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The final fifteen verses make many literary and theological connections to the prologue (1:1-8) and the seven letters (see comments on chs. 2-3). These ties document the interrelatedness of Revelation and are a literary means of affirming a theological truth of apocalyptic literature that the end time will be a return to the beginning time. Beyond these signs of unity, two truths dominate the epilogue.
The text accentuates the authenticity of Revelation. Readers are implored to honor the words in the book (vv.7, 9, 18, 19) because they are trustworthy and true and they came to John from God (vv.8, 16). Revelation is to be read and heeded. It is not to be sealed up and stored away (v.10), in contrast to Daniel’s visions (Dan 12:4).
John confidently commends the coming of the Lord. The plea Come, Lord Jesus invokes as a pregnant prayer, the expectancy emphasized with phrases such as must soon take place and I am coming soon. If repetition indicates significance, the threefold repetition of I am coming soon (vv.7, 12, 20) signals the fervent hope that stands at the center of NT faith. We await the coming of our Lord.
Some circles of Christianity in the late first century were moving away from a belief in the imminent coming of Christ. They were settling in for the long haul and were comparing a day to a thousand years (2Pe 3:8). They were building institutions and adjusting to living alongside the Roman Empire. In contrast, as the final book in the Christian canon, Revelation concludes the NT with the same apocalyptic thrust that characterized Paul as the earliest NT writer (Ro 8:18-25; 13:12; 1Co 15; 1Th 4:13-5:11) and Mark as the first gospel writer. The presence of Revelation in the canon attests the value of apocalyptic theology. Centuries later we still await the second coming of our Lord. Reading Revelation imparts an urgency to our mission and message. It reminds us that history will have a final purpose and meaning in the return of Christ. Until the Lord comes again, Revelation calls the church to follow him rather than any Caesar, to be a holy people, and to attain the promises reserved for faithful overcomers who do not falter in the struggle against sin. Amen. Come Lord Jesus!