1 Timothy 1:17
Verse
Context
God’s Grace to Paul
16But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.17Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now unto the King eternal - This burst of thanksgiving and gratitude to God, naturally arose from the subject then under his pen and eye. God has most wondrously manifested his mercy, in this beginning of the Gospel, by saving me, and making me a pattern to all them that shall hereafter believe on Christ. He is βασιλευς των αιωνων, the king of eternities; the eternity a parte ante, and the eternity a parte post; the eternity that was before time was, and the eternity that shall be when time is no more. Therefore, ever living to justify and save sinners, to the end of the world. Immortal - Αφθαρτῳ· Incorruptible - not liable to decay or corruption; a simple uncompounded essence, incapable, therefore, of decomposition, and consequently permanent and eternal. One MS., the later Syriac in the margin, the Vulgate, one copy of the Itala, and some of the Latin fathers, read αθανατῳ, immortal, which our translation follows; but it is not the original reading. Invisible - Αορατῳ· One who fills all things, works everywhere, and yet is invisible to angels and men; the perfect reverse of false gods and idols, who are confined to one spot, work nowhere, and, being stocks and stones, are seen by every body. The only wise God - The word σοφῳ wise, is omitted by AD*FG, Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala. Some of the Greek fathers quote it sometimes, and omit it at others; which shows that it was an unsettled reading, probably borrowed from Rom 16:27 (note). Griesbach leaves it out of the text. Without it the reading is very strong and appropriate: To the only God; nothing visible or invisible being worthy of adoration but himself. Be honor - All the respect and reverence that can be paid by intelligent beings, ascribing to him at the same time all the glory - excellences, and perfections, which can be possessed by an intelligent, unoriginated, independent, and eternal Being; and this for ever and ever-through eternity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A suitable conclusion to the beautifully simple enunciation of the Gospel, of which his own history is a living sample or pattern. It is from the experimental sense of grace that the doxology flows [BENGEL]. the King, eternal--literally, "King of the (eternal) ages." The Septuagint translates Exo 15:18, "The Lord shall reign for ages and beyond them." Psa 145:13, Margin, "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom," literally, "a kingdom of all ages." The "life everlasting" (Ti1 1:16) suggested here "the King eternal," or everlasting. It answers also to "for ever and ever" at the close, literally, "to the ages of the ages" (the countless succession of ages made up of ages). immortal--The oldest manuscripts read, "incorruptible." The Vulgate, however, and one very old manuscript read as English Version (Rom 1:23). invisible-- (Ti1 6:16; Exo 33:20; Joh 1:18; Col 1:15; Heb 11:27). the only wise God--The oldest manuscripts omit "wise," which probably crept in from Rom 16:27, where it is more appropriate to the context than here (compare Jde 1:25). "The only Potentate" (Ti1 6:15; Psa 86:10; Joh 5:44). for ever, &c.--See note, above. The thought of eternity (terrible as it is to unbelievers) is delightful to those assured of grace (Ti1 1:16) [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now unto the King eternal,.... This doxology, or ascription of glory to God, on account of the grace bestowed upon the apostle, may be considered, either as referring to all the three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Spirit, who are the one and only God; and to whom all the attributes of wisdom, power, eternity, immortality, or incorruptibleness, and invisibility, belong; and who are jointly concerned in the grace bestowed upon any of the sons of men. Or else to God the Father, in agreement with a parallel place in Rom 16:27 who is the only true God, in opposition to nominal and fictitious deities, though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit; and to whom the several epithets here used may be unquestionably given: he has shown his wisdom in the works of creation, providence, and grace; he is the everlasting King, or the King of ages, or of worlds; he is Maker of the worlds, and the Governor of them throughout all ages and generations; he only has immortality, and is the incorruptible God, and who is invisible, whose shape has never been seen, nor his voice heard: or else this may be thought to belong to Jesus Christ, since it is to him the apostle gives thanks for putting him into the ministry; and from him he obtained mercy, and received abundant grace; and he it was who came into the world to save sinners, and who showed forth all longsuffering in him, see Ti1 1:12, upon which the apostle breaks out into this attribution of glory and honour, and which agrees with Jde 1:25. And everything here said is applicable to him; he is the eternal King, whose is the kingdom of nature, providence, and grace; his throne is for ever and ever, and of his kingdom and government there is no end; he is the "King of ages", as the phrase may be rendered, and so his kingdom is called , "the kingdom of all ages", Psa 145:13 and which endures throughout all generations; and this distinguishes him from all other kings. Scarce any king ever reigned an age, but Christ has reigned, and will reign throughout all ages. No regard is here had, as some have thought, to the Aeones of the Gnostics and Valentinians; but rather the apostle adopts a phrase into his doxology, frequently used by the Jews in their prayers, many of which begin after this manner, "blessed art thou, O Lord our God, "the king of the age, or world", &c. and , "Lord of all ages, or worlds", &c. (p). Other attributes and epithets follow, as immortal or "incorruptible". Christ is the living God, and the living Redeemer; and though he died as man, he will die no more, but ever lives to make intercession for his people, and to reign over them, and protect them: who also may be said to be "invisible", who was so in his divine nature, till manifest in the flesh; and now in his human nature he is taken out of the sight of men, and is not to be beheld with bodily eyes by men on earth: and he is the only wise God; he is "the only God", so the Alexandrian copy, the Syriac and Vulgate Latin versions, read; not to the exclusion of the Father or Spirit, but in opposition to all false deities, or those who are not by nature God: and he is the only wise God; who is wisdom itself, and of himself; and is the fountain of wisdom, both natural and spiritual, unto others; wherefore to him be honour and glory for ever and ever, Amen. Christ is crowned with honour and glory, and he is worthy of it; and it becomes all men to honour the Son, as they do the Father: he is the brightness of his glory, and equal to him; and the glory of deity, of all the divine perfections, and works, and also worship, should be given him; as well as the glory of salvation, and of all the grace the sons of men partake of; and that not only now, but to all eternity, (p) Seder Tephillot, fol. 2. 2. & 3. 2. & 37. 1, 2. Ed. Basil. fol. 2. 1, 2. & 3. 1. & 4. 1. & 5. 2. & passim, Ed. Amsterdam.
1 Timothy 1:17
God’s Grace to Paul
16But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.17Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Most Holy Faith
By Leonard Ravenhill3.6K55:19FaithEXO 14:30MAT 6:331CO 3:11TI 1:172PE 3:3JUD 1:20JUD 1:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building oneself up in faith and staying vigilant against worldly temptations. He shares a story about a preacher who hypocritically indulges in drinking despite preaching against it. The preacher also mentions the urgency and gravity of the times we live in and the need to fulfill our calling. He suggests revising the Communion service and encourages believers to come together in a half-circle formation. The sermon concludes with a proclamation of God's ability to keep believers from falling and to present them faultless before His glory.
Bondage
By Lester Roloff3.0K38:53IdolatryMAT 6:331TI 1:17HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker, Danny Kim, shares his personal testimony of being addicted to drugs for 12 years and finding healing and deliverance through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word of God as the ultimate message to deliver. The speaker references the story of Moses encountering the burning bush and highlights the need for a revival of reverence for God in our society. He also mentions the power of the blood of Jesus to cleanse and transform lives. The sermon concludes with a powerful example of a young man who shot his father but found redemption and love through the grace of God.
Practical Applications to Music
By Denny Kenaston2.2K59:10MusicPSA 46:1PSA 95:6GAL 5:7GAL 6:7EPH 5:19COL 3:161TI 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discerning the spirit, message, fruit, and lives behind the music we listen to. They highlight the need for music to be rich in the truths of God's word, rather than repetitive or emotionally-driven. The speaker also mentions the importance of sound musical principles and how they have been distorted in modern music. They urge listeners to be cautious of music that promotes adultery, alcoholism, and other sinful behaviors, and instead focus on music that aligns with biblical principles. The sermon references verses from Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 to support the message.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3
By John Piper1.1K06:53PSA 50:2PSA 90:2PSA 96:4PSA 145:3ISA 6:3JHN 14:6ROM 11:331TI 1:171PE 1:16REV 4:8This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and accessibility of God's infinite value, making Him the ultimate standard. The speaker challenges the audience to be passionate not only for God's holiness but also for His supreme, infinite value, which will uproot worldly joys and misconceptions about the gospel.
The Church in Revival
By Don Courville45029:17RevivalSpiritual GrowthISA 53:5LUK 2:14ROM 5:81CO 3:1EPH 3:21COL 2:101TI 1:172PE 3:181JN 1:7REV 21:23Don Courville emphasizes the necessity of a personal walk with God for true revival in the church, urging believers to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than human efforts or organizational structures. He reflects on the importance of humility, transparency, and spiritual growth, highlighting that true revival comes from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Courville shares testimonies of revival in Africa, illustrating how the Holy Spirit can transform lives when believers unite in Christ. He encourages the congregation to seek spiritual growth by glorifying God in all aspects of life, as this is the key to experiencing true revival.
Eternity of God
By Edward Payson0PSA 90:2PSA 102:12ISA 57:151TI 1:17REV 1:8Edward Payson delves into the eternal nature of God, challenging the congregation to grasp the concept of a Being without a beginning or end. He emphasizes that God's existence transcends human comprehension, existing for eternity past and future, with no limit to His being. Payson highlights that the duration of God's existence is the measure of our own immortality, as we are all as eternal as Jehovah Himself.
God's Purposes
By Anton Bosch0EXO 20:3PSA 19:1ZEC 14:16MAT 6:9LUK 2:14JHN 5:39ROM 1:21ROM 11:33COL 1:161TI 1:17REV 21:6Anton Bosch delves into the ultimate purpose of God in His dealings with mankind, emphasizing that God's highest purpose is Himself, not centered around man or the church. The focus is on bringing glory to God, with all things created through Him and for Him, so that He may have preeminence. The goal of all things is to exalt God as the Supreme Being, entitled to the center stage of the universe.
Open Intercourse With God.
By Horatius Bonar0Divine CommunicationFellowship With GodJOB 10:4JOB 12:10PSA 32:8PSA 94:9PSA 119:73MAT 6:22LUK 15:13COL 1:151TI 1:171TI 6:16Horatius Bonar emphasizes the natural and necessary relationship between God and humanity, asserting that open and direct communication with our Creator is essential to our existence. He explains that God, being our Creator, desires fellowship with us, and this connection is not hindered by any barriers except those we create ourselves. Bonar illustrates that the distance from God is unnatural and contrary to our design, as we were made to delight in Him and He in us. He encourages believers to recognize their inherent need for God, as true fulfillment and joy come from this divine relationship. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that God longs for our return and restoration to Him, highlighting His unwavering desire for communion with His creation.
Let Him Boast
By H.J. Vine0JER 9:23ACT 15:381CO 1:31EPH 2:131TI 1:17H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of boasting in the Lord rather than in worldly achievements, assemblies, or ourselves. He emphasizes that God chooses the despised of the world to showcase His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption through Christ, so that no one may boast in His presence. The sermon highlights the transformation brought about by God's grace, leading individuals like Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to boast in the Lord despite their past shortcomings and imperfections.
Luke 23:38
By Chuck Smith0Faith and RedemptionKingship of ChristZEC 9:9MAT 2:2LUK 19:12LUK 19:27LUK 23:381TI 1:171TI 6:15Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the King of the Jews, tracing the title from His birth through His crucifixion. He highlights how Jesus' kingship was acknowledged by the wise men, prophesied in Zechariah, and ultimately displayed on the cross. The sermon reflects on the transformation of one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, who recognized Jesus' kingship and sought His mercy, illustrating the power of faith and revelation. Smith challenges the audience to consider whether Jesus is the King and Lord of their lives, urging them to reflect on what or who truly reigns over them. The message culminates in the reminder of Jesus' eternal kingship and the importance of acknowledging Him as Lord.
Jehovah, a King
By Edward Payson0PSA 47:7PSA 89:14ROM 6:232CO 5:201TI 1:17HEB 12:28Edward Payson preaches about the sovereignty of God as a great King, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's authority and submitting to His laws. He explains that Jehovah is a king both in fact and by right, ruling over the entire universe with complete authority and wisdom. Payson highlights the necessity of God making laws for His subjects, ensuring they are just and accompanied by penalties for violations. He also stresses the need for an atonement for sin, as without it, God cannot justly pardon transgressors. The sermon concludes with a call to acknowledge God as the rightful King, obey His commands, and seek reconciliation with Him through submission and repentance.
The Pure in Heart Blessed
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 139:23PRO 23:26MAT 5:8MRK 9:24JHN 1:17JHN 14:72CO 3:18COL 1:151TI 1:17HEB 11:27Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of having a pure heart to see God, emphasizing the need for spiritual purity over external rituals or morality. He explains that true blessedness comes from seeing God, which requires abhorring sin, godly sorrow, mortification of sin, and continual cleansing from impurities. Edwards highlights that a pure heart delights in holy exercises, spiritual enjoyment, and chooses spiritual over fleshly pleasures. He concludes that being pure in heart is the only way to attain the blessedness of seeing God, as impurity is unsuitable, impossible, and incompatible with the divine presence.
Jehovah, a King.
By Edward Payson0PSA 47:7MAL 1:14ROM 5:82CO 5:201TI 1:17HEB 12:28Edward Payson preaches about the greatness of God as a King, emphasizing that Jehovah is not only a king in fact but also by right, possessing complete authority over the universe. He explains the necessity for God to make laws, provide wise laws, and enforce them with penalties for his subjects, highlighting the importance of an atonement for sin to maintain justice. Payson also addresses the concept of sin as treason and rebellion against God, urging repentance and submission to avoid eternal punishment. He concludes by calling for obedience, loyalty, and reconciliation to God as the only way to escape the guilt of rebellion and become heirs of His everlasting kingdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now unto the King eternal - This burst of thanksgiving and gratitude to God, naturally arose from the subject then under his pen and eye. God has most wondrously manifested his mercy, in this beginning of the Gospel, by saving me, and making me a pattern to all them that shall hereafter believe on Christ. He is βασιλευς των αιωνων, the king of eternities; the eternity a parte ante, and the eternity a parte post; the eternity that was before time was, and the eternity that shall be when time is no more. Therefore, ever living to justify and save sinners, to the end of the world. Immortal - Αφθαρτῳ· Incorruptible - not liable to decay or corruption; a simple uncompounded essence, incapable, therefore, of decomposition, and consequently permanent and eternal. One MS., the later Syriac in the margin, the Vulgate, one copy of the Itala, and some of the Latin fathers, read αθανατῳ, immortal, which our translation follows; but it is not the original reading. Invisible - Αορατῳ· One who fills all things, works everywhere, and yet is invisible to angels and men; the perfect reverse of false gods and idols, who are confined to one spot, work nowhere, and, being stocks and stones, are seen by every body. The only wise God - The word σοφῳ wise, is omitted by AD*FG, Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala. Some of the Greek fathers quote it sometimes, and omit it at others; which shows that it was an unsettled reading, probably borrowed from Rom 16:27 (note). Griesbach leaves it out of the text. Without it the reading is very strong and appropriate: To the only God; nothing visible or invisible being worthy of adoration but himself. Be honor - All the respect and reverence that can be paid by intelligent beings, ascribing to him at the same time all the glory - excellences, and perfections, which can be possessed by an intelligent, unoriginated, independent, and eternal Being; and this for ever and ever-through eternity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A suitable conclusion to the beautifully simple enunciation of the Gospel, of which his own history is a living sample or pattern. It is from the experimental sense of grace that the doxology flows [BENGEL]. the King, eternal--literally, "King of the (eternal) ages." The Septuagint translates Exo 15:18, "The Lord shall reign for ages and beyond them." Psa 145:13, Margin, "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom," literally, "a kingdom of all ages." The "life everlasting" (Ti1 1:16) suggested here "the King eternal," or everlasting. It answers also to "for ever and ever" at the close, literally, "to the ages of the ages" (the countless succession of ages made up of ages). immortal--The oldest manuscripts read, "incorruptible." The Vulgate, however, and one very old manuscript read as English Version (Rom 1:23). invisible-- (Ti1 6:16; Exo 33:20; Joh 1:18; Col 1:15; Heb 11:27). the only wise God--The oldest manuscripts omit "wise," which probably crept in from Rom 16:27, where it is more appropriate to the context than here (compare Jde 1:25). "The only Potentate" (Ti1 6:15; Psa 86:10; Joh 5:44). for ever, &c.--See note, above. The thought of eternity (terrible as it is to unbelievers) is delightful to those assured of grace (Ti1 1:16) [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now unto the King eternal,.... This doxology, or ascription of glory to God, on account of the grace bestowed upon the apostle, may be considered, either as referring to all the three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Spirit, who are the one and only God; and to whom all the attributes of wisdom, power, eternity, immortality, or incorruptibleness, and invisibility, belong; and who are jointly concerned in the grace bestowed upon any of the sons of men. Or else to God the Father, in agreement with a parallel place in Rom 16:27 who is the only true God, in opposition to nominal and fictitious deities, though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit; and to whom the several epithets here used may be unquestionably given: he has shown his wisdom in the works of creation, providence, and grace; he is the everlasting King, or the King of ages, or of worlds; he is Maker of the worlds, and the Governor of them throughout all ages and generations; he only has immortality, and is the incorruptible God, and who is invisible, whose shape has never been seen, nor his voice heard: or else this may be thought to belong to Jesus Christ, since it is to him the apostle gives thanks for putting him into the ministry; and from him he obtained mercy, and received abundant grace; and he it was who came into the world to save sinners, and who showed forth all longsuffering in him, see Ti1 1:12, upon which the apostle breaks out into this attribution of glory and honour, and which agrees with Jde 1:25. And everything here said is applicable to him; he is the eternal King, whose is the kingdom of nature, providence, and grace; his throne is for ever and ever, and of his kingdom and government there is no end; he is the "King of ages", as the phrase may be rendered, and so his kingdom is called , "the kingdom of all ages", Psa 145:13 and which endures throughout all generations; and this distinguishes him from all other kings. Scarce any king ever reigned an age, but Christ has reigned, and will reign throughout all ages. No regard is here had, as some have thought, to the Aeones of the Gnostics and Valentinians; but rather the apostle adopts a phrase into his doxology, frequently used by the Jews in their prayers, many of which begin after this manner, "blessed art thou, O Lord our God, "the king of the age, or world", &c. and , "Lord of all ages, or worlds", &c. (p). Other attributes and epithets follow, as immortal or "incorruptible". Christ is the living God, and the living Redeemer; and though he died as man, he will die no more, but ever lives to make intercession for his people, and to reign over them, and protect them: who also may be said to be "invisible", who was so in his divine nature, till manifest in the flesh; and now in his human nature he is taken out of the sight of men, and is not to be beheld with bodily eyes by men on earth: and he is the only wise God; he is "the only God", so the Alexandrian copy, the Syriac and Vulgate Latin versions, read; not to the exclusion of the Father or Spirit, but in opposition to all false deities, or those who are not by nature God: and he is the only wise God; who is wisdom itself, and of himself; and is the fountain of wisdom, both natural and spiritual, unto others; wherefore to him be honour and glory for ever and ever, Amen. Christ is crowned with honour and glory, and he is worthy of it; and it becomes all men to honour the Son, as they do the Father: he is the brightness of his glory, and equal to him; and the glory of deity, of all the divine perfections, and works, and also worship, should be given him; as well as the glory of salvation, and of all the grace the sons of men partake of; and that not only now, but to all eternity, (p) Seder Tephillot, fol. 2. 2. & 3. 2. & 37. 1, 2. Ed. Basil. fol. 2. 1, 2. & 3. 1. & 4. 1. & 5. 2. & passim, Ed. Amsterdam.