That readeth.—Correctly interprets the symbolisms.
And they.—Plural.
That hear the [words] WORD of this prophecy.—“All who have read and understood even a part of the teachings of the book were blessed as promised. It was an important aid to Luther in deciding that the Papacy, of which he was a conscientious minister, was ‘Antichrist’ ”—A. 27.
And keep.—Keep the eyes upon, observe (so the Greek Indicates).—Rev. 22:7.
Those things which are written therein.—“There is a blessing upon those who read this revelation, even though they do not understand, and a special blessing upon those who hear and understand the words of this prophecy, and who conform their lives to the things therein written.”—Z. '16-343.
For the time is at hand.—The fulfilments began at once, in St. John's own day.
1:4. John to the seven churches.—Not merely the seven literal congregations mentioned in Verse 11 and elsewhere, but to the epochs of the Church as a whole, from Apostolic days until now.
Which are in Asia.—In the Orient, the East, the early path of the sun. Before the Sun of Righteousness can illuminate the world of mankind, its rays must first have passed through the Church, the first to greet and welcome the New Day.
Grace be unto you.—May favor, unmerited, be your happy portion.
And peace.—The Lord's special legacy to His Church.—John 14:27.