Topical Bible: Kings: The Gospel to be Preached To

◄ Kings: The Gospel to be Preached To ►

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of kings and their relationship to the gospel is a significant theme that underscores the universal reach and authority of God's message. The Bible presents kings as both recipients and instruments of God's divine plan, highlighting their role in the unfolding of salvation history.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, kings are often depicted as rulers who are either in alignment with or in opposition to God's will. The kings of Israel and Judah, such as David and Solomon, are portrayed as leaders who, when obedient to God, bring blessings to their people. However, when they stray from God's commandments, they lead their nations into turmoil and judgment. The prophets frequently addressed kings, calling them to repentance and adherence to God's law. For instance, the prophet Nathan confronted King David regarding his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-14), illustrating the accountability of kings to God's moral standards.

The Psalms and prophetic books also envision a time when kings from all nations will acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Psalm 72:11 declares, "May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him," indicating a future where earthly rulers recognize the ultimate kingship of God.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament expands on the theme of kings and the gospel, emphasizing the message of Christ as one that transcends national and political boundaries. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16), embodies the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning a righteous and eternal king. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), yet it demands the allegiance of all earthly rulers.

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 , charges the disciples to "make disciples of all nations," implicitly including kings and rulers in the scope of the gospel's reach. The Book of Acts provides examples of the gospel being preached to rulers, such as when the Apostle Paul testifies before King Agrippa (Acts 26:1-29), demonstrating the boldness and universality of the Christian message.

Theological Implications

The preaching of the gospel to kings underscores the belief in the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers. It reflects the conviction that no authority is beyond the reach of God's redemptive plan. The call for kings to submit to the gospel is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's message, which seeks to bring all people, regardless of status, into a reconciled relationship with God.

Furthermore, the biblical narrative suggests that the response of kings to the gospel can have profound implications for their nations. A king who embraces the gospel can lead his people toward righteousness and peace, while rejection can result in continued spiritual and moral decline.

Conclusion

The theme of kings and the gospel in the Bible highlights the comprehensive nature of God's salvation plan, which extends to all levels of society, including the highest echelons of power. Through the preaching of the gospel to kings, the Bible affirms the ultimate authority of God and the universal call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 26:27,28
King Agrippa, believe you the prophets? I know that you believe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Completion of Our Saviour's Prophecies Confirmed Pagans in ...
... sense than the words) to serve for a conviction to kings, and people, when, at the
same time, he finds that his Gospel has accordingly been preached to Greeks ...
/.../sect viii the completion of.htm

This Jew of Celsus Continues, after the Above, in the Following ...
... the doctrine of Jesus be established, so that governors and kings think of ... to Him
who then taught and said, "This Gospel shall be preached throughout the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xiii this jew of.htm

Of the Preaching of the Gospel, which is Made More Famous and ...
... Finally, the gospel of Christ was preached in the ... the blood of the martyrs which
they had poured forth with devilish fury, and the very kings by whose ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 50 of the preaching of.htm

His Gospel
... What kings and prophets had not known had been revealed to him ... wilderness he pondered
over this question, and the gospel he subsequently preached contained a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iv his gospel.htm

The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel.
... God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the ... 1:Cor.10:3, 4. Of
this gospel the Jewish ... Gentiles should come to their light, and kings to the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angel of the everlasting.htm

Easter Monday
... from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached
unto you ... temporal dominion like that of earthly lords, kings, and emperors ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... to Christ; when they preached, they preached Christ ... and so efficiently to proclaim
the gospel in the ... perilous an undertaking, the King of kings condescended to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... All kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. ... So our Blessed
Lord preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to unwilling hearts; and was ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm

How to Preach the Gospel.
... The Gospel will never produce any great effects, until ministers ... place among the
people to whom he preached, and with ... And when he talked about kings, as in the ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xii how to preach.htm

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
... the Bible is still extant [still in existence], the Gospel is still preached, yea,
is ... this work was not of God, the united efforts of kings, councils, popes ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiv opposition to messiah.htm