Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 22
The Bible is God’s word, and therefore we should read it with the greatest care (2 Timothy 3:16). We should give it our full attention (John 5:39); we should study it carefully (Acts 17:11). God uses the Bible to teach us (Romans 15:4) and to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:11). By means of his word, God can save us (John 6:68); or, by means of his word, God will be our judge (John 12:48).
Clearly, it is very important for us to respect the words of God (Jeremiah 23:29). It is extremely powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It is very evil to use the holy things of God on purpose in a wrong manner (Hebrews 10:29-31). Some of the leaders were doing that at the time of Christ, and he warned strongly against their behaviour (Matthew chapter 23; Mark 12:40).
Christ cares deeply about people who find it difficult to understand the Bible (John 3:1-15; John 4:7-26). He looks after his people who are weak (Matthew 12:20; John 10:14-16). The Bible urges people not to allow their doubts to disturb them, but to trust God completely (Hebrews 10:36-38).
We take from the Bible (22:19) if, on purpose, we deny its truth (Mark 12:18-27). We add to the Bible (22:18) if, on purpose, we replace it with our own ideas (Mark 7:5-13). If we want God to save us from these awful judgements, we must not do such things (Psalm 119:155). If we want to enter God’s city, the New Jerusalem, then we should love his words (Psalm 1; Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:97).
Revelation 22:18 refers to people who ‘hear’ the Book of Revelation. In the ancient world, people always read aloud. When the churches first received the books of the New Testament (the later part of the Bible), someone read them aloud to the church members (Colossians 4:16). It is good to read the Bible aloud; it teaches us to respect it (see Revelation 1:3).
Next part: A promise, a prayer and a final blessing (Revelation 22:20-21)
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© 2016, Keith Simons.