The article "Christ a Prince" by Philip Henry explores the multifaceted nature of Christ's kingship, emphasizing His sovereignty, grace, and the implications of His governance for believers. Henry asserts that Christ holds a supreme authority over all creation, as He is the "Prince of the kings of the earth," commanding respect and submission from all powers (Revelation 1:5). He emphasizes Christ's infinite wisdom and power, referencing Matthew 28:18 to illustrate the extent of His dominion. Notably, Henry highlights Christ’s characteristics as a gracious and just ruler, inviting all people, regardless of their status, to approach Him (Zechariah 9:9). The practical significance lies in believers’ access to Christ as the "Prince of peace," highlighting assurance in prayer without needing earthly mediators, which encourages a direct and personal relationship with Him.
Key Quotes
“A Prince indeed Prince of the kings of the earth… far above all principalities and powers.”
“Great is our Lord and of great power; his understanding is infinite.”
“He is a gracious Prince graciously endowed… the poorest may come to him every day and make his requests known.”
“He is a Prince just and having salvation… that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
What does the Bible say about Jesus as a Prince?
The Bible describes Jesus as the Prince of the kings of the earth, sovereign and supreme over all creation.
Revelation 1:5, Psalm 146:10
How do we know Jesus' sovereignty is true?
Jesus' sovereignty is evidenced by His infinite power and wisdom, as stated in Matthew 28:18.
Matthew 28:18, Colossians 2:3
Why is Jesus as the Prince of Peace important for Christians?
Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, grants believers eternal peace and reconciliation with God.
Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 4:7
What does it mean that Jesus is a just Prince?
Jesus as a just Prince means He governs with righteousness and offers salvation through justice.
Zechariah 9:9
He is a great Prince. He is so in respect of sovereignty and supremacy. A Prince indeed. "Prince of the kings of the earth." He is one to whom other princes are subject. "King of kings;" "Lord of lords." He is "far above all principalities and powers." He is a Prince also in the bounds of his principality. His "dominion" is "from sea to sea." "No creature is exempted from it. And, he is great in personal excellences and perfections: "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." He is infinite in power: "All power," said be, "is given unto me in heaven and in earth." And he is infinite in wisdom. In him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." When Solomon would ask but one thing, he asked a wise and understanding heart. And he had it. But, behold, a wiser, a "greater than Solomon is here." Would not any one choose to be governed by such a Prince?
He is a gracious Prince, graciously endowed: "Grace is poured into thy lips;" that is, holiness; that is, the grace of a man,, of a prince. He received the Spirit without measure: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God." None holy as he is. And be is graciously inclined. Meek and lowly. He came "riding on an ass," noting the meekness and mildness of his spirit and government. The poorest may come to him every day, and make his requests known.
He is the Prince of hearts and spirits. As he himself says, his "kingdom is not of this world." There is nothing in it of outward state, greatness, or grandeur. Therefore the kings of the earth need not oppose the setting of it up.
He is a Prince of life and peace. They "killed the Prince of life." He lives for ever. Other princes do not. They die: and oftentimes their death is of ill consequence. But lie lives for ever; see Psa. cxlvi. 10. He is the Author of our life—-temporal, spiritual, eternal. He is the Prince of peace also. As such Solomon was a type of him. Christ's kingdom is a peaceable kingdom. The disturbance that the gospel makes is because of the lusts of men, that will not submit and yield to it.
He is a Prince "just, and having salvation," Zech. ix. 9. Justice is the great ornament of a prince. Jesus—which is the Just—is just in his laws, in his rewards, in his punishments. He brings "salvation;" that is, he is a Saviour. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
He is a Prince of pardons and petitions. He is a forgiving Prince. One that "gives repentance and remission of sins." Such an one we have need of. He is himself Master of the requests. You may go immediately to him: "Be of good cheer, he calls thee." You do not need the mediation of any saint or angel. Our Prince glories in this—that he is "a God hearing prayer:" "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you."
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