The Glory of the Resurrection: Jesus, the Firstborn from the Dead

The firstborn from the dead is a very important title of Jesus (Rev. 1:5). It denotes His status as the supreme authority over the realm of the resurrection—first in authority and honor. It also refers to Jesus’ destiny, power, and exaltation as a man, emphasizing His sovereignty and preeminence over all (Col. 1:15-18). He was the first man to conquer all the enemies of the human race—including death. Jesus is the prototype and the first member of a new order of people who triumph over death (1 Cor. 15:20). He is the pledge, or guarantee, that His people will receive a resurrected body like His (Phil. 3:21).