Comments on: Revelation 1:6 What does it mean? http://www.revivalblog.com/revelation-16-what-does-it-mean/ Didn't our hearts burn within us? Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:26:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Rich Tatum http://www.revivalblog.com/revelation-16-what-does-it-mean/#comment-602 Rich Tatum Wed, 29 Mar 2006 07:21:43 +0000 http://revivalblog.com/2006/03/27/revelation-16-what-does-it-mean/#comment-602 Whether we are literal, spiritual, or figurative priests and kings, the Greek simply says we are βασιλεις και ιερεις. (Not sure if the Greek will come through here.) Basileus could be "kings," "kingdom," or simply "royalty." And hierus is typically rendered "priest" or "priesthood." Kai is a copulative, and could supply a twist on the meaning beyond the simple English "and." But the simplest rendering may be the best. As the NASB puts it: "He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father..." And as Peter puts it: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..." (1 Peter 2:9) In other words: All of the above! I would say this is not a matter of some being "kings" and some being "priests." The sense of what's being driven at is that Christ elevated our status to royalty and holy men and women who have direct access to God. There's a beautiful irony in the phrase if you reflect on it. Royalty--kings--serve noone but have servants themselves. Priests have no servants but serve no man--not even the king. Under Christ we become as kings who serve and minister to God. No king ever had such access or privelege! And no priest ever drew so close to Him! Regards, Rich <a href="http://tatumweb.com/blog/" rel="nofollow">BlogRodent</a> Whether we are literal, spiritual, or figurative priests and kings, the Greek simply says we are βασιλεις και ιερεις. (Not sure if the Greek will come through here.) Basileus could be “kings,” “kingdom,” or simply “royalty.” And hierus is typically rendered “priest” or “priesthood.” Kai is a copulative, and could supply a twist on the meaning beyond the simple English “and.” But the simplest rendering may be the best. As the NASB puts it:

“He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father…”

And as Peter puts it:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9)

In other words: All of the above!

I would say this is not a matter of some being “kings” and some being “priests.” The sense of what’s being driven at is that Christ elevated our status to royalty and holy men and women who have direct access to God.

There’s a beautiful irony in the phrase if you reflect on it. Royalty–kings–serve noone but have servants themselves. Priests have no servants but serve no man–not even the king.

Under Christ we become as kings who serve and minister to God. No king ever had such access or privelege! And no priest ever drew so close to Him!

Regards,

Rich
BlogRodent

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