Revelation 22

Revelation 22:1

ANd he shewed me] The description of the holy citie is finished in the five first verses of this chapter; and the conclusion of the book followeth.

a pure river] A river is a great ornament to a citie; it is pleasant and profitable, to convey persons and provisions to it. This is no pond, but a river: and not a troubled or muddy river, but a pure one.

of water of life] So called, not onely because it floweth always, and putteth forth new waters; in which respect, waters that come from a fountain are called Living waters, Genesis 26:19. but also because it preserveth life in those that drink of it, John 4:45.

clear as crystal] Transparent, and exceeding all fountains in cleernesse. Most pleasant to the eye, as shewing to it all that is therein to the very bottom: and most pleasing to the taste, as free from mud and filth.

proceeding out of the throne] The river of paradise came out of the earth, Genesis 2:10. That in Ezekiel, out of the temple, Ezekiel 47:1. This here, out of Gods throne.

of God, and of the Lamb] God and Christ sit on one throne. See v. 3. This sheweth Christ to be God, equall to the Father. Some interpret this river of the holy Ghost, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, as a river from a fountain, and satisfieth all that thirst, with his Spirituall gifts, John 7:38-39. Others apply it to the Church on earth, thinking that it importeth something to be fulfilled in the famous Church, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, before the end of the world; and to be an allusion to Ezekiel 47:1. where the waters are said to come from the temple and altar, v. 1. But here being no temple nor altar, chap. 21. 22. it is said to come from the throne of God and the Lamb.

Therefore it is said to go toward the east, Ezekiel 47:1; Ezekiel 47:8. Zechariah 14:8. And it signifieth the purest preaching of the Gospel thorow the world, which bringeth life and health to the soul, as living waters to plants, Ezekiel 47:9. and refresheth the Church, Psalms 46:4. Others understand it of heavenly glory, which is most pleasing and perspicuous, and cometh from Gods mercy, and the merits of Christ, Tit. 2. 11, 13. & 3. 4, 5, 6. and bringeth us to communion with them both, 1 John 1:3. Hebrews 12:22-24.

Revelation 22:2

in the midst] An allusion to the earthly paradise, where the tree of life stood in the midst of the garden, Genesis 2:9.

of the street] An open river for all, not a sealed fountain.

of it] Of the citie, chap. 21. 21, 27.

and of either side of the river] That is, many trees of this kinde grew there, some on the one side of the river, some on the other, as Ezekiel 47:7; Ezekiel 47:12. that men on either side might have plenty of fruit, and come easily at it. Or, and of the river, which ran on each side of it: that is, one tree of life grew in the midst of the river, which compassed the earth whereon it grew, as it were with two arms: and this tree was so great, that it did stretch out boughs, with leaves and fruit on them, plentifully to both sides. So fruitfull are trees that grow by rivers, Psalms 1:3.

the tree of life] Alluding to that tree in paradise, which should have been to Adam a seal of everlasting life, if he had continued in the estate of innocency, Genesis 3:22. See chap. 2. 7. Here is meat and drink, and that in great plenty, and for perpetuity, Psalms 36:8. Fruitfull trees planted by the waters, wither not, Psalms 1:3.

twelve manner of fruits] Twelve divers kindes of fruits, so that they need not be cloyed with one kinde. It serveth instead of all Ezekiels trees, if it be but one. Or, twelve fruits of one kinde, brought forth twelve times in a yeer. The former argueth variety of comforts; the later, plenty. The former is an help against loathing; the later, against lacking.

every moneth] It is autumn here always. There is no need to lay up food against the winter.

for the healing] Ezekiel 47:12. Malachi 4:2. Not by feeding on the leaves, but by covering themselves with them, or laying them on their wounds. For although leaves of trees be not usually eaten, yet they are used many times physically, to heal wounds. So that they should not onely live, but also live in health.

of the nations] Or, of the Gentiles, chap. 11. 2. And then the fruit was to feed such as were in the Church; the leaves, to heal others, that they might come in: as the bread is for children, the crums for dogs, Matthew 15:27. Either it is to be understood of Gods word, which is food and physick to us here, 1 Peter 2:2. Hebrews 5:12. Psalms 107:20. which shall be more clearly and plentifully preached, before the end of the world, then yet it ever was: or else of Christ our Saviour, who is All in all to us, and by whom we shall live for ever in heaven.

Revelation 22:3

no more curse] Evil thing, person, or action. Or, curse, that is, destruction. Gr. curse against any one. Such shall be the force of discipline, and vigilancy of pastours, and Gods blessing on their labours, that God shall not need to destroy obstinate sinners from heaven, for contempt of his ordinances and ministers, Zechariah 14:11.

the throne of God, &c.] See v. 1.

shall be in it] God will settle his throne there. There shall be no rotten members, to make God to depart from it, as he did from Shiloh, Psalms 79:58-60. and from Jerusalem, 2 Kings 21:14. 15. But this is that Sion where God will dwell for ever, Psalms 132:14.

shall serve him] Though Gods servants shall enjoy abundance of grace and comfort here on earth, before the end of the world, and perfection of glory in heaven; yet the relation of servants to God, shall abide still.

Revelation 22:4

they shall see his face] They shall converse familiarly with him, 2 Samuel 14:32. Deuteronomy 30:10. 2 John 5:12. They shall worship God so purely, that he shall seem to converse with them, face to face. Or, it setteth out their full happinesse in heaven, which consisteth principally in seeing Gods face, Matthew 5:8. Job 19:26. 1 Corinthians 13:12. 1 John 3:2.

his name shall be in their foreheads] Gods name, chap. 3. 12. & 14. 1. His image shall be more fully imprinted on them, then on other Christians in former times. Or, he shall own them publikely, and all that they have, Zechariah 14:20-21. Or, they shall glory most in this, that they are Gods children. Or, they shall as children converse with him in heaven. For there it will appear who are Gods children, though here it do not. The saints shall know one another, as the high-priest was known, when Holinesse to the Lord was written in the plate on his forehead, Exodus 25:38.

Revelation 22:5

And there shall be, &c.] Chap. 21. 23.

no night there] No such darknesse of ignorance, confusion, or affliction, as was before. Or, no darknesse literally, or of affliction at all, if it be understood of heaven. In the day here, they feared night; in prosperity, adversity: there, they shall not need to do it. To heal that fear, that which was said, chap. 21. 23. is here repeated.

they need no candle, &c.] They need not light by day or night. They have so much knowledge of God, and comfort in him, that they seem to have no need of outward means and comforts, Isaiah 19:20. Or, in heaven they shall need no reading or preaching of the word, the light of the soul, Psalms 119:105. 2 Peter 1:19. 1 Corinthians 13:8.

for the Lord God giveth them light] Knowledge and comfort shall so abound in them, that all may see they come rather from God, then from the means, Isaiah 54:13. Jeremiah 31:34. Or, they receive fulnesse of knowledge and comfort from God in heaven.

shall reign] Lest men should think it an hard service spoken of, v. 3. he addeth, They shall reign, to shew that their service shall be a most happie kingdom.

for ever and ever] Their kingdom begun here, shall never end, but be translated to heaven. Or, they shall reign in heaven for ever.

Revelation 22:6

And he said unto me] The conclusion of the book. In Genesis, the first book, is set out the beginning of the world, and of the Church. The history of both, is continued in other books for a long time; and it is carried on in this last book, by way of prophecie, to the end.

and true] See chap. 19. 9. & 21. 5. The Spirit knew that this book would be more questioned then others, and therefore by his angel confirmeth the truth of all things written in it, in the conclusion, by many arguments; because the servants of God, hearing of them, would be very desirous to see the event of all these prophecies. As if he should say, All is now revealed, and all that is revealed is true: nothing remaineth, but that ye give credit to it, and patiently expect Gods performance, which will undoubtedly follow in his time.

God of the holy prophets] See Luke 1:70. God, who separated and inspired holy men to be prophets, that they might foretell things to come; hath revealed these things also by his angel, chap. 1. 1. and therefore they shall certainly come to passe.

Revelation 22:7

Behold] Chap. 21. 3. He bringeth in the Lord God of the prophets mentioned in the former verse, speaking in his own person in this verse. Or, Christ sending his angel to reveal these things, v. 16. may interpose, and speak himself, when he please. Or, the angel sent by him, speaketh sometimes in his own person, sometimes in the person of Christ.

I come quickly] See v. 12, 20. I begin soon to execute these things; and that shall be a pawn to you, that I will not give over the work, till I make an end of all. Therefore they must not be sealed, v. 10. that men seeing some things foretold soon performed, might with patience expect the performance of the rest.

blessed is he, &c.] The conclusion is like the preface, chap. 1. 3.

Revelation 22:8

I John] He sheweth, that this book was not written by any false prophet, but by himself, who was well known in the Church.

saw these things] He confirmeth the revelation here, as he did his gospel before, John 19:35. & John 21:24. and his epistle, 1 John 1:1.

and heard them] I saw the visions, and heard the words. He was worthy to be believed; for he receiveth nothing at the second hand, but saw and heard himself, what he writeth. All the Churches knew, that he received what he writ, from Gods Spirit, and did faithfully dispense it.

I fell down, &c.] Before, chap. 19. 20. Or it may be, now, toward the end, being more fully acquainted with the glory of the holy citie then before, he forgat himself, and out of weaknesse erred the second time, as Abraham did about his wife, Genesis 12:13. and Genesis 20:2. It seemeth John did it now again, because it is after he had seen all the visions: and other words are attributed to the angel here, then were, chap. 19. 10.

Revelation 22:9

See thou do it not] See on chap. 19. 10.

Revelation 22:10

Seal not the sayings] Propound it openly; conceal no part of it: as sealing is concealing, chap. 10. 4. Isaiah 8:16. & Isaiah 22:11. Daniel 12:4, 9. Lest John should think that he ought not to reveal so great mysteries to the people, he is bidden not to conceal them; and a reason is added, Because the time is nigh.

of the prophecie of this book] Look on v. 7.

for the time is at hand] Mysteries are often kept secret, till God see a fit time to reveal them, chap. 10. 4, 5. They are revealed, when the Church may get most good, as when the time of fulfilling draweth nigh. The time, in the Greek, is, the season; that is, the fit and appointed time.

Revelation 22:11

He that is unjust] If it be objected, Some will abuse these things, to hurt themselves and others; the answer is here included, They must not be concealed, for all that. Others will make a better use of them. Good men must not be deprived of the knowledge of these comforts, because men to whom they belong not will abuse them.

unjust] Towards others. To this, righteous is opposed.

filthy] In himself. To this, holy is opposed.

let him be filthy still] Those that remain obstinate, shall be given over to their own lusts, and grow worse and worse, Psalms 81:11-12. Ezekiel 3:27. & Ezekiel 20:29. Daniel 12:10. Amos 4:4. 2 Timothy 3:13. Or, such as are obstinate, and incorrigibly wicked, let them be left, and given over to their own lewd and loose courses of life; as 1 Corinthians 14:38.

holy still] Or, more holy. Either persist or encrease in holinesse. And so in the former.

Revelation 22:12

And behold, I come quickly] As I said before, v. 7. Little time will passe, from the foretelling of these things, to the beginning of fulfilling them. Look therefore for my coming to execute them, as a servant forewarned doeth for his masters, Mat_ 24:44-45.

my reward is with me] Christ cometh not empty-handed. His reward is ready, for good men and bad, Isaiah 40:10. & Isaiah 62:11.

to give, &c.] Romans 2:6.

Revelation 22:13

Alpha and Omega] Chap. 1. 8. & 21. 6.

the first and the last] Isaiah 41:4. & 44 6.

Revelation 22:14

his commandments] Christ’s, if the angel speak in his own person. Or God’s, if Christ speak, or the angel in the person of Christ. See v. 7, 12.

that they may have right] And so may inherite heaven, as Gods children, Matthew 25:34. and coheirs with Christ, Romans 8:17-18.

to the tree of life] See v. 2. Chap. 2. 7.

thorow the gates] Chap. 21. 12. For over the wall they could not go, it was so high, chap. 21. 12, 16, 17. An allusion to a guarded citie, whose high walls keep out such as have no right to enter, and porters at the gates let in such as have.

Revelation 22:15

For without. Gr. But without.

dogs] Men that bark and snarl at all goodnesse, Philippians 3:2. Matthew 7:6. It is an happinesse to be without the society of such. Or, filthy persons, such as are spoken of, v. 11. called Dogs, Deuteronomy 23:18. 2 Peter 2:22.

and murderers] Chap. 21. 8, 27.

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus, &c.] Now Christ confirmeth the truth of all these things, by his own voice acknowledging, that they came all from him.

have sent mine angel] Chap. 1. 1.

to you] In the seven churches, chap. 1. 4. Hereby he sheweth what great honour he did to those churches, to commit this treasure to their custodie.

I am the root, &c.] Chap. 5. 5. Isaiah 11:1. I can give you the promised happinesse; for I am the Messias of Davids seed, that must reign for ever.

the bright morning-Star] Chap. 2. 28. His birth was manifested to the wise-men by a star, Matthew 2:2; Matthew 2:9-10. to shew that he was the star foretold, Numbers 24:17. which bringeth the day of knowledge to the church, and glory, after the night of ignorance and misery, 2 Peter 1:19.

Revelation 22:17

the Spirit] The holy Ghost breedeth desire of Christs coming in the heart of the church, which is Christs Bride; who also freely answereth to his motions, v. 20. Romans 8:23, 26. 2 Corinthians 5:2, 4.

the Bride] She desireth to be married to Christ; for she had made her self ready, chap. 19. 7. Gods children desire the fulfilling of these things, that they may be more neerly joyned to Christ. See chap. 6. 10. & 19. 17. 2 Timothy 4:8.

Come] To fulfill these things. Or, to judgement, that we may be with thee for ever.

him that heareth] Not onely the church in generall, and each Christian then alive; but also their posterity, when they shall hear of these glorious things, shall long for the performance of them.

let him that is athirst come] Chap. 21. 6. Isaiah 55:1. The prophecie may kindle this thirst in good men; the performance will quench it: else were the expecters miserable, Proverbs 13:12. 1 Corinthians 15:19.

the water of life] Of the river, v. 2. So here is water of life to drink, and a tree of life to give food.

freely] Let them participate of grace or glory, as freely and plentifully as if it were water, 1 Timothy 6:19. James 1:5. Or, Though they shall have abundance of both, yet it is of Gods free grace; for they deserve not one drop of this water, nor cannot procure it by any strength or wit they have of themselves, Romans 6:23.

Revelation 22:18

For] It may be left out, as it is, Acts 4:34. & Acts 8:31. in the beginning of the verses: for it yeeldeth no reason of that which went before. Or it may be read, And, as Acts 8:39. in the end of the verse. Or, no doubt; as 1 Corinthians 9:10.

I testifie] Gr. I testifie together. As Moses did of the law, Deuteronomy 4:2. & Deuteronomy 12:32. & Deuteronomy 30:6. so do I of this prophecie. It is therefore of divine authority, as that book is. Or, I sent my angel to testifie these things, v. 16. now I confirm his testimony, by threatning all that adde to, or take from it. Or, I confirm what John averreth, v. 8.

the words of the prophecie of this book] Vers. 7, 10.

shall adde unto him] Or, shall lay upon him.

Revelation 22:19

the words, &c.] See v. 18.

out of the book of life] Chap. 21. 27.

out of the holy citie] Chap. 21. 2.

the things which are written in this book] Chap. 1. 3.

Revelation 22:20

He which testifieth these things] Christ, v. 16, 18. the faithfull Witnesse, chap. 1. 5. from whom, as the Gospel came, so likewise this revelation.

I come quickly] He had said so before, v. 7, 12. Now he repeateth it the third time, that we may not think he stayeth too long for us.

Even so. Come Lord Jesus] Johns voice, desiring it may be as Christ hath said. He grew old, and desired to be with Christ quickly, as other of the saints do, v. 17. and Paul, Philippians 1:23. Thus John, who received these mysteries from heaven, and writ them in a book, concludeth it with a double wish; one, of Christs coming, in this verse; the other, of the continuance of his favour to his Church in the mean while, v. 21. teaching us to do the like. Or it may be the churches voice, desiring to be speedily joyned to Christ; as v. 17. according to his promise here and before.

Revelation 22:21

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.] This sheweth the whole revelation to be an epistle sent to the seven churches. See notes on chap. 1. 4. He beginneth with this request there, and endeth with it here. Christs favour is the first and last thing he wisheth to the church. So doeth Paul, writing by the same Spirit, Romans 1:7. & Romans 16:24. 1 Corinthians 1:3. & 1 Corinthians 16:23. 2 Corinthians 1:2. & 2 Corinthians 13:14. Galatians 1:3. & Galatians 6:18.

Eph. 1. 2. & 6. 24. Phil. 1. 2. & 4. 23. Col. 1. 2. & 4. 18. 1 Thess. 1. 1. & 5. 28. 2 Thess. 1. 2. & 3. 18. 1 Timothy 1:2. & 1 Timothy 6:21. 2 Tim. 1. 2. & 4. 22. Titus 1:4. & Titus 3:15. Philem. v. 3, 25. This he writ in the end of his epistles, with his own hand, 1 Corinthians 16:21-23.

Colossians 4:18. It was the token of his genuine epistles. Though they were written fair by others, Romans 16:22. yet he writ this saluation, or the like, in the end, with his own hand, 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18.

Amen] So be it. This is also added in the end of Pauls epistles. See the places newly cited.