18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

A. He that lives - Jesus begins to describe himself. He is the one that lives. He has always lived. He is now alive. He will be alive forever.

B. Was dead - As the Son of man, Jesus lived on earth, suffered and died a physical death.

C. Alive forever - Jesus is still the eternal one.

D. Keys of Hades - “Hades,” the grave, the world of the unseen. It may be that Jesus is saying, “I can open the graves.” It may be that Jesus meant, “I am in control of all the departed spirits.” Either way, Jesus is assuring John that those who died are in his care and control. He is aware and is with them. He has the power to resurrect.

E. Of death - Jesus was the first to be raised to immortality. He has the key to overcome death. He can raise us from the dead.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament