First, Last, and In Between

Jesus is “first and last” (protos kai eschatos) and He says so at the beginning and end of Revelation – at the first and the last (1:17; 2:8; 22:13). “First and last” is the first and last thing Jesus says.

In between these two declarations, there are several numbered sequences, all beginning with protos (first):

1) Four creatures, 4:7

2) Seven seals, 6:1-8:1

3) Seven trumpets, 8:7-11:15

4) Three woes, 8:13; 9:12; 11:14

5) Three angels, 14:6-12

6) Seven bowls, 16:1-21

7) Twelve stones, 21:19

We might add to that list a few first-second lists in Revelation – resurrection (20:6) and death (20:6, 14; 21:8).

Now, to crush all that a bit: If Jesus is first and last, and if Revelation shows us a first, second, third, and fourth beast; and a first through seventh seal, trumpet, and seal; and a first through twelfth precious stone: Then perhaps those larger sequences are expositions of the One who is first and last.

That is, we might be able to consider whether Revelation gives us a cherubic Christology, a seal- and trumpet- and chalice-based account of Christ’s work, an angelic Christology, a Christology of gems. Jesus is the first creature (lion) and the last (eagle) and the two in between (calf and man); Jesus is the jasper and the amethyst, and all the other gemstones. Etc.

It may not appeal to us, but I wager I could find a medieval theologian to write a treatise on that.