- Home
- Bible
- Revelation
- Chapter 16
- Verse 16
Revelation 16:15
Verse
Context
The First Six Bowls of Wrath
14These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.15“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
Sermons
David WilkersonDavid Wilkerson
Chuck SmithDavid Wilkerson
Kay Smith
Ken BairdSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, I come as a thief - Here is a sudden but timely warning to put every man on his guard, when this sudden and generally unexpected tribulation should take place. Keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked - Here is a plain allusion to the office of him who was called the prefect or overseer, of the mountain of the temple. His custom was to go his rounds during the watches of the night; and if he found any of the Levites sleeping on his watch, he had authority to beat him with a stick, and burn his vestments. See Middoth, fol. 34, 1, and Tamid. fol. 27, 2; 28, 1. Such a person being found on his return home naked, it was at once known that he had been found asleep at his post, had been beaten, and his clothes burnt; thus his shame was seen - he was reproached for his infidelity and irreligion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The gathering of the world kings with the beast against the Lamb is the signal for Christ's coming; therefore He here gives the charge to be watching for His coming and clothed in the garments of justification and sanctification, so as to be accepted. thief-- (Mat 24:43; Pe2 3:10). they--saints and angels. shame--literally, "unseemliness" (Greek, "aschemosunee"): Greek, Co1 13:5 : a different word from the Greek in Rev 3:18 (Greek, "aischunee").
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he gathered them together,.... Or rather "they gathered them together", as the Syriac version renders it; for though the verb is singular, a noun plural goes before it, as in Rev 16:14 and the same spirits that are there said to go forth, to gather the kings gether, these will gather them together; will persuade the Papal, Pagan, and Mahometan powers, the remains of them in the several parts of the world, to join together, and make one effort for the reviving of their declining, and almost ruined interests: for which purpose they will be brought together, into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon; which may be the same with Har-megiddo, the mountain of Megiddo; for the Hebrew word is read "Ar" by the Greeks; so the city Argarize is interpreted the mountain of the most High (d): and this refers either to the slaying of Josiah in the valley of Megiddo, which occasioned such mourning, that it became proverbial for any great sorrow; see Ch2 35:22 where it is called the valley of Megiddon; or rather to the slaughter of Sisera's army at the waters of Megiddo, by Barak, Jdg 5:19 suggesting that the same would be the fate of these united powers. Some derive the word from and which signify "the destruction of their troops", or "armies"; and so designs not any place, that has been or is, but which will be so called from the issue of this battle; and since it is an Hebrew name that will be given it, it may lead us to conclude it will be somewhere in Judea, and very likely no other than the valley of Jehoshaphat, where all nations will be gathered; and which is called the valley of decision, where will be the day of the Lord, and multitudes will be slain, Joe 3:2 though the name will suit any place where there will be a defeat of these enemies; but this vial only brings them together; the utter destruction of them is reserved for the next. (d) Euseb, Prepar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 17. p. 419.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:15 Readers are warned to look because the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (see also 3:3; Matt 24:43; 25:13; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10). Being ready for his coming requires preparation; those who are not prepared will not have the proper clothing and will find themselves naked (see Matt 22:11-13). This imagery recalls the two failing churches: lifeless Sardis, which is told to “wake up” (Rev 3:2), and lukewarm Laodicea, which is advised to obtain proper clothing (3:18).
Revelation 16:15
The First Six Bowls of Wrath
14These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.15“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Last Days of America
By David Wilkerson6.9K1:20:20JER 11:18MAT 24:361TH 5:22PE 3:10REV 3:3REV 16:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of coming judgments. He believes that America is not favored by God and will be judged just like other countries. The preacher describes a vision of a train approaching, representing impending judgment, and expresses concern that many people are not listening or heeding the warning. He acknowledges that his message is heavy and may be longer than usual, but he feels compelled to share it based on his interpretation of the word of God and patterns of divine judgment seen in the Bible.
The Destiny of Man
By David Wilkerson2.9K55:30GEN 11:4PSA 12:1PSA 12:8JER 5:1EZK 22:30MAT 6:33REV 16:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of the Lord, according to His mind and will. However, when Adam and Eve chose to live for themselves, they were driven out of the garden and experienced sweat, murder, hate, anxiety, and fear. The preacher highlights the misery and pain that many Christians experience when they lose sight of their reason for being created. He encourages believers to seek their destiny and find completeness and fullness in Jesus. The destiny of every human being is summed up in Colossians 1:16, which states that all things were created by Jesus and for Him.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 16
By Chuck Smith1.9K53:10Through The BibleGEN 18:23REV 16:1REV 16:6REV 16:15REV 16:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the second coming of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and keeping one's faith strong, as Jesus will return unexpectedly like a thief. The preacher also highlights the righteousness and fairness of God's judgments, using the examples of Sodom and Gomorrah. He mentions that the current atrocities and evil actions in the world can be attributed to demonic forces. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God's love and forgiveness are available to all who repent and turn to Him.
The Coming of Jesus
By David Wilkerson1.4K37:14MAT 24:42MRK 13:32LUK 21:361CO 16:131TH 5:21TH 5:61PE 5:82PE 3:10REV 3:3REV 16:15
This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to be prepared and expectant for His coming. It highlights the need for spiritual awakening, readiness, and a deep connection with the Holy Spirit to discern the signs of the times and stay faithful amidst societal challenges and distractions.
(Timeless Doctrines) Revelation's Timeless Doctrines - Part 2
By Denny Kenaston1.3K1:25:34DoctrineISA 65:17ISA 65:25MRK 8:34REV 9:20REV 16:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not slow in fulfilling His promises, but rather patient, desiring that all people come to repentance. The preacher then discusses the impending judgment of the day of the Lord, describing the destruction and burning of the works of man on earth. He references the book of Revelation, highlighting the signs of judgment such as earthquakes, famine, and wars. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of relying on the grace and power of God, particularly in the last days, and encourages listeners to seek the fullness of the Spirit of God.
Pleasing God - Pt. 6
By Kay Smith8481:16:39Pleasing GodGEN 5:24MAT 6:331TH 4:12TI 4:8REV 16:15In this sermon, the speaker begins by explaining their purpose in sharing the message. They express a deep concern for women who are not walking in the way God intended or who are struggling to find answers in the Bible. The speaker shares that their calling to speak comes from a love and care for women and a desire to see them go deeper in their relationship with God. They mention two concepts that have greatly impacted their life: the fear of God, which is an awe and reverence that keeps one from sinning, and pleasing God, which provides answers to many questions.
Seven Beatitudes in Revelation
By Ken Baird42243:08REV 14:13REV 16:15REV 19:7REV 20:6REV 22:7In this sermon, John is back on the Isle of Patience after the revelations have ended. He emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and the blessings that come from it. He discusses the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation and how the Lord reveals Himself to each church according to their specific needs. The sermon also touches on the blessing of being with Christ, either through death or waiting for deliverance, and the importance of watching for His return.
Epistle 69
By George Fox0Living in the SpiritSpiritual Growth1CO 5:31TH 5:19REV 3:18REV 16:15George Fox addresses his friends in Malton, urging them to focus on the pure life of God within themselves to grow spiritually and avoid strife and confusion. He emphasizes the importance of living in the wisdom of God, which is granted to those with pure hearts, and encourages them to wait on the Spirit for guidance and righteousness. Fox reminds them to not quench the Spirit but to live in the authority and power of the Son of God, assuring them of his spiritual presence and joy in their faith.
Holiness - Revelation 16:15 (Spotless Garments, With the Need of Godly Parenting and Purity in Youth)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Godly ParentingHolinessMAT 5:8LUK 12:37ROM 12:12CO 7:1EPH 5:27HEB 12:14JAS 4:81PE 1:161JN 3:3REV 16:15Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of holiness and godly parenting in preparing for the return of Christ, urging believers to keep their spiritual garments spotless. He highlights the ongoing spiritual battle within individuals and families, where the true war is fought over the hearts of believers, determining their readiness for Christ's reign. Waldvogel calls for a commitment to purity and holiness, reminding the congregation that Jesus offers the power to remain undefiled amidst a corrupt generation. He stresses the importance of repentance and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood to maintain a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he encourages the faithful to watch and prepare for the Lord's coming, as it could happen at any moment.
Rev. 16:15. the Swift and Sudden Advent
By Horatius Bonar0Preparation for Christ's ReturnSpiritual VigilanceMAT 24:42MAT 25:1LUK 12:35ROM 13:11EPH 6:111TH 5:2HEB 10:252PE 3:101JN 2:28REV 16:15Horatius Bonar emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for Christ's swift and sudden return, as highlighted in Revelation 16:15. He warns that Christ will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, and urges believers to remain vigilant and keep their spiritual garments intact. Bonar outlines the importance of watching, maintaining communion with God, and being ready to meet the Lord, as neglecting these can lead to shame and exposure. He reassures that those who watch and keep their garments will be blessed, while also issuing a stark warning to the unprepared. The sermon serves as a call to awaken from spiritual slumber and be ready for the imminent return of Christ.
Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day nor the Hour
By A.B. Simpson0VigilanceSpiritual ReadinessMAT 24:42MRK 13:33LUK 12:391TH 5:2REV 16:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of vigilance in our spiritual lives, using the metaphor of a thief to illustrate the unexpectedness of Jesus' return. He likens life to a house divided into three watches: youth, maturity, and old age, reminding us that we must be prepared to meet God at any stage. Simpson shares a cautionary tale from a camping experience where neglecting to keep watch led to loss, underscoring that we should always be on guard against sin. The sermon calls for a proactive approach to spiritual readiness, as the summons to meet God can come at any moment. Ultimately, it is a reminder that vigilance is essential in our walk with Christ.
Many Shall Be Purified, and Made White, and Tried
By A.B. Simpson0PurificationReadiness for Christ's ReturnISA 1:18DAN 12:10MAT 24:42ROM 5:31CO 3:132TI 4:8JAS 1:21PE 1:7REV 3:18REV 16:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the dual promise of purification and glorification in preparation for the Lord's coming. He explains that purification involves the removal of sin, while being made white signifies the illumination of God's glory within us. To receive both, believers must endure trials and challenges that deepen their reliance on Christ. Simpson warns that we are in the days leading up to the Lord's return, urging the faithful to remain vigilant and prepared. He concludes with a call to recognize the signs of the times and the urgency of spiritual readiness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, I come as a thief - Here is a sudden but timely warning to put every man on his guard, when this sudden and generally unexpected tribulation should take place. Keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked - Here is a plain allusion to the office of him who was called the prefect or overseer, of the mountain of the temple. His custom was to go his rounds during the watches of the night; and if he found any of the Levites sleeping on his watch, he had authority to beat him with a stick, and burn his vestments. See Middoth, fol. 34, 1, and Tamid. fol. 27, 2; 28, 1. Such a person being found on his return home naked, it was at once known that he had been found asleep at his post, had been beaten, and his clothes burnt; thus his shame was seen - he was reproached for his infidelity and irreligion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The gathering of the world kings with the beast against the Lamb is the signal for Christ's coming; therefore He here gives the charge to be watching for His coming and clothed in the garments of justification and sanctification, so as to be accepted. thief-- (Mat 24:43; Pe2 3:10). they--saints and angels. shame--literally, "unseemliness" (Greek, "aschemosunee"): Greek, Co1 13:5 : a different word from the Greek in Rev 3:18 (Greek, "aischunee").
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he gathered them together,.... Or rather "they gathered them together", as the Syriac version renders it; for though the verb is singular, a noun plural goes before it, as in Rev 16:14 and the same spirits that are there said to go forth, to gather the kings gether, these will gather them together; will persuade the Papal, Pagan, and Mahometan powers, the remains of them in the several parts of the world, to join together, and make one effort for the reviving of their declining, and almost ruined interests: for which purpose they will be brought together, into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon; which may be the same with Har-megiddo, the mountain of Megiddo; for the Hebrew word is read "Ar" by the Greeks; so the city Argarize is interpreted the mountain of the most High (d): and this refers either to the slaying of Josiah in the valley of Megiddo, which occasioned such mourning, that it became proverbial for any great sorrow; see Ch2 35:22 where it is called the valley of Megiddon; or rather to the slaughter of Sisera's army at the waters of Megiddo, by Barak, Jdg 5:19 suggesting that the same would be the fate of these united powers. Some derive the word from and which signify "the destruction of their troops", or "armies"; and so designs not any place, that has been or is, but which will be so called from the issue of this battle; and since it is an Hebrew name that will be given it, it may lead us to conclude it will be somewhere in Judea, and very likely no other than the valley of Jehoshaphat, where all nations will be gathered; and which is called the valley of decision, where will be the day of the Lord, and multitudes will be slain, Joe 3:2 though the name will suit any place where there will be a defeat of these enemies; but this vial only brings them together; the utter destruction of them is reserved for the next. (d) Euseb, Prepar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 17. p. 419.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:15 Readers are warned to look because the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (see also 3:3; Matt 24:43; 25:13; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10). Being ready for his coming requires preparation; those who are not prepared will not have the proper clothing and will find themselves naked (see Matt 22:11-13). This imagery recalls the two failing churches: lifeless Sardis, which is told to “wake up” (Rev 3:2), and lukewarm Laodicea, which is advised to obtain proper clothing (3:18).