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Commentary on Revelation 22 verses 6–19
We have here a solemn ratification of the contents of this book, and particularly of this last vision (though some think it may not only refer to the whole book, but to the whole New Testament, yea, to the whole Bible, completing and confirming the canon of scripture); and here, 1. This is confirmed by the name and nature of that God who gave out these discoveries: he is the Lord God, faithful and true, and so are all his sayings. 2. By the messengers he chose, to reveal these things to the world; the holy angels showed them to holy men of God; and God would not employ his saints and angels in deceiving the world. 3. They will soon be confirmed by their accomplishment: they are things that must shortly be done; Christ will make haste, he will come quickly, and put all things out of doubt; and then those will prove the wise and happy men who have believed and kept his words. 4. By the integrity of that angel who had been the apostle's guide and interpreter in these visions; this integrity was such that he not only refused to accept religious adoration from John, but once and again reproved him for it. He who was so tender of the honour of God, and so displeased with what was a wrong to God, would never come in his name to lead the people of God into mere dreams and delusions; and it is a still further confirmation of the sincerity of this apostle that he confesses his own sin and folly, into which he had now again relapsed, and he leaves this his failing on perpetual record: this shows he was a faithful and an impartial writer. 5. By the order given to leave the book of the prophecy open, to be perused by all, that they might labour to understand it, that they might make their objections against it, and compare the prophecy with the events. God here deals freely and openly with all; he does not speak in secret, but calls every one to witness to the declarations here made, Rev 22:10. 6. By the effect this book, thus kept open, will have upon men; those that are filthy and unjust will take occasion thence to be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those that are upright with God; it will be a savour of life to some and of death to others, and so will appear to be from God, Rev 22:12. 7. It will be Christ's rule of judgment at the great day; he will dispense rewards and punishments to men according as their works agree or disagree with the word of God; and therefore that word itself must needs be faithful and true. 8. It is the word of him who is the author, finisher, and rewarder of the faith and holiness of his people, Rev 22:13, Rev 22:14. He is the first and the last, and the same from first to last, and so is his word too; and he will by this word give to his people, who conform themselves to it, a right to the tree of life, and an entrance into heaven; and this will be a full confirmation of the truth and authority of his word, since it contains the title and evidence of that confirmed state of holiness and happiness that remains for his people in heaven. 9. It is a book that condemns and excludes from heaven all wicked, unrighteous persons, and particularly those that love and make lies (Rev 22:15), and therefore can never be itself a lie. 10. It is confirmed by the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy. And this Jesus, as God, is the root of David, though, as man, his offspring - a person in whom all uncreated and created excellencies meet, too great and too good to deceive his churches and the world. He is the fountain of all light, the bright and the morning star, and as such has given to his churches this morning light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of that perfect day which is approaching. 11. It is confirmed by an open and general invitation to all to come and partake of the promises and privileges of the gospel, those streams of the water of life; these are tendered to all who feel in their souls a thirst which nothing in this world can quench. 12. It is confirmed by the joint testimony of the Spirit of God, and that gracious Spirit that is in all the true members of the church of God; the Spirit and the bride join in testifying the truth and excellency of the gospel. 13. It is confirmed by a most solemn sanction, condemning and cursing all who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to it or taking from it, Rev 22:18, Rev 22:19. He that adds to the word of God draws down upon himself all the plagues written in this book; and he who takes any thing away from it cuts himself off from all the promises and privileges of it. This sanction is like a flaming sword, to guard the canon of the scripture from profane hands. Such a fence as this God set about the law (Deu 4:2), and the whole Old Testament (Mal 4:4), and now in the most solemn manner about the whole Bible, assuring us that it is a book of the most sacred nature, divine authority, and of the last importance, and therefore the peculiar care of the great God.
What shall we do, then, brethren? Shall we become slothful in well-doing, and cease from the practice of love? God forbid that any such course should be followed by us! But rather let us hasten with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work. For the Creator and Lord of all Himself rejoices in His works. For by His infinitely great power He established the heavens, and by His incomprehensible wisdom He adorned them. He also divided the earth from the water which surrounds it, and fixed it upon the immovable foundation of His own will. The animals also which are upon it He commanded by His own word into existence. So likewise, when He had formed the sea, and the living creatures which are in it, He enclosed them [within their proper bounds] by His own power. Above all, with His holy and undefiled hands He formed man, the most excellent [of His creatures], and truly great through the understanding given him — the express likeness of His own image. For thus says God: "Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness. So God made man; male and female He created them." [Genesis 1:26-27] Having thus finished all these things, He approved them, and blessed them, and said, "Increase and multiply." [Genesis 1:28] We see, then, how all righteous men have been adorned with good works, and how the Lord Himself, adorning Himself with His works, rejoiced. Having therefore such an example, let us without delay accede to His will, and let us work the work of righteousness with our whole strength.
The good servant receives the bread of his labour with confidence; the lazy and slothful cannot look his employer in the face. It is requisite, therefore, that we be prompt in the practice of well-doing; for of Him are all things. And thus He forewarns us: "Behold, the Lord [comes], and His reward is before His face, to render to every man according to his work." He exhorts us, therefore, with our whole heart to attend to this, that we be not lazy or slothful in any good work. Let our boasting and our confidence be in Him. Let us submit ourselves to His will. Let us consider the whole multitude of His angels, how they stand ever ready to minister to His will. For the Scripture says, "Ten thousand times ten thousand stood around Him, and thousands of thousands ministered unto Him, [Daniel 7:10] and cried, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the Lord of Sabaoth; the whole creation is full of His glory." [Isaiah 6:3] And let us therefore, conscientiously gathering together in harmony, cry to Him earnestly, as with one mouth, that we may be made partakers of His great and glorious promises. For [the Scripture] says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which He has prepared for them that wait for Him." [1 Corinthians 2:9]
For it is said, "Behold the Lord, and His reward is before His face, to give to every one according to his works; what eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, and hath not entered into the heart of man what God hath prepared for them that love Him."
It is recognized that there is no forgiveness of sins if penance is not done at this moment; nor is penance in this time of any avail for those who despair of the forgiveness of sins. But in the future time, there is to be no conversion for the wicked, and the penance of such people will be endless as well as useless. Just as forgiveness will never be given to them, so their penance will never be ended. For they neglect the time in which penance is fruitfully done by sinners and in which divine pity grants the forgiveness of sins. Because of this the Lord himself in the Apocalypse of John, consoling his faithful and directing the attention of the wicked to the penalty of future punishment, speaks thus.… In order that we may more fully recognize that only the time of this present world is allotted for conversion, let us pay attention to those workers whom the Lord called to his vineyard. Although he called for them at various hours, still at the eleventh hour he ended the call, that is, just before the end of the day. In those hours at which the call went out for workers are recognized the ages of the world, in which God has called to a good work those whom he converted to himself by a free justification.… Then the eleventh hour came in the first coming of Christ, in which he came in humility in mortal flesh, in which he, the immortal one, deigned to be killed for the sin of the world.… After the end of this hour, the Lord does not call workers to the vineyard, but he will come to render to each one the reward for his work, as he himself says, “Behold, I am coming soon; I bring with me the recompense.”
Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every one according as his work shall be. "I come," says the Lord, in the second coming, bringing with me what each must be repaid, whether good or evil.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 22:12 presents a climactic declaration from Jesus Christ, affirming His swift and certain return, accompanied by the promise of divine recompense. This verse underscores the foundational biblical principle of accountability, asserting that every individual will receive a just reward or consequence precisely "according as his work shall be," thereby emphasizing the urgency of living righteously in anticipation of His imminent arrival.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 22:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Direct Address and Declaration, as Jesus Himself speaks in the first person ("I come quickly," "my reward"). This imbues the statement with ultimate authority and undeniable certainty. The use of Repetition of the phrase "I come quickly" throughout Revelation (e.g., Revelation 3:11 and Revelation 22:7) serves as a powerful Leitmotif, emphasizing the urgency and inevitability of Christ's return, creating a sense of anticipation and warning. The phrase "my reward is with me" uses a form of Personification or Metonymy, where the abstract concept of recompense is almost tangible, accompanying Christ as an inseparable aspect of His return. Finally, the entire verse functions as a Summary Statement or Climax, encapsulating the book's overarching themes of divine sovereignty, justice, and the ultimate consummation of God's plan, serving as a final, urgent exhortation to the reader.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:12 stands as a cornerstone verse, deeply embedding the concepts of divine justice, human accountability, and the certainty of Christ's return within the biblical narrative. It articulates a fundamental theological truth: God is not only a God of grace and mercy, offering salvation through faith, but also a righteous Judge who will justly recompense all humanity. This recompense is based not on a legalistic earning of salvation, which is a gift, but on the deeds and faithfulness demonstrated during one's earthly life, reflecting the true nature of one's relationship with God. This divine principle assures believers that their suffering and faithful service are not in vain, while simultaneously serving as a sobering warning to those who reject God's authority and grace.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:12 serves as a profound call to intentional living, urging believers and all humanity to consider the eternal implications of their daily choices. For the follower of Christ, this verse is a powerful motivator for perseverance and faithful service. It reminds us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, and that every act of love, obedience, and sacrifice will be justly acknowledged and rewarded by our returning Lord. This truth should inspire us to live with a heightened sense of purpose, prioritizing what truly matters in light of eternity, and striving to honor God in every thought, word, and deed. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, it stands as a solemn warning, a reminder that a day of reckoning is coming when all will stand before the righteous Judge. Therefore, the verse compels us to live in a state of readiness, not out of fear, but out of a deep reverence for God and an eager anticipation of His glorious return, ensuring that our "works" are truly reflective of a heart transformed by His grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "quickly" mean Jesus will return soon in our chronological time?
Answer: The Greek word tachý (G5035), translated as "quickly," does not primarily refer to a short chronological timeframe from a human perspective. Instead, it emphasizes the suddenness, decisiveness, and unexpected nature of Christ's return. It conveys that when He does come, it will be without delay and conclusive, catching many by surprise. The Bible consistently teaches that the exact timing of His return is unknown (e.g., Matthew 24:36), but the certainty and readiness of His coming are stressed. Therefore, "quickly" serves as a perpetual call to vigilance and preparedness for all generations.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:12, with its declaration of Christ's imminent return and the promise of reward according to works, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a future judgment, but in the very person and redemptive work of Jesus. While the verse speaks of human accountability and recompense, it is crucial to understand that our "works" are only acceptable and meritorious in light of Christ's perfect work on the cross. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, made it possible for humanity to stand before a holy God. The "reward" He brings is not a payment for salvation, which is a gift of grace through faith in Him (as declared in Ephesians 2:8-9), but rather a just recompense for faithfulness and obedience that flows from that salvation. He is the Lamb who was slain, worthy to open the scrolls and execute judgment (Revelation 5:9-10). Thus, the "works" spoken of are not a means to earn salvation, but the fruit of a life transformed by His Spirit, empowered by His grace, and lived in submission to His Lordship. His coming "quickly" is the consummation of His redemptive plan, bringing to completion the salvation He inaugurated and establishing His eternal kingdom, where His followers will reign with Him (Revelation 22:5), receiving the full inheritance purchased by His blood.