“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” – Revelation 1:17 (NIV)
1. The Context of the Vision
The words “I Am the First and the Last” were spoken by Jesus Christ to the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. Revelation opens with a powerful vision of the glorified Jesus, who appears to John with dazzling majesty—His face shining like the sun and His voice like the sound of rushing waters (Revelation 1:12–16). Overwhelmed by this encounter, John falls at His feet “as though dead.” It is in this moment of fear and awe that Jesus speaks tenderly: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
This phrase reassures John and the suffering Church that Jesus is sovereign over all history. He stands outside of time and is in complete control of every event. In a period when Christians were facing severe persecution from the Roman Empire, these words offered unshakable comfort and hope.
2. A Title of Deity
The title “I Am the First and the Last” is more than just a poetic phrase; it is a direct claim to divinity. In Isaiah 44:6, the Lord declares:
“This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.”
By using the same words, Jesus identifies Himself with Yahweh, the eternal and self-existent God. He is the Alpha and Omega of history—the One who was there before all things began and the One who will remain after all things end. The statement “I Am the First and the Last” thus affirms the eternal nature of Christ. He is not a created being but the eternal Son of God who shares the same divine essence as the Father.
3. Jesus Stands Outside Time
The phrase “I Am the First and the Last” underscores the reality that Jesus exists beyond the confines of time. He is not bound by the linear past, present, and future that we experience. As Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
For believers, this truth is profoundly comforting. Our lives are often filled with uncertainty. We do not know what tomorrow will bring, and the past is filled with mistakes, regrets, or events we wish we could change. But Jesus, the First and the Last, sees the beginning, the middle, and the end all at once. He is in control of history—both the grand story of humanity and the smaller, personal story of your life.
4. A Message to a Persecuted Church
The book of Revelation was written to Christians who were facing intense persecution. The Roman Empire demanded worship of the emperor, and those who refused to bow to Caesar were often tortured, imprisoned, or executed. In such a hostile environment, it would have been easy to feel abandoned or hopeless.
When Jesus says, “I Am the First and the Last,” He is reminding His followers that no earthly power, no emperor or tyrant, can ever dethrone Him. He was there before Rome existed, and He will remain long after the empire falls. This truth gave the early Church the courage to endure suffering, knowing that their Savior reigns supreme and that He will have the final word.
5. Comfort for Us Today
Though we may not face the same kind of persecution as the early Christians, we all encounter trials, suffering, and moments of fear. The words “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last” are just as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. Jesus is still sovereign. He still reigns over every difficulty, every challenge, and every hardship we face.
When life feels out of control, remember that nothing catches Jesus by surprise. He knew every step of your journey before you even took your first breath. He is the First—the One who was with you at the very beginning—and He is the Last, ensuring that your story ends with redemption, victory, and eternal life.
6. The Eternal Lordship of Christ
The title “I Am the First and the Last” also highlights the eternal lordship of Christ. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus continues:
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Not only is Jesus eternal, but He also has conquered death and holds authority over the eternal destiny of every soul. He is the Lord of life and death, the One who determines the final outcome of all creation. For those who belong to Him, this is the greatest assurance imaginable. Our lives are not in the hands of chance or fate; they are in the hands of the eternal King.
7. Echoes of Isaiah
The phrase “I Am the First and the Last” is a direct echo of the prophetic declarations in Isaiah. For example, Isaiah 48:12 says:
“Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last.”
These Old Testament passages affirm that the One who is speaking in Revelation is none other than God Himself. Jesus is not merely repeating the words of Yahweh—He is Yahweh. He is the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Just as God declared Himself to be the First and the Last for Israel’s comfort, Jesus does the same for His Church.
8. The Call to Trust
When Jesus tells John, “Do not be afraid,” He is not offering a vague encouragement. He is giving a reason for confidence: His eternal nature. Because Jesus is the First and the Last, we can trust Him with every aspect of our lives. He sees the bigger picture that we cannot. He knows the outcome of every situation and the path that leads to victory.
When we face uncertainty—whether it’s in our career, relationships, health, or spiritual journey—we can take comfort in knowing that the First and the Last is with us. Nothing is outside of His control.
9. Jesus’ Final Word on Suffering
The phrase “I Am the First and the Last” assures us that suffering is not the final word. Jesus, who has the first word in creation, also has the last word in redemption. No matter what trials or challenges we face, they are temporary. One day, Jesus will bring all suffering to an end. As Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
For the persecuted Church in John’s time, this was a message of hope. For us today, it is a reminder that our struggles do not define our destiny. The eternal Christ does.
10. A Personal Encounter with the Eternal Christ
What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is the First and the Last? It means that your life is not an accident. He was there when your story began, and He will be there at its conclusion. He sees every chapter of your life, even the ones you wish you could erase, and He promises to redeem them.
It also means that He invites you to trust Him fully. When Jesus says, “Do not be afraid,” He is calling you to lay down your fears, anxieties, and uncertainties and rest in His eternal presence. He knows your past, your present struggles, and your future. And because He is the First and the Last, He is more than capable of leading you through it all.
11. Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding that Jesus is the First and the Last changes the way we live. It gives us an eternal perspective. We no longer live for temporary things—money, fame, success, or possessions. Instead, we live for Christ, knowing that He is the beginning and the end of all that truly matters.
This truth calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the eternal One. As Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” He began your faith journey, and He will perfect it. He started the work in you, and He will finish it.
12. Encouragement for Today
Whatever you are facing today, remember this: The First and the Last has the final word. Not your fears. Not your failures. Not your circumstances. Jesus does. He is greater than your challenges and stronger than your storms.
If you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, take comfort in His words: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” The same Jesus who comforted John on the island of Patmos is with you right now. He is standing beside you, holding your hand, guiding your steps, and assuring you of His eternal love.
Encouragement and Prayer
Encouragement:
When life feels uncertain, remember that Jesus—the First and the Last—has already written your story from beginning to end. He knows every detail, and He promises to be with you through it all.
Prayer of Trust:
“Lord Jesus, You are the First and the Last, the eternal King who holds all things together. I thank You that my life is safe in Your hands. When I feel afraid, help me to remember that You are sovereign over my past, present, and future. Teach me to trust You completely, knowing that You have the final word. Amen.”
The title “I Am the First and the Last” reveals Jesus’ eternal nature and divine authority over all creation. He stands outside of time, reigning from the very beginning to the end of history. If you want to dive deeper into similar teachings that highlight Jesus’ role in every season of life, explore our dedicated section Jesus for Everyone, where faith-based insights and devotionals bring His Word to life. For a broader biblical perspective, you can also visit Bible Gateway for cross-references and study tools that expand on the meaning of Revelation 1:17. Remember to connect with us again at We Love God Daily for more encouraging resources designed to strengthen your walk with Christ.