Greek Key Terms:
Context: Revelation 20:1-6 presents the millennial reign. After Satan's binding, those who share in the "first resurrection" are pronounced "blessed and holy." They receive two privileges: (1) the second death has no power over them; (2) they will be "priests of God and of Christ" and "reign with him a thousand years." This verse explicitly connects the priestly-royal identity (from Exodus 19:6, Revelation 1:6, 5:10) with the eschatological reign. The "first resurrection" distinguishes believers from the "rest of the dead" (v. 5) and secures their participation in Christ's millennial kingdom.
OT-to-OT Development:
Connections:
Christological Connection: Believers reign "with Christ" (μετʼ αὐτοῦ)—their authority is derivative, participatory, christologically grounded. The "first resurrection" is linked to Christ's resurrection as "firstfruits" (1 Corinthians 15:20); those united to Him in His resurrection share His reign. The dual title "priests of God and of Christ" places Christ alongside the Father as recipient of priestly service, affirming His deity. Unlike Levitical priests who served until death ended their ministry, these priests serve in resurrection life—death has no power (ἐξουσία) over them. The millennium represents the penultimate stage of the priestly-royal trajectory: functional reign with Christ, leading to eternal consummation (Rev 22:5). Christ's victory over death becomes His people's victory; His kingdom becomes their inheritance.
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment, Redemptive-Historical Progression — The priestly-royal identity moves from positional to functional as believers reign with Christ in resurrection life, with the dual title "priests of God and of Christ" affirming His deity.
Trajectory Table: 091 - Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation