“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”
And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth — these three titles establish Christ's authority in history, resurrection, and sovereignty. "Firstborn of the dead" (prototokos) means not merely first in sequence but supreme in rank, echoing Colossians 1:18; his resurrection inaugurates the resurrection of all the faithful. He is the witness whose faithfulness unto death (as will be demanded of the churches) is vindicated by his risen authority.
Church Fathers on Revelation 1:5
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first-begotten of the dead.” In taking upon Him manhood, He gave a testimony in the world, wherein also having suffered, He freed us by His blood from sin; and having vanquished hell, He was the first who rose from the dead, and “death shall have no more dominion over Him,” Romans 6:9 but by His own reign the kingdom of the world is destroyed. “And He made us a kingdom and priests unto God and His Father.” That is to…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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