Revelation 22:9

“Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.”

This verse occurs near the end of the book of Revelation, which is the final book of the Bible and contains apocalyptic visions and prophecies. It serves as a concluding statement from an angel who appeared to the apostle John, who was the recipient of the visions recorded in Revelation.

In this verse, the angel speaks directly to John, commanding him not to worship him. The angel emphasises his equality with John, stating, “for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets.” This implies that the angel is not a divine being deserving of worship, but rather a fellow servant of God and participant in the same prophetic tradition.

Furthermore, the angel identifies himself as one who keeps the sayings of the book of Revelation. This indicates that he is intimately connected to the message and purpose of the book, serving as a messenger to deliver these revelations to John and subsequently to the readers.

The final phrase of the verse, “worship God,” underscores the ultimate focus and object of worship. It directs John and all believers to direct their worship solely toward God. This echoes the consistent biblical theme of monotheism and the exclusive worship of God alone, as seen throughout the entire Bible.

Overall, Revelation 22:9 serves as a reminder that worship is reserved for God alone, and that even heavenly beings, such as angels, are not to be worshipped. It reinforces the importance of maintaining a proper perspective on worship and directing our reverence and adoration toward the one true God.

It’s worth noting that interpretations and understandings of the book of Revelation may vary among different Christian denominations and scholars. Therefore, it can be beneficial to consult additional commentaries and interpretations to gain a broader perspective on this verse and its surrounding context.