1 Timothy 6:14-16
“That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.”
King James Version · quoted from a passage of 3 verses
Paul looks to the appearing of Jesus Christ, which the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, will show in His own time.
Fulfillment References
Revelation 17:14 Revelation 19:16 John 1:18 1 Timothy 3:16
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalPaul calls the One who shows the appearing of Jesus 'the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,' whom 'no man hath seen, nor can see.' Revelation gives that same title to the Lamb: 'he is Lord of lords, and King of kings' (Rev. 17:14; 19:16). There is only one King of kings. The invisible God, whom no man can see, is seen in Jesus: 'No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son... he hath declared him' (John 1:18). 'God was manifest in the flesh' (1 Tim. 3:16).
JewishNo traditional Jewish reading. 'King of kings' echoes Jewish titles for God.
CatholicA doxology to God the Father, who will reveal Christ at His appearing.
ProtestantMost read the Potentate as God the Father, who will bring about Christ's appearing at the appointed time.
OrthodoxPraise of the God who dwells in unapproachable light, a key text in Orthodox teaching that God's essence is beyond human knowing.
DispensationalThe appearing of Christ, at God's appointed time.
AcademicProbably an early liturgical doxology. Revelation applies the same title to the Lamb (17:14; 19:16).
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.