What does Revelation 1:6 mean?

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6

Explanation

Revelation 1:6 speaks to the identity and destiny of believers in Christ according to the author of Revelation, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. The verse indicates that, through the work of Jesus, believers are made into “kings and priests” to serve God. Kingship implies a reigning or ruling function and carries connotations of empowerment and dominion. Priesthood suggests a role of mediation, worship, and access to God. The culmination of both these roles is that believers are to partake in both the leadership of God’s kingdom and the worshipful service toward God.

The verse ends with a doxology, which is a short hymn of praises to God, “to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” This suggests that the ultimate purpose of believers’ empowerment as kings and priests is the glory and eternal sovereignty of God.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written in a tumultuous time for early Christians, likely toward the end of the first century AD, a period marked by persecution under Roman rule. The apostle John is traditionally considered to be the author, and it is often believed he wrote the book while in exile on the island of Patmos. It was a time when Christians were a minority and often faced oppression and violence due to their faith.

The language of kingship would have resonated in an era where the Roman emperor was seen as a ruler with divine attributes. The concept of believers as priests would challenge the idea that one needs an intercessory caste or temple system to access God.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse carries significant weight. The idea of believers being made into “kings and priests” reflects a radical reordering of social and religious structures. In the Old Testament, kingship and priesthood were distinct and often hereditary roles. Revelation 1:6 democratizes these roles, suggesting a priesthood of all believers and a shared kingship under Christ.

Different denominations might emphasize various aspects of this verse. For example, Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians may link the priesthood aspect to their doctrines of the ministerial priesthood, while Protestants may focus on the concept of the “priesthood of all believers.”

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be an encouragement for individuals in their daily lives, suggesting that they have both dignity and responsibility in God’s eyes. As ‘kings,’ believers are called to steward their domains with integrity and as ‘priests,’ they are encouraged to facilitate a relationship with God, not just for themselves but also for others.

Cross-References

• 1 Peter 2:9 – “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
• Revelation 5:10 – “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
• Exodus 19:6 – “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the term for ‘kings’ is βασιλεῖς (basileis), and for ‘priests’ is ἱερεῖς (hiereis). Basileis pertains to one who reigns or rules, while hiereis refers to one who performs religious duties associated with worship. The verb rendered ‘made’ is ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen), indicating an action completed by Jesus Christ. The emphasis here is transformative, indicating a change of status or function.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of the time, rulers as divine or semi-divine was a common motif (such as the concept of the “Divine Right of Kings” or the god-king pharaohs of Egypt). The priestly role, meanwhile, was often exclusive and hierarchical in religions of antiquity. Revelation’s statement was counter-cultural in that it assigned these roles universally to all believers, regardless of social or ethnic background.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not speak directly to any scientific concepts but could be interpreted metaphorically in the light of modern understanding of communities and governance. The idea of a collective kingship and priesthood can resonate with concepts of shared leadership and community service recognized in social sciences.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse vary. For instance, Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the privilege and duty of the believer to live in such a way that God is glorified. The Pulpit Commentary notes that “kings” denotes a Christian’s freedom and dignity, and “priests” his or her dedication to God. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary discusses the radical egalitarianism evident in this shared spiritual status of believers. Each reflects on the identity given by Jesus to those who follow him and the responsibilities that come with it.