And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
At - `before.' John's intending to worship the angel, as in Revelation 22:8, who revealed the coming glory, is the involuntary impulse of adoring joy at so blessed a prospect. It forms a contrast to the sorrowful wonder with which he looked on the Church as the harlot (Revelation 17:6). How corrupt is our fallen nature, that even John, an apostle, should have all but fallen into "voluntary humility and worshipping of angels" (Colossians 2:18), which Paul warns against!
And of thy brethren - i:e., a fellow-servant of thy brethren.
Have the testimony of Jesus - (note, Revelation 12:17.)
The testimony of - i:e., respecting Jesus.
Is the spirit of prophecy - emanates from the same spirit of prophecy in you as in myself. We angels, and you apostles, alike bear testimony concerning Jesus by the same Spirit, who enables me to show you these revelations, and you to record them: wherefore we are fellow-servants-not I your lord to be worshipped. Compare Revelation 22:9, 'I am fellow-servant of thee and of thy brethren the prophets;' whence the "FOR the testimony," etc., here may give the reason for his adding, 'and fellow-servant of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus.' I mean, of the prophets; 'for it is of Jesus that thy brethren, the prophets, testify by the Spirit in them.' A condemnation of Romish invocation of saints, as if they were our superiors.