Commentary on Revelation 20:6

Verse Context: Revelation 20:6 states, "Blessed and Holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years."

Overview

This verse marks a pivotal moment within the Book of Revelation, emphasizing the blessings bestowed upon the faithful who partake in the first resurrection. The promise extended to these believers highlights their sanctified status and authority in the eschatological framework of the Christian faith. The commentary from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke offers profound insights into the implications of this verse for believers.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry notes that the term "blessed" in this context indicates a divine favor bestowed upon those who have partaken in the first resurrection. He emphasizes three significant aspects:

• Spiritual Blessing: The state of being "blessed" encompasses both present and future grace. Henry asserts that this favors not only the deliverance from eternal punishment (the second death) but also the elevated state of being a priest and ruler with Christ.
• Holiness: The adjective "Holy" indicates that those resurrected are set apart for God's special purpose. Holiness in biblical terms relates to being consecrated for divine service, reflecting God's character.
• Victory over Death: The second death, representing eternal separation from God, holds no power over those resurrected, underscoring a significant hope for believers and a promise of eternal life.

Reflection from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes offers a detailed examination of the implications of the "first resurrection." He identifies this resurrection as a spiritual awakening of believers, which happens in two noteworthy phases:

• Current Experience: Barnes highlights that the first resurrection can begin in a believer's life as they experience a new birth in Christ, representing a spiritual resurrection that compels them to live for God.
• Eschatological Fulfillment: He further elucidates that the complete fulfillment of this promise is eschatological, correlating the first resurrection with the future resurrection at Christ's return. This eschatology emphasizes the hope of reign with Christ for a millennium, showcasing both personal and communal aspects of salvation.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke provides a comprehensive theological overview of the significance of the "first resurrection." He elaborates on the implications for believers, noting:

• Priesthood of Believers: Clarke emphasizes that all who partake in this resurrection are ordained to be priests unto God. This is a significant theological assertion that connects the work of redemption to the concept of believer's ministry, where Christians actively represent God.
• Reign with Christ: The notion of reigning for a thousand years is analyzed where Clarke denotes that this reign signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His kingdom. This temporal aspect suggests a literal interpretation of the millennium wherein Christ’s sovereignty is publicly recognized and appreciated.
• Assurance Against Judgment: Clarke's reflection also conveys comfort to believers. The non-application of the second death highlights the notion of eternal security for those in Christ—a critical doctrine for pastoral assurance.

Theological Implications

The combined insights from these esteemed commentaries highlight essential theological themes:

• Assurance and Hope: Revelation 20:6 serves as a remarkable source of hope for believers in facing life's challenges and the fear of death, assuring them of God’s unbreakable promises.
• Identity in Christ: Those who have experienced the first resurrection not only have a new beginning but also a new identity as priests and rulers, affirming the transformational power of salvation.
• The Nature of God's Kingdom: The expectation of reigning with Christ reinforces the believer's role in God's kingdom, establishing a call to live out their faith actively in light of the coming kingdom.
• Clarity on Judgment: The distinction between the first and second deaths elucidates the Christian belief in eternal life, ensuring a understanding of judgment within the greater narrative of hope offered in Scripture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Revelation 20:6 encapsulates profound truths that resonate deeply within the Christian faith. It emphasizes the blessings associated with participation in the first resurrection, framing a critical understanding of hope, priesthood, and the eternal reign with Christ. From the reflections of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we ascertain vital insights that uplift and encourage believers in their spiritual journey, asserting their glorious future in the presence of God.