What is the meaning of Revelation 22:16? I, Jesus • The risen Christ speaks in His own name, underscoring that Revelation is not mere human speculation but the direct voice of the Savior (Revelation 1:17-18; John 14:6). • By naming Himself, Jesus authenticates every promise and warning that follows, just as He did at the start of the book (Revelation 1:8). • His self-identification assures believers that the same Lord who died and rose now governs history and will soon return (Acts 1:11; John 10:30). have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches • Jesus delegates an angel to deliver the vision to John, mirroring the opening words of the book: “He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1). • Angels serve believers (Hebrews 1:14), but their ultimate purpose is to point back to Christ (Revelation 19:10). • “This testimony” is a trustworthy witness meant for all congregations, not just the seven addressed in chapters 2–3; it is the Lord’s final word to guide, warn, and encourage until He comes (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 22:10). I am the Root and the Offspring of David • As “Root,” Jesus is David’s source—eternally pre-existent, the One from whom David’s line sprang (Isaiah 11:10; Micah 5:2; John 1:1-3). • As “Offspring,” He is David’s descendant according to the flesh, fulfilling God’s covenant promise of an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32-33). • The two titles together proclaim His full deity and real humanity, qualifying Him alone to open the scroll (Revelation 5:5) and to reign forever (Romans 1:3-4). the bright Morning Star • The morning star appears just before dawn, signaling that night is nearly over; Jesus promises the dawn of the new creation (2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 21:23-25). • Balaam’s ancient prophecy looked forward to “a star [that] shall come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17), now fulfilled in Christ. • To the overcomers at Thyatira He already pledged “the morning star” (Revelation 2:28), assuring believers that sharing His glory and authority is certain. • The title radiates hope: persecution, sin, and death are temporary; the true Light will soon banish darkness once and for all (Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:78-79). summary Jesus Himself guarantees Revelation’s message, commissioning an angel so that every church will hear and heed. As both David’s source and heir, He perfectly unites divine sovereignty with messianic fulfillment. As the bright Morning Star, He heralds the imminent dawn of His eternal kingdom, inviting believers to trust, obey, and look up—because the night is almost gone and the King is on His way. |
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