Revelation
Chapter 22
Then the angel showed me the river of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb,
down the middle of the street. On both sides of the river grew the trees of life, which produce fruit twelve times a year, once each month, and their leaves are for healing the nations.
There will no longer be a curse; the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and God’s servants will live in his presence.
They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the sun, for God himself will be their light, and they will reign forever.
The Coming of Christ
Then, the angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true; the Lord God, who inspires the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.”
“I am coming soon! Blessed are those who keep the prophetic words of this book.”
I, John, saw and heard all this. When I had seen and heard them, I fell at the feet of the angel who had shown me everything, to worship him.
But he said, “No, I am a fellow servant like you and your brothers, the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. It is God you must worship.”
Then, he said to me, “Do not keep secret the prophetic words of this book, because the time is near.
Let the sinner continue to sin, and the defiled remain in his defilement; let the righteous continue to do what is right, and the holy grow holier.”
“I am coming soon, bringing with me the recompense to repay according to everyone’s work.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who wash their robes, for they will have free access to the tree of life and enter the city through the gates.
Outside are the dogs, sorcerers, the immoral, murderers, idolaters, and all who take pleasure in falsehood!
“I, Jesus, sent my angel to make known to you these revelations concerning the churches. I am the shoot and offspring of David, the radiant morning star.”
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”
Let the hearer say, “Come!” Whoever thirsts, come forward, and whoever desires it, receive the gift of the water of life.
I warn everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.
And if anyone takes away words from this book of prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and the holy city described in this book.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
Commentaries
The New Jerusalem.
From a high mountain, the antithesis of the desert where he contemplated the great prostitute (17:3), John, the seer, with the power of the Spirit, receives a profound prophetic vision: a new city. The entire city radiates with God’s light. A detailed description of its architectural features follows. The new Jerusalem, shining with God’s light, becomes a symbol or a beacon for all humanity. The universal calling of the Church is highlighted once again.
With the beginning of chapter 22, we shift from the symbolic view of the city to that of paradise. These first five verses express a longing found in all religions, each naming it differently: the dream of Eden. It is a quest for lost origins, a nostalgia for divine peace with all creation restored. God’s light is so intense that the astral lights (sun and moon) and the lamps of worship seem dim in comparison. The symbolism of this mysterious light illustrates the divine life that magnificently surrounds all humanity. It is an abundance of life, imperishable and eternal.
Coming of Christ.
This epilogue connects with the initial prologue (1:4-8). Both are structured as liturgical dialogues involving the book’s author, the angel, Jesus Christ, and the Christian community. However, this dialogue is not merely a literary device or an ancient liturgical remnant. It is written so that all Christians and communities can access it and share in its Christological depth whenever they read or listen with faith to “the words of prophecy in this book.” The unprecedented and incredibly comforting revelations require divine authority for assurance. Thus, the statement: “these words are true and trustworthy” affirms that its entire message is rooted in divine truth. God Himself inspires the prophets, including the author of Revelation.