Question regarding Revelation 20:4-6

[PEdwards]

In the NIV Bible, Revelation 20:4-6 states:

4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

My question is, why is this called the first resurrection? My understanding is that the first resurrection is at the moment of the rapture when the dead in Christ are resurrected.

Please help me understand. Thanks in advance.

Phil Edwards

[Guy4God]

The 1st Resurrection began when Jesus rose from the dead, evidence was given with the OT saints seen in the streets of Jerusalem after that, and then the Rapture, then the Marytrs at the end of the Trib. One resurrection over several time slots...that's how I understand it...John was told, "Blessed are those who have their part in the first resurrection..."

[dramama]

The 1st Resurrection began when Jesus rose from the dead, evidence was given with the OT saints seen in the streets of Jerusalem after that, and then the Rapture, then the Marytrs at the end of the Trib. One resurrection over several time slots...that's how I understand it...John was told, "Blessed are those who have their part in the first resurrection..."

:thumb

[PEdwards]

Can you give me some verses that I can cross reference, please?

[AllforHim]

The 1st Resurrection began when Jesus rose from the dead, evidence was given with the OT saints seen in the streets of Jerusalem after that, and then the Rapture, then the Marytrs at the end of the Trib. One resurrection over several time slots...that's how I understand it...John was told, "Blessed are those who have their part in the first resurrection..."

:) very well said!! :hug

[Chris]

http://www.gracethrufaith.com/revelation-times/revelation-19-20

I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Rev. 20:4-6)

Jesus promised His Disciples that they would sit in judgment of the 12 Tribes of Israel at the renewal of all things (Matt. 18:28) Now their time has come, as the believing dead from Israel's past are given their new bodies to join their countrymen in Israel. (Daniel 12:1-2) And the Tribulation martyrs are given bodies as well, completing the First Resurrection that began in the Garden Tomb 2000 years earlier with our Lord, the First Fruits of the First Resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:20) And as the Sheep and Goat judgment explains, Tribulation survivors are judged at this time as well. All this is in fulfillment of Joel 3:14-21.

[dramama]

http://www.gotquestions.org/resurrection-first-second.html