In the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation we find a few interesting details we rarely consider. We see an angel who says he is a prophet. We have a new city with walls and gates, and the only way to enter is by the foundation of the apostles and prophets. There are two hundred foot tall gates and some people enter in via the front door while others are outside the gates. Who is outside? Why are they outside the new city? There are kings and rulers who enter, but who are they governing over?
One of the angels who had one of the seven bowls, will now tell John a few more things. This is the same angel from Revelation 21:9. First he states that these sayings are faithful and true.
Revelation 22:6-21 (KJV)
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Kurios Theos/Yahweh Elohim of the pneuma of the prophets sent, apostellō, his angel to his servant.
Revelation 22:6 G2532 And G3004 he said G1473 to me, G3778 These G3588 G3056 words G4103 are trustworthy G2532 and G228 true. G2532 And G2962 the Lord G3588 G2316 God G3588 of the G4151 spirits G3588 of the G4396 prophets G649 sent G3588 G32 his angel G1473 G1166 to show G3588 to G1401 his bondmen G1473 G3739 what G1163 must G1096 take place G1722 quickly. G5034
649 LSJ Gloss:ἀποστέλλω to send off
Dodson:ἀποστέλλω I send forth, send, send away, dismiss I send forth, send (as a messenger, commission, etc.), send away, dismiss.
Thayer:
1) to order (one) to go to a place appointed
2) to send away, dismiss
2a) to allow one to depart, that he may be in a state of liberty
2b) to order one to depart, send off
2c) to drive away
For Synonyms see entry G5813
ἀποστέλλω
apostellō
ap-os-tel'-lo
From G575 and G4724; set apart, that is, (by implication) to send out (properly on a mission) literally or figuratively
KJV Usage: put in, send (away, forth, out), set [at liberty].
5034 LSJ Gloss:τάχος swiftness, speed, fleetness, velocity
Dodson:τάχος quickness, speed quickness, speed; hastily, immediately.
Thayer:
1) quickness, speed
τάχος
tachos takh'-os From the same as G5036; a brief space (of time), that is, (with G1722 prefixed) in haste KJV Usage: + quickly, + shortly, + speedily.
The angel was sent to make known, or demonstrate to John the doulos, what things will happen in a brief space of time. The seven year tribulation and the one thousand year millennial kingdom is a very short period of time as compared to the first six thousand years.
Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Revelation 22:7 G2400 Behold, G2064 I come G5036 quickly. G3107 Blessed is G3588 the one G5083 giving heed to G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy G3588 G975 of this scroll. G3778
5036 LSJ Gloss:ταχύς quick, swift, fleet
Dodson:ταχύς quick, swift quick, swift, speedy, ready, prompt.
Thayer:
1) quick, fleet, speedy
ταχύς
tachus takh-oos' Of uncertain affinity; fleet, that is, (figuratively) prompt or ready KJV Usage: swift.
5083 LSJ Gloss:τηρέω to watch over, protect, guard
Dodson:τηρέω I keep, guard, observe I keep, guard, observe, watch over.
Thayer:
1) to attend to carefully, take care of
1a) to guard
1b) metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is
1c) to observe
1d) to reserve: to undergo something
For Synonyms see entry G5874
τηρέω
tēreō tay-reh'-o From τηρός teros (a watch; perhaps akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), that is, to note (a prophecy; figuratively to fulfil a command); by implication to detain (in custody; figuratively to maintain); by extension to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively to keep unmarried) KJV Usage: hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.
The angel says he comes quickly. This will make sense when we narrow down who this angel is. We know he had one of the seven vials/bowls, but there is more to this being. He says blessed is the one watching over, guarding, or observing, the words of the prophecy of this scroll. The idea is guarding, or taking care of the words. The words are prophecy. How do we guard or keep an eye on this prophecy?
Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Revelation 22:8 G2504 And I G* John G3588 am the one G191 hearing G2532 and G991 seeing G3778 these things . G2532 And G3753 when G191 I heard G2532 and G991 saw, G4098 I fell G4352 to do obeisance G1715 before G3588 the G4228 feet G3588 of the G32 angel G3588 G1166 showing G1473 to me G3778 these things .
4352
προσκυνέω
proskuneō pros-koo-neh'-o From G4314 and probably a derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore) KJV Usage: worship.
John is overwhelmed by hearing and seeing this prophecy, so he falls at the angel’s feet to worship him. The angel shows or exposes John’s eyes to these events. But the angel says something interesting to John. He tells John he is a fellow servant. He says to worship God only.
Revelation 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Revelation 22:9 G2532 And G3004 he says G1473 to me, G3708 See that you do G3361 not! G4889 [3your fellow-servant G1473 G1063 1for G1510.2.1 2I am], G2532 and G3588 G80 of your brethren G1473 G3588 the G4396 prophets, G2532 and G3588 of the ones G5083 giving heed to G3588 the G3056 words G3588 G975 of this scroll; G3778 G3588 to G2316 God G4352 do obeisance!
4889 LSJ Gloss:σύνδουλος a fellow-slave
Dodson:σύνδουλος a fellow servant, colleague a fellow slave, fellow servant; of Christians: a fellow worker, colleague.
Thayer:
1) a fellow servant, one who serves the same master with another
1a) the associate of a servant (or slave)
1b) one who with others serves (ministers to) a king
1c) a colleague of one who is Christ's servant in publishing the gospel
1d) one who with others acknowledges the same Lord, Jesus, and obeys his commands
1e) one who with others is subject to the same divine authority in the Messianic economy
1e1) of angels as the fellow servants of Christians
σύνδουλος
sundoulos soon'-doo-los From G4862 and G1401; a co-slave, that is, servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine) KJV Usage: fellowservant.
80 LSJ Gloss:ἀδελφός sons of the same mother
Dodson:ἀδελφός a brother a brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian.
Thayer:
1) a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother
2) having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman
3) any fellow or man
4) a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection
5) an associate in employment or office
6) brethren in Christ
6a) his brothers by blood
6b) all men
6c) apostles
6d) Christians, as those who are exalted to the same heavenly place
ἀδελφός
adelphos ad-el-fos' From G1 (as a connective particle) and δελφύς delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like [H1]) KJV Usage: brother.
The angel claims to be a co-servant, or a sundoulos, and that he is a brother of John’s as a prophet, and one who gives heed to the words of the scroll. This angel is a prophet. This angel is a servant. This angel heeds the words of this book. Who is this angel? First we must note that the word angel is not only a class of beings, but also means messenger, any messenger. That includes men. There are no angels who are prophets, and while angels are servants they do not serve in the ways that men serve.
We can narrow the field down to one of the two men who have their bodies and have not died yet, since prophets are human, and prophets heed the words of the book. The key is that this messenger heeds the words of this prophecy. Both Enoch and Elijah will heed the written words of this prophecy. All other prophets will be in heaven for the events of the Book of Revelation. But Enoch and Elijah will be on earth in the first three and one half years. They both will heed or pay attention to the words of this book. They will do what this prophecy says. This person is a fellow prophet, and a fellow servant.
Now if we think back to John who was on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus, James, and Peter, we remember that somehow Peter recognized the two figures speaking with Jesus as Moses and Elijah. This would tell us that John had already met Elijah or at least saw him and recognized him as Elijah. So it would seem that the one person, who is a messenger, that John didn’t identify from the mount of transfiguration would be Enoch. Enoch was a messenger for the people of earth He was an intercessor for some of the fallen angels. He also wrote 365 books of prophecy for humans before being taken up to heaven. Therefore it is possible for Enoch to be the messenger who was also one of the individuals with one of the seven bowls, who also was a prophet, a servant, and one who will heed the words of this prophecy when he comes to earth as a witness for three and one half years.
Now we can understand why this messenger says he is coming quickly. He is. He is coming back at the start of the tribulation for three and one half years. He then tells John not to seal the logos, the words.
Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Revelation 22:10 G2532 And G3004 he says G1473 to me, G3361 You should not G4972 set a seal upon G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy G3588 G975 of this scroll, G3778 G3754 for G3588 the G2540 time G1451 is near. G1510.2.3
4972 LSJ Gloss:σφραγίζω to seal
Dodson:σφραγίζω I set a seal upon I seal, set a seal upon.
Thayer:
1) to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal
1a) for security: from Satan
1b) since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret
1c) in order to mark a person or a thing
1c1) to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp
1c2) angels are said to be sealed by God
1d) in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing
1d1) to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt
1d1a) of a written document
1d1b) to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be
σφραγίζω
sphragizō sfrag-id'-zo From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest KJV Usage: (set a, set to) seal up, stop.
2540 LSJ Gloss:καιρός due measure, proportion, fitness
Dodson:καιρός fitting season, opportunity, time fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time.
Thayer:
1) due measure
2) a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence:
2a) a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for
2b) opportune or seasonable time
2c) the right time
2d) a limited period of time
2e) to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time
For Synonyms see entry G5853
καιρός
kairos kahee-ros' Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time KJV Usage: X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while.
1451 LSJ Gloss:ἐγγύς near, nigh, at hand
Dodson:ἐγγύσ near.
Thayer:
1) near, of place and position
1a) near
1b) those who are near access to God
1b1) Jews, as opposed to those who are alien from God and his blessings
1b2) The Rabbis used the term "to make nigh" as equivalent to "to make a proselyte"
2) of time
2a) of times imminent and soon to come pass
ἐγγύς
eggus eng-goos' From a primary verb ἄγχω agchō (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of G43); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time) KJV Usage: from, at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.
Don’t seal the scroll, don’t lock up the information, because the occasion or season is in place and in position. The events of the scroll are imminent, they are going to come to pass. Therefore the messenger/Enoch says don’t keep this information secret. Now we are told something that is a bit hard to understand. We are told to let people do what they do.
Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:…
Revelation 22:11 G3588 The one G91 wronging, G91 let him wrong G2089 still! G2532 And G3588 the G4510 filthy one, G4510 let him be filthy G2089 still! G2532...
91 LSJ Gloss:ἀδικέω to do wrong
Dodson:ἀδικέω I act unjustly towards I act unjustly towards, injure, harm.
Thayer:
1) absolutely
1a) to act unjustly or wickedly, to sin,
1b) to be a criminal, to have violated the laws in some way
1c) to do wrong
1d) to do hurt
2) transitively
2a) to do some wrong or sin in some respect
2b) to wrong some one, act wickedly towards him
2c) to hurt, damage, harm
ἀδικέω
adikeō ad-ee-keh'-o From G94; to be unjust, that is, (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically) KJV Usage: hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust, (do, suffer, take) wrong.
4510 Dodson:ῤυπαρεύομαι I am filthy I am filthy; hence (morally): I am stained with sin.
Thayer:
1) to make filthy, defile, soil
2) to be filthy (morally)
ῥυπόω
rhupoō rhoo-po'-o From G4509; to soil, that is, (intransitively) to become dirty (morally) KJV Usage: be filthy.
We are to let the moral and/or social and/or physical offender, continue to offend. That does not mean we allow people to break the laws of our country, we simply don’t continue to try to get these unjust people saved. The same is true for the filthy. Yes we prosecute the pedofiles and human traffickers, but we don’t waste much time attempting to get these people saved. It would be wonderful to present the gospel to the filthy and unjust and see them completely turn themselves around and become believers in Jesus as Lord and Christ, and then reach out to others with the gospel, but if these people refuse our offer of Christ, let them refuse it. We live in a day when people don’t need us to beg and plead for Christ, they will know where to find Jesus if they really want him. Some people will never change, to the breaking of our hearts, but Jesus can’t be forced on anyone.
Revelation 22:11….and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Revelation 22:11……And G3588 the G1342 righteous, G1343 [2righteousness G4160 1let him do] G2089 still! G2532 And G3588 the G39 holy one, G37 let him be sanctified G2089 still!
1342 LSJ Gloss:δίκαιος observant of custom and social rule, well-ordered, civilised
Dodson:δίκαιος just, righteous, impartial just; especially, just in the eyes of God; righteous; the elect (a Jewish idea).
Thayer:
1) righteous, observing divine laws
1a) in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God
1a1) of those who seem to themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves in their virtues, whether real or imagined
1a2) innocent, faultless, guiltless
1a3) used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in the heart or life
1a3a) only Christ truly
1a4) approved of or acceptable of God
1b) in a narrower sense, rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them
δίκαιος
dikaios dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) KJV Usage: just, meet, right (-eous).
1343 LSJ Gloss:δικαιοσύνη righteousness, justice
Dodson:δικαιοσύνη justice, justness, righteousness (usually if not always in a Jewish atmosphere), justice, justness, righteousness, righteousness of which God is the source or author, but practically: a divine righteousness.
Thayer:
1) in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God
1a) the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God
1b) integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting
2) in a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due
δικαιοσύνη
dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification KJV Usage: righteousness.
39 Strong's:ἅγιονa sacred thing (i.e. spot)Derivation: neuter of G40; KJV Usage: holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary.
Thayer:
1) reverend, worthy of veneration
1a) of things which on account of some connection with God possess a certain distinction and claim to reverence, as places sacred to God which are not to be profaned
1b) of persons whose services God employs, for example, apostles
2) set apart for God, to be as it were, exclusively his
3) services and offerings
3a) prepared for God with solemn rite, pure, clean
4) in a moral sense, pure sinless upright holy
ἅγιον
hagion hag'-ee-on Neuter of G40; a sacred thing (that is, spot) KJV Usage: holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary.
37 Dodson:ἁγιάζω I make holy, sanctify I make holy, treat as holy, set apart as holy, sanctify, hallow, purify.
Thayer:
1) to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow
2) to separate from profane things and dedicate to God
2a) consecrate things to God
2b) dedicate people to God
3) to purify
3a) to cleanse externally
3b) to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin
3c) to purify internally by renewing of the soul
ἁγιάζω
hagiazō hag-ee-ad'-zo From G40; to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate KJV Usage: hallow, be holy, sanctify.
We might question why we should let the righteous continue in righteousness. Many times we want people to follow our religion, our denomination, or our special group, but the angelic prophet, Enoch, says to let them be righteous still. The same goes for the holy person, let that person be sanctified still. One thing we learn from Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in the beginning of Revelation is that there are people of each assembly who are not behaving badly. While the majority of people in each assembly need to repent for something, there are a few that are doing things correctly. This is the point of the righteous and the holy.
We in the body of Christ need to get out of the mindset that only people in our own church or our own denomination are saved. Getting the saved “more saved” is a favorite tactic of some ministries. It is easy to witness to the saved and if one changes churches they will now tithe to their new church. It is an easy way to witness, as people from other churches have less issues to deal with as compared to the unsaved. This is the way we are encouraged to live, so we may need to do some adjusting in our practices.
Now we have a shift in who is speaking. The Lord Jesus is now addressing John.
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Revelation 22:12 G2400 Behold, G2064 I come G5036 quickly, G2532 and G3588 G3408 my wage G1473 G3326 is with G1473 me, G591 to render G1538 to each G5613 as G3588 G2041 [2work G1510.8.3 3will be G1473 1his].
3408 LSJ Gloss:μισθός wages, pay, hire
Dodson:μισθός wages, reward (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment.
Thayer:
1) dues paid for work
1a) wages, hire
2) reward: used of the fruit naturally resulting from toils and endeavours
2a) in both senses, rewards and punishments
2b) of the rewards which God bestows, or will bestow, upon good deeds and endeavours
2c) of punishments
μισθός
misthos mis-thos' Apparently a primary word; pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad KJV Usage: hire, reward, wages.
591 LSJ Gloss:ἀποδίδωμι to give up
Dodson:ἀποδίδωμι I give back, return, sell (a) I give back, return, restore, (b) I give, render, as due, (c) mid: I sell.
Thayer:
1) to deliver, to give away for one's own profit what is one's own, to sell
2) to pay off, discharge what is due
2a) a debt, wages, tribute, taxes, produce due
2b) things promised under oath
2c) conjugal duty
2d) to render account
3) to give back, restore
4) to requite, recompense in a good or a bad sense
ἀποδίδωμι
apodidōmi ap-od-eed'-o-mee From G575 and G1325; to give away, that is, up, over, back, etc. (in various applications) KJV Usage: deliver (again), give (again), (re-) pay (-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield,
2041 LSJ Gloss:ἔργον work
Dodson:ἔργον work, labor, action, deed work, task, employment; a deed, action; that which is wrought or made, a work.
Thayer:
1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied
1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking
2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind
3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work
ἔργον
ergon er'-gon From ἔργω ergō (a primary but obsolete word; to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act KJV Usage: deed, doing, labour, work.
The Lord is coming soon, and he is bringing his payments and rewards. What does this mean? Jesus is coming with the payroll for the saints and he is going to have your paycheck when he comes. Jesus will recompense the saints for their labor and toil. We all labor and toil on this earth. Jesus is going to repay us for our trouble. Sometimes we go through hard times and we feel as if the Lord is not helping or watching out for us, but in reality he has payment for our work. Other times we take on a project in ministry and when that road becomes bumpy we wonder if it is a worthy endeavor. Yet the Lord is coming with wages and rewards for our undertakings.
Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Revelation 22:13 G1473 I am G3588 the G1 alpha G2532 and G3588 the G5598 omega, G746 the beginning G2532 and G5056 end, G3588 the G4413 first G2532 and G3588 the G2078 last.
As we have looked at more closely, Jesus is Yahweh, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, the A and the Z, the one who is above all, through all, and in all. Jesus says blessed are those people who do his commandments.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:14 G3107 Blessed are G3588 the ones G4160 observing G3588 G1785 his commandments, G1473 G2443 that G1510.8.3 [2will be G3588 G1849 1their authority] G1473 G1909 unto G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life, G2532 and G3588 by the G4440 gatehouses G1525 they should enter G1519 into G3588 the G4172 city.
1785 LSJ Gloss:ἐντολή an injunction, order, command, behest
Dodson:ἐντολή an ordinance, injunction, command an ordinance, injunction, command, law.
Thayer:
1) an order, command, charge, precept, injunction
1a) that which is prescribed to one by reason of his office
2) a commandment
2a) a prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is done
2a1) a precept relating to lineage, of the Mosaic precept concerning the priesthood
2a2) ethically used of the commandments in the Mosaic law or Jewish tradition
ἐντολή
entolē en-tol-ay' From G1781; injunction, that is, an authoritative prescription KJV Usage: commandment, precept.
1849 LSJ Gloss:ἐξουσία power
Dodson:ἐξουσία power, authority, weight (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
Thayer:
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission
2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privi
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence KJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
4440 LSJ Gloss:πυλών a gateway, gate-house
Dodson:πυλών a large gate, a gateway, porch a large gate; a gateway, porch, vestibule.
Thayer:
1) a large gate: of a palace
2) the front part of a house, into which one enters through the gate, porch
πυλών
pulōn poo-lone' From G4439; a gateway, door way or a building or city; by implication a portal or vestibule KJV Usage: gate, porch.
Those who observe the ordinances of the Lord will have authority or privilege to the tree of life. They will also enter the new city through the front porch. They won’t have to use the back door or the servants entrance at the side of the city. Instead those who keep the commands and precepts of the Lord will enter the new city via the front door.
This tells us there are other ways into the city and Jesus then says there are going to be some people outside the city. We know there will be kings and rulers that come from outside the city, into the city. Therefore there might be others outside the city. Let’s look at each one of these words.
Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Revelation 22:15 G1854 Outside G3588 are the G2965 dogs, G2532 and G3588 the G5333 administers of potions, G2532 and G3588 the G4205 fornicators, G2532 and G3588 the G5406 murderers, G2532 and G3588 the G1496 idolaters, G2532 and G3956 every one G5368 being fond of G2532 and G4160 committing G5579 a lie.
2965 LSJ Gloss:κύων a dog
Dodson:κύων a dog a dog, universally despised in the East.
Thayer:
1) a dog
2) metaph. a man of impure mind, an impudent man
κύων
kuōn koo'-ohn A primary word; a dog (“hound”), (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: dog.
If someone is called a dog, they are despised and impure because they turn away from the Lord. Notice what Jesus says as recorded in Matthew.
Matthew 7:6 (AMP)
6 Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.
Jesus is speaking in context of not judging others. He says with the measure you judge others, you yourself will be judged. Jesus clarifies, don’t give holy or sacred things to dogs. Who are dogs? Peter explains.
2 Peter 2:20-22 (AMP)
20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through [the full, personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again become entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition is worse [for them] than the first.
21 For never to have obtained a [full, personal] knowledge of the way of righteousness would have been better for them than, having obtained [such knowledge], to turn back from the holy commandment which was [verbally] delivered to them.
22 There has befallen them the thing spoken of in the true proverb, The dog turns back to his own vomit, and, The sow is washed only to wallow again in the mire.
Dogs are people who once knew the way of righteousness, but they turned away from the Lord. Don’t give those people holy sacred things. Solomon says this.
Proverbs 26:11 (AMP)
11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
Let’s get back to the words of verse 15.
5333 Dodson:φάρμακος a magician, sorcerer.
Thayer:
1) pertaining to magical arts
φαρμακός
pharmakos far-mak-os' The same as KJV Usage: sorcerer.
We looked at this word last week. These people take what God has freely given us for health and sometimes substituted the natural for synthetic, and then sold what should have been free. The dealers of drugs and medicines are profiteering on sickness. Sometimes they make people sick so they can sell a cure.
4205 Dodson:πόρνος a fornicator a fornicator, man who prostitutes himself.
Thayer:
1) a man who prostitutes his body to another's lust for hire
2) a male prostitute
3) a man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse, a fornicator
πόρνος
pornos por'-nos From πέρνημι pernēmi (to sell; akin to the base of G4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), that is, (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine) KJV Usage: fornicator, whoremonger.
This is also someone we looked at last week. Someone who prostitutes himself for someone else’s gratification.
5406 LSJ Gloss:φονεύς a murderer, slayer, homicide
Dodson:φονεύς a murderer.
Thayer:
1) a murderer, a homicide
For Synonyms see entry G5811
φονεύς
phoneus fon-yooce' From G5408; a murderer (always of criminal [or at least intentional ] homicide; which G443 does not necessarily imply; while G4607 is a special term for a public bandit) KJV Usage: murderer.
This murderer is one who took another person’s life, who was not in the military or an assassin. This individual may be someone not in control of their own emotions.
1496 LSJ Gloss:εἰδωλολάτρης an idol-worshipper, idolater
Dodson:εἰδωλολάτρης a worshipper of an image a server (worshipper) of an image (an idol).
Thayer:
1) a worshipper of false gods, a idolater
1a) used of any one even Christian, participant in any way in the worship of the heathen, esp. one who attends their sacrificial feasts and eats of the remains of offered victims
2) a covetous man as a worshipper of Mammon
εἰδωλολάτρης
eidōlolatrēs i-do-lol-at'-race From G1497 and the base of G3000; an image (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: idolater.
An idolator is someone who puts something before the Creator. It is in the context of lesser beings and things, as compared to the Creator. Demons have power, as well as the satan and angels, but they do not, nor can they create.
5368 LSJ Gloss:φιλέω to love, regard with affection
Dodson:φιλέω I love, kissI love (of friendship), regard with affection, cherish; I kiss.
Thayer:
1) to love
1a) to approve of
1b) to like
1c) sanction
1d) to treat affectionately or kindly, to welcome, befriend
2) to show signs of love
2a) to kiss
3) to be fond of doing
3a) be wont, use to do
φιλέω
phileō fil-eh'-o From G5384; to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), that is, have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while G25 is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as G2309 and G1014, or as G2372 and G3563 respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specifically to kiss (as a mark of tenderness) KJV Usage: kiss, love.
5579 LSJ Gloss:ψεῦδος a falsehood, untruth, lie
Dodson:ψεῦδος a lie a lie, falsehood, untruth; false religion.
Thayer:
1) a lie
2) conscious and intentional falsehood
3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be
3a) of perverse, impious, deceitful precepts
ψεῦδος
pseudos psyoo'-dos From G5574; a falsehood KJV Usage: lie, lying.
There are people who are actually fond of lying. They enjoy falsehood. Some people love promoting false religions. Those who love lies, phileō pseudos, are also outside the city.
We want to ask ourselves why there are these types of people outside the city? Why are these defiled people in the new earth? Something doesn’t seem right as in Revelation 21:8 told us some of those same types of people are part of the second death. Yet here, in 22:15 there is a similar list of people who are outside the city. Verse 14 is the context where there is a contrast to the righteous who keep the commands who enter the city by way of the front door, while this list of people in verse 15 are outside the city. Our answer comes from the understanding of dogs. One who comes to know Jesus as Lord but then returns to his own vomit, or maybe the vomit of the world. These may be people who were written in the book of life but their behavior was not righteous or holy. We have to think about this.
At the white throne judgment there are books for works and the book of life. What would happen if someone came to know Jesus, but then turned back to the things of the world? Is it possible they are written in the book of life because they may truly believe Jesus is Lord, but they did not live for Jesus but for themselves? Where might these people have been? Were they harpazo’d? Did they live during the millennial kingdom? Yes it seems possible that there are people who are harpazo’d who may not receive rewards and become the army of Jesus, his bride. There will also be people who live during the millennial kingdom, but may not live for Jesus; even though they believe he is King of kings and Lord of lords. There are two different ages of people who may fit this category, our present age, and the age of the millennial kingdom. This is where we should take Jesus’ words to heart regarding not judging others.
Since we know there are kings and rulers entering the new city, they must be kings over someone. That tells us that the kings are righteous and holy, but the people of their kingdoms may not be. Yet these people now will have an opportunity to do things that are righteous and holy.
Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Revelation 22:16 G1473 I G* Jesus G3992 sent forth G3588 G32 my angel G1473 G3140 to testify G1473 to you G3778 these things G1909 unto G3588 the G1577 assemblies. G1473 I G1510.2.1 am G3588 the G4491 root G2532 and G3588 the G1085 race G3588 G* of David, G3588 the G792 [3star G3588 G2986 1bright G4407 2early morning].
1577
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia ek-klay-see'-ah From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) KJV Usage: assembly, church.
4491 LSJ Gloss:ῥίζα a root
Dodson:ῤίζα a root, that which comes from the root a root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent.
Thayer:
1) a root
2) that which like a root springs from a root, a sprout, shoot
3) metaph. offspring, progeny
ῥίζα
rhiza hrid'-zah Apparently a primary word; a “root” (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: root.
1085 LSJ Gloss:γένος race, stock, family
Dodson:γένος offspring, family, race, kind offspring, family, race, nation, kind.
Thayer:
1) kindred
1a) offspring
1b) family
1c) stock, tribe, nation
1c1) i.e. nationality or descent from a particular people
1d) the aggregate of many individuals of the same nature, kind, sort
γένος
genos ghen'-os From G1096; “kin” (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively, individually or collectively) KJV Usage: born, country (-man), diversity, generation, kind (-red), nation, offspring, stock.
792 LSJ Gloss:ἀστήρ euphon.
Dodson:ἀστήρ a star.
Thayer:
1) a star
ἀστήρ
astēr as-tare' Probably from the base of G4766; a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: star.
2986 LSJ Gloss:λαμπρός bright, brilliant, radiant
Dodson:λαμπρός shining, magnificent, bright shining, magnificent, bright, splendid.
Thayer:
1) shining
1a) brilliant
1b) clear, transparent
2) splendid, magnificent
2a) splendid things i.e. luxuries or elegancies in dress or style
λαμπρός
lampros lam-pros' From the same as G2985; radiant; by analogy limpid; figuratively magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance) KJV Usage: bright, clear, gay, goodly, gorgeous, white.
4407 Dodson:πρωϊνός belonging to the morning belonging to the morning, early.
Thayer:
1) pertaining to the morning
πρωΐνός
prōinos pro-ee-nos' From G4404; pertaining to the dawn, that is, matutinal KJV Usage: morning.
Jesus dispatched his angel to testify to the assemblies. Jesus says he is the root and genos of David the star that is bright in the morning (Venus). Jesus is Phosphorus, not Hesperus. Jesus is from the lineage of David as Matthew and Luke’s genealogy show us.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 G2532 And G3588 the G4151 spirit G2532 and G3588 the G3565 bride G3004 say, G2064 Come! G2532 And G3588 the one G191 hearing G2036 let say, G2064 Come! G2532 And G3588 the one G1372 thirsting, G2064 let come! G3588 The one G2309 wanting, G2983 let take G5204 water G2222 of life G1431 without charge!
3565 LSJ Gloss:νύμφη a young wife, bride
Dodson:νύμφη a bride, daughter-in-law (a) a bride, young wife, young woman, (b) a daughter-in-law.
Thayer:
1) a betrothed woman, a bride
2) a recently married woman, young wife
3) a young woman
4) a daughter-in-law
νύμφη
numphē noom-fay' From a primary but obsolete verb νύπτω nuptō (to veil as a bride; compare the Latin “nupto ” , to marry); a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife KJV Usage: bride, daughter in law.
The Holy Spirit and the bride of Christ both say “come!” The one who comprehends and understands this message says “come!” The one who thirsts is allowed to come and receive the water of life, zoe, as a free gift.
Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Revelation 22:18 G3140 I bear witness G1473 G3956 to every one G191 hearing G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy G3588 G975 of this scroll; G3778 G1437 if G5100 anyone G2007 should add G1909 upon G1473 these, G2007 [2will place G1909 3upon G1473 4him G3588 G2316 1God] G3588 the G4127 calamities G3588 G1125 being written G1722 in G3588 G975 this scroll. G3778
2007 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιτίθημι to lay, put
Dodson:ἐπιτίθημι I put, place upon, lay on I put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition.
Thayer:
1) in the active voice
1a) to put or lay upon
1b) to add to
2) in the middle voice
2a) to have put on, bid to be laid on
2b) to lay or throw one's self upon
2c) to attack one, to make an assault on one
ἐπιτίθημι
epitithēmi ep-ee-tith'-ay-mee From G1909 and G5087; to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense) KJV Usage: add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound.
4127 LSJ Gloss:πληγή a blow, stroke
Dodson:πληγήa blow, stripe, wound a blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague.
Thayer:
1) a blow, stripe, a wound
2) a public calamity, heavy affliction, plague,
πληγή
plēgē play-gay' From G4141; a stroke; by implication a wound; figuratively a calamity KJV Usage: plague, stripe, wound (-ed).
The Lord Jesus is the witness that if anyone should put in any addition to this prophecy, the Lord will add calamity or wounds to him.
Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Revelation 22:19 G2532 And G1437 if G5100 anyone G851 should remove G575 from G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G975 scroll G3588 G4394 of this prophecy, G3778 G851 may God remove G3588 G2316 G3588 G3313 his part G1473 G575 from G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life, G2532 and G1537 from G3588 the G4172 [2city G3588 G39 1holy] G3588 of the things G1125 having been written G1722 in G3588 G975 this scroll. G3778
851 LSJ Gloss:ἀφαιρέω to take from, take away from
Dodson:ἀφαιρέω I take away, smite off.
Thayer:
1) to take from, take away, remove, carry off
2) to cut off
ἀφαιρέω
aphaireō af-ahee-reh'-o From G575 and G138; to remove (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: cut (smite) off, take away.
3313 LSJ Gloss:μέρος a part, share
Dodson:μέρος a part, portion a part, portion, share.
Thayer:
1) a part
1a) a part due or assigned to one
1b) lot, destiny
2) one of the constituent parts of a whole
2a) in part, partly, in a measure, to some degree, as respects a part, severally, individually
2b) any particular, in regard to this, in this respect
μέρος
meros mer'-os From an obsolete but more primary form of μείρομαι meiromai (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application) KJV Usage: behalf, coast, course, craft, particular (+ -ly), part (+ -ly), piece, portion, respect, side, some sort (-what).
Jesus also says that if anyone should remove any parts of this prophecy, God will remove his portion away from the tree of life and from the holy city. In other words, Jesus says if you add to these words you will have added calamity, and if you take away from these words you will not have eternal life and will not enter the holy city. This is the only written prophecy with this warning. We should take this seriously.
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20 G3004 [4says G3588 1The one G3140 2testifying G3778 3these things], G3483 Yes, G2064 I come G5036 quickly. G281 Amen. G3483 Yes, G2064 come G2962 O Lord G* Jesus!
Jesus does come quickly. It has been almost two thousand years since John scribed this prophecy for us. This is not a long time in the perspective of eternal life, from the time we will not be counting time any more.
Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Revelation 22:21 G3588 The G5484 favor G3588 G2962 of our Lord G1473 G* Jesus G5547 Christ G3326 be with G3956 all G3588 the G39 holy ones. G281 Amen.
5484 Dodson:χάριν on account of for the sake of, by reason of, on account of.
Thayer:
1) in favour of, for the pleasure of
2) for, for the sake of
3) on this account, for this cause
χάριν
charin khar'-in Accusative case of G5485 as preposition; through favor of, that is, on account of KJV Usage: be- (for) cause of, for sake of, + . . . fore, X reproachfully.
The salutation is for the favor of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with all the holy ones. There is also a warning not to alter this text. It is now understood that there are people outside the city, and inside the city. We all have the choice. We can choose where we want to be. Once the events of the tribulation start to take place, after the harpazo, people on earth will have little alternatives for rewards, martyrdom is the only way to the Lord. After these events take place we have the one thousand year millennial reign. After that age we move into the age of the new heaven and new earth. We conclude the prophecy with this age and there will be no more counting time. This is where we set our eyes, we know our near future, our mid future, and our far future. Now it is time to trust Jesus, trust His plan, and trust Him with our eternal lives.
