Revelation 1:5
Verse
Context
John Greets the Seven Churches
4John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from Him who is and was and is to come, and from the seven Spirits before His throne, 5and 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,6who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The faithful witness - The true teacher, whose testimony is infallible, and whose sayings must all come to pass. The first-begotten of the dead - See the note on Col 1:18. The prince of the kings - Ὁ αρχων, The chief or head, of all earthly potentates; who has them all under his dominion and control, and can dispose of them as he will. Unto him that loved us - This should begin a new verse, as it is the commencement of a new subject. Our salvation is attributed to the love of God, who gave his Son; and to the love of Christ, who died for us. See Joh 3:16. Washed us from our sins - The redemption of the soul, with the remission of sins, and purification from unrighteousness, is here, as in all the New Testament, attributed to the blood of Christ shed on the cross for man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the faithful witness--of the truth concerning Himself and His mission as Prophet, Priest, and King Saviour. "He was the faithful witness, because all things that He heard of the Father He faithfully made known to His disciples. Also, because He taught the way of God in truth, and cared not for man, nor regarded the persons of men. Also, because the truth which He taught in words He confirmed by miracles. Also, because the testimony to Himself on the part of the Father He denied not even in death. Lastly, because He will give true testimony of the works of good and bad at the day of judgment" [RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR in TRENCH]. The nominative in Greek standing in apposition to the genitive, "Jesus Christ," gives majestic prominence to "the faithful witness." the first-begotten of the dead-- (Col 1:18). Lazarus rose, to die again. Christ rose to die no more. The image is not as if the grave was the womb of His resurrection-birth [ALFORD]; but as Act 13:33; Rom 1:4, treat Christ's resurrection as the epoch and event which fulfilled the Scripture, Psa 2:7, "This day (at the resurrection) have I begotten Thee." It was then that His divine Sonship as the God-man was manifested and openly attested by the Father. So our resurrection and our manifested sonship, or generation, are connected. Hence "regeneration" is used of the resurrection-state at the restitution of all things (Mat 19:28). the prince--or Ruler. The kingship of the world which the tempter offered to Jesus on condition of doing homage to him, and so shunning the cross, He has obtained by the cross. "The kings of the earth" conspired against the Lord's Anointed (Psa 2:2): these He shall break in pieces (Psa 2:9). Those who are wise in time and kiss the Son shall bring their glory unto Him at His manifestation as King of kings, after He has destroyed His foes. Unto him that loved us--The oldest manuscripts read the present, ". . . loveth us." It is His ever-continuing character, He loveth us, and ever shall love us. His love rests evermore on His people. washed us--The two oldest manuscripts read, "freed (loosed as from a bond) us": so ANDREAS and PRIMASIUS. One very old manuscript, Vulgate, and Coptic read as English Version, perhaps drawn from Rev 7:4. "Loosed us in (virtue of) His blood," being the harder reading to understand, is less likely to have come from the transcribers. The reference is thus to Greek, "lutron," the ransom paid for our release (Mat 20:28). In favor of English Version reading is the usage whereby the priests, before putting on the holy garments and ministering, washed themselves: so spiritually believers, as priests unto God, must first be washed in Christ's blood from every stain before they can serve God aright now, or hereafter minister as dispensers of blessing to the subject nations in the millennial kingdom, or minister before God in heaven.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 (n). 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, (n) Misn. Yoma, c. 3. sect. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:5-6 In this doxology, John gives reasons for praising Jesus. • Doxologies often conclude with the confessional Amen (see Rom 11:36; Phil 4:20), which expresses affirmation. 1:5 John gives three descriptions of Jesus Christ. (1) As the faithful witness, Jesus is our model for proclaiming the Good News of salvation (1:2). (2) The truth that Jesus was the first to rise from the dead is foundational to Christian faith (1 Cor 15:14, 17). (3) As ruler of all the kings of the world (see also Rev 17:14; 19:16), he is the absolute Lord of everything. Inhabitants of the Roman world were expected to declare Caesar as absolute lord; many early Christians died for their conviction that Jesus alone holds that position.
Revelation 1:5
John Greets the Seven Churches
4John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from Him who is and was and is to come, and from the seven Spirits before His throne, 5and 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,6who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:5 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith5.1K25:57ExpositionalISA 11:5MAT 25:34HEB 4:10REV 1:5REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses two parables from the Bible. The first parable is about the separation of the righteous and the wicked, where Jesus tells the workers of iniquity to depart from him. The second parable is about the Lord entrusting different amounts of money to his servants, and rewarding them based on their faithfulness in using what they were given. The preacher emphasizes that only Jesus has the power to bring about the changes described in the Bible, including the restoration of peace and harmony in nature. He also highlights the importance of using what God has given us faithfully, as it will determine our reign in the kingdom age.
Free Grace
By C.H. Spurgeon3.7K48:24GEN 21:10EZK 36:22EZK 36:32LUK 5:32GAL 4:30EPH 2:8REV 1:5In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he boldly proclaims a doctrine that goes against human merit and challenges the righteousness of moralists. He acknowledges that his message may offend many, but he believes it is necessary to proclaim the truth of God's grace. Spurgeon emphasizes the need for surrendering to the power and grace of God, acknowledging our sinful nature and the need for His redemption. He concludes by exalting the grandeur of the gospel and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, inviting listeners to experience His faithful love and sing praises in heaven.
The Battle of Life (The Christian's Warfare)
By C.H. Spurgeon2.6K45:53PSA 31:5PSA 119:176MAT 6:33ROM 6:121CO 9:7HEB 10:22REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting early in the pursuit of a life dedicated to serving God. He warns young men and women that the road to spiritual victory will be filled with challenges and battles. The speaker shares the tragic stories of individuals who achieved worldly success but ultimately felt empty and disappointed. He urges young people to be cautious in their pursuit of success and to prioritize their spiritual lives. The sermon concludes with a reminder to live a life pleasing to God and to commit one's spirit to Him, ultimately finding redemption and eternal glory.
(Bible Analysis of Man) Man in the Bible - Part 2
By Willie Mullan2.6K1:01:54Bible Analysis Of ManGEN 1:26PSA 78:6ROM 10:132CO 5:17HEB 12:14REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of new creation and the transformation that takes place within individuals. He highlights the importance of love and how it can change one's perspective towards others. The sermon also delves into the different stages of man, including the created man, fallen man, second man, saved man, and carnal man. The preacher then focuses on dissecting the conscience of man and how it relates to God's message and the belief in Him. The sermon references Genesis chapter one and discusses the significance of God creating man in His own image.
(Demonology) Principalities
By Willie Mullan2.4K1:10:54DemonologyJHN 14:29EPH 6:10EPH 6:12HEB 2:10REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various ways that the devil can come against the body. Although he doesn't have time to cover all the ways, he provides enough information to make his point. The sermon begins with a call to sing a couple of verses, followed by a prayer for God's blessing and protection. The preacher then talks about the importance of prayer and shares the story of Daniel, an old man who prayed for 21 days to understand a vision. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging the congregation, especially the older ladies, to pray and emphasizing the power of prayer in overcoming challenges.
(Happenings Ahead) the Judgement Seat of Christ
By Willie Mullan1.9K1:15:54Judgement Seat Of ChristISA 1:18JHN 1:291CO 15:12CO 5:10HEB 8:121PE 2:24REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the judgment seat of Christ. He emphasizes that all believers will appear before this judgment seat and receive rewards or consequences based on their actions in their physical bodies. The preacher reassures the congregation that their sins have been forgiven through Christ, but emphasizes the importance of the service and dedication they have shown to God. He promises to further explore the different aspects of the judgment seat in future sermons.
The Arm of the Lord - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K53:59God's WorkEXO 32:26ISA 53:10MAT 6:33ACT 26:23ROM 8:29REV 1:1REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the three titles of Jesus Christ mentioned in the book of Revelation: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. These titles represent what Jesus has proven himself to be in his incarnation, triumph over death, and exaltation by divine vindication. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus not just through his teachings and actions, but by delving deeper into his heart, mind, and spirit. Jesus is described as embodying perfect love, both towards God the Father and in his relationship with humanity. He is also portrayed as a faithful witness to the truth, not hiding the reality of human nature.
Watch Your Heart - the Wellspring of Life
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:15:06GEN 4:10PRO 4:20MAT 6:33REV 1:5REV 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart above all else. He uses examples such as taking care of livestock and being attentive while driving to illustrate the consequences of not guarding one's heart. The speaker references Proverbs 4:20-27, where it is advised to pay attention to God's words and keep them within the heart. He warns against perversity in speech, corrupt talk, and being led astray from the right path. The sermon concludes with a story about a polluted wellspring and the negative effects of not guarding it, emphasizing the need to guard one's heart as it is the wellspring of life.
The Tabernacle #1 - Outer Court
By Stephen Kaung9901:08:37EXO 8:1PSA 22:141CO 1:23HEB 4:121JN 5:8REV 1:5REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of purification and service in the believer's life. He explains that the water mentioned in 1 John 5 represents the life of Jesus within us, which cleanses us daily. The preacher also references the crucifixion of Jesus, where water and blood flowed from his side, symbolizing purification and cleansing. He emphasizes that believers need to be pure from sin and defilement in order to serve as priests. The sermon also mentions the importance of the tabernacle and the holiest of all as the starting point for understanding the believer's life and ministry.
The Gospel
By Paris Reidhead88157:20GospelREV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker addresses the challenge of bridging the gap between church services and daily life. He emphasizes the need for a full and developed ministry, not just limited to sharing the gospel but also becoming mature Christians. The speaker highlights the potential impact of a dedicated group of believers who are filled with the Spirit and hungry for growth. He references John Wesley's statement about turning the world upside down for Christ with just a few committed individuals. The sermon concludes with a focus on the book of Revelation, specifically the fifth and sixth verses of the first chapter, which hold the power to transform lives and ministries.
Diety of Christ 01 the Only Begotten
By Worth Ellis82045:21PSA 2:7HEB 1:5REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the deity of Jesus Christ and its importance for our salvation. He emphasizes that if Jesus is not God, then we are not saved. The speaker also addresses the confusion and doubts that people may have about understanding how Jesus' death can pay for their sins. He reassures the audience that God does not require them to fully comprehend this concept, but rather to believe in Him. The sermon also touches on the resurrection of Jesus and his second coming, highlighting the significance of these events in the Christian faith.
The Thief Saved
By Welcome Detweiler70708:58MAT 6:33LUK 23:43JHN 3:16ROM 6:23EPH 1:71JN 1:9REV 1:5In this sermon transcript, the story begins with a man named Sita who steals money from a family's box. Afraid of being exposed, he sets fire to the family's hut, killing two of the children and injuring the third. Sita is sentenced to life imprisonment but later receives the death penalty for his heinous crime. Throughout his time in prison, a missionary visits regularly to share the gospel of God's grace, particularly focusing on the story of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Despite his impending execution, Sita finds peace in knowing that his sins are forgiven by God.
The Scarlet Ribbon
By Welcome Detweiler63711:44GEN 3:21MAT 6:33HEB 10:19REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful object lesson using a black-covered Bible with a scarlet ribbon. He emphasizes the important truth that salvation is always by means of the shedding of blood. The power of the blood of Christ is highlighted as the greatest force on earth, capable of transforming sinners into new creatures in Christ Jesus. The preacher urges listeners to turn to Christ and believe in His atoning sacrifice as the only hope for salvation, drawing examples from the story of Isaac and the ram, as well as the Israelites' protection under the blood in Egypt. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the doctrine of the blood runs through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, as a life-giving principle.
Sunday Night Meditations 18 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler39329:03EXO 12:13LEV 17:11EPH 1:7HEB 9:221JN 1:7REV 1:5REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the only Savior of sinners and the sustainer of saved individuals. The message highlights the urgency for this generation to hear the loving invitation of salvation in Christ. The preacher uses an anecdote about a stolen cash register to illustrate how many people are spiritually asleep and unaware of the eternal consequences of their actions. The sermon concludes with a call to wake up and turn to God for forgiveness and salvation, emphasizing that Jesus is the only one who can save and impart divine life to the soul.
Ministry of Authority
By Paris Reidhead15231:55AuthorityACT 17:11EPH 1:18EPH 2:10EPH 3:16EPH 6:12REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers, we have been given the victory that Jesus accomplished on the cross. He uses the analogy of a cruel mortgage holder who not only demands payments but also brings torment and unhappiness to the debtor. However, a friend comes and pays off the mortgage in full, freeing the debtor from the torment. Similarly, Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, conquering our ancient foe. Now, as members of the body of Christ, it is our responsibility to enforce this victory in the world. The preacher also highlights the need to demolish our self-confidence and pride in order to fully embrace God's grace and fulfill our role as kings and priests unto God.
The Incomparable Christ
By Paris Reidhead12531:27ChristJHN 6:63JHN 8:31JHN 8:47HEB 1:1HEB 2:2REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to God's Son, as God has spoken to us through prophets in the past but now speaks to us through His Son. The Son is described as the Creator, heir, sustainer, revelation, and redeemer, making Him incomparable to anyone else. The speaker highlights the uniqueness of Christianity compared to other religions, stating that Christianity is not just about following ethical teachings but about experiencing the transforming work of God's grace and loving His word. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering redemption and purification through His sacrifice.
Alive Again - the Golden Thread of Life From the Dead
By Major Ian Thomas271:14:29ResurrectionNew Life in ChristGEN 3:15JHN 3:3ACT 17:31ROM 8:291CO 3:161CO 15:14COL 1:18HEB 11:172PE 3:9REV 1:5Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of being 'alive again' through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, illustrating how many people, like Nicodemus, may be religious yet lack a true relationship with God. He recounts the story of Jim Wright, who rediscovered his faith and became a powerful teacher, highlighting the importance of understanding the 'scarlet thread' of redemption woven throughout Scripture. Thomas explains that Jesus came to restore the life that was lost in the fall, and through His resurrection, believers are offered a new life that is abundant and filled with purpose. He contrasts the deadness of religion with the vibrant life found in a personal relationship with Christ, urging listeners to embrace the fullness of life that comes from being reconciled to God. The sermon culminates in the call to recognize the significance of the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith.
Jesus Christ: Him Who Loved Us (Rev. 1:5)
By Mike Bickle261:24:49God's LoveIdentity in ChristREV 1:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound love of Jesus Christ for humanity, as described in Revelation 1:5. He explains that this love is not only about cleansing and exalting believers but also about the intimate relationship God desires with them. Bickle highlights that understanding this love empowers believers to overcome shame and engage in partnership with God, reinforcing their identity as His beloved. He encourages the congregation to abide in this truth, reminding them that God's love is unconditional and transformative, and that they are cherished as His favorites.
Jesus: Faithful Witness, Firstborn, and Ruler (Rev. 1:5)
By Mike Bickle251:02:54Understanding Jesus's TitlesThe Preeminence of ChristREV 1:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth, as outlined in Revelation 1:5. He explains that these titles reflect Jesus's human destiny and His preeminence in truth, resurrection, and governance. Bickle encourages believers to meditate on these truths, recognizing that Jesus embodies absolute truth and is the source of resurrection power. He highlights the importance of understanding Jesus's role in the eternal government of the earth, where He will reign with His people forever. The sermon calls for a deeper relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding these profound truths.
The Glory of the Resurrection: Jesus, the Firstborn From the Dead
By Mike Bickle2352:54Hope in ChristResurrectionCOL 1:15REV 1:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the 'firstborn from the dead' in his sermon on the resurrection, highlighting that this title encapsulates Jesus' supreme authority over the resurrection realm. He explains that the resurrection is not just a future event but a present reality for believers, as they experience the Holy Spirit's transformative power in their lives. Bickle elaborates on the multifaceted implications of Jesus' resurrection, including the promise of believers receiving glorified bodies and the restoration of creation. He encourages the congregation to recognize their participation in this glorious narrative and the hope it brings for the future. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a response to Jesus' invitation to embrace this new life and relationship with Him.
Jesus: The Faithful Witness, Firstborn, and Ruler (Rev. 1:5)
By Mike Bickle2355:24Understanding JesusFaithful WitnessREV 1:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus through three titles: the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. He explains that these titles are not merely for acknowledgment but are meant to equip believers to respond to the challenges and glory described in Revelation. Bickle encourages the church to pursue a deeper knowledge of God, highlighting the importance of being faithful witnesses in a world increasingly filled with deception. He draws connections between these titles and the covenant God made with David, illustrating how they impact our lives and responsibilities as believers. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to stand for truth and embrace our roles as kings and priests alongside Christ.
Speak Boldly: Being a Faithful Witness
By Mike Bickle2057:20Faithful WitnessBoldness in TruthPSA 115:16ISA 19:22JER 23:24EZK 33:3DAN 11:33MAT 24:14JHN 7:242TI 3:17REV 1:5REV 22:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of being a faithful witness to the truth, drawing from Revelation 1:5 to illustrate Jesus as the ultimate faithful witness. He discusses the challenges and costs associated with speaking boldly about the truth, highlighting the need for personal insight and a deep connection to God's word. Bickle warns against the temptation to only share positive messages, urging believers to also expose lies and announce prophetic warnings. He stresses the importance of a covenant community that cries out for God's intervention in their nations, preparing for the return of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a generation of witnesses who will faithfully proclaim the full message of the kingdom, including both its blessings and judgments.
15 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 43-44
By Mike Bickle161:09:57God's JusticeFaithful WitnessesISA 43:1ISA 43:4ISA 43:10ISA 43:18ISA 44:3ISA 44:8MAT 24:25JHN 17:22ROM 1:16REV 1:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the prophetic message in Isaiah 43-44, highlighting God's justice master plan that includes divine discipline, demonic persecution, and the promise of a purified church and a global harvest. He explains that God's discipline is rooted in love, aiming to awaken His people, both Israel and the church, to their covenant relationship with Him. Bickle reassures that despite the challenges, God will redeem His people and pour out His Spirit, leading to a great transformation and the manifestation of His glory. He calls for believers to remember God's promises and to be faithful witnesses of His plans in the world, especially in the face of the coming Antichrist empire.
The Blood of Jesus
By John Hames0ISA 1:18ROM 5:9EPH 1:7COL 1:20HEB 9:14HEB 10:191PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 1:5John Hames preaches about the significance of faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our religious faith and character. He emphasizes that salvation hinges on our acceptance of Christ's shed blood, which cleanses us from all sin. Hames highlights the deep reality of sin and the necessity for redemption, pointing to the cleansing power of the blood that brings light, liberty, purity, and everlasting victory. He shares personal experiences of how immediate confession and belief in the cleansing blood brought restoration and peace, emphasizing that the blood atones for mistakes, blunders, and human failures, offering hope and transformation to all who believe.
The Victory of Jesus Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0Lordship of JesusVictory in ChristREV 1:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the victory of Jesus Christ as the ultimate resolution to the long-standing question of who governs the universe. He explains that the revelation of Jesus Christ is central to understanding the book of Revelation, which addresses the conflict between Christ and earthly powers, particularly the Roman emperors who demanded worship. Sparks highlights that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has established His authority over death and Hades, making Him the Ruler of all. He encourages believers to recognize the significance of Christ's lordship in their lives, especially in the face of tribulation and suffering. Ultimately, the message is one of hope, affirming that Jesus' victory assures believers of their place in His eternal kingdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The faithful witness - The true teacher, whose testimony is infallible, and whose sayings must all come to pass. The first-begotten of the dead - See the note on Col 1:18. The prince of the kings - Ὁ αρχων, The chief or head, of all earthly potentates; who has them all under his dominion and control, and can dispose of them as he will. Unto him that loved us - This should begin a new verse, as it is the commencement of a new subject. Our salvation is attributed to the love of God, who gave his Son; and to the love of Christ, who died for us. See Joh 3:16. Washed us from our sins - The redemption of the soul, with the remission of sins, and purification from unrighteousness, is here, as in all the New Testament, attributed to the blood of Christ shed on the cross for man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the faithful witness--of the truth concerning Himself and His mission as Prophet, Priest, and King Saviour. "He was the faithful witness, because all things that He heard of the Father He faithfully made known to His disciples. Also, because He taught the way of God in truth, and cared not for man, nor regarded the persons of men. Also, because the truth which He taught in words He confirmed by miracles. Also, because the testimony to Himself on the part of the Father He denied not even in death. Lastly, because He will give true testimony of the works of good and bad at the day of judgment" [RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR in TRENCH]. The nominative in Greek standing in apposition to the genitive, "Jesus Christ," gives majestic prominence to "the faithful witness." the first-begotten of the dead-- (Col 1:18). Lazarus rose, to die again. Christ rose to die no more. The image is not as if the grave was the womb of His resurrection-birth [ALFORD]; but as Act 13:33; Rom 1:4, treat Christ's resurrection as the epoch and event which fulfilled the Scripture, Psa 2:7, "This day (at the resurrection) have I begotten Thee." It was then that His divine Sonship as the God-man was manifested and openly attested by the Father. So our resurrection and our manifested sonship, or generation, are connected. Hence "regeneration" is used of the resurrection-state at the restitution of all things (Mat 19:28). the prince--or Ruler. The kingship of the world which the tempter offered to Jesus on condition of doing homage to him, and so shunning the cross, He has obtained by the cross. "The kings of the earth" conspired against the Lord's Anointed (Psa 2:2): these He shall break in pieces (Psa 2:9). Those who are wise in time and kiss the Son shall bring their glory unto Him at His manifestation as King of kings, after He has destroyed His foes. Unto him that loved us--The oldest manuscripts read the present, ". . . loveth us." It is His ever-continuing character, He loveth us, and ever shall love us. His love rests evermore on His people. washed us--The two oldest manuscripts read, "freed (loosed as from a bond) us": so ANDREAS and PRIMASIUS. One very old manuscript, Vulgate, and Coptic read as English Version, perhaps drawn from Rev 7:4. "Loosed us in (virtue of) His blood," being the harder reading to understand, is less likely to have come from the transcribers. The reference is thus to Greek, "lutron," the ransom paid for our release (Mat 20:28). In favor of English Version reading is the usage whereby the priests, before putting on the holy garments and ministering, washed themselves: so spiritually believers, as priests unto God, must first be washed in Christ's blood from every stain before they can serve God aright now, or hereafter minister as dispensers of blessing to the subject nations in the millennial kingdom, or minister before God in heaven.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 (n). 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, (n) Misn. Yoma, c. 3. sect. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:5-6 In this doxology, John gives reasons for praising Jesus. • Doxologies often conclude with the confessional Amen (see Rom 11:36; Phil 4:20), which expresses affirmation. 1:5 John gives three descriptions of Jesus Christ. (1) As the faithful witness, Jesus is our model for proclaiming the Good News of salvation (1:2). (2) The truth that Jesus was the first to rise from the dead is foundational to Christian faith (1 Cor 15:14, 17). (3) As ruler of all the kings of the world (see also Rev 17:14; 19:16), he is the absolute Lord of everything. Inhabitants of the Roman world were expected to declare Caesar as absolute lord; many early Christians died for their conviction that Jesus alone holds that position.