What does Revelation 20:4 mean?
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 20:4
Explanation
Revelation 20:4 speaks of a vision that the Apostle John had concerning the end times. In this verse, John sees a series of thrones with individuals seated upon them who have been given authority to judge. The individuals who sit on these thrones are not explicitly identified, but it is implied that they are those who have been martyred for their faith in Jesus and their adherence to the Word of God—they have not compromised with the pervasive idolatry of the age, symbolized by the beast, its image, and its mark.
The “souls of them that were beheaded” indicates a specific kind of martyrdom. In the historical context, beheading was a common method of execution, particularly for those who were accused of serious crimes, including refusal to conform to state-imposed religious practices.
These martyrs are described as having not worshiped the beast, nor its image, nor having received its mark on their foreheads or hands. This is representative of their commitment to remain faithful to their beliefs, even in the face of persecution.
They “lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years,” which introduces the concept of the Millennial Kingdom—a period of a thousand years when Christ will reign on the earth with His saints. This reign corresponds to a future era of peace and justice which stands in stark contrast to the present world.
Historical Context
Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D., a time when Christians were facing severe persecution under the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire at that time demanded loyalty and often deified its emperors; refusing to worship the emperor or the state-approved gods was considered treasonous. John’s use of the image of the beast and its mark would have resonated with his readers as a powerful symbol of the empire and its oppressive demands.
Theological Insights
Different theological understandings have developed around Revelation 20:4. Dispensational Premillennialists interpret the thousand-year reign of Christ literally and expect a future, physical reign of Jesus on Earth. They believe the martyrs in the verse will be resurrected to reign with Christ.
Amillennialists, on the other hand, interpret the thousand years metaphorically, symbolizing the current church age in which Christ reigns in the hearts of believers. They see the thrones as representing the authority given to the Church to witness to the truth and engage judgment through the proclamation of God’s Word.
Postmillennialists believe that through the preaching of the Gospel, the world will progressively improve, leading to an undefined period of peace and righteousness (the Millennium) before Christ’s second coming.
Practical Applications
Regardless of one’s eschatological view, this verse serves as inspiration for steadfastness in the face of persecution. Believers are encouraged to hold firm to their faith and convictions, resisting any societal pressures that may compel them to compromise their beliefs.
The emphasis on reigning with Christ encourages believers to consider their role in advancing God’s kingdom principles of justice, peace, and righteousness here and now, not only in anticipation of a future fulfillment.
Cross-References
- Revelation 13:7-8 – And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
- Revelation 13:16-17 – And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.
- 2 Timothy 2:12 – If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.
Language Study
- “Thrones” (Greek: thronoi): Often a symbol of authority and power, signifying the right to judge.
- “Beheaded” (Greek: pelekizo): Specifically refers to being executed by axe or sword, denoting a violent martyrdom.
- “Witness” (Greek: martys): Originally meaning a person who bears witness or testimony, it is where the term martyr originates, associating witnessing with suffering or death for one’s beliefs.
- “Beast” (Greek: therion): A symbol often representing oppressive, anti-God empires or powers, throughout apocalyptic literature.
- “Lived” (Greek: zao): Beyond physical life, it can also mean to experience God’s presence, implying a sort of spiritual or eternal life.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In other cultures and religions, there are depictions of an eschatological age or an era where divine justice prevails. Concepts like the Norse Ragnarök, the Hindu Kali Yuga, and Zoroastrianism’s Frashokereti, describe an end to the present age and the establishment of a righteous order.
Scientific Perspectives
Revelation 20:4 is a prophetic and apocalyptic text, and as such, it isn’t typically evaluated from a scientific standpoint. Scientific perspectives would more likely delve into understanding the psychology of belief and persecution or historical analyses of how apocalyptic beliefs arise in societies.
Commentaries
Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Revelation 20:4. Classic dispensationalists like John Walvoord emphasize a literal future Millennium. Thomas Ice also advocates for this view, seeing in the verse a future hope for martyred saints.
In contrast, scholars like O. Palmer Robertson interpret the verse in the context of the symbolic language of Revelation, understanding the reign of the saints as the present spiritual reality of the Church’s authority in Christ. Amillennialist theologian R.C. Sproul likewise sees this as a non-literal reign that speaks of the victory of the saints through suffering.