Topical Bible: Kings: Christ is the Prince of

◄ Kings: Christ is the Prince of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Prince of Kings" ascribed to Jesus Christ reflects His supreme authority and sovereign rule over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. This designation is rooted in biblical prophecy and affirmed in the New Testament, highlighting Christ's divine kingship and His ultimate dominion over the world.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Christ as the ruler over kings is prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. In Isaiah 9:6-7, the prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of a child who will bear the government upon His shoulders, declaring, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage anticipates the Messiah's reign, emphasizing His authority and peace-bringing rule.

In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation explicitly refers to Jesus as the "ruler of the kings of the earth." Revelation 1:5 states, "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." This verse underscores Christ's preeminence and His role as the sovereign authority over all earthly powers.

Christ's Sovereign Authority

Christ's title as the "Prince of Kings" signifies His ultimate authority and governance over all nations and rulers. This authority is not merely symbolic but is rooted in His divine nature and His redemptive work. As the Son of God, Jesus possesses inherent authority over creation, as affirmed in Colossians 1:16-17 : "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

Furthermore, Christ's authority is established through His victory over sin and death. By His resurrection, He has been exalted to the highest place, as Philippians 2:9-11 declares: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Implications for Believers

For believers, the recognition of Christ as the "Prince of Kings" provides assurance and hope. It affirms that no earthly power can thwart God's purposes and that Christ's kingdom will ultimately prevail. This truth encourages Christians to live in obedience to Christ, acknowledging His lordship in every aspect of life.

Moreover, the acknowledgment of Christ's sovereignty calls believers to pray for earthly rulers and authorities, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 : "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." Recognizing Christ's authority over all rulers encourages believers to trust in His providential care and to seek His guidance in all matters of governance and leadership.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The full realization of Christ as the "Prince of Kings" will be consummated at His second coming. Revelation 19:16 vividly portrays this future reality: "And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords." At that time, Christ will establish His eternal kingdom, bringing justice and righteousness to the earth, and every knee will bow to His sovereign rule.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Prince of the Kings of the Earth
... to in the book: but the Lord Jesus comes as their "Prince;" "King of kings and Lord ...
earthly rulers, and spirit rulers of this age; also of Christ (only of ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the prince of the kings.htm

Christ's Kingly Office
... all other kings, and is called, The Prince of the ... must needs be so, for by him kings
reign.' Proverbs 8 ... Christ infinitely outvies all other princes; he has the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... 12:2: Some think it was a created angel, but it was Angelus Foederis, Christ the
angel of the covenant. He is a great prince. The prince of the kings of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

The Exaltation of Christ
... Now, it is so with this Christian. He feels that Jesus Christ, the glorified
"Prince of the kings of the earth." is his brother. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exaltation of christ.htm

That the Jews Ceased to have Prophets after the Rebuilding of the ...
... in which she should be governed by kings, was now ... a king of foreign birth, in whose
reign Christ was born. ... he says, "There shall not be lacking a prince out of ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 45 that the jews ceased.htm

The Subsequent Influence of Christ's Death in the World Predicted ...
... the prophet Nathan, in the first of Kings, [3385] makes a ... to the nations; Him, for
a prince and commander ... It is Christ whom all nations now invoke, which knew ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx name subsequent influence.htm

Petilianus Said: "Lastly, as we have Often Said Before...
... put our confidence in any man or prince, if without ... quoted, "Be wise now therefore,
O ye kings," etc., and ... It is Christ and Julian that we contrast before you ...
/.../chapter 98 223 petilianus.htm

How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with ...
... of Manasses, who found mercy himself, 2 Chronicles 33:13, was carried into captivity
for his sin, 2 Kings 23:26 ... 5. He should eye Christ as a prince to give ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvii how shall one.htm

Comparisons Between Christ and the Antichrist
... 10. Christ will be the King of kings (Rev.17:14); so also will the Antichrist be
(Rev.17:12, 13). 11. ... Christ will return to the earth as Prince of Peace ...
/.../pink/the antichrist/comparisons between christ and the.htm

Christ Triumphant
... The Prince of the house of David is not far behind ... It is Christ himself ... many crowns,
and he hath on his vesture and on his thigh written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm