Understanding Revelation 22:6

Verse Text: "And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done."

Verse Meaning and Commentary

The final chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, culminates in a series of profound declarations about the nature and purpose of God’s revelation. In this context, verse 6 stands out as a pivotal affirmation of divine truth and prophetic authority. The verse is rich with meaning and implications, as elucidated by notable biblical commentaries.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the faithfulness and truthfulness of God's messages as foundational to the Christian faith. He notes that this assurance of truth is essential, especially at the end of the biblical narrative. Henry highlights the importance of **prophets** and their role in conveying God’s intentions, pointing out that this specific message serves as a confirmation of the prophetic tradition.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes draws attention to the character of divine revelation itself. He notes that God’s revelations are not only trustworthy but also forthcoming, meant to guide His servants in the impending fulfillment of events. He encourages believers to take these words seriously, as they underscore the urgency and eventuality of prophetic declarations that will come to pass. Barnes’ insights provide a deeper understanding of God's relational desire to reveal His plans to humanity.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke explores the role of angels in divine communication. He posits that angels serve as intermediaries, helping to convey God’s message to humanity. Clarke suggests that the phrase “things which must shortly be done” speaks to the immediacy of the events foretold, urging readers to remain vigilant and prepared. His approach offers a practical application of the verse, encouraging believers to live in a state of anticipation for the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Cross-References to Revelation 22:6

• Revelation 1:1-3: This verse shares the focus on the revelation of Jesus Christ to His servants.
• Isaiah 46:10: Highlights God’s predetermined plans, reinforcing the sovereign unfolding of prophetic events.
• Revelation 19:9: Discusses the invitation to the marriage supper, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s promises.
• John 16:13: Indicates the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into all truth.
• Amos 3:7: Establishes that God reveals His secrets to His prophets, similar to the role described in Revelation.
• Matthew 24:35: Affirms the enduring nature of God’s Word amidst changing circumstances.
• Luke 21:28: Encourages believers to look up with hope as the fulfillment of God’s plans unfolds.
• 2 Peter 3:9: Emphasizes the patience of God concerning His promises, tied to the understanding of ‘shortly be done’ in Revelation.
• Hebrews 10:37: Portrays the idea of waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises as applicable to the context of Revelation.
• Deuteronomy 18:22: Discusses the discernment of true prophets, which is integral to understanding the credibility of the message in Revelation.

Connections to Other Bible Verses

Revelation 22:6 reflects broader themes within Scripture. It is part of the inter-Biblical dialogue that emphasizes prophecy, divine truth, and the fulfillment of God's Word. The linkage between different scriptures enhances comprehension and practical application for believers. Here are some thematic connections:

• Prophetic Reliability: The assertion of God's messages being true resonates with Luke 1:37, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible."
• Divine Urgency: The phrase about things being done shortly connects with passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:2 that express the coming of the Lord being as a thief in the night.
• Importance of Vigilance: This theme of preparedness echoes the teachings in Matthew 25:13, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The thematic similarities between Revelation 22:6 and other significant verses provide opportunities for deeper scriptural cross-referencing:

• Faithfulness of God: This theme is echoed in 1 Corinthians 1:9.
• The Call to Servants: Referenced in Matthew 24:45, calling attention to their readiness.
• Truth and Verification: Connected to John 17:17 where Jesus describes God’s word as truth.
• Hope in Prophecy: Found in Romans 15:4, linking the endurance found in Scripture to hope.

Cross-Referencing in Bible Study

Understanding Revelation 22:6 through these commentaries and connections demonstrates the importance of using tools for Bible cross-referencing.

Several methods can enhance one’s study, including:

• Utilizing a Bible concordance to locate themes and verses.
• Employing a cross-reference Bible study guide.
• Engaging with Bible reference resources for deeper analysis.
• Practicing cross-reference Bible study methods to see thematic connections.

Conclusion

Revelation 22:6 serves as a fundamental affirmation of the reliability and urgency of God’s prophetic messages. Combining the insights of prominent commentaries enhances our understanding of this verse while cross-referencing it with various scriptures provides a more holistic view of the themes at play. By exploring these connections, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnected nature of Scripture, paving the way for enriched study and application of biblical truths.