Revelation 20:4 – I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Explanation of the Verse
This verse paints a picture of victory, justice, and reward. John, the writer of Revelation, sees thrones—seats of power and judgment. On these thrones sit people who have been given authority to judge. These aren’t random people; they are chosen by God. They’ve been faithful in life and are now trusted to help carry out God’s justice.
John also sees the souls of those who were killed for staying true to Jesus and God’s Word. These people refused to bow to evil. They didn’t give in to the pressure to worship the beast—a symbol of worldly power that stands against God—and they refused to take its mark, which represents loyalty to that system. Because of their faithfulness, even unto death, they are now honored.
“They came to life” means that they are resurrected. They were once dead, but now they live again—and not just live, but reign. They rule alongside Christ for a thousand years. This is not a vague hope. It’s a promised reward for those who held fast to the truth no matter the cost.
Historical Context
Revelation was written in a time when Christians were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Believers were tortured, killed, and publicly shamed for refusing to worship the emperor or take part in pagan rituals. John himself was exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith.
The early church would have found great encouragement in this verse. It told them that their suffering was not forgotten. God sees every act of faithfulness. Those who stayed true to Christ, even through the worst trials, would be raised and honored. Their lives—and their deaths—had meaning.
The mention of the “beast” and “its mark” would have been understood as symbolic of Rome’s oppressive power, though it also points forward to future systems of deception and control.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that God rewards faithfulness, especially when it costs something. It teaches that believers who suffer or even die for Jesus are not forgotten. In fact, they will be raised and given a role in His kingdom.
It also speaks about resurrection—real life after death. These believers didn’t just spiritually live on; they were brought back to life and given authority. This is part of what many call the “first resurrection,” a moment when the faithful are brought into God’s kingdom to reign with Christ.
This verse reminds us that death is not the end for those who belong to Jesus. It’s the doorway to something better, something eternal.
Literary Analysis
The verse is full of rich symbols and contrasts. There are thrones—symbols of power and judgment—and then souls—those who once seemed powerless, but are now lifted up. The faithful martyrs are first described in terms of their suffering (“beheaded”), but then in terms of their reward (“they came to life and reigned”).
There’s a strong contrast between those who followed Jesus and those who followed the beast. One group gave in to pressure and received a worldly mark; the other stayed faithful and received eternal honor. The repetition of “they did not… they did not…” emphasizes their resistance. They stood their ground.
The “thousand years” again suggests a long, set period during which Christ reigns openly, and those who stood firm share in that reign.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 5:10-12 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…”
- Luke 22:29-30 – Jesus tells His disciples they will sit on thrones judging the tribes of Israel.
- 2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”
- Revelation 6:9-11 – The souls under the altar cry out for justice—now we see them rewarded.
- Revelation 13:15-17 – Describes those who worship the beast and receive its mark.
- Romans 8:17 – “If we share in His sufferings, we may also share in His glory.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse speaks hope into hardship. If you’re facing trials for your faith—or just struggling to stay faithful in a world that pulls in the opposite direction—this verse reminds you it’s worth it. God sees. God remembers. And God rewards.
You may never be asked to die for your faith, but the call to stay true to Jesus is real for every believer. Whether it’s resisting cultural pressures, standing for what’s right, or refusing to compromise, faithfulness matters. And in the end, it will be honored by God.
This verse also gives comfort when we lose Christian brothers and sisters to persecution. Their story isn’t over. They will rise again, and their faith will be celebrated.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is not only seen in comfort—it’s seen in justice and reward. A loving God doesn’t overlook suffering. He sees every tear, every hard choice, every sacrifice made for His name. And He responds with resurrection, honor, and joy.
It’s an act of love to lift up the faithful and give them places of purpose in His kingdom. It’s also love that keeps truth alive in a world full of lies. God doesn’t forget His people. He welcomes them into His victory.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse centers on Jesus, though His name isn’t mentioned directly. These believers came to life and “reigned with Christ.” Jesus is the King who shares His throne. He’s not just ruling alone—He’s inviting His people to rule with Him.
Jesus is also the one they gave their lives for. Their “testimony about Jesus” was the reason they were killed. He is worth everything. They knew it, and this verse shows it wasn’t in vain.
In John 11:25, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” That’s what happens here. He brings life out of death and shares His victory with those who followed Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to be faithful to Jesus in your daily life?
- How does this verse change the way you view suffering for your faith?
- Are there ways you feel pressured to compromise your beliefs? How can you stand firm?
- What comfort do you find in knowing that those who died for Christ will be raised and honored?
- How does the idea of reigning with Jesus affect your view of the future?