Revelation 1:18
Verse
Context
Sermons
Vance Havner
T. Austin-Sparks
Leonard Ravenhill
J. Glyn Owen
F.J. Huegel
Erlo StegenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am he that liveth, and was dead - I am Jesus the Savior, who, though the fountain of life, have died for mankind; and being raised from the dead I shall die no more, the great sacrifice being consummated. And have the keys of death and the grave, so that I can destroy the living and raise the dead. The key here signifies the power and authority over life, death, and the grave. This is also a rabbinical form of speech. In the Jerusalem Targum, on Gen 30:22, are these words: "There are four Keys in the hand of God which he never trusts to angel or seraph. 1. The key of the rain; 2. The key of provision; 3. The key of the grave; and 4. The key of the barren womb." In Sanhedrin, fol. 113, 1, it is said: "When the son of the woman of Sarepta died, Elijah requested that to him might be given the key of the resurrection of the dead. They said to him, there are three Keys which are not given into the hand of the apostle, the key of life, the key of the rain, and the key of the resurrection of the dead." From these examples it is evident that we should understand ᾁδης, hades, here, not as hell, nor the place of separate spirits, but merely as the grave; and the key we find to be merely the emblem of power and authority. Christ can both save and destroy, can kill and make alive. Death is still under his dominion, and he can recall the dead whensoever he pleases. He is the resurrection and the life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "And THE LIVING ONE": connected with last sentence, Rev 1:17. and was--Greek, "and (yet) I became." alive for evermore--Greek, "living unto the ages of ages": not merely "I live," but I have life, and am the source of it to My people. "To Him belongs absolute being, as contrasted with the relative being of the creature; others may share, He only hath immortality: being in essence, not by mere participation, immortal" [THEODORET in TRENCH]. One oldest manuscript, with English Version, reads Amen." Two others, and most of the oldest versions and Fathers, omit it. His having passed through death as one of us, and now living in the infinite plenitude of life, reassures His people, since through Him death is the gate of resurrection to eternal life. have . . . keys of hell--Greek, "Hades"; Hebrew, "Sheol." "Hell" in the sense, the place of torment, answers to a different Greek word, namely, Gehenna. I can release from the unseen world of spirits and from DEATH whom I will. The oldest manuscripts read by transposition, "Death and Hades," or Hell." It is death (which came in by sin, robbing man of his immortal birthright, Rom 5:12) that peoples Hades, and therefore should stand first in order. Keys are emblems of authority, opening and shutting at will "the gates of Hades" (Psa 9:13-14; Isa 38:10; Mat 16:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I am he that liveth,.... As the eternal God, who has life in himself, originally, essentially, and inderivatively, and is the fountain and author of life to others; and who ever lived as the Mediator and Redeemer, and still does, and ever will, yea, even when he was dead as man: and was dead; he died the death of the cross, for the sins of his people, in due time, and but once; and it was but a short time he was held under the power of death, and will never die any more: and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; he was always alive as God, or he was always the living God, and ever will be; and he is now alive as man, and will for ever continue so; and he is alive to God, he lives by him, with him, and to his glory; and he is alive to the benefit and advantage of his redeemed ones, for whom he died; he ever lives to make intercession for them; he rose again from the dead for their justification; their being quickened together with him, and their being begotten again to a lively hope, are owing to his being alive; and as their reconciliation is by his death, so their salvation, or the application of it to them, is by his interceding life; and his resurrection is the cause of theirs: this is very fitly said to John, who was fallen as dead at the feet of Christ, and might be to animate him against the fears of death, or whatever he was to meet with on account of Christ; as well as to make himself known unto him, who had before known him, living, dying, and risen again. The word "Amen" is left out in the Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions; but is in others, and is rightly retained, either as an asseveration of Christ to the truth of what is before said, or as an assent of John's unto it, who was a proper witness both of the death and resurrection of Christ: and have the keys of hell and death; or "of death and hell"; as the words are transposed in the Alexandrian copy and Complutensian edition, in the Vulgate Latin and in all the Oriental versions, agreeably to Rev 6:8, by which phrase is expressed the power of Christ over both: his power over death is seen in taking away persons by death when he pleases, the instances of Ananias and Sapphira are proofs of this; and in delivering persons from death when near it, as the centurion's servant, Peter's wife's mother, and the nobleman's son of Capernaum; and in raising persons from the dead, as Jairus's daughter, the widow of Naam's son, and Lazarus, when he was here on earth; and in his raising up his own body when dead, and which will also appear in raising all the dead at the last day: and his power over "hell", by which may be meant the grave, or the place of the departed, and separate souls, or the place of the damned and of the devils which are there, will be seen in opening the graves at the time of the resurrection, when death and hell, or the grave, will deliver up the dead in them, at his command; and in retaining or sending out the separate souls "in hades"; and in opening the doors of hell, and casting in the wicked, and destroying them, soul and body, there; and in shutting them up, that they cannot come out from thence who are once in; and in binding Satan, and casting him into the bottomless pit, and shutting him up there, the key of which he has in his hand; and in preserving his church and people from his power and malice, so that the gates of hell cannot prevail against them. This is an expression of the sovereignty, power, and authority of Christ; and is designed to encourage and support John under his present concern and anxiety of mind about the person he saw in this vision: , "the key of the grave", and of the resurrection of the dead, is frequently said by the Jews to be one of the keys which are in the hands of the holy blessed God, and his only; not in the hands of an angel or a seraph, or any other (u), (u) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 73. fol. 64. 3. Targum Jerus. in Gen. xxx. 21. & Jon in Deut. xxviii. 12. Zohar in Gen. fol. 67. 3. Pirke Eliezer, c. 34. T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 2. 1. & Sandedrin, fol. 113. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18 the living one: Because the Son of Man (1:13) has conquered death, he holds the keys of death and controls the outcome of our greatest fear (see 20:14; Heb 2:14-15). Jesus has complete authority to provide hope in a hostile world. • the grave: Greek Hades. See study note on Rev 6:7-8.
Revelation 1:18
John’s Vision on Patmos
17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,18the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Forget Not His Benefits
By Vance Havner6.5K30:18HealingMAT 6:33MAT 10:34JHN 3:16ACT 17:6ROM 12:21JN 4:17REV 1:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 John 4:17, "as he is, so are we in this world." He emphasizes that John, as a New Testament writer, has a unique ability to convey profound truths in simple terms. The preacher breaks down the verse into three divisions of three words each, highlighting its simplicity and importance. He discusses how Jesus, as the same yesterday, today, and forever, calls for believers to live in the reality of their identity in Christ and not treat it as a fairy tale. The preacher also emphasizes the need for believers to be actively engaged in the world, sharing the love of Christ and winning others to Him.
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 4 of 10
By T. Austin-Sparks2.4K1:00:14Jesus ChristMAT 6:33REV 1:18REV 2:4REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Revelation and its role in revealing Jesus Christ. The book is seen as a culmination of all the events and prophecies in the Bible, with over 400 references to the Old Testament. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning behind the events happening in the world and in the lives of believers. The sermon also highlights two foundational aspects of Jesus Christ: His personal victory over death and His character, which gives Him the authority to judge and decide.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K53:58The Unchanging ChristFutureFaith in TrialsPRO 8:17ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 14:6JHN 17:5ROM 8:31HEB 4:15HEB 13:81PE 5:7REV 1:18Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, as stated in Hebrews 13:8. He reflects on the glory of Christ before creation and the significance of His incarnation, highlighting the contrast between His divine majesty and the humble circumstances of His birth. Ravenhill urges believers to recognize the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, especially in times of trial, and to understand that true faith is tested in adversity. He calls for a deeper commitment to Christ, asserting that He should be our only focus and source of strength in a world filled with darkness and despair.
Easter's Glorious Tidings
By J. Glyn Owen2.2K43:50EasterACT 24:141CO 15:20EPH 2:61TH 4:161TI 2:5HEB 4:14REV 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is alive and can be communicated with. The preacher highlights that this connection with a living Savior validates the past and brings certainty to the future. The sermon also addresses the challenge faced by those who reject Jesus as Lord and Savior, as they will be held accountable for their decision. The preacher concludes by discussing the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance in validating his birth, life, and death, as well as the promises he made to humanity.
Revelation 5
By F.J. Huegel1.9K1:24:02REV 1:18REV 2:7REV 2:11REV 2:17REV 2:26REV 5:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation and its mysteries. He starts by describing the book as written within and sealed with seven seals. He emphasizes that no one in heaven, earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the book except for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is also referred to as the Lamb that was slain. The preacher then discusses the importance of overcoming and being victorious in order to receive the blessings and promises mentioned in the book, such as eating from the tree of life and having power over the nations. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the congregation to be built up in their faith and bring glory to God through Christ.
(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 7: Humility and a Good Conscience
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:05:54EXO 23:26MAT 4:13LUK 12:11HEB 2:14REV 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with Jesus and living a triumphant life. He highlights the irrationality of being against television but not against computers, as the internet can expose people to even filthier content. The solution, according to the speaker, is to teach our children to have reverence for God and to listen to their conscience, which is guided by the Holy Spirit. He compares this guidance to a police dog following a trail, always choosing the way that aligns with God's will. Ultimately, the speaker encourages the audience to submit to Jesus' yoke and live a satisfying life fulfilling God's plan.
Lord, Abide With Us - Part 1
By Erlo Stegen1.4K56:44AbidingMAT 6:33MAT 16:21MAT 28:6MRK 16:6JHN 2:19JHN 3:3REV 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He describes how Jesus conquered death and the forces of darkness, emerging victorious with the keys of death in his hands. The preacher also highlights the importance of living by faith and trusting in God's word, even in difficult circumstances. He shares a story of a wealthy woman who became a missionary among the Zulu people and faced extreme hardship, but remained faithful to God's calling. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in the resurrection power of Jesus and to keep God's word regardless of their circumstances.
(Spiritual Preparedness #1) the Remnant Church
By Ed Miller1.3K52:43REV 1:18REV 2:1REV 2:8REV 2:12REV 22:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and being prepared for the coming of the Lord. The terminal point of the book of Revelation is highlighted, where Jesus declares that He is coming and urges the churches to be ready. The sermon begins by reading a passage from Revelation chapter 1, which describes the glorious appearance of Jesus and His imminent return. The speaker also emphasizes the need for total reliance on the Holy Spirit in studying God's Word and highlights the desire of God to reveal Himself to His people.
Heredity - Part 6
By G.W. North1.2K34:29HeredityMAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 1:232CO 12:9EPH 4:17REV 1:18REV 21:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a transformed life as a follower of Christ. He urges the congregation to abandon their old ways and embrace a new way of living. The preacher emphasizes the need for obedience and respect towards parents, as well as tidiness and proper behavior. He highlights the connection between one's lifestyle and their ability to effectively proclaim the message of God. The sermon also emphasizes the significance of the crucifixion of Christ and the power it holds to set believers free from bondage. The preacher encourages the congregation to live a crucified life, which is a life of power and transformation.
The Lord Has Need of Them
By Erlo Stegen1.0K46:44God's Plan2KI 22:1PRO 11:14MAT 7:13MAT 21:1JHN 2:1HEB 12:2REV 1:18In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the life and testimony of a woman who lived a good life and passed away. He emphasizes the importance of following in the footsteps of Christian parents and serving the Lord. The preacher also shares a story about a father who asks his son to stab him because he feels hurt by the son's actions. The sermon then focuses on the biblical story of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem, highlighting the significance of the Lord's need for the donkey and how it fulfilled prophecy. The preacher encourages the audience to remember that the Lord has the keys to death and Hades, and to trust in His plans even when they may not understand them.
(Pdf Book) Perfect Security
By Bakht Singh93900:00Spiritual SecurityEbooksFaith in GodPSA 18:2PSA 119:165ISA 26:3LUK 6:49JHN 10:17ROM 4:251CO 10:4PHP 3:101JN 1:7REV 1:18Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of recognizing the Lord as our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and God, illustrating how these attributes provide spiritual security and strength in life's trials. He draws parallels between the experiences of David and the believer's journey, highlighting the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to experience true peace and deliverance from sin. Singh encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to rely on Him as their source of strength and guidance, especially during difficult times.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost - Part 2
By John G. Lake2DAN 10:1MAT 3:11MAT 6:10MAT 8:17LUK 24:491CO 14:22EPH 2:11JN 4:17REV 1:18REV 19:16John G. Lake preaches on the significance of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing the command of Jesus to His disciples to wait for the power from on high. Lake shares personal experiences of receiving the Baptism, highlighting the necessity of heart cleansing and spiritual preparation to receive the Holy Ghost. He discusses the transformative results of the Baptism, including a deep love for humanity, a powerful ministry of healing, and a fervent desire to see souls saved. Lake also delves into the different degrees of Baptism, urging believers to seek a higher level of consecration and union with Christ.
Viii. to John Kennedy, on His Deliverance From Shipwreck
By Samuel Rutherford0DEU 32:391SA 2:6HEB 12:7REV 1:18REV 3:19Samuel Rutherford preaches a heartfelt letter to a brother in Christ, expressing joy at his deliverance from a perilous sea journey and encouraging him to be steadfast in the face of trials. Rutherford reminds the brother of the constant spiritual battle against Satan's schemes and the need to cling to the Rock, Jesus Christ, for stability. He emphasizes the brevity of life and the importance of being prepared for the inevitable journey through death, urging the brother to fulfill his purpose with joy and a clear conscience. Rutherford encourages unwavering faith in Christ, who disciplines His children for their growth and eventual inheritance in heaven.
The Uniqueness of Christ
By Russell DeLong0LUK 2:10JHN 14:6ROM 8:37PHP 4:13COL 2:9REV 1:18Russell DeLong preaches about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His unparalleled significance in history, religion, resurrection, character, life, being, and power to help us in our daily struggles. Jesus is portrayed as the bridge between God and man, the essence of Christianity, the conqueror of death, the epitome of righteousness, and the ideal of ideals. His life, teachings, and divine nature set Him apart as the ultimate source of power and victory for all who believe in Him.
The King of Terrors.
By F.B. Meyer0Hope in ChristVictory over DeathJOB 18:14JHN 14:2ROM 8:381CO 15:55PHP 3:201TH 4:162TI 1:10HEB 2:141JN 5:11REV 1:18F.B. Meyer addresses the fear of death, historically referred to as the 'King of Terrors,' emphasizing how ancient cultures were haunted by the unknown associated with death and the grave. He contrasts this dread with the hope brought by Jesus, who has conquered death and revealed eternal life, assuring believers that death is merely a passage to their heavenly home. Meyer highlights that Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades, providing comfort to those facing mortality. He also reassures that many will be alive at Christ's return, escaping death altogether, and celebrates the victory over death through Jesus Christ.
The God-Exalted Christ
By Ian Paisley0PSA 85:4MAT 1:20LUK 1:30PHP 2:5PHP 2:10HEB 11:22REV 1:18Ian Paisley preaches on the God-exalted Christ, focusing on the lowliness, loneliness, loftiness, and loveliness of Christ. He emphasizes Christ's descent from divine heights to achieve salvation for sinners, highlighting His loneliness and rejection throughout His life. Paisley delves into Christ's exaltation by God, emphasizing His resurrection, ascension, and the power given to Him in heaven and earth. He concludes by urging sinners to turn to Christ, emphasizing the urgency of accepting salvation and the beauty of Christ's love and sacrifice.
Able to Save
By J.C. Ryle0Assurance of SalvationIntercession of ChristPSA 23:4JHN 14:6ROM 8:342CO 9:15EPH 3:19COL 1:192TI 1:12HEB 7:251JN 2:1REV 1:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith, particularly focusing on His intercessory role. He describes true Christians as those who come to God through Christ, highlighting that Jesus continually intercedes for believers, ensuring their salvation and comfort. Ryle reassures that Christ's intercession is a source of strength against sin, weakness, and trials, and that it guarantees believers' perseverance and ultimate salvation. He encourages readers to approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ's sacrifice and ongoing intercession secure their relationship with the Father. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the living Christ who intercedes for us, providing hope and assurance for the future.
The Indestructible Christ
By G.W. North0Eternal Nature of ChristVictory over DeathISA 53:5LUK 24:46JHN 1:14JHN 10:18ACT 2:24ROM 6:91CO 15:55PHP 2:8HEB 10:5REV 1:18G.W. North emphasizes the indestructible nature of Christ, explaining that while Jesus' physical body died, the eternal essence of Christ remained alive and indestructible. He clarifies that the Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, cannot die, and that Jesus' death was a necessary part of fulfilling scripture, allowing Him to conquer death and rise again. North highlights the mystery that confounded the Jews, who understood that the Christ abides forever, yet struggled with the concept of His death. He illustrates that Christ's incarnation was a divine plan, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Covenant. Ultimately, North reassures believers that while Jesus' body was destroyed, the Christ within remained eternal and victorious over death.
Listening to God
By Zac Poonen0Listening to GodSpiritual GrowthGEN 1:3ISA 55:10LUK 10:42LUK 11:5LUK 13:1ACT 13:27REV 1:18REV 3:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of listening to God daily, illustrating that God's voice brought order and creation in Genesis. He warns against the danger of merely reading the Bible without truly hearing God's message, as exemplified by those who crucified Jesus despite their scriptural knowledge. Poonen encourages believers to adopt a listening posture like Samuel's, highlighting that God's word is powerful and transformative. He outlines various ways God communicates, including through His Word, circumstances, godly counsel, and communal fellowship. Ultimately, he stresses that developing the habit of listening to God is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness.
He Holds All the Keys
By David Wilkerson0God's SovereigntyRevelationJOB 1:21MAT 10:29REV 1:18David Wilkerson emphasizes that profound revelations of God's goodness often emerge during our most challenging times, as illustrated by John’s experience on the Isle of Patmos. In isolation and despair, John received the revelation of Christ in His glory, recognizing Jesus as the one who holds the keys to life and death. This moment of divine insight reassured John, reminding him not to fear, as Jesus is sovereign over all circumstances. Wilkerson encourages believers to find peace in knowing that Jesus holds all the keys, and to respond in faith, much like Job did, acknowledging God's sovereignty in both giving and taking away.
The Period Becomes a Comma
By A.W. Tozer0ResurrectionEternal LifeJHN 11:25REV 1:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, illustrating that while death is often seen as the final period in life, Jesus' resurrection serves as a comma, indicating that the story continues. He reflects on the miracles of restoration performed by Jesus, such as the raising of Lazarus and Jairus's daughter, which were temporary reprieves from death. Tozer highlights that these miracles foreshadowed the ultimate victory over death that Jesus achieved, leading to the continuation of His story in the Book of Acts and beyond. The resurrection signifies not just a return to life, but the promise of eternal life and the ongoing work of Christ in the world. This message invites believers to understand that death is not the end, but a transition to a greater narrative of hope and purpose.
"A Candlestick All of Gold" the Cross in Relation to the Testimony
By T. Austin-Sparks0The CrossSpiritual TestimonyROM 8:1REV 1:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the candlestick as a symbol of the Church's testimony, rooted in the death and resurrection of Christ. He explains that the lampstand represents the fullness of Christ, the Church as His vessel, and the necessity of the Cross, which serves as a constant reminder of our dependence on God's Spirit rather than our own strength. The repeated motifs of death, resurrection, and new life illustrate that true spiritual growth requires continual engagement with the Cross. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to embody the testimony of Jesus, not just in words but through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Resurrection: A Fact
By A.W. Tozer0ResurrectionPower of ChristMAT 28:6LUK 24:5JHN 11:25ACT 2:24ROM 6:41CO 15:20PHP 3:10COL 3:11PE 1:3REV 1:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the resurrection of Christ is not a myth but a historical fact, foundational to the Christian faith. He asserts that the empty tomb signifies a real event, supported by divine intervention, and highlights the power of the resurrected Christ who reigns over heaven and earth. Tozer calls believers to honor the Cross while also grasping the profound implications of the Resurrection for both God and humanity, recognizing it as the culmination of Christ's sufferings.
God’s Answer to a State of Declension
By T. Austin-Sparks0Church DeclensionRevelation of ChristEZK 40:1JHN 1:14REV 1:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that when the Church loses its purity and heavenly character, God's response is to reveal His Son anew, as seen in the Gospel of John. He argues that John's writings were not merely historical accounts but a divine response to the Church's decline, presenting Christ in His full glory and spiritual essence. The sermon highlights that true recovery and restoration come not from returning to old techniques or doctrines, but from a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ. Sparks insists that the essence of God's answer to the Church's state of declension is always found in the person of Christ, who embodies life, power, and glory. Ultimately, the focus must be on seeing Christ in His heavenly nature to regain the Church's original purpose and vitality.
The Living One
By H.J. Vine0PRO 17:17JER 4:1MAT 16:18LUK 24:39ACT 11:23HEB 5:8REV 1:18H.J. Vine preaches about the significance of believers having a living Saviour, a living Lord, and a living Head in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and holds all authority, building His spiritual house with believers as living stones. Despite the challenges and lawlessness in the world and the church, believers are encouraged to not fear but to abide with the living Lord, who loves them unconditionally and continues to serve them with grace and compassion, interceding for them in their weaknesses. His present love and ongoing work in believers' lives are a source of encouragement and assurance as they await His glorious return.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am he that liveth, and was dead - I am Jesus the Savior, who, though the fountain of life, have died for mankind; and being raised from the dead I shall die no more, the great sacrifice being consummated. And have the keys of death and the grave, so that I can destroy the living and raise the dead. The key here signifies the power and authority over life, death, and the grave. This is also a rabbinical form of speech. In the Jerusalem Targum, on Gen 30:22, are these words: "There are four Keys in the hand of God which he never trusts to angel or seraph. 1. The key of the rain; 2. The key of provision; 3. The key of the grave; and 4. The key of the barren womb." In Sanhedrin, fol. 113, 1, it is said: "When the son of the woman of Sarepta died, Elijah requested that to him might be given the key of the resurrection of the dead. They said to him, there are three Keys which are not given into the hand of the apostle, the key of life, the key of the rain, and the key of the resurrection of the dead." From these examples it is evident that we should understand ᾁδης, hades, here, not as hell, nor the place of separate spirits, but merely as the grave; and the key we find to be merely the emblem of power and authority. Christ can both save and destroy, can kill and make alive. Death is still under his dominion, and he can recall the dead whensoever he pleases. He is the resurrection and the life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "And THE LIVING ONE": connected with last sentence, Rev 1:17. and was--Greek, "and (yet) I became." alive for evermore--Greek, "living unto the ages of ages": not merely "I live," but I have life, and am the source of it to My people. "To Him belongs absolute being, as contrasted with the relative being of the creature; others may share, He only hath immortality: being in essence, not by mere participation, immortal" [THEODORET in TRENCH]. One oldest manuscript, with English Version, reads Amen." Two others, and most of the oldest versions and Fathers, omit it. His having passed through death as one of us, and now living in the infinite plenitude of life, reassures His people, since through Him death is the gate of resurrection to eternal life. have . . . keys of hell--Greek, "Hades"; Hebrew, "Sheol." "Hell" in the sense, the place of torment, answers to a different Greek word, namely, Gehenna. I can release from the unseen world of spirits and from DEATH whom I will. The oldest manuscripts read by transposition, "Death and Hades," or Hell." It is death (which came in by sin, robbing man of his immortal birthright, Rom 5:12) that peoples Hades, and therefore should stand first in order. Keys are emblems of authority, opening and shutting at will "the gates of Hades" (Psa 9:13-14; Isa 38:10; Mat 16:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I am he that liveth,.... As the eternal God, who has life in himself, originally, essentially, and inderivatively, and is the fountain and author of life to others; and who ever lived as the Mediator and Redeemer, and still does, and ever will, yea, even when he was dead as man: and was dead; he died the death of the cross, for the sins of his people, in due time, and but once; and it was but a short time he was held under the power of death, and will never die any more: and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; he was always alive as God, or he was always the living God, and ever will be; and he is now alive as man, and will for ever continue so; and he is alive to God, he lives by him, with him, and to his glory; and he is alive to the benefit and advantage of his redeemed ones, for whom he died; he ever lives to make intercession for them; he rose again from the dead for their justification; their being quickened together with him, and their being begotten again to a lively hope, are owing to his being alive; and as their reconciliation is by his death, so their salvation, or the application of it to them, is by his interceding life; and his resurrection is the cause of theirs: this is very fitly said to John, who was fallen as dead at the feet of Christ, and might be to animate him against the fears of death, or whatever he was to meet with on account of Christ; as well as to make himself known unto him, who had before known him, living, dying, and risen again. The word "Amen" is left out in the Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions; but is in others, and is rightly retained, either as an asseveration of Christ to the truth of what is before said, or as an assent of John's unto it, who was a proper witness both of the death and resurrection of Christ: and have the keys of hell and death; or "of death and hell"; as the words are transposed in the Alexandrian copy and Complutensian edition, in the Vulgate Latin and in all the Oriental versions, agreeably to Rev 6:8, by which phrase is expressed the power of Christ over both: his power over death is seen in taking away persons by death when he pleases, the instances of Ananias and Sapphira are proofs of this; and in delivering persons from death when near it, as the centurion's servant, Peter's wife's mother, and the nobleman's son of Capernaum; and in raising persons from the dead, as Jairus's daughter, the widow of Naam's son, and Lazarus, when he was here on earth; and in his raising up his own body when dead, and which will also appear in raising all the dead at the last day: and his power over "hell", by which may be meant the grave, or the place of the departed, and separate souls, or the place of the damned and of the devils which are there, will be seen in opening the graves at the time of the resurrection, when death and hell, or the grave, will deliver up the dead in them, at his command; and in retaining or sending out the separate souls "in hades"; and in opening the doors of hell, and casting in the wicked, and destroying them, soul and body, there; and in shutting them up, that they cannot come out from thence who are once in; and in binding Satan, and casting him into the bottomless pit, and shutting him up there, the key of which he has in his hand; and in preserving his church and people from his power and malice, so that the gates of hell cannot prevail against them. This is an expression of the sovereignty, power, and authority of Christ; and is designed to encourage and support John under his present concern and anxiety of mind about the person he saw in this vision: , "the key of the grave", and of the resurrection of the dead, is frequently said by the Jews to be one of the keys which are in the hands of the holy blessed God, and his only; not in the hands of an angel or a seraph, or any other (u), (u) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 73. fol. 64. 3. Targum Jerus. in Gen. xxx. 21. & Jon in Deut. xxviii. 12. Zohar in Gen. fol. 67. 3. Pirke Eliezer, c. 34. T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 2. 1. & Sandedrin, fol. 113. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18 the living one: Because the Son of Man (1:13) has conquered death, he holds the keys of death and controls the outcome of our greatest fear (see 20:14; Heb 2:14-15). Jesus has complete authority to provide hope in a hostile world. • the grave: Greek Hades. See study note on Rev 6:7-8.