The phrase "First and the Last" is a significant biblical title that underscores the eternal nature and sovereignty of God, as well as the divinity of Jesus Christ. This title is primarily found in the prophetic and apocalyptic literature of the Bible, particularly in the books of Isaiah and Revelation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the title "First and the Last" is used to affirm the uniqueness and supremacy of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Isaiah 41:4 states, "Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last—I am He." Here, the title emphasizes God's eternal existence and His active role in history, from creation to the fulfillment of His divine purposes.

Isaiah 44:6 further declares, "This is what the LORD says—He who is the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts: I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me." This passage highlights God's exclusive divinity and His role as both the origin and the culmination of all things. The title serves as a powerful assertion against idolatry, affirming that no other gods exist besides Yahweh.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the title "First and the Last" is applied to Jesus Christ, revealing His divine nature and eternal existence. The Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, contains several instances where Jesus uses this title to describe Himself. Revelation 1:17-18 records, "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.'"

This passage not only affirms Christ's divinity but also His victory over death and His authority over the afterlife. By identifying Himself as the "First and the Last," Jesus aligns Himself with the eternal God of Israel, asserting His preexistence and His role in the ultimate consummation of history.

Revelation 22:13 further reiterates this title: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Here, the title is expanded to include "Alpha and Omega," the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing completeness and totality. This reinforces the concept that Jesus is the origin and the fulfillment of all creation and history.

Theological Significance

The use of the title "First and the Last" in both the Old and New Testaments carries profound theological implications. It affirms the continuity of God's revelation and the consistency of His character throughout the biblical narrative. The title underscores the belief in the Trinity, as it attributes to Jesus Christ the same eternal qualities and divine authority ascribed to Yahweh in the Old Testament.

For believers, the title "First and the Last" offers assurance of God's unchanging nature and His sovereign control over the past, present, and future. It serves as a reminder of the hope found in Christ's resurrection and His promise of eternal life for those who trust in Him.