10. at--Greek, "before." John's intending to worship the
angel here, as in
Re 22:8,
on having revealed to him the glory of the new Jerusalem, is the
involuntary impulse of adoring joy at so blessed a prospect. It forms a
marked contrast to the sorrowful wonder with which he had looked
on the Church in her apostasy as the harlot
(Re 17:6).
It exemplifies the corrupt tendencies of our fallen nature that even
John, an apostle, should have all but fallen into "voluntary humility
and worshipping of angels," which Paul warns us against.
and of thy brethren--that is, a fellow servant of thy
brethren.
have the testimony of Jesus--(See on
Re 12:17).
the testimony of--that is, respecting Jesus.
is the spirit of prophecy--is the result of the same spirit of
prophecy in you as in myself. We angels, and you apostles, all alike
have the testimony of (bear testimony concerning) Jesus by the
operation of one and the same Spirit, who enables me to show you these
revelations and enables you to record them: wherefore we are fellow
servants, not I your lord to be worshipped by you. Compare
Re 22:9,
"I am fellow servant of thee and of thy brethren the prophets";
whence the "FOR the testimony," &c., here, may be
explained as giving the reason for his adding "and (fellow servant) of
thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus." I mean, of the
prophets; "for it is of Jesus that thy brethren, the
prophets, testify by the Spirit in them." A clear condemnation of
Romish invocation of saints as if they were our superiors to be
adored.
JFB.
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