Revelation (Adults)

Chapter 22

Lesson written by David Riggs and Murray Wade

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In verses 22:1-5, John describes the self-sufficiency of the city. Three basic things are necessary for sustaining life on earth; water, food, and health. This scene symbolizes the provisions for all of these. Jesus promised the water of life (John 4:14) and there we will have it in fullness. The pure river of the water of life is that which sustains that new life. The latter part of verse one emphasizes that eternal life comes from God and Christ, the fountainhead of all life. The Tree of Life was forfeited and lost in Eden (Gen. 2:9; 3:22-24), but will be regained in that holy city (see Rev. 2:7). Notice that the idea is not just one single tree for it was on either side of the river. It is used collectively (as was "street" verse 2) to represent all the trees that lined the river. The tree of life bears twelve fruits ("twelve crops of fruit" ASV footnote) and bears each month. The needs of the saved will be completely provided there. Those who had part in the first resurrection reigned for a thousand years (20:6), but in that great city they reign forever and ever. Therefore, we have a beautiful figurative description of God's redeemed dwelling with Him in eternal bliss. 

The angel said that the Lord God of the holy prophets (see Deut. 18:18; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16; 1 Peter 1:11) sent His angel to show the things which must shortly be done. The term "must shortly take place," and its equivalents, is used four times in Rev. (1:1, 3; 22:6, 10) and reveals that God would soon bring the plagues against the wicked to avenge the blood of the saints. The expression, "Behold, I am coming quickly," in verses 7 and 12 in view of its immediate context, probably refers to His aid to the saints then (see also 3:9-11), but verses 12 and 20 most likely refer to His second coming (see also Heb. 10:36-37; James 5:7-9; 1 Peter 4:7).

The sixth beatitude in verse 7 (seven in all in Revelation) announces a blessing on the one who keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book. The same importance is attached to all the Word of God (see James 1:25; Hebrew 5:8-9). The reality for all mankind is that life is short. Jesus comes quickly as once we die our fate is sealed for Judgment Day. In this sense, surely the Lord is coming quickly for us all. Whether He returns soon for Judgment Day or whether we die.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR REVELATION 22

1. What is your favorite part of the description in verses 1-5?

2. When is the first time the Tree of Life is talked about in the Bible? What is unusual about the Tree of Llife in verse 2?

3. In verses 7 and 14, who will be blessed?

4. How does the angel describe himself in verse 9?

5. What is different about verse 10 compared with Daniel 8:26 and 12:4?

6. What do you think verse 11 means?

7. Why is verse 13 important?

8. What two rewards from verse 14 can those who do His commandments have?

9. List the six types of people who will be outside of the city according to verse 15.

10. How does Jesus describe Himself in verse 16?

11. Why is verse 17 a great invitation?

12. List what God will add if someone adds to the prophecies of the book and what God will take away from those who take away from the words of the prophecy of the book.

13. How many times does Jesus talk about coming quickly in Revelation 22?

14. List in order of preference, your five favorite things that you look forward to in Heaven!