Why is Jesus called "the Beginning of God's creation" in Revelation 3:14? Setting the Stage: Revelation 3 :14 in Context • “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation.’ ” • Jesus is addressing a lukewarm church that questioned His sufficiency. He introduces Himself with three titles that settle any doubt about who He is and what He can do. What “Beginning” (archē) Means • Greek archē can mean “origin,” “source,” or “first in rank.” • It never forces the idea that Jesus is a created being; instead it points to His ROLE in creation. • The same term is used of rulers (“principalities,” Colossians 1 :16) and of God Himself (“the Beginning and the End,” Revelation 21 :6). Not the First Creature, but the Source of All Creation • John 1 :1–3, 10 —“Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” • Colossians 1 :15-17 —Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation… all things were created through Him and for Him… and in Him all things hold together.” • Hebrews 1 :2 —God “made the universe” through the Son. • Revelation calls Him “the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 22 :13), placing Him at both ends of history as eternal God. Scripture Underscoring His Deity and Preeminence • Isaiah 44 :24 —Yahweh “alone” created the heavens and the earth. If Jesus created, He must share Yahweh’s nature. • Micah 5 :2 —Messiah’s “origins are from of old, from ancient days,” pointing to eternal existence. • Philippians 2 :6-11 —Though in very nature God, He humbled Himself; yet every knee will bow to Him. Why This Title for Laodicea? • Laodicea prided itself on self-sufficiency—wealth, medicine, textiles. • By declaring Himself the Source of creation, Jesus exposes the church’s dependence on His sustaining power. • He alone provides the “true riches” and “white garments” they lack (Revelation 3 :18). Key Takeaways for Today • Jesus is eternal God, not a created being. • All of creation originates with Him and is sustained by Him. • Because He is the Source, He alone can meet every spiritual need. • Recognizing Christ as the Beginning fuels wholehearted devotion, curing spiritual lukewarmness. |
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