Matthew Henry Commentary Revelation 22:6-19

"And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass. And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book. And I John am he that heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that showed me these things. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand. He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still. Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right [to come] to the tree of life, and my enter in by the gates into the city. Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely. I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book." — Revelation 22:6-19 (ASV)

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.