What does Revelation 1:5 mean?
In this verse John describes Jesus Christ as "the faithful witness," because He is the truthful, reliable source of what is recorded in this revelation.Jesus conquered death and arose from the grave. He was the first to rise from the dead in a glorified, everlasting body. As such, He is referred to as "the firstborn of the dead." His resurrection guarantees the resurrection of believers of the church age (1 Corinthians 15:12–28; Philippians 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16), the resurrection of tribulation martyrs (Revelation 20:4–6), the resurrection of Old Testament believers (Daniel 12:2), and the resurrection of the wicked dead of all periods of history (Revelation 20:12–13). Someday He will return to earth and reign over the nations. At that time every king will submit to His rule.
John points out that the ruler of kings is the believers' redeemer. In His deep love for us He shed His blood on the cross to end sin's tyranny over us.
Revelation 1:4–8 identifies John's audience as the seven churches in Asia. John addresses these churches with a greeting from the triune God, and he ascribes praise to Jesus. Jesus is coming in glory, John declares, and His coming will be visible to everyone. At that time, the tribes of Israel will express remorse because of His crucifixion. John concludes this passage by quoting Jesus as saying He is the beginning, the eternal Almighty One.
The Roman government had banished John to the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. While John was at Patmos, the risen, glorified Son of God appeared to him and commanded him to write ''the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this'' (Revelation 1:19). John pronounces blessings to those who read and obey Revelation, and then he greets his readers warmly and describes Jesus' appearance.
