What does Revelation 22:10 mean?

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. Revelation 22:10

Explanation

Revelation 22:10 is a verse from the final book of the New Testament, often referred to as the Apocalypse or Revelation of John. This verse specifically speaks to the urgency and imminence of the prophecies within the book. The speaker, presumably an angel, instructs John to keep the prophecies unsealed, meaning that they should be made known or accessible for all to understand. The phrase “for the time is at hand” implies that the events described in Revelation are near, which suggests an impending fulfillment of prophecy.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by John, traditionally identified as John the Apostle, although this is subject to scholarly debate. The work is dated to around 95 A.D., during a time of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. The context is one of eschatological expectation, with early Christians believing that the end times were upon them. Revelation itself is a complex tapestry of visions and symbolism, which readers at the time would have understood against the backdrop of Roman oppression and the hope for divine intervention and justice.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, Revelation 22:10 has been interpreted in multiple ways. Preterists believe that the events described were fulfilled shortly after they were written, during the fall of Jerusalem and the early persecution of Christians. Futurists, on the other hand, view the prophecies as relating to future events that will precede the return of Christ. Historicists interpret Revelation as a sweeping overview of church history from the apostles until the second coming of Christ. Finally, Idealists view the book symbolically, as a timeless depiction of the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

Practical Applications

Revelation 22:10 can be applied in various practical ways. It can be seen as a call for transparency and openness in sharing spiritual insights and truths. The concept of not sealing the words of prophecy may also encourage believers to engage with and understand their sacred texts, to be vigilant and to live with a sense of readiness, reflecting the belief that significant moments in their faith journey may be imminent.

Cross-References

• Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
• Daniel 8:26 – “And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.”
• Revelation 10:4 – “And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.”

Language Study

• “Seal not” (Greek: σφραγίζω, sphragizō) – In ancient times, documents were sealed to keep them secret or to verify their authenticity. Instructing that the prophecies not be sealed indicates they should be revealed and known.
• “Sayings” (Greek: λόγος, logos) – This word can refer to the spoken word, discourse, or reasoning. In this context, it refers to the content of the prophecy.
• “Prophecy” (Greek: προφητεία, propheteia) – The message delivered by a prophet, often pertaining to future events as inspired by God.
• “The time is at hand” (Greek: ὁ καιρὸς ἐγγύς, ho kairos engys) – The phrase suggests nearness or immediacy, implying that the events could happen soon.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of sealing books or documents is seen in various cultures often to protect knowledge or as a sign of authority. For example, in Ancient Egypt, seals were used to secure the tombs and possessions of the dead. Comparatively, in many religious texts, the divulging or concealing of divine knowledge plays a significant role, such as the sealed golden plates in Mormonism or the concept of esoteric knowledge in some strands of Gnosticism.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not apply directly to the interpretation of Revelation 22:10 due to its prophetic and theological nature. However, the study of psychology and human behavior might shed light on the impact of belief in imminent end-times scenarios on individuals and societies, affecting everything from moral decision-making to long-term planning.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators offer varying interpretations of Revelation 22:10. Some focus on the literary context within Revelation, noting the contrast with the book of Daniel where Daniel is told to seal the vision because it concerns the distant future. Others may emphasize the need for readiness and urgency in the Christian life based on the “time is at hand” clause. There are also discussions about the verse’s implications for understanding the canon of scripture, church authority, and eschatological teachings.