Revelation 1:5

 

Berean Standard Bible
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,
 
King James Bible
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
 
NET Bible
and from Jesus Christ--the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood
 
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Berean Study Bible:
 
and from Jesus Christ
This phrase introduces Jesus Christ as the central figure of the Revelation. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation," while "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One." This highlights Jesus' role as the Messiah, the Savior anointed by God to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. In the context of Revelation, Jesus is the source of divine revelation and the ultimate authority over the unfolding events.
 
the faithful witness
The term "faithful witness" underscores Jesus' role in testifying to the truth of God. The Greek word for "witness" is "martys," which is also the root for "martyr," indicating one who bears witness even unto death. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection serve as the ultimate testimony to God's truth and love. His faithfulness is a model for believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their own witness to the gospel.
 
the firstborn from the dead
This phrase emphasizes Jesus' resurrection as the first instance of eternal life after death, a promise extended to all believers. The Greek term "prototokos" (firstborn) signifies preeminence and priority. Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over death and His role as the pioneer of a new creation. It assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life.
 
and the ruler of the kings of the earth
Here, Jesus is depicted as sovereign over all earthly powers. The Greek word "archon" (ruler) conveys authority and dominion. This assertion of Jesus' kingship is a powerful reminder of His ultimate authority over all human institutions and leaders. In a historical context, this was a profound statement of hope and assurance for early Christians facing persecution under Roman rule, affirming that Christ's kingdom transcends all earthly realms.
 
To Him who loves us
This phrase highlights the ongoing, personal love of Jesus for His followers. The Greek word "agapao" (loves) denotes a selfless, unconditional love. This love is not just a past event but a present reality, emphasizing the intimate relationship between Christ and His church. It is a love that motivates and sustains believers, providing comfort and strength in times of trial.
 
and has released us from our sins
The concept of release from sins speaks to the liberation and forgiveness offered through Christ's sacrifice. The Greek word "luo" (released) implies a setting free or loosing from bondage. This release is a central tenet of the gospel, signifying the breaking of sin's power and the restoration of a right relationship with God. It is a transformative act that redefines the believer's identity and destiny.
 
by His blood
The mention of "His blood" points to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. In biblical terms, blood represents life and atonement. The shedding of Jesus' blood fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, providing the ultimate atonement for sin. This act of sacrifice is the foundation of the new covenant, securing redemption and reconciliation for all who believe. It is a profound expression of divine love and justice, offering hope and assurance of salvation.
 
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Faithful Witness: Jesus is described as the "faithful witness," indicating His reliability in revealing the truth of God. This title emphasizes His role in truthfully conveying divine messages and His own testimony through His life, death, and resurrection.
 
First Begotten of the Dead: This phrase underscores Jesus's resurrection. He is described as the "firstborn" from the dead, not in the sense that He was the first person ever to be resurrected (as there are accounts of others being raised before Him), but in His resurrection, He is the first in a new kind of resurrection that promises eternal life to believers. This signifies His unique role in conquering death, which is central to Christian theology.
 
Prince of the Kings of the Earth: This title asserts Jesus's supreme authority over all earthly rulers, suggesting His sovereignty extends beyond the spiritual realm into the temporal world. It's a declaration of His ultimate kingship and dominion.
 
Loved Us and Washed Us from Our Sins in His Own Blood: This part of the verse speaks to the personal relationship believers have with Jesus. "Loved us" speaks to divine love, while "washed us from our sins in his own blood" refers to the atonement—Christ's sacrificial death on the cross which, in Christian belief, cleanses believers from sin. The imagery of blood here is directly linked to the crucifixion, symbolizing purification and redemption.
 
In context, this verse serves as part of a doxology or praise to Jesus, celebrating His divine nature, His redemptive work, and His authority. It's both a theological statement about who Jesus is and what He has done, as well as a personal acknowledgment of His impact on believers' lives.
 
This verse encapsulates themes central to Christian eschatology and soteriology (the study of salvation), emphasizing Jesus's role in both the divine plan for humanity and the personal transformation of individuals through faith.
 
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible:
 
And from Jesus Christ,.... Who, though the second Person in the Trinity, is mentioned last, because many things were to be said of him; and who is described in all his offices: in his prophetic office,
 
the faithful witness; as he is of his Father, of his mind and will, with respect to doctrine and worship; of his truth and faithfulness in his promises; and of his love, grace, and mercy, to his chosen; and of himself, of his true deity, proper sonship, and perfect equality with the Father; of his Messiahship, and of salvation through his obedience, sufferings, and death; and of all truth in general, to which he has bore a faithful testimony several ways, in his ministry, by his miracles, at his death, and by the shedding of his blood to seal it; by his Spirit since, and by the ministers of his word: he is described in his priestly office be
 
the first begotten of the dead: being the first that rose from the dead by his own power, and to an immortal life; for though some few were raised before him, yet not by themselves, nor to live for ever, but to die again. Moreover, he is the firstfruits of the resurrection, the pledge and earnest of it, as well as the efficient cause and exemplar of it. This character supposes that he died, as he did, for the sins of his people; and that he rose again from the dead, as he did, for their justification; and that he rose first as their head and representative, and opened the way of life for them. And he is described in his kingly office, for it follows,
 
and the Prince of the kings of the earth: which is not to be understood figuratively of the saints, who have power over sin, Satan, and the world, through the efficacious grace of Christ, and of whom he is Prince or King; but literally of the kings and princes of this world, over whom Christ is King and Lord, who receive their crowns and kingdoms from him, and rule by him, and are accountable to him, as they one day must be. Next follows a doxology, or an ascription of glory to him,
 
unto him that hath loved us; his own, his people, his church, his chosen, and who are given him by his Father; these he has loved with an everlasting and unchangeable love, with a love of complacency and delight, which passes knowledge, and will never end: and which he has shown in espousing their persons, undertaking their cause, assuming their nature, and in nothing more than in giving himself for them as a propitiatory sacrifice, or in dying and shedding his precious blood for them, as is next expressed:
 
and washed us from our sins in his own blood; which shows that these persons were loved before washed; they were not first washed, and then loved, but first loved, and then washed. Love was the cause of washing, and not washing the cause of love; hence it appears that they were in themselves filthy, and unclean through sin; and that they could not cleanse themselves by anything they could do; and that such was the love of Christ to them, that he shed his precious blood for them, which is a fountain opened, to wash in for sin, and which cleanses from all sin. This is to be understood, not of the sanctification of their natures, which is the work of the Spirit, but of atonement for their sins, and justification from them by the blood of Christ, whereby they are so removed, that they are all fair, and without spot. It is afterwards said, that these same persons are made priests; and it may be observed, that the priests were always washed, before they performed their service, as such . The Alexandrian copy and the Syriac and Arabic versions read, "and hath loosed us from our sins in", or "by his blood"; that is, from the guilt of them, which was bound upon them,
 
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Cross Reference:
 
Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
 
Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
 
Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.