A potentate is a sovereign ruler, one in whom all authority rests. The governments of the world claim a measure of sovereignty as they pass laws and make decisions for their citizens. But this verse presents the God of the Bible as the only true and absolute Potentate. The word appears two other times in the New Testament. The first is when Mary rejoiced to know that God “has put down the mighty [that is, “the potentates”] from their thrones” (Lk. 1:52). The Sovereign Lord supersedes all the rulers of the earth; and in the kingdom age, at Christ’s appearing, God will display that authority in real time to the nations.

The second use of the word serves as an illustration of the first. In Acts 8:27, Philip met an official “of great authority” under Queen Candace. The man was responsible for her entire treasury; yet despite his impressive status, he was spiritually unsatisfied. Upon hearing of the humble Savior, he repented and believed the gospel. The one who was mighty on earth had bowed to the Sovereign Lord.

This God is our God. He asks counsel from no one. He declares and then imposes His will. He has the authority to determine His plans and the ability to carry them out. The gods of the nations are shaped in metal or carved in wood, and the craftsman becomes tired while making them (Isa. 44:12); but the God of the Bible is the Creator Himself, who is never weary (40:28). He declares the future before it comes to pass (48:5). When He works, no one can hinder Him, and He does all that He pleases (43:13; 46:10). This, the Sovereign God of the Bible, is the God in whom we trust.