Jesus is described in many wonderful different ways (v5-8). He is ‘the faithful witness’ (v5), He is the final great prophet to teach us the truth (see Hebrews 1 v1-2). Jesus is ‘the first born of the dead’ (v5), the one who has led the way in resurrection power. He will lead those who trust in Him to everlasting life. He is ’the ruler of kings on earth’ (v5), the One in total control.

Jesus is the one who “has freed us from our sins by His blood” (v5), the great High Priest who has made the sacrifice for sin, the only One who can save. John says Jesus has “made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (v6), Jesus makes Christians into a community offering worship.

Jesus is “coming”, at the end of the world to judge (v7). All who have rejected and scorned Christ will see Him as well as the faithful. This section ends by saying Jesus is ‘the Alpha and Omega’ (v8), which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This means that Jesus is the beginning and the end of world history and of the believer’s life.

This introduction sets the scene for the emphasis of this whole book, which is the glory and sovereign control of Christ.