22:6 The angel who had been revealing the new creation to John, one of the angels who had the seven bowls (21:9), continued to speak to him.782He assured John that the things prophesied to happen soon (4:1-22:5), which John had just seen, were faithful and true (cf. v. 6; Dan. 8:26).783
"No book in the Bible has a more pointed attestation, a stronger safeguarding against tampering, or a more urgent recommendation for study and observance than does the Apocalypse, especially in its Epilogue."784
The angel proceeded to explain why these words are faithful and true. It was the Lord, the God who inspired the prophets, who had revealed what John had received. The spirits of the prophets are their own spirits (cf. 19:10). God had sent His angel to reveal these things to His bond-servant John, who was one of the prophets. Specifically, He had revealed things that must happen soon. The purpose of this verse is to stress the authenticity of this revelation and to encourage anticipation of its fulfillment.
This statement reinforces a futuristic interpretation of Revelation. The book deals with events yet future. It also indicates that God intended the reader to understand this book. It is a revelation, not an incomprehensible mystery, even though much of the revelation is symbolic and difficult to understand.
22:7 Probably the angel relayed these words of Christ (cf. vv. 12-13) to John (cf. 16:15). Jesus Christ promised to return soon (cf. vv. 12, 20; 3:11).785The Greek word translated "quickly"(tachy) means "soon."The Second Coming is the great climactic event in view through most of this prophecy, but applying this word about imminence to the Rapture is certainly legitimate.786
". . . it is quite evident that He would have us live in the constant expectation of His advent being imminent."787
The book closes as it opened, with a special blessing for those who pay attention to what it teaches (1:3; cf. 16:5). Here, however, the speaker is Christ, whom the angel apparently quoted. John evidently wrote this book as his visions transpired (cf. 10:4).
It is ironical that people have neglected this book even though it contains more promises of blessing than any other book in the Bible. All of us should continue to study it.
