What is the context?
The account of the city gives way to the book’s closing assurances and instructions. The angel calls these words faithful and true. The Lord who speaks through the prophets has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.
Christ announces that He is coming soon and gives a blessing to the one who keeps the prophecy’s words. The response includes taking the message to heart and living by it. The promise echoes the opening blessing on those who hear and keep what is written.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The readings agree on the call to trust the message and keep it. They differ over how soon relates to fulfillment. Wesley says the events begin to be fulfilled immediately. Walvoord emphasizes events that remain impending and will unfold swiftly, connecting Christ’s coming here especially with His coming for the church.
Thayer’s entry for the expression in verse 6 includes quickly, shortly and soon. The word’s range helps explain the question, but a full timetable depends on how readers understand the visions as a whole.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Revelation 1:1–3 introduced the same movement from God’s revelation to a blessing on hearing and keeping it. The ending returns to that purpose after the visions: the book is given to shape the faithfulness of those who receive it.
Jesus likewise blesses those who hear God’s word and obey it in Luke 11:27–28. The promise here belongs within that wider call to receive God’s message through a life responsive to Him.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.