16在十七节保罗说，“但愿尊贵荣耀归与那永世的君王，就是那不能朽坏、不能看见、独一的神，直到永永远远。阿们。”这话需要在与召会败落的关系上来领会。保罗在狱中时，众召会开始败落，情况非常令人失望。许多人很灰心。甚至有些保罗的同工也离开他。但他有坚强的信心和绝对的把握：他所相信、那将福音托付给他的神，乃是永世的君王。祂永不改变。没有一个地上的君王能称为永世的君王。该撒是暂时的统治者，但我们的神何等不同！保罗所事奉的神实在是永世的君王。这就是说，祂是永远的王。祂永不改变；祂始终如一（提摩太前书生命读经，一六至一七、二○页）。
16In verse 17 Paul says, “Now to the King of the ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” This word needs to be understood in relation to the decline of the church. When Paul was in prison, the churches began to decline, and the situation was very disappointing. Many were discouraged. Even some of Paul’s coworkers left him. But he had a strong faith with an absolute assurance that the very God in whom he believed, the One who had entrusted him with the gospel of glory, is the King of the ages. He never changes. No earthly king can be called the King of the ages. Caesar was a temporary ruler, but how different is our God! The God whom Paul served truly is the King of the ages. This means that He is King of eternity. He never changes; He always remains the same. (Life-study of 1 Timothy, second edition, pp. 1213, 15)