Revelation of John 22:10
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Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Seal not--But in Dan 12:4, Dan 12:9 (compare Dan 8:26), the command is, "Seal the book," for the vision shall be "for many days." The fulfilment of Daniel's prophecy was distant, that of John's prophecy is near. The New Testament is the time of the end and fulfilment. The Gentile Church, for which John wrote his Revelation, needs more to be impressed with the shortness of the period, as it is inclined, owing to its Gentile origin, to conform to the world and forget the coming of the Lord. The Revelation points, on the one hand, to Christ's coming as distant, for it shows the succession of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials; on the other hand, it proclaims, "Behold, I come quickly." So Christ marked many events as about to intervene before His coming, and yet He also says "Behold, I come quickly," because our right attitude is that of continual prayerful watching for His coming (Mat 25:6, Mat 25:13, Mat 25:19; Mar 13:32-37 [AUBERLEN]; compare Rev 1:3).
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. A further description of the heavenly state of the church (Rev 22:1-5). II. A confirmation of this and all the other visions of this book (Rev 22:6-19). III. The conclusion (Rev 22:20, Rev 22:21).
Open source ↗22:10 Do not seal up: The angel expands John’s initial instruction to “write in a book” (1:11) and warns against curtailing its communication. Although some things are sealed—God does not reveal everything (cp. 10:4)—what has been written must be communicated so that people will understand the seriousness of the message and that the time is near (see 1:1, 3; 22:6-7; cp. Dan 12:4).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been spoken is true. Now you must seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.
Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled.
“Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.
But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.