Scriptural Context:
The incident of John's worship and the angel's rebuke is found in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 19:10 and Revelation 22:8-9. These passages occur within the apocalyptic visions given to the Apostle John, who is traditionally understood to be the author of the Book of Revelation. The context is a series of divine revelations concerning the end times, the return of Christ, and the ultimate victory of God over evil.

Revelation 19:10 :
"At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'"

Revelation 22:8-9 :
"And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!'"

Theological Significance:
The episodes of John's attempted worship of the angel and the subsequent rebuke highlight several key theological principles. First, they underscore the exclusive worship due to God alone. The angel's response, "Worship God," serves as a clear directive that worship is reserved solely for the Creator, not for created beings, regardless of their heavenly status or role in divine revelation.

Angelology and Servanthood:
The angel's identification as a "fellow servant" with John and the prophets emphasizes the role of angels as messengers and servants of God, not objects of worship. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that angels, while powerful and significant in God's plan, are not to be venerated or idolized. They serve alongside humans in the divine mission, pointing all glory and honor to God.

Prophetic Testimony:
The phrase "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" in Revelation 19:10 highlights the centrality of Christ in prophetic revelation. This statement affirms that true prophecy bears witness to Jesus Christ, His redemptive work, and His ultimate return. It reinforces the Christocentric nature of biblical prophecy, which is intended to reveal and glorify Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises.

Implications for Worship:
These passages serve as a caution against the misdirection of worship and the potential for idolatry, even in the presence of awe-inspiring spiritual experiences. They remind believers to maintain a clear focus on God as the sole object of worship, avoiding the elevation of any creature, whether human or angelic, to a status that detracts from the glory due to God alone.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, where the worship of various deities and spiritual beings was common, these passages would have served as a counter-cultural affirmation of monotheistic worship. For early Christians, surrounded by polytheistic practices, the angel's rebuke would reinforce the distinctiveness of Christian worship centered on the one true God.

Practical Application:
For contemporary believers, the angel's rebuke serves as a reminder to evaluate the focus of their worship and devotion. It calls for discernment in spiritual experiences and teachings, ensuring that all practices and beliefs align with the biblical mandate to worship God alone. This passage encourages a Christ-centered faith that upholds the supremacy of God in all aspects of life and worship.