Revelation 20:5 – (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a follow-up to the vision of faithful believers who came back to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. It brings in a contrast: while those who had stayed loyal to Jesus were raised and honored, the rest of the dead—those who didn’t belong to Christ—did not come to life until the thousand years were over.
There are two groups here. The first group experienced what the verse calls the first resurrection—a raising to life that happens before the thousand-year reign of Christ. These are the faithful ones mentioned in the previous verse (Revelation 20:4). The second group must wait. Their resurrection comes later, but not for reward—it will be for final judgment, as explained in later verses.
This simple sentence holds a big truth: resurrection is real, but not all resurrection is the same. There’s a difference between being raised to reign and being raised to face judgment.
Historical Context
In the time Revelation was written, resurrection wasn’t just a theological idea—it was a deep hope for those suffering for their faith. Early Christians were being killed, and this verse gave assurance that their death wasn’t the end. They would rise first—before others—and reign with Christ.
John was writing to a church that was small and often attacked. To hear that the faithful would be raised first and honored before the world’s powerful ones was a huge encouragement. The rest—the enemies of truth and those who rejected God—would not rise until the thousand years were over, and even then, it would be for judgment, not reward.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that there is more than one resurrection. The first resurrection is for the righteous—those who belong to Christ. It’s a resurrection to life, joy, and honor. The second resurrection, as described in later verses, is for those who are judged for their rebellion against God.
It also shows that God’s timing matters. Not everyone is raised at once. The faithful are raised to reign with Christ, while the rest are held until a later day. This separation reminds us that faith in Jesus has eternal consequences. What we choose now affects what happens after death.
This also highlights the idea that eternal life is not automatic for all—it’s given to those who are in Christ.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short, but it stands as a parenthesis in the flow of thought. The phrase in parentheses—“The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended”—adds important information. It’s a contrast to the group in the previous verse. These literary shifts in Revelation keep pulling the reader’s focus between the saved and the lost, the faithful and the rebellious, the hopeful and the tragic.
The second sentence—“This is the first resurrection”—functions as a marker, giving a name to the amazing event that just took place in verse 4. It is a line of definition, separating the two groups and reminding the reader that what the faithful experience is distinct and blessed.
Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
- John 5:28-29 – Jesus says all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—some to life, some to judgment.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – The dead in Christ will rise first.
- Philippians 3:11 – Paul hopes to “attain to the resurrection from the dead,” showing a longing for that first resurrection.
- Revelation 20:12-13 – Later verses describe the second resurrection, when the rest of the dead are judged.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse offers both encouragement and warning. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that faith in Christ leads to real resurrection—resurrection to life, not judgment. Death is not the end, and those who follow Jesus have a place in the first resurrection. That is a gift beyond compare.
But the verse also warns us that not everyone will share in this. There will be a second resurrection, and it will be for those who did not trust in Christ. It is a call to live now in light of eternity—to make sure we are part of that first group.
This verse also helps us think rightly about death. It’s not just a moment—it’s a doorway. And what’s on the other side depends on our relationship with Jesus today.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God tells the truth. He doesn’t hide the reality of what lies ahead. In this verse, God reveals both the reward for the faithful and the delay of resurrection for the rest. He offers resurrection to life as a gift through His Son, and He gives people time to respond.
God’s love is seen in His mercy—offering the first resurrection to those who trust Him—and in His justice, making sure evil is not mixed with righteousness. The thousand years of Christ’s reign with the faithful is a time of peace and joy, free from the influence of those who rejected God.
His love gives time, offers warning, and opens the door for salvation now.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is at the center of all resurrection. In John 11:25, He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Those who take part in the first resurrection are there because of Him. He conquered death by dying and rising again.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Paul calls Jesus the “firstfruits” of those who have fallen asleep, meaning His resurrection is the beginning of what’s coming for those who belong to Him. That first resurrection in Revelation 20:5 is for people who have trusted in the risen Christ.
Also, in Revelation 1:18, Jesus says, “I hold the keys of death and Hades.” The resurrection—both the first and second—happens on His authority and His timing. Those who know Him have nothing to fear.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What is the difference between the first and second resurrection, and why does it matter?
- How does the promise of the first resurrection affect the way you live your life today?
- Why is it important to consider God’s timing and order in resurrection?
- What comfort does this verse offer to Christians who have lost loved ones in Christ?
- How can you be sure that you are part of the first resurrection?