Revelation 22:6
And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
Revelation 22:6
**Meaning & Context** (200 words)
Revelation 22:6 offers a sober, pastoral note of assurance: “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” The promise confirms the reliability of Revelation’s visions and prophecies. The speaker’s role as a revealer—the angel—highlights that God sovereignly communicates truth through messages to his servants. The phrase “the things which must shortly be done” points to the imminence of fulfillment, not necessarily chronological immediacy for every observer but the certainty that God’s redemptive plan will unfold according to divine timing. In biblical narrative, “shortly” often carries a sense of imminent expectancy rather than literal brevity. The verse reinforces trust in God’s faithful governance and in the integrity of the prophetic witness that undergirds the book’s exhortations to holiness, endurance, and perseverance.
**Theological Significance** (150 words)
This text emphasizes the trustworthiness of God’s word and the integrity of prophetic revelation. It anchors the reader in the belief that Revelation’s visions are not speculative fantasies but divinely commissioned truths. The interplay between the prophetic tradition (holy prophets) and the angelic messenger ties the canon together—God speaks through prophets and through heavenly messengers, confirming the unity of the biblical witness. The call to attendants (servants) to receive what must soon come fosters a posture of readiness and obedience. Theologically, it also highlights the eschatological tension: God’s plan is unfolding in history toward a fulfilled, unveiled presence of the King.
**Modern Application** (150 words)
In everyday life, this verse invites a stance of sober hope: trust the Bible’s promises and align your life with God’s revealed plan. When you study Revelation, approach with humility, acknowledging that God’s timing is not ours, but his faithfulness endures. Let prophetic truth shape how you live: reject cynicism, cling to hope, and practice faithful obedience. For leaders and churches, this calls for clear communication of the Gospel and a readiness to respond to God’s prompting—whether that means evangelism, social justice, or reconciliation. In personal moments of uncertainty, return to the faithful and true nature of God’s word as a grounding, steadied compass.
**Cross-References**: Isaiah 53:11; Genesis 18:17-19; 2 Peter 3:8-9; Daniel 12:6-7; Revelation 1:1