v.1-5
1. Similarities and differences with Genesis 1-3
Similarities: River, God is there with mankind, tree of life, tree producing fruit, reign of mankind
BECNT=Thus, “life” is the primary characteristic, with both the “river of life” and the “trees of life” defining the main thoroughfare of the eternal city...the portrayal of a new creation in which the earth becomes exceedingly fruitful like a garden” (cf. Isa. 35:1–2, 7; 41:18–20; 43:18–20).
Difference:
a. The river does not run in a garden but in a city. God no longer just give a place of mankind to live, but He rules directly in that place. He sits on the throne.
b. The Triune God reveals more clearly to us, namely, God and the Lamb. The salvation has accomplished by the Lamb. He has His own "servants" to worship Him. They will have a intimate relationship with Him. They will see His face, His name will be on their foreheads, and they will be able to reign forever and ever and do not worry that they will sin and be kicked out from His face.
c. Tree producing fruit for 12 months, leaves will heal, no more curse
2. What kind of illness will be there so that healing will be necessary?
v.8 healing of the nations=BDAG fig. the use of medical resources in treating the sick, treatment, esp. healing
BKC=As if to remind the reader that healing as such is not necessary, John added, No longer will there be any curse. As the curse of Adam’s sin led to illness requiring healing and death, so in the eternal state there will be no curse; therefore no healing of illness is necessary.
BECNT=Wong (1998a: 220–21) says this symbolizes both the past healing of God’s redemptive work and the future spiritual care of God’s people for eternity.
3. What does the description of the clear water pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb mean? Why does the shinning of God repeat?
BECNT=The added note that this water is “bright as crystal” parallels the “crystal-clear sea of glass” of 4:6, the “crystal-clear jasper” of 21:11, and the “gold like pure glass” of 21:18, with the added image of “brightness” emphasizing the glory of the final Eden. All of these images symbolize the purity, holiness, and transcendent glory of God. The ancient world had the same problem with water pollution as we do today (for instance, the harbor of Ephesus was silting up due to alluvium deposits in the Cayster River), so the idea of pure water was also meaningful then.
Reflection: The new creation was symbolized with the characters of God: pure, fruit-producing, healed life, no more curse, glorious. People of this new creation will worship God, and have intimate relationship with God. Finally, these people are able to resume the first created purpose of mankind to reign. But this time we can reign forever and ever. Without the redemption of the Lamb none of these are possible. What about the time being? After we have the redemption, but still live in the "old-created" world? Do I use my new life to have fellowship with God and worship God? Do I reflect the pure, fruit-producing, healed, glorious life? In what way my life is pure? No more sin? In what way my life is fruit-producing? Fruit of the Spirit, evangelism and discipleship? In what way my life is fruit-healed and glorious?? Attractive to others?
v.6-11
1. The time of the things prophesized in the book will happen soon v.6, 10, Jesus will come soon v.7
2. The words in the book are reliable and true because they are from God v.6, Jesus blessed those who keeps the words in this book v.7, and the angel claimed that he is just a fellow servant just like those who obey the words of this book v.9.
What is special about obeying the words in this book? They must be the one who seizes the opportunity bf the eschaton comes. They believed the prophecies in the book are reliable and thus they obeyed. Consider the background of Revelation was the persecution of Christians. Just to believe that Jesus is the ultimate Ruler of the world may cause them trouble or even persecution. Only true believers would obey the words in this book. The angel claimed that these people have the same worthiness as he.
Reflection: How about me? Do I believe when it is convenient? Do I see the coming of Jesus more important than being persecuted? Do I seize the opportunity before the end of the world?
3. 10 Then he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy contained in this book, because the time is near. 11 The evildoer must continue to do evil, and the one who is morally filthy must continue to be filthy. The one who is righteous must continue to act righteously, and the one who is holy must continue to be holy.”
BECNT Ezek. 3:27, “This is what the Sovereign LORD says, ‘Whoever will listen let him listen, and whoever will refuse let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house’ ”...Indeed, 22:14 and 17 below state that there is still time to “wash their robes,” “hear,” and “come” to the “water of life.” Thus, the hard exhortation of 22:11a must be taken rhetorically as a warning rather than indicating predestination.
The book should remain open to all, but some will hear but do not hear. Let them continue to do their evil deeds for they are rebellious.
Note the parallel between the do evil with the act righteously. Parallel between the one who is morally filthy and the being holy (lit). Their relationship with God will be reflected in their moral behavior. The holy behavior is in passive. We all are filthy until we made holy by God. Unless we listen and obey, we will all be filthy.
Reflection: Do I pass any opportunity to listen? Do I hear but do not hear? How much change do I make accordingly? If I am only unsatisfied with the kid who do not put what he heard into practice, how much better do I do?
v.12-17
1. What will happen when Jesus come v.12
a. the reward time
b. the Omega, the last and the end.
the Omega/last=BDAG pert. to being the final item in a series, least, last in time...self-designation of the Risen Lord ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἒ. the first and the last Rv 1:17; 2:8; 22:13. Esp. of the last days, which are sometimes thought of as beginning w. the birth of Christ
It is related to the time, the Last Day
The end=the last part of a process, close, conclusion, esp. of the last things, the final act in the cosmic drama
It is related to the process.
In other words, when Jesus comes, believers need to hand in their "homework," which is the final for them and also the conclusion of this world.
Reflection: time is getting close to the Last Day, do I have my homework ready?
2. Those who wash their robes, having access to the tree of life, and take the water of life vs the outsiders
Everyone has need to wash our robes, without doing so, we are the outsiders. Once you wash you can have access to life. There is an invitation for us to come. There is an urge inside of us to life like one who thirsts for water.
BKC=The Holy Spirit joined with the bride, the church, in extending an invitation to all who heed. Those who hear are encouraged to respond and also to extend the invitation to others...the gift of eternal life (here called the water of life; cf. 22:1; John 7:37–39) is free. It has been paid for by the death of Christ on the cross and is extended to all who are willing to receive it in simple faith.
Reflection: Am I thirst for life? With the assurance to life I should not have the thirst of life anymore. How shall I share this with others?
3. BKC=Christ described Himself as the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. Historically Christ comes from David (Matt. 1:1; cf. Isa. 11:1; Rev. 5:5). Prophetically His coming is like the morning star, the beginning of a bright new day
v.18-21
1. 2 persons testifying
John testified that those who added/subtracted anything to the book will be judged and taken away from blessing.
Jesus testified to "these things" v.20 and said He is coming soon. Not only what John testified is true, but also those things will soon take place.
Reflection: Do not changed or neglect the teachings of the book. Jesus is the One who back these up.
2. The last word of John and the end of the revelation
v.21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
BKC Probably no other book of Scripture more sharply contrasts the blessed lot of the saints with the fearful future of those who are lost. No other book of the Bible is more explicit in its description of judgment on the one hand and the saints’ eternal bliss on the other. What a tragedy that so many pass by this book and fail to fathom its wonderful truths, thereby impoverishing their knowledge and hope in Christ Jesus. God’s people who understand and appreciate these wonderful promises can join with John in his prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Reflection: Do I see the grace of Jesus in having a eternal hope while the rest of mankind having judgement waiting for them? The grace of the Lord Jesus is available. Do I get it with me? When the Lord Jesus comes the grace will reach the top notes. Am I looking forward to that?
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