1 Timóteo 6

1 Timóteo 6:16

Calvin: Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment. In comparing the light with which he represents God as arrayed to a garment, he intimates, that although God is invisible, yet His glory is conspicuous enough. In respect of His essence, God undoubtedly dwells in light that is inaccessible; but as He irradiates the whole world by His splendour, this is the garment in which He, Who is hidden in himself, appears in a manner visible to us. The knowledge of this truth is of the greatest importance. If men attempt to reach the infinite height to which God is exalted, although they fly above the clouds, they must fail in the midst of their course. Those who seek to see Him in His naked majesty are certainly very foolish. That we may enjoy the sight of Him, He must come forth to view with His clothing; that is to say, we must cast our eyes upon the very beautiful fabric of the world in which He wishes to be seen by us, and not be too curious and rash in searching into His secret essence. Now, since God presents Himself to us clothed with light, those who are seeking pretexts for their living without the knowledge of Him, cannot allege in excuse of their slothfulness, that He is hidden in profound darkness. When it is said that the heavens are a curtain, it is not meant that under them God hides Himself, but that by them His majesty and glory are displayed, being, as it were, His royal pavilion. Unapproachable (676) (aprositos from a = without + pros = toward + eimi = to be) describes that which cannot be approached. Inaccessible. This is the only use of this word in Scripture. Vine writes that God is "Unapproachable in the essence of His being and the rights of His majesty, He has through the death, resurrection, and exaltation of His Son, “dedicated for us” “a new and living way” of access into His presence, “the holy place,” into which the believer may have “boldness to enter,” Hebrews 10:19, 20. Light (5457)(phos from pháo = to shine) is defined by many lexicons as that which contrasts with darkness. Light is the medium of illumination that makes sight possible or makes things visible. In Scripture phos can refer to literal, physical light (Ge 1:3), but often is used metaphorically or symbolically, the greatest metaphorical use being used to symbolize Jesus as "the Light of the world." (Jn 8:12). Webster's 1828 says light is "That ethereal agent or matter which makes objects perceptible to the sense of seeing, but the particles of which are separately invisible." Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary says "The Bible also speaks of light as the symbol of God’s presence and righteous activity. Light has been associated with the presence, truth, and redemptive activity of God since creation… Misguided fascination with light caused some cultures of the ancient world to worship the sun and moon. ISBE adds that light "is used throughout the Scriptures as the symbol and synonym of all that is luminous and radiant in the mental, moral and spiritual life of men and angels; while the eternal God, because of His holiness and moral perfection, is pictured as "dwelling in light unapproachable" (1Ti 6:16). Habakkuk gives us an overwhelming description of God "His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, and there is the hiding of His power. (Hab 3:4+) John writes "And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5-note) James describes God as "the Father of lights" (James 1:17-note) Hiebert comments: Lights in the original has the definite article, "the lights," and the primary reference is to the well-known celestial lights, the heavenly luminaries that are the sources of light for our earth. As "the Father" of these lights, God is their source of being, and they reflect the glory of their Creator (Ps 19:1; 136:7). As their Creator and Sustainer, He is not to be identified with them. These luminous celestial bodies must not be worshiped as God, but they testify to the Creator's luminous nature. Their glory and dignity declare the nature and essence of God, that "God is light" (1 John 1:5). He is also the Father of all our spiritual illumination (2Co 4:6-note). Steven