With the Apocalypse finished, and John having seen and heard all of what the Lord wanted to convey to the churches, he immediately fell down before the angel’s feet whom the Lord had sent to bring the message of the Apocalypse to him (Revelation 22:8; cp. 1:1-4, 11). The sense seems to be, at least according to most Biblical scholars, that after seeing all the visions recorded in this prophecy, and hearing all of what the Lord wanted John and the elect to know, John placed himself in position to ‘worship’ the angel who had delivered the Lord’s message to him? And, this wasn’t even the first time John tried to do such a thing (Revelation 19:10)![1] Is this an accurate understanding of what John had tried to do?
John was a Jew, and good Jews simply don’t worship men or angels. Good Jews had always reserved their worship for the Lord, alone. Why, then, would John want to worship this angel? The Greek word the text uses that is translated into worship in every translation I possess, is proskuneo[2] (G4352), but the intended meaning of the word is not always worship in the traditional sense. It was used of a token of respect bestowed upon legitimate authorities, such as kings, high priests and others of superior rank. Bowing is done, often placing one’s face on the ground. Jacob bowed before his brother, Esau, seven times (Genesis 33:3), but I hardly think his intention was to worship his brother. Rather, it seems to be a gesture of great respect.
The word is also used of folks who bowed before Jesus (Mark 5:22; 7:25), and he never once prevented them from doing that, but I don’t believe that good Jews began worshiping human figures, nor do I believe they had suddenly realized Jesus is God in the flesh. It was used of Cornelius falling down before Peter, but Peter didn’t allow him to continue (Acts 10:25-26). Whether Cornelius’ act was one of worship or given out of great respect is debatable, but given the fact that Cornelius was a worshiper of the true God and probably a God fearer who worshiped in the synagogues (Acts 10:1-2), I hardly think Cornelius had mistaken Peter for God. Rather, he tried to show Peter his great respect, something he may have done to high priests who may have visited the synagogue where he worshiped. Nevertheless, Peter was uncomfortable with such an act being done to honor him.
Notice, though, how the angel reacted to John’s gesture (Revelation 22:9). He didn’t permit John to complete what he intended to do. It may be, because the angel had nothing to do with the formulating of the message or its interpretation. He merely presented John with the message God intended him to have in order to teach it to the Lord’s disciples. In context, this might be like kissing the hand of the mailman, because he brought you your income tax refund! While it is perfectly understandable that John was in awe of his experience, his thanks and respect wasn’t appropriate for the messenger (mailman). Rather, he was to show his respect to God who sent the message of the Apocalypse to him.
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[1] See my study: John’s Improper Behavior and the Gospel.
[2] The Greek word, proskuneo (G4352); according the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, is used to bow in order to kiss the hand, in token of reverence; it is also used to fall upon one’s knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence; in the NT it is used for kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication; it is used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank; it was done to the Jewish high priests; to God; to Christ; to heavenly beings; and to demons.
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