quickly; I come to put an end to the labor and suffering of My servants. I come, and My reward of grace is with Me, to recompense with royal bounty every work of faith and labor of love.

I come to receive My faithful, persevering people to Myself, to dwell forever in that blissful world. Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus.

A blessing closes the whole. By the grace of Christ we must be kept in joyful expectation of His glory, fitted for it, and preserved to it; and His glorious appearance will be joyful to those who partake of His grace and favor here.

Let all add, Amen. Let us earnestly thirst after greater measures of the gracious influences of the blessed Jesus in our souls, and His gracious presence with us, until glory has made perfect His grace toward us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.