Rev 20:4-6 | TNotes | STEP | 20:4 thrones ... people sitting on them: This portrayal of a heavenly tribunal includes the elders (4:4 ) on thrones (see Dan 7:9-10 ), the victorious martyrs (see Dan 7:22 ), and all God’s people. • beheaded for ... Jesus: Beheading was a common form of execution for Roman citizens. • The faithful who resisted receiving the mark of the beast (Rev 13:16-17 ) will judge the condemned (see 1 Cor 6:2-3 ) on thrones similar to those of the worshiping elders (see Rev 4:10-11 ; 5:8-10 ; 11:16 ).

20:4 ^a thrones ... people sitting on them: This portrayal of a heavenly tribunal includes the elders (4:4 ^b) on thrones (see Dan 7:9-10 ^c), the victorious martyrs (see Dan 7:22 ^d), and all God’s people.

• beheaded for ... Jesus: Beheading was a common form of execution for Roman citizens.

• The faithful who resisted receiving the mark of the beast (Rev 13:16-17 ^e) will judge the condemned (see 1 Cor 6:2-3 ^f) on thrones similar to those of the worshiping elders (see Rev 4:10-11 ^g; 5:8-10 ^h; 11:16 ⁱ).
Summary for Rev 20:5-6: 20:5-6 ^j John contrasts the first resurrection with the second death (see 20:12-15 ^k; cp. John 5:29 ^l).
20:6 ^m Blessed: This fifth blessing of Revelation (see also 1:3 ⁿ; 14:13 ^o; 16:15 ^p; 19:9 ^q; 22:7 ^r, 14 ^s) focuses on the promised reward of life. God’s faithful people (20:4 ^t) will reign with Christ as priests of God (see also 1:6 ^u; 5:10 ^v).