Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 20:6

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." — Revelation 20:6 (ASV)

Blessed and holy is he that has . . . .—This is one of the benedictions of the Apocalypse. The blessing on those who have part or share in the first resurrection has this definite feature: on these the second death has no power (or authority). The second death stands in contrast with the first resurrection.

The second death is not the mere physical dying; it is rather that more dreadful death which lies outside the realm of what is seen and temporal. Whatever it means, and whatever the conditions that surround it, it is spiritual rather than physical. It is not the life of the body that protects the life of the spirit; it is living and believing in God that protects from the second death, according to Christ’s word concerning such people: “they shall never die” (John 11:26).

Blessed, too, are such people in being priests and kings (they shall reign). The priesthood of life belongs to those who have offered themselves as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). The kingship of life belongs to those who have overcome the world-powers by the word of God and by the blood of the Lamb; these truly reign. (Compare to the Note on Revelation 5:10.)