Ephesians 1:20

My Notes

What Does Ephesians 1:20 Mean?

Paul describes the power God demonstrated in raising Christ: he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. The resurrection was not just resuscitation. It was enthronement — placement at the highest position of authority.

"Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (v.21) — Christ's position is above every category of authority that exists. Spiritual forces, governmental powers, every form of dominion — all of it beneath his feet.

"And every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" — the supremacy extends across time. Not just current names and powers. Future ones too. Every authority that will ever exist is already beneath the risen Christ.

The power that accomplished this — raising the dead and enthroning above all — is the same power at work in believers (v.19). The energy that put Christ on the throne is the energy operating in you.

Reflection Questions

• 1.What does setting Christ 'far above all' mean for powers that seem dominant in your life?
• 2.How does the same power that raised Christ operate in you?
• 3.What does 'every name that is named — in this world and the next' mean for current and future threats?
• 4.Where do you need to live in the reality that resurrection-and-enthronement power is at work in you?

Devotional

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand. The power that raised Jesus from death did not stop at resurrection. It continued — lifting him to the highest position in the universe. The right hand of God. The seat of supreme authority.

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion. Every category of authority — spiritual, governmental, cosmic — is beneath Christ. He sits above all of them. Not alongside. Above.

And every name that is named. Every name. Every title. Every authority. In this world and in the world to come. Nothing that currently exists or will ever exist outranks the risen Christ.

The staggering part: this same power (v.19) is directed toward believers. The energy that raised the dead and enthroned Christ above all authority is the power at work in you. Not a lesser version. The same power.

You are connected to resurrection-and-enthronement power. The force that conquered death and placed Christ above every name is the force operating in your life right now. Whatever you face — whatever principality, power, or dominion seems to have authority — Christ is above it. And his power is in you.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture