Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Governor" as applied to Christ emphasizes His sovereign authority and leadership over all creation and His people. This title reflects His role as the supreme ruler and administrator of God's kingdom, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future physical manifestation of His reign.
The prophetic anticipation of Christ as Governor is found in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this." This passage highlights the divine authority and eternal nature of Christ's governance.
In the New Testament, the title is further illuminated in the context of Christ's earthly ministry and His ultimate return.
Matthew 2:6 references the prophecy from
Micah 5:2, stating, "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel." Here, Christ is identified as the ruler, or governor, who will lead and care for His people, fulfilling the messianic expectations of a divinely appointed leader.
The role of Christ as Governor is also evident in His teachings and actions. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature, spiritual forces, and human affairs, underscoring His position as the ultimate Governor. In
Matthew 28:18 , Jesus proclaims, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This declaration affirms His comprehensive authority and governance over all realms.
Furthermore, the book of Revelation presents a vivid picture of Christ's future reign as Governor.
Revelation 19:15-16 describes Him as the one who "will rule them with an iron scepter" and bears the title "King of kings and Lord of lords." This imagery conveys the absolute and unchallenged authority of Christ as the Governor of the universe, executing divine justice and establishing His eternal kingdom.
The title "Governor" thus encapsulates the essence of Christ's divine authority, His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and His ultimate role in the eschatological fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As Governor, Christ exercises His sovereign rule with wisdom, justice, and righteousness, guiding His people and establishing His kingdom both now and in the age to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 2:6And you Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of you shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
An Old-Fashioned Home
... in your guest book, allow me to study the titles of the ... mission has been world-wide
and whose names are known ... first step, and thus point him to Christ, or when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/an old-fashioned home.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... SEVENTH.-USE AND APPLICATION. Use First.-To consider the dignity God hath put upon
Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour, in general. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... HYMN 146 Characters of Christ; borrowed from inanimate things in Scripture. HYMN
147 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/
The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... a charge in the queen and governor's names, to trouble ... least discompose this meek
servant of Christ; he was ... which Lauder (repeating the several titles of the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm
Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not ... By his titles of truth and
verity, the Saviour ... of the creation of God," is indicated Christ's kingship as ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm
Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... account, but she is honoured with the highest titles on account ... And yet in another
place he uses both names at once ... Thus he has stated the same Christ to be of ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm
On the Ten Points of Doctrine.
... and differ also in the special titles and numeration ... of Sun and Moon under various
names was almost ... when exorcised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified under ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iv on the ten.htm
Continuation of the Discourse on the Holy Ghost.
... Spirit is but one;"of which names, we will ... it is established, that though the titles
of the ... people with confidence, declaring the things concerning Christ. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvii continuation of the.htm
The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... in the Christian Church, and that the names of office are not empty titles of honour. ...
of the Nicolaitans, whose licentious tenets Jesus Christ abhorred. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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