Introduction
In this study on “Jesus, King of Kings or Prince? – 1 Timothy 6:15 “, we will explore the relationship between the titles given to the Father and the Son by examining passages such as 1 Timothy 6:15 and Revelation 19:16. Throughout the text, we will carefully analyze passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:25-27, Acts 5:31, and Ezekiel 34:20-24, to understand how Jesus’ position as Prince and King fits into the context of God’s sovereignty.
The One King of Kings and Lord of Lords
1 Timothy 6:15 – “Which in his times he will show, who is the blessed and only Potentate , the King of kings and Lord of lords.“
The above text from 1 Timothy 6:15 presents the Father as being the “King of kings and Lord of lords“, but when we read Revelation 19:16, we find a quote where Jesus receives the same title, as we can read below:
Revelation 19:11-16 – “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True: … And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings , and Lord of Lords.“
Different Interpretations of 1 Timothy 6:15
Some people have interpreted these two passages as referring to the same person, but a closer look makes it clear that this interpretation is not correct. Others believe that both persons, the Father and Jesus, are two distinct persons, but receive the same titles because they are members of the Trinity.
Personally, I cannot agree with these two interpretations because there are several other passages that do not fit with these thoughts.
Problems with this Interpretation
The same ownership that the Father applies to Himself also applies to the Son. But how can someone be called “King ofs kings” and “Lord of lords“, if both are “kings” and “lords“? What may seem like a contradiction is not really so when we consider the same thought that Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 15:25-27, where he states that all things have been put under Christ’s feet, but then adds: “It is clear that he who subjected all things to him is excepted.“.
If Paul states that there is an exception, then we must apply the same reasoning when dealing with the titles of “King of kings and Lord of lords“God, the One who elevated Christ to such a position, is above Christ as His King and His Lord. On the other hand, Christ is subject to the Father, but is still “King and Lord” before the entire universe.
Elevated to Prince and Savior
Two other texts make this thought clear to us. The first of them is presented in the book of Acts 5:31, as we can read below:
Acts 5:31 – “Him God exalted with his right hand to be Prince and Savior , for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.“
The position granted by God to Christ before all existing beings, including the person of the Father, is that of Prince. Now, if there is a prince it is because there is someone above him with the title of King , and this is the position occupied by His Father , as described in 1 Timothy 6:14-15.
God and His Servant “David“
The next text that makes this issue clear is a prophecy written by the prophet Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 34:20-24 – “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you push with your side and with your shoulder, and gore all the weak ones with your horns, until you have scattered them abroad. Therefore I will save my sheep, that they shall no more be a prey, and I will judge between sheep and sheep. And I will set up one shepherd over them , and he shall feed them; my servant David shall feed them; he shall be their shepherd . And I, the LORD, will be their God , and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken it.“
That the above text does not refer to David himself is obvious, since he had been dead for almost 3 centuries before the prophet wrote this message. The words “my servant David” are a reference to the Messiah who would come from David’s lineage.
The key point of this text for the subject in question occurs when God makes it clear that He would make His servant the shepherd of His flock, and that He would become the Prince among them, with the Lord (YHWH) being our God. This text makes very clear the real position that each one occupies before the entire universe.
Conclusion: Jesus King of Kings or Prince?
Jesus, King of Kings or Prince? We can conclude that, before all other creatures in the universe, Jesus assumes the position of King and Lord, a position that His Father granted Him. But when the Father enters the scene, Jesus assumes the position of Prince, because His Father is the one who occupies the position of King on the throne of the universe.
May God bless the reader.
