Questions/Comments
Verse 1 – Flowing from the throne
What does it imply that the river is flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb?
The thrones of God and the Lamb are near.
God and the Lamb (Jesus) are the source of the water of life.
Verse 2 – Tree of life
This verse fulfills what is promised in Revelation 2:7:
“To the one who conquers, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
There’s another description of this tree, and multiple trees in Ezekiel 47.
As I said on Sunday, it’s interesting to think of how the tree will be on both sides of the river. It may be something like a banyon tree. Though there is no challenge with God setting up all of this.
Verse 4 – His name will be on their foreheads
Names on foreheads are throughout the Book of Revelation:
Revelation 3:12 – Believers
Revelation 7:3-4 – Believers
Revelation 9:4 – Believers
Revelation 13:16-17 – Unbelievers
Revelation 14:1 – Believers
Revelation 14:9, 11 – Unbelievers
Revelation 20:4 – Unbelievers
Verse 6 – The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets
The Spirit of God is the One who guided the spirits of the prophets. In other words, God spoke through the prophets.
This same God who spoke to and through the prophets is speaking through His angel, to His people.
Verse 7 – I am coming soon
Keep in mind that “soon” is said in the context of eternity. What may seem like a long time to us is soon to the Lord.
Verse 11 – Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness
On Sunday, I said that I think this means that people will continue to reject God or follow God until the end things happen, then sin will be gone and only the righteous will remain.
Some think this verse could also mean that there is no turning back from the point (in the future) when the angel will pronounce this judgment. However, the timeline doesn’t add up.
Either these words were given 2,000 years ago and there is obviously time to repent since that time, or these words are given after sin has already been eliminated, making it impossible for unrighteousness to continue.
Verse 12 – My reward is with me to repay each person
First of all, we must recognize that the word for reward is misthos, which can mean reward, payment, or wage.
So, there’s a sense that Jesus can say that He’s coming back to give everyone their payment, good and evil.
However, there are some indications that there are rewards for believers that are unique based on our faithfulness as Christians.
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Verse 15 – Outside
As with most cases, this list of sinners is not exhaustive. Rather, it’s a few examples of the type of people who will not be permitted into the holy city.
“Outside” here really means that they are not in here; they are not allowed. It doesn’t mean they are literally outside the gates. They are instead in the lake of fire.
Verse 16 – The Bright Morning Star
I said something about the morning star in our Digging Deeper in chapter 2.
Jesus is clearly referring to Himself as the bright morning star.
Verses 18-19: If anyone adds or takes away
It’s very important that we heed these warnings.
Why do you think these consequences seem so drastic?
It could be hyperbole.
It could be an implication that if one does these things, they are rejecting not only God’s Word, but God Himself.
Verse 20 – Come, Lord Jesus!
“Come, Lord Jesus!” has been a refrain throughout church history that is said to look forward to the return of Jesus, particularly during tough times.
Verse 21 – The grace of the Lord Jesus
John ends this as many epistles are ended.
Don’t forget that this book was addressed to the seven churches of Asia.
Questions/Comments
