But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Ver. 5. But the rest of the dead] Dead in Baal worship, as Ephraim, Hosea 13:1; dead in sins, as Sardis,Revelation 3:1 .
Lived not again] By repentance from dead works, or they recovered not the life and immortality that is brought to light by the gospel.
Until the thousand years] Until, being taught better by God's faithful witnesses, they abjured Popery.
This is the first resurrection] From Romish superstitions. Mr Fox tells us that by the reading of Chaucer's books, some were brought to the knowledge of the truth. (Acts and Mon.) But here it must be remembered that a Papist must have two resurrections or conversions ere he can come to heaven. First, of a Papist he must become in judgment a true Protestant. 2. Of a Protestant at large, he must become a zealous practitioner of the truth he professeth. Like as corn must be first thrashed out of the straw, and then winnowed out of the chaff.