In a previous blog post, I argued that Rev 22:18-19 is a warning against altering the text of the book of Revelation, employing a curse against individuals who would desire to undertake such a task, something that was common in the ancient world.
On Rev 22:18, he wrote:
In his commentary on Revelation, Wilfrid H. Harrington wrote:
“I warn everyone …”: it was fairly common practice for writers to append a warning of this kind to their books. John can be so firm because he does not regard himself as author of the book; the real author is, ultimately, God (1:1). For the third time in this passage (vv. 7, 12, 20) Christ, who gives his own solemn testimony to the contents of the book, assures his Church that he is coming soon. It is a response to the earnest prayer of the Church: “Come!” (v. 17), and a link with the promise at the start of the book: “Behold, he comes with the clouds” (1:7). But this time the promise stands in the liturgical context of the Eucharist. (Harrington, W. J. (2008). Revelation. (D. J. Harrington, Ed.) (Vol. 16, p. 226). Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.)
18. I warn everyone: See Deut 4:2; 12:32. For a similar warning, see Letter of Aristeas, 311; 1 Enoch 104:10–11; 2 Enoch 48:74–75. (Ibid., 223)
1 Enoch 104:10-11 reads as follows:
[The words] of the truth they alter, and the sinners also write against and alter many (words). And they lie and form great inventions and compose scriptures in their names. And would that they would write all my words truthfully in their names; neither should they subtract nor alter these words, but should write all things truthfully, which I testify to them.
