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Revelation 20:6
Verse
Context
Satan Bound
5The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection.6Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blessed - Μακαριος· Happy. And holy; he was holy, and therefore he suffered for the testimony of Jesus in the time when nothing but holiness was called to such a trial. The first resurrection - Supposed to be that of the martyrs, mentioned above. The second death - Punishment in the eternal world; such is the acceptation of the phrase among the ancient Jews. Hath no power - Ουκ εχει εξουσιαν· Hath no authority - no dominion over him. This is also a rabbinical mode of speech. In Erubin, fol. 19, 1; Chagiga, fol. 27, 1: "Res Lakish said, The fire of hell hath no power over an Israelite who sins. Rab. Elieser says; The fire of hell hath no power over the disciples of the wise men."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blessed--(Compare Rev 14:13; Rev 19:9). on such the second death hath no power--even as it has none on Christ now that He is risen. priests of God--Apostate Christendom being destroyed, and the believing Church translated at Christ's coming, there will remain Israel and the heathen world, constituting the majority of men then alive, which, from not having come into close contact with the Gospel, have not incurred the guilt of rejecting it. These will be the subjects of a general conversion (Rev 11:15). "The veil" shall be taken off Israel first, then from off "all people." The glorious events attending Christ's appearing, the destruction of Antichrist, the transfiguration of the Church, and the binding of Satan, will prepare the nations for embracing the Gospel. As individual regeneration goes on now, so there shall be a "regeneration" of nations then. Israel, as a nation, shall be "born at once--in one day." As the Church began at Christ's ascension, so the kingdom shall begin at His second advent. This is the humiliation of the modern civilized nations, that nations which they despise most, Jews and uncivilized barbarians, the negro descendants of Ham who from the curse of Noah have been so backward, Cush and Sheba, shall supplant and surpass them as centers of the world's history (compare Deu 32:21; Rom 10:19; Rom 11:20, &c.). The Jews are our teachers even in New Testament times. Since their rejection revelation has been silent. The whole Bible, even the New Testament, is written by Jews. If revelation is to recommence in the millennial kingdom, converted Israel must stand at the head of humanity. In a religious point of view, Jews and Gentiles stand on an equal footing as both alike needing mercy; but as regards God's instrumentalities for bringing about His kingdom on earth, Israel is His chosen people for executing His plans. The Israelite priest-kings on earth are what the transfigured priest-kings are in heaven. There shall be a blessed chain of giving and receiving--God, Christ, the transfigured Bride the Church, Israel, the world of nations. A new time of revelation will begin by the outpouring of the fulness of the Spirit. Ezekiel (the fortieth through forty-eighth chapters), himself son of a priest, sets forth the priestly character of Israel; Daniel the statesman, its kingly character; Jeremiah (Jer 33:17-21), both its priestly and kingly character. In the Old Testament the whole Jewish national life was religious only in an external legal manner. The New Testament Church insists on inward renewal, but leaves its outward manifestations free. But in the millennial kingdom, all spheres of life shall be truly Christianized from within outwardly. The Mosaic ceremonial law corresponds to Israel's priestly office; the civil law to its kingly office: the Gentile Church adopts the moral law, and exercises the prophetic office by the word working inwardly. But when the royal and the priestly office shall be revived, then--the principles of the Epistle to the Hebrews remaining the same--also the ceremonial and civil law of Moses will develop its spiritual depths in the divine worship (compare Mat 5:17-19). At present is the time of preaching; but then the time of the Liturgy of converted souls forming "the great congregation" shall come. Then shall our present defective governments give place to perfect governments in both Church and State. Whereas under the Old Testament the Jews exclusively, and in the New Testament the Gentiles exclusively, enjoy the revelation of salvation (in both cases humanity being divided and separated), in the millennium both Jews and Gentiles are united, and the whole organism of mankind under the first-born brother, Israel, walks in the light of God, and the full life of humanity is at last realized. Scripture does not view the human race as an aggregate of individuals and nationalities, but as an organic whole, laid down once for all in the first pages of revelation. (Gen 9:25-27; Gen 10:1, Gen 10:5, Gen 10:18, Gen 10:25, Gen 10:32; Deu 32:8 recognizes the fact that from the first the division of the nations was made with a relation to Israel). Hence arises the importance of the Old Testament to the Church now as ever. Three grand groups of nations, Hamites, Japhetites, and Shemites, correspond respectively to the three fundamental elements in man--body, soul, and spirit. The flower of Shem, the representative of spiritual life, is Israel, even as the flower of Israel is He in whom all mankind is summed up, the second Adam (Gen 12:1-3). Thus Israel is the mediator of divine revelations for all times. Even nature and the animal world will share in the millennial blessedness. As sin loses its power, decay and death will decrease [AUBERLEN]. Earthly and heavenly glories shall be united in the twofold election. Elect Israel in the flesh shall stand at the head of the earthly, the elect spiritual Church, the Bride, in the heavenly. These twofold elections are not merely for the good of the elect themselves, but for the good of those to whom they minister. The heavenly Church is elected not merely to salvation, but to rule in love, and minister blessings over the whole earth, as king-priests. The glory of the transfigured saints shall be felt by men in the flesh with the same consciousness of blessing as on the Mount of Transfiguration the three disciples experienced in witnessing the glory of Jesus, and of Moses and Elias, when Peter exclaimed, "It is good for us to be here"; in Pe2 1:16-18, the Transfiguration is regarded as the earnest of Christ's coming in glory. The privilege of "our high calling in Christ" is limited to the present time of Satan's reign; when he is bound, there will be no scope for suffering for, and so afterwards reigning with, Him (Rev 3:21; compare Note, see on Co1 6:2). Moreover, none can be saved in the present age and in the pale of the Christian Church who does not also reign with Christ hereafter, the necessary preliminary to which is suffering with Christ now. If we fail to lay hold of the crown, we lose all, "the gift of grace as well as the reward of service" [DE BURGH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection,.... This may be considered either as descriptive of the persons that shall partake of this privilege; as that they are only such who are blessed with spiritual blessings, with a justifying righteousness, with pardon of sin, and regenerating grace, and who are sanctified by the Spirit of God; these, and these only, will be first raised, and will be called to inherit the kingdom prepared for them, Mat 25:34 or else as expressive of their happiness and holiness when raised; they shall be perfectly blessed in soul and body, and perfectly holy in both: they shall be "blessed", for on such the second death hath no power; which is the lake of fire, Rev 20:14 the sense is, they shall escape everlasting burnings, the fire of hell, the torment and misery of the wicked; they shall be delivered from wrath to come; and as their bodies will die no more, their souls will not be subject to any sense of wrath, or to any sort of punishment: and they will be "holy"; they will have no sin in them: but they will be priests of God and of Christ; of God the Father, and of his Son Jesus Christ, being made so to the former by the latter, Rev 1:6 or of God, even of Christ, that is, of God, who is Christ, since it follows: and shall reign with him; they will be wholly devoted to and employed in the service of God and of Christ, and will be continually offering up the sacrifices of praise, or singing the song of the Lamb, adoring the grace and goodness of God and Christ unto them, shown them both in providence and in grace: and shall reign with him a thousand years; this is mentioned again, partly to assert the certainty of it, and partly to point at the blessedness of the risen saints.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:6 Blessed: This fifth blessing of Revelation (see also 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 22:7, 14) focuses on the promised reward of life. God’s faithful people (20:4) will reign with Christ as priests of God (see also 1:6; 5:10).
Revelation 20:6
Satan Bound
5The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection.6Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Pdf Book) Apostolic Foundations
By Art Katz5.9K00:00EbooksApostolic FoundationsEternal PerspectiveMAT 5:11ACT 13:2ROM 10:142CO 4:16EPH 3:10COL 3:11TH 1:51TI 6:12HEB 11:1REV 20:6Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of the term 'apostolic' in the church, arguing that its loss threatens the very foundation of faith. He calls for a restoration of apostolic principles, which are rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and purpose, and highlights the necessity of humility, suffering, and a focus on eternity in the life of believers. Katz illustrates that true apostolic living requires a radical commitment to God's glory over personal ambition, and that the church must confront the principalities and powers of darkness with a clear, powerful message of repentance and the coming judgment. Ultimately, he urges the church to embody the essence of Christ's humility and sacrifice, becoming a living testimony of God's eternal purpose.
The Local Church 1 - Part 2
By William MacDonald3.3K09:25JHN 3:3ACT 2:1ROM 12:51CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 1:22EPH 2:14COL 1:26REV 20:6This sermon delves into the distinction between Israel and the church, emphasizing that they are not a continuum but rather distinct entities in God's plan. It highlights how Israel is not a mystery and has an earthly focus, while the church is a mystery, entered by spiritual birth, and has a heavenly focus. The unity of the universal church, comprising believers from all backgrounds, is also underscored as a powerful testament to the gospel's transformative nature.
Jesus Our Sovereign Savior
By Steven J. Lawson2.2K1:00:28PSA 22:27PSA 96:7ROM 14:11EPH 1:11PHP 2:9COL 1:16REV 5:1REV 20:6This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 5, focusing on the unveiling of Christ as the sovereign Savior. It emphasizes the unique authority and power of the Lord Jesus Christ to direct human history and execute God's plan for the end times. The passage reveals the Lamb who was slain but now stands victorious, worthy to open the book of God's predetermined eternal plan. The response in heaven, filled with worship and adoration, reflects the eternal reign and glory of the Lamb who purchased believers from every tribe and nation.
Return Unto Thy Rest
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K37:34PSA 116:72CO 13:14EPH 3:20REV 20:6In this sermon, the speaker encourages believers to return to their rest in God. He references Psalm 116, where the psalmist acknowledges that the Lord has delivered his soul from death, his eyes from tears, and his feet from falling. The speaker emphasizes that believers should not be satisfied with losing their spiritual rest and should strive to maintain their communion with Christ. He warns against being like a hen that continues to sit on eggs even when most of them have been taken away, highlighting the importance of not losing even a little bit of grace. The overall message is that believers should always seek to rest in Jesus and not be content with anything less.
Russ-05 Q & a a.katz
By Art Katz1.5K30:20RussianHEB 10:35REV 3:5REV 20:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of God's reward in eternity. He explains that when Jesus comes, he will bring his reward with him and give to each person according to their works. The preacher warns that many will have no reward or their works will be burned up in judgment. He urges the listeners to have a greater urgency about eternity and strive to obtain a greater and eternal reward by living a distinguished and productive life for Christ.
Gospel of Luke I
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:06:28LukeMAT 6:33MRK 10:45LUK 1:1COL 4:142TI 4:11PHM 1:24REV 20:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although there are four evangelists who present the gospel in the Bible, they are more than just historians. They personally experienced and knew Jesus, and their accounts of him are both objective and subjective. The speaker specifically focuses on the gospel according to Luke, who was a beloved physician and a fellow worker with Paul. The sermon encourages believers to not only know Christ as the servant of the Lord but also to learn servanthood and serve God in the same way.
The Rising Antichrist Power and the Lambs of God
By Ulf Oldenburg1.2K00:00JHN 14:15ROM 8:28REV 2:26REV 12:1REV 20:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and following in the footsteps of Jesus, highlighting the need for unity and love among believers. It discusses the challenges faced by the church, the dangers of compromise, and the victory that comes through the blood of the Lamb. The speaker encourages the congregation to rededicate their lives to God, trust in His protection, and be prepared for the spiritual warfare ahead.
In the Service of the King
By Basilea Schlink63404:35Radio ShowGEN 1:1PSA 139:6MAT 6:33JHN 12:26EPH 3:20PHP 2:9REV 20:6The video is a sermon transcript about the honor and joy of being called into God's service. The speaker, Basilius Schlink, reflects on his own experience of being called by God and the deep satisfaction it brings. He emphasizes that serving God is the ultimate purpose in life and that those who serve Him wholeheartedly will be honored by the Father and will reign with Jesus in the future. The speaker encourages listeners to respond to God's call and surrender their lives to Him, highlighting that the cost of serving God is insignificant compared to the joy and honor it brings.
Seven Beatitudes in Revelation
By Ken Baird42243:08REV 14:13REV 16:15REV 19:7REV 20:6REV 22:7In this sermon, John is back on the Isle of Patience after the revelations have ended. He emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and the blessings that come from it. He discusses the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation and how the Lord reveals Himself to each church according to their specific needs. The sermon also touches on the blessing of being with Christ, either through death or waiting for deliverance, and the importance of watching for His return.
01 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 2
By Mike Bickle331:16:00End TimesJerusalem as the EpicenterISA 2:2ISA 2:10ISA 40:4ISA 60:1ISA 62:1ZEC 14:4MAT 5:14EPH 1:10REV 20:6REV 21:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Isaiah 2 as a foundational text for understanding the end times, highlighting that Isaiah was entrusted with more revelation about the end times than any other prophet. He explains that the forerunner message reveals God's plan to establish Jerusalem as the epicenter of His reign, filled with love and glory, and that the nations will be drawn to it. Bickle encourages critical thinking and interaction among believers to grasp the fullness of God's message, asserting that the end times are not a doom and gloom narrative but a glorious love story. He stresses the importance of understanding the connection between the earthly and heavenly Jerusalems and the role of believers in this divine plan.
The Supernatural Hope
By A.B. Simpson0Supernatural HopeSecond Coming Of ChristDAN 7:27ZEC 14:9MAT 24:30JHN 14:3ROM 8:191CO 15:42TIT 2:13HEB 11:102PE 3:12REV 20:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes the supernatural hope of Christ's return, urging believers to look forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus as a remedy against the skepticism of modern thought. He critiques the evolutionary mindset that dismisses divine intervention in history, asserting that both nature and scripture testify to a future transformation and resurrection. Simpson illustrates this hope through biblical figures like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, who exemplified faith in God's promises. He concludes that this hope not only inspires Christian living and service but also serves as a powerful message to the world, calling for repentance and readiness for the coming King.
The Head of the Serpent Bruised by the Seed of the Woman.
By John Gill0Hope in RedemptionVictory of ChristGEN 3:15ISA 7:14MAT 22:23JHN 8:44JHN 11:25ROM 16:201TI 2:13HEB 2:141JN 3:8REV 20:6John Gill preaches on Genesis 3:15, emphasizing the profound implications of God's promise that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent, symbolizing the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan. He explains that this prophecy not only foretells the enmity between humanity and evil but also highlights the redemptive work of Christ, who, through His suffering, secures salvation for believers. Gill draws connections between the curse of the serpent and the broader narrative of sin and redemption, illustrating how the Messiah's victory brings hope and restoration to a fallen world. He concludes by reflecting on the comfort this promise brings, especially in light of the recent death of Mrs. Martha Gifford, affirming the hope of resurrection for those who believe.
Our Object in Service
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ACT 15:132TH 2:1REV 19:11REV 20:6Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of preaching the Gospel to every creature as a world-wide ministry that continues through each generation until the heavenly Church is gathered. He explains that the goal is not to reach every person in one generation, as countless individuals have passed away without hearing the Gospel. The evangelizing work will eventually be completed when the last member of Christ's body is gathered, leading to His return and the establishment of His righteous kingdom on earth, as taught in the Bible.
The Appearing and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus.
By William Kelly0EZK 43:1MAT 19:28JHN 3:12JHN 17:22ROM 8:19EPH 1:10COL 1:202PE 1:16REV 20:6REV 21:9William Kelly preaches about the distinct proof that the appearing of the Lord Jesus will introduce His kingdom over the earth, emphasizing the immense importance of His coming in inaugurating a change for the world, restoring all things and putting down every opposing influence. The sermon highlights the need for repentance and conversion, especially for Israel, as a condition for the great revolution yet to take place. It contrasts the present state of the Church with the future millennial age, where earthly and heavenly elements will be united under the Lord Jesus in visible glory, showcasing a harmonious blending of the earthly with the heavenly.
Preach Holiness Scripturally
By Arthur Vess0LEV 11:44MAT 5:48ACT 2:4ACT 10:441CO 6:111TH 4:31TH 5:23HEB 10:141PE 1:16REV 20:6Arthur Vess passionately preaches about holiness, emphasizing its scriptural foundation as a Bible doctrine that stands alone without the need for additional doctrinal proof. He highlights holiness as a great privilege promised in the Scriptures and as an imperative commandment from God, rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. Vess connects holiness to various aspects of the Bible, including Types and Shadows, the moral law, the ceremonial law pointing to a 'better sacrifice,' the prophets' joyful fulfillment, and the radiance of the Holy of Holies. He also links holiness to the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus, as well as the miraculous works and parables of Jesus, presenting it as the essential preparation for the Bridegroom's return.
Rev. 20:6. the First Resurrection
By Horatius Bonar0Eternal HopeResurrectionDAN 7:9LUK 20:36JHN 5:29JHN 11:25ACT 2:411CO 15:231TH 4:16REV 2:11REV 20:6REV 20:13Horatius Bonar emphasizes the hope of resurrection as central to the Christian faith, contrasting it with the finality of death. He explains that the first resurrection, as described in Revelation 20:6, is a promise of blessedness and holiness for those who have suffered for Christ, allowing them to reign with Him for a thousand years. Bonar highlights the significance of this resurrection, which brings eternal life and preservation from the second death, while also warning of the dire consequences for those who do not embrace this hope. He urges listeners to reflect on their spiritual state and the eternal choices before them, encouraging a life aligned with the promise of resurrection. The sermon concludes with a call to look to the cross for salvation, emphasizing that even the most lost can find hope in Christ.
Man: His Fall
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 2:17GEN 15:6ISA 53:5JHN 1:29ROM 3:22ROM 5:122CO 5:21EPH 2:1EPH 5:301PE 2:24REV 20:6REV 21:8Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the estate of Adam before and after the fall, emphasizing the impact of sin on humanity and the profound doctrine of Imputation as depicted in the Scriptures. He explores the concept of man being created 'very good' yet capable of sin, leading to spiritual and physical death post-fall. Chafer also discusses the imputation of sin to Christ and the righteousness of God to believers, highlighting the need for salvation through Christ amidst the universal effect of Adam's transgression on the entire human race.
Preach Holiness by Example
By Arthur Vess0JHN 3:16ROM 6:231TH 4:7TIT 2:141PE 1:151JN 4:18REV 20:6Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness by example, urging believers to not only speak about holiness but to live it out daily, demonstrating its power in their lives. He highlights the need to live above reproach so that even those who oppose us will witness our holy lives and be impacted by the transformation. Vess stresses that true holiness will stand the test of time and keep us pure and blessed, ultimately leading to perfect rest and the casting out of fear through perfect love. He concludes with a powerful reminder of God's great love and salvation as depicted in John 3:16, encouraging believers to focus on eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God
By C.I. Scofield0DEU 28:64MAT 16:18JHN 3:3JHN 14:2ROM 11:1EPH 3:5REV 19:7REV 20:6C.I. Scofield delves into the distinct roles and relationships of Israel, the church, and the Gentiles as outlined in the Bible. He highlights the unique promises, histories, and destinies of each group, emphasizing the contrast between earthly blessings for Israel and spiritual blessings for the church. Scofield explores the origins, worship practices, conduct guidelines, and future prophecies for Israel and the church, showcasing their divergent paths and ultimate destinies. He warns against the Judaizing of the church, which he believes has hindered her true mission and spiritual growth by veering off course from her heavenly calling.
September 24. 1678. the Passover.
By Jane Lead0EXO 12:111CO 5:7REV 3:7REV 14:1REV 20:6Jane Lead preaches about the significance of Redemption and the process of yielding to God's will, emphasizing the need to remove any impurity from our lives as the Lord's Passover approaches. Believers are called to partake in the Passover of the Philadelphian Church, symbolizing liberation from captivity and bondage to serve God. Through faith and divine revelation, believers are encouraged to embrace a new spiritual state that leads to vivification and the celebration of the great Triumphant Passover.
The Signs of the Times
By Jane Lead0GEN 1:28MAT 24:37REV 20:6REV 21:2REV 22:17Jane Lead preaches about the signs of the approaching Kingdom of Christ, emphasizing the need for spiritual awakening, unity, and preparation for the manifestation of Christ's reign on Earth. She describes the importance of being chosen and elected to partake in the blessings of the new Kingdom, highlighting the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and feeding the flock under the overshadowing power of God. Lead urges believers to rise above earthly divisions, embrace a child-like spirit of humility and obedience, and prepare for a new creation where the Kingdom of Heaven will be established both internally and externally.
An Ark of Gopher Wood for Noah
By George Warnock0EXO 19:6HEB 4:161PE 2:5REV 1:6REV 20:6The preacher delves into the concept of believers being of royal lineage in Christ, highlighting the unique privilege of NT believers as royal priests, able to offer spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ. This royal priesthood is made possible by Jesus, our great High Priest, granting us complete access to the Father. The sermon emphasizes the responsibility that comes with this privilege, urging believers to represent the King of kings in their daily lives and conduct, bearing the family likeness of their heavenly Father.
The Church Which Is His Body
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ACT 1:6ACT 15:13ROM 11:251CO 12:12EPH 1:22EPH 4:7EPH 5:292TI 2:12REV 20:6Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the new purpose of God in this age, focusing on the formation of a heavenly people who are part of the kingdom in its present mystery form but not related to the Messianic earthly kingdom of Israel. The disciples, being Jews, initially struggled to understand Jesus' sacrificial death and the ministry of the new gospel age, which was later revealed through divine compulsion and the first church council. The Apostle Paul received a special revelation about the church as the 'called out ones,' a new body formed by both Jews and Gentiles, united in Christ and destined to be His bride and body, fulfilling the eternal purpose of God in this age of grace.
Epistle 316
By George Fox0MAT 7:24JHN 1:1ACT 4:12ROM 10:171CO 15:22EPH 2:6COL 3:10HEB 12:21JN 5:4REV 20:6George Fox preaches about the importance of living in Christ Jesus, the resurrection and the life, and being partakers of His glory and resurrection from the dead. He emphasizes the need to die to sin, put off the old self, and live in righteousness and holiness, walking in the truth and light of Christ. Fox urges believers to keep meetings in the name of Jesus, who is the first and the last, the only source of salvation, and the high priest above the heavens. He encourages believers to abide in Christ, overcome through Him, and experience everlasting fellowship and dominion over sin and wickedness in the power of the everlasting gospel.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blessed - Μακαριος· Happy. And holy; he was holy, and therefore he suffered for the testimony of Jesus in the time when nothing but holiness was called to such a trial. The first resurrection - Supposed to be that of the martyrs, mentioned above. The second death - Punishment in the eternal world; such is the acceptation of the phrase among the ancient Jews. Hath no power - Ουκ εχει εξουσιαν· Hath no authority - no dominion over him. This is also a rabbinical mode of speech. In Erubin, fol. 19, 1; Chagiga, fol. 27, 1: "Res Lakish said, The fire of hell hath no power over an Israelite who sins. Rab. Elieser says; The fire of hell hath no power over the disciples of the wise men."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blessed--(Compare Rev 14:13; Rev 19:9). on such the second death hath no power--even as it has none on Christ now that He is risen. priests of God--Apostate Christendom being destroyed, and the believing Church translated at Christ's coming, there will remain Israel and the heathen world, constituting the majority of men then alive, which, from not having come into close contact with the Gospel, have not incurred the guilt of rejecting it. These will be the subjects of a general conversion (Rev 11:15). "The veil" shall be taken off Israel first, then from off "all people." The glorious events attending Christ's appearing, the destruction of Antichrist, the transfiguration of the Church, and the binding of Satan, will prepare the nations for embracing the Gospel. As individual regeneration goes on now, so there shall be a "regeneration" of nations then. Israel, as a nation, shall be "born at once--in one day." As the Church began at Christ's ascension, so the kingdom shall begin at His second advent. This is the humiliation of the modern civilized nations, that nations which they despise most, Jews and uncivilized barbarians, the negro descendants of Ham who from the curse of Noah have been so backward, Cush and Sheba, shall supplant and surpass them as centers of the world's history (compare Deu 32:21; Rom 10:19; Rom 11:20, &c.). The Jews are our teachers even in New Testament times. Since their rejection revelation has been silent. The whole Bible, even the New Testament, is written by Jews. If revelation is to recommence in the millennial kingdom, converted Israel must stand at the head of humanity. In a religious point of view, Jews and Gentiles stand on an equal footing as both alike needing mercy; but as regards God's instrumentalities for bringing about His kingdom on earth, Israel is His chosen people for executing His plans. The Israelite priest-kings on earth are what the transfigured priest-kings are in heaven. There shall be a blessed chain of giving and receiving--God, Christ, the transfigured Bride the Church, Israel, the world of nations. A new time of revelation will begin by the outpouring of the fulness of the Spirit. Ezekiel (the fortieth through forty-eighth chapters), himself son of a priest, sets forth the priestly character of Israel; Daniel the statesman, its kingly character; Jeremiah (Jer 33:17-21), both its priestly and kingly character. In the Old Testament the whole Jewish national life was religious only in an external legal manner. The New Testament Church insists on inward renewal, but leaves its outward manifestations free. But in the millennial kingdom, all spheres of life shall be truly Christianized from within outwardly. The Mosaic ceremonial law corresponds to Israel's priestly office; the civil law to its kingly office: the Gentile Church adopts the moral law, and exercises the prophetic office by the word working inwardly. But when the royal and the priestly office shall be revived, then--the principles of the Epistle to the Hebrews remaining the same--also the ceremonial and civil law of Moses will develop its spiritual depths in the divine worship (compare Mat 5:17-19). At present is the time of preaching; but then the time of the Liturgy of converted souls forming "the great congregation" shall come. Then shall our present defective governments give place to perfect governments in both Church and State. Whereas under the Old Testament the Jews exclusively, and in the New Testament the Gentiles exclusively, enjoy the revelation of salvation (in both cases humanity being divided and separated), in the millennium both Jews and Gentiles are united, and the whole organism of mankind under the first-born brother, Israel, walks in the light of God, and the full life of humanity is at last realized. Scripture does not view the human race as an aggregate of individuals and nationalities, but as an organic whole, laid down once for all in the first pages of revelation. (Gen 9:25-27; Gen 10:1, Gen 10:5, Gen 10:18, Gen 10:25, Gen 10:32; Deu 32:8 recognizes the fact that from the first the division of the nations was made with a relation to Israel). Hence arises the importance of the Old Testament to the Church now as ever. Three grand groups of nations, Hamites, Japhetites, and Shemites, correspond respectively to the three fundamental elements in man--body, soul, and spirit. The flower of Shem, the representative of spiritual life, is Israel, even as the flower of Israel is He in whom all mankind is summed up, the second Adam (Gen 12:1-3). Thus Israel is the mediator of divine revelations for all times. Even nature and the animal world will share in the millennial blessedness. As sin loses its power, decay and death will decrease [AUBERLEN]. Earthly and heavenly glories shall be united in the twofold election. Elect Israel in the flesh shall stand at the head of the earthly, the elect spiritual Church, the Bride, in the heavenly. These twofold elections are not merely for the good of the elect themselves, but for the good of those to whom they minister. The heavenly Church is elected not merely to salvation, but to rule in love, and minister blessings over the whole earth, as king-priests. The glory of the transfigured saints shall be felt by men in the flesh with the same consciousness of blessing as on the Mount of Transfiguration the three disciples experienced in witnessing the glory of Jesus, and of Moses and Elias, when Peter exclaimed, "It is good for us to be here"; in Pe2 1:16-18, the Transfiguration is regarded as the earnest of Christ's coming in glory. The privilege of "our high calling in Christ" is limited to the present time of Satan's reign; when he is bound, there will be no scope for suffering for, and so afterwards reigning with, Him (Rev 3:21; compare Note, see on Co1 6:2). Moreover, none can be saved in the present age and in the pale of the Christian Church who does not also reign with Christ hereafter, the necessary preliminary to which is suffering with Christ now. If we fail to lay hold of the crown, we lose all, "the gift of grace as well as the reward of service" [DE BURGH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection,.... This may be considered either as descriptive of the persons that shall partake of this privilege; as that they are only such who are blessed with spiritual blessings, with a justifying righteousness, with pardon of sin, and regenerating grace, and who are sanctified by the Spirit of God; these, and these only, will be first raised, and will be called to inherit the kingdom prepared for them, Mat 25:34 or else as expressive of their happiness and holiness when raised; they shall be perfectly blessed in soul and body, and perfectly holy in both: they shall be "blessed", for on such the second death hath no power; which is the lake of fire, Rev 20:14 the sense is, they shall escape everlasting burnings, the fire of hell, the torment and misery of the wicked; they shall be delivered from wrath to come; and as their bodies will die no more, their souls will not be subject to any sense of wrath, or to any sort of punishment: and they will be "holy"; they will have no sin in them: but they will be priests of God and of Christ; of God the Father, and of his Son Jesus Christ, being made so to the former by the latter, Rev 1:6 or of God, even of Christ, that is, of God, who is Christ, since it follows: and shall reign with him; they will be wholly devoted to and employed in the service of God and of Christ, and will be continually offering up the sacrifices of praise, or singing the song of the Lamb, adoring the grace and goodness of God and Christ unto them, shown them both in providence and in grace: and shall reign with him a thousand years; this is mentioned again, partly to assert the certainty of it, and partly to point at the blessedness of the risen saints.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:6 Blessed: This fifth blessing of Revelation (see also 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 22:7, 14) focuses on the promised reward of life. God’s faithful people (20:4) will reign with Christ as priests of God (see also 1:6; 5:10).