Revelation 1:5

Jesus Christ. See on v. 1. The other members of the Godhead have already been mentioned in v. 4.

Faithful witness. In the Greek this title stands in apposition with “Jesus Christ,” which is in the ablative case (according to some, a genitive of source), and the phrase “faithful witness” would normally be in the same case. Nevertheless, like the divine title for the Father (see on v. 4), it stands here unchanged in the nominative case. Some suggest that John thereby implies the deity of Christ and His equality with the Father (see Additional Note on John 1). Christ is the “faithful witness” in that He is the perfect representative of God’s character, mind, and will to mankind (see on John 1:1, 14). His sinless life among men and His sacrificial death testify of the Father’s holiness and love (see John 14:10; see on ch. 3:16).

First begotten. Gr. prōtotokos, “firstborn” (see on Matt. 1:25; Rom. 8:29; cf. on John 1:14). Though Jesus was not the first to rise from the dead in point of time, He may be regarded as first in the sense that all others resurrected before and after Him gained their freedom from the bonds of death only by virtue of His triumph over the grave. His power to lay down His life and to take it again (John 10:18) sets Him apart from all other men ever to come forth from the grave, and characterizes Him as the source of all life (see Rom. 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:12–23; see on John 1:4, 7–9). This title, with the one that follows, reflects the thought of Ps. 89:27.

Prince. Or, “ruler.” This world is Christ’s legitimate domain. Christ triumphed over sin and won back the lost heritage of Adam, and is the rightful ruler of mankind (Col. 2:15; cf. Col. 1:20; see Rev. 11:15). At the last day all men will recognize Him as such (see Rev. 5:13). But, recognized or not, Christ has overruled the affairs of earth for the completion of His eternal purpose (see on Dan. 4:17). The plan of redemption, made a historical fact by His life, death, and resurrection, has unfolded step by step toward that great day of triumph. See Rev. 19:15, 16.

That loved us. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “that loves us.” True, the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ is now a historical fact, but He “love us” now fully as much as when He made the supreme gift of His Son.

Washed. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “loosed.” This difference doubtless arose from the similarity between the Greek words louō, “to wash,” and luō, “to loose.” To be “loosed” from sins is to be set free from the penalty and power of sin (see on John 3:16; Rom. 6:16–18, 21, 22).

In his own blood. Or, “by His blood,” that is, by Christ’s death on the cross. It was a vicarious sacrifice (see on Isa. 53:4–6).