Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read Jesus's "Surely I am coming soon" as a simple promise, but the original language suggests a powerful affirmation responding to the Spirit's call. This "Yea" signifies Jesus agreeing with the longing for His return, not just announcing it, making John's "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" a heartfelt echo.
This is the grand finale, the closing words of Jesus himself to his beloved John and to all who would read this incredible vision. After revealing the glorious future and the judgment to come, Jesus reassures his followers that His return is imminent, a promise that John echoes with a fervent prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus!" This exchange wraps up the entire book, leaving us with both Jesus' promise and the Church's longing for His ultimate reign.
The very last words spoken by Christ in Scripture aren't a command or a doctrine, but a promise. Who is this witness, and why is His testimony so crucial at the end?
The voice we hear in Revelation 22:20 is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He calls Himself 'He who testifies to these things,' a title echoing His earthly ministry where He bore witness to the truth (John 18:37). This isn't just a random statement; it's the ultimate affirmation of everything written in this prophetic book. Jesus is personally vouching for its truth and the reality of the events it describes. His declaration, 'Surely I am coming soon,' is the final word from the Faithful and True Witness, grounding the entire revelation in His authority and His promise.
Following Christ's promise, John responds with powerful words. What does this 'Amen' signify, and why is it paired with such an urgent plea?
The 'Amen' is more than just a concluding word; it's John's fervent agreement and affirmation of Jesus' promise. It signals his deep faith and trust that Christ will come quickly. But it doesn't stop there. This 'Amen' directly leads into the cry, 'Come, Lord Jesus!' This isn't a passive acceptance; it's an active, longing desire for Christ's return. The original language suggests a powerful echo of Christ's own words, a heart responding to heart. It expresses the yearning of the suffering Church, looking forward to the end of trials and the full establishment of God's kingdom.
Understand the original words
amēn · Hebrew Adverb/Interjection
An expression of affirmation, truthfulness, and solemn agreement, used to confirm the reliability of God’s promises.
Jesus promises His disciples, 'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come back to you,' echoing the assurance of His return found in Revelation 22:20.
1 Corinthians 1:7This verse speaks of 'waiting for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,' mirroring the expectant longing expressed in the cry, 'Come, Lord Jesus!'
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17It describes the Lord Himself descending from heaven with a cry, connecting the authoritative declaration 'Surely I am coming soon' with the joyful reunion of believers.
2 Peter 3:9Peter explains that the Lord's 'coming' is not delayed in the way some suppose, reinforcing the 'coming quickly' message as a divine certainty despite appearances.
Matthew 25:34-36Jesus speaks of His Father's kingdom being prepared for the faithful, and His subsequent return to receive them, aligning with the sentiment of 'Come, Lord Jesus' as a prayer for His promised kingdom.
barnesRevelation 22:20: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
He which testifieth these things - The Lord Jesus; for he it was that had, through the instrumentality of the angel, borne this solemn witness to the truth of these things, and this book was to be regarded as his revelation to mankind. See the notes on Revelation 1:1 ; Revelation 22:16 . He here speaks of himself, and vouches for the truth and reality of these things by saying tha…
clarkeRevelation 22:20: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Surely I come quickly - This may be truly said to every person in every age; Jesus the Judge is at the door! Even so, come, Lord Jesus - The wish and desire of the suffering Church, and of all the followers of God, who are longing for the coming of his kingdom.
It's easy to read Jesus's "Surely I am coming soon" as a simple promise, but the original language suggests a powerful affirmation responding to the Spirit's call. This "Yea" signifies Jesus agreeing with the longing for His return, not just announcing it, making John's "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" a heartfelt echo.
This is the grand finale, the closing words of Jesus himself to his beloved John and to all who would read this incredible vision. After revealing the glorious future and the judgment to come, Jesus reassures his followers that His return is imminent, a promise that John echoes with a fervent prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus!" This exchange wraps up the entire book, leaving us with both Jesus' promise and the Church's longing for His ultimate reign.
This is the grand finale, the closing words of Jesus himself to his beloved John and to all who would read this incredible vision. After revealing the glorious future and the judgment to come, Jesus reassures his followers that His return is imminent, a promise that John echoes with a fervent prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus!" This exchange wraps up the entire book, leaving us with both Jesus' promise and the Church's longing for His ultimate reign.
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"He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" — It's easy to read Jesus's "Surely I am coming soon" as a simple promise, but the original language suggests a powerful affirmation responding to the Spirit's call. This "Yea" signifies Jesus agreeing…
