22:1 And 1 he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear
as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the
Lamb.
(1) Here is absolved and finished the description of the
celestial Church (as I showed before) (see Geneva "Re 21:12")
by the effects in (Re 22:5), and then this book is
concluded in the rest of the chapter. The effects
proceeding from God, who dwells in the Church, are these:
the everlasting grace of God, in this verse, the eternal
life of the godly, as in (Re 2:7) the eternal fruits
which the godly bring forth to God, themselves and others,
(Re 22:2), freedom and immunity from all evil, God
himself taking pleasure in his servants, and they likewise
in their God, (Re 22:3). The beholding and sight of
God, and sealing of the faithful from all eternity,
(Re 22:4) the light of God and an everlasting kingdom
and glory, (Re 22:5).
22:62 And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and
true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel
to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be
done.
(2) This whole book is concluded and made up by a confirmation,
and a salutation. The confirmation has three parts: the
words of the angel (Re 22:15), the words of Christ,
(Re 22:16,17) and the supplication made by John from
divine authority, (Re 22:18-20). By the speech of the
angel this prophecy is confirmed to (Re 22:7,8), and
then he speaks of the use of this book in the verses
following. The prophecy is first confirmed by the angel
from the nature of it, that it is faithful and true:
Secondly, from the nature of the efficient cause, both
principal, which is God, and instrumental, which is the
angel in this verse. Thirdly, from the promises of God
concerning his coming to effect all these things, and
concerning our salvation; (Re 22:7). Fourthly, from
the testification of John himself; (Re 22:8). The
rest of the speech of the angel rending to the same end,
John interrupted or broke off by his unadvised act of
worshipping him, in the same verse, which the angel
forbidding, teaches him that adoration must be given not
to him, but only to God, as for himself, that he is of
such nature and office, as he may not be adored: which
thing also was in like manner done; (Re 19:10).
22:103 And he saith unto me, 4 Seal not the sayings of the
prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
(3) The angel returns to his former speech: in which he teaches
to use of this book both towards ourselves, in this and the
next verse: and in respect of God for declaration of his
truth, there to the fifteenth verse (Re 22:11-15).
(4) That is, propound this prophecy openly to all and conceal
no part of it. The contrary to that which is commanded in
(Isa 8:16, Da 8:26).
22:115 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he
which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is
righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is
holy, let him be holy still.
(5) An objection anticipated, but there will be some that will
use this occasion for evil, and will wrest this scripture
to their own destruction, as Peter says. What then? says
the angel, the mysteries of God must not be concealed,
which it has pleased him to communicate to us. Let them be
harmful to others, let such be more and more vile in
themselves, whom this scripture does not please: yet others
will be further conformed to righteousness by this, and
true holiness. The care and reformation of these may not be
neglected, because of the voluntary and malicious offence
of others.
22:126 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with
me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
(6) The second part belonging to the use of this book, as I
said (see Geneva "Re 22:10"). Also (says God by the angel)
though there should be no use of this book to men: yet it
shall be of this use to me, that it is a witness of my
truth to my glory, who will come shortly, to give and
execute just judgment, in this verse; who have taught that
all these things have their being in me, (Re 22:13),
and have pronounced blessedness to my servants in the
Church, (Re 22:14) and reprobation to the ungodly
(Re 22:15).
22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, 7 that they
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in
through the gates into the city.
(7) The blessedness of the godly set down by their title and
interest there: and their fruit in the same.
22:168 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these
things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of
David, [and] the bright and morning star.
(8) The second passage of confirmation (as I said) is the speech
of Christ ratifying the vocation of John, and the authority
of his calling and testimony, both from the condition of
his own person being God and man, in whom all the promises
of God are Yea and Amen; (2Co 1:20) and also from the
testimony of other people, by the acclamation of the
Holy Spirit, who here is an honourable assistant of the
marriage of the Church as the spouse: and of each of the
godly as members; and finally from the thing present, that
of their own knowledge and accord, they are called forth to
the participation of the good things of God; (Ge 22:17).
22:189 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of
the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are
written in this book:
(9) The supplication of John (which is the third part of the
confirmation) joined with a curse of abhorrence, to
preserve the truth of this book entire and uncorrupted in
two verses.
22:2010 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come
quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
(10) A divine confirmation or sealing of the supplication first
from Christ affirming the same and denouncing his coming
against all those that will put their sacrilegious hands
here: then from John himself, who by a most holy prayer
calls Christ to take vengeance on them.
22:2111 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all.
Amen.
(11) The apostolic salutation, which is the other part of the
conclusion, as I said (see Geneva Re "22:6") and is the
end of almost every epistle; which we wish to the Church,
and to all the holy and elect members of it, in Christ
Jesus our Lord, until his coming to judgment "Come Lord
Jesus" and do it. Amen, again Amen.
