And he said unto me. Probably the angel who has exhibited the vision of the holy city (Revelation 21:9); perhaps the angel of Revelation 1:1. The concluding portion of the book is now entered upon; it contains a brief summary of (or rather reference to) the chief events which have been narrated, and enforces the lesson which is intended to be taught, viz.
that Christians should persevere in well doing amid all persecutions, for their reward is certain, and that the punishment due to the wicked will surely overtake them at last. The angel asserts the veracity of what is contained in the book (Revelation 1:6; cf.
Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:2; Revelation 3:14); the time in which to prepare is brief (Revelation 1:6, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 1:12; cf. Revelation 1:3, Revelation 1:7); the prophecy is to be communicated to others (Revelation 1:10; cf.
Revelation 1:1-3); God is eternal (Revelation 1:13; cf. Revelation 1:8); the just are rewarded (Revelation 1:14, Revelation 1:17; cf. Revelation 1:3); the wicked are punished (Revelation 1:15; cf. Revelation 1:7); the prophecy is to be faithfully handed on (Revelation 1:18, Revelation 1:19; cf.
Revelation 1:2). These sayings are faithful and true. That is, all that has been conveyed to the seer (cf. the following verses). This is a repetition of Revelation 21:5; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 3:14; so also Daniel 8:26.
And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets ... the things which must shortly come to pass.
That spiritual part of the nature of the prophets, by which they are made to discern and to communicate God's will. The expression is used here in connection with the "prophecy" mentioned in the following verse.
The greater part of this verse is worded exactly as Revelation 1:1. His servants; cf. the address to the seven Churches (Revelation 1:3., especially Revelation 1:11).