Revelation 1:6
and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While we might think of ourselves as individuals serving God, this verse emphasizes that Christ has made us a collective "kingdom" and then individuals within that kingdom are priests. This "kingdom of priests" is a profound royal and sacred identity, set apart not just for service, but for shared reign and access to God's very presence.
This verse follows a powerful affirmation of Jesus's love and sacrifice in freeing believers from their sins. John is declaring that because of Christ's work, believers are not just forgiven but are also elevated to a position of royalty and priesthood, belonging to God as His Father. This declaration immediately transitions into a glorious doxology, ascribing eternal honor and power to God and the Lamb for these incredible redemptive acts.
Did you catch that? The verse says Christ 'made us a kingdom, priests'. It's not about individual crowns, but a collective identity with a holy function.
This verse highlights a profound truth about our identity in Christ: we are both a 'kingdom' and 'priests'. The original Greek, as noted by scholars, likely reads 'a kingdom, priests' rather than 'kings and priests'.
Collective Identity
This dual identity means we are both subjects within God's eternal kingdom and active participants in His service, serving one another and representing Him to the world.
When Revelation speaks of Christ's God and Father, it's not distancing Him from us. It’s actually including us in that divine family connection!
The phrase 'his God and Father' might seem a bit unusual at first glance. However, when we look closely at the original language and context, it reveals a beautiful truth about our inclusion in God's family through Christ.
The Unique Relationship
Understand the original words
basileia · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, a kingdom refers to the sphere of God's sovereign rule and authority. It represents the people, place, and conditions under which God reigns, either presently in the hearts of believers or ultimately in the consummated age.
hiereus · Greek Noun
Priests act as mediators between God and humanity, offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people. Under the New Covenant, all believers serve as a royal priesthood, having direct access to God through Christ.
doxa · Greek Noun
Glory refers to the manifestation of God’s majesty, splendor, holiness, and excellence. It is the outward expression of His inner nature, worthy of honor and praise.
kratos · Greek Noun
The concept of believers as a 'kingdom of priests' is deeply rooted in Old Testament promises to Israel, but Revelation 1:6 powerfully reinterprets and fulfills this through Christ's sacrifice. It signifies a radical expansion of God's people, where every believer shares in Christ's royal and priestly dignity, a stark contrast to the earthly kingdoms and temple systems of the ancient world.
c. 1446 BC
Israel receives the Law at Sinai
God declares Israel His chosen people, calling them a 'kingdom of priests' and a 'holy nation' after they agree to obey His commands. This establishes the ideal of a people set apart for divine service and royal representation.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David's reign ushers in a golden age for Israel, solidifying the concept of God's chosen people as both a kingdom and a people favored by God, with priests serving a vital role in worship.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian conquest results in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, a devastating blow to Israel's national and religious life. This event deeply impacted the collective identity and future hopes of the Jewish people.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus' death and resurrection mark the pivotal event for Christian faith, seen as the ultimate sacrifice and victory over sin and death. This act is understood as the foundation for the new covenant and the spiritual transformation of believers.
This verse from the Old Testament originally promised Israel that they would be a 'kingdom of priests,' a holy nation, a concept directly echoed and fulfilled in Revelation 1:6 for believers.
1 Peter 2:9Peter expands on the Old Testament promise, calling believers a 'royal priesthood,' a chosen race, directly aligning with the 'kingdom, priests' identity given in Revelation 1:6.
Romans 15:6This verse speaks of glorifying God 'together' as a unified people, reflecting the collective identity and purpose of believers as a kingdom of priests who bring glory to God, as stated in Revelation 1:6.
Revelation 5:10This passage further develops the idea of believers reigning as kings and priests, directly expanding on the foundational statement in Revelation 1:6 and showing the outcome of their redemption.
Hebrews 12:28This verse highlights that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, a concept that resonates with believers being made a kingdom in Revelation 1:6, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's reign and our participation in it.
pulpitRevelation 1:6: "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
Verse 6. - And hath made us kings and priests; rather, as in the Revised Version, and he made us (to be) a kingdom, (to be) priests. "Made us" is not coordinate with "loosed us;" the sentence makes a fresh start. "Kingdom," not "kings," is the right reading. Christians are nowhere said to be kings. Collectively they are a kingdom - "a kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19…
ellicottRevelation 1:6: "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
(6) And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever (or, unto the ages ) . —The symbol of washing in the last verse naturally leads on to the thought of consecration, accompanied by blood-sprinkling, to the work of the priest ( Exodus 19:6 ; Exodus 19:10 ; Exodus 24:8 ; Hebrews 9:21 ). The book will declare the king…
While we might think of ourselves as individuals serving God, this verse emphasizes that Christ has made us a collective "kingdom" and then individuals within that kingdom are priests. This "kingdom of priests" is a profound royal and sacred identity, set apart not just for service, but for shared reign and access to God's very presence.
This verse follows a powerful affirmation of Jesus's love and sacrifice in freeing believers from their sins. John is declaring that because of Christ's work, believers are not just forgiven but are also elevated to a position of royalty and priesthood, belonging to God as His Father. This declaration immediately transitions into a glorious doxology, ascribing eternal honor and power to God and the Lamb for these incredible redemptive acts.
This verse follows a powerful affirmation of Jesus's love and sacrifice in freeing believers from their sins. John is declaring that because of Christ's work, believers are not just forgiven but are also elevated to a position of royalty and priesthood, belonging to God as His Father. This declaration immediately transitions into a glorious doxology, ascribing eternal honor and power to God and the Lamb for these incredible redemptive acts.
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This means that the very God and Father whom Christ serves is now also our God and Father, uniting us in an incredible bond of love and belonging.
This verse bursts into praise! It’s a powerful reminder that all glory and authority don't belong to us or anyone else – they are eternally God's.
The latter part of Revelation 1:6 is a doxology, a declaration of praise directed towards God. It serves as a magnificent conclusion to the foundational truths about our identity in Christ.
The Source of All Praise
This declaration sets the stage for the entire book, reminding us that Revelation is ultimately about God's sovereign plan unfolding, leading to His eternal reign and the praise of His redeemed people.
Dominion denotes supreme authority, sovereign control, and power. It is an attribute reserved for God, describing His rule over all creation for eternity.
c. AD 60-62
Peter's First Epistle
Peter writes to encourage scattered believers, referring to them as 'a royal priesthood' and 'a holy nation,' echoing the Sinai covenant and applying it to the Christian community. This reflects a developing understanding of the church's identity.
c. AD 95— this verse
Writing of Revelation
John writes the Revelation from exile on the island of Patmos, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. He addresses seven specific churches in Asia Minor facing persecution and theological compromise, offering a message of hope and perseverance.
"and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." — While we might think of ourselves as individuals serving God, this verse emphasizes that Christ has made us a collective "kingdom" and then individuals within that kingdom are priests. This "kingdom…
