What does Ephesians 1:20 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 1:20 focuses on the demonstration of God’s immense power, with particular emphasis on the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ.

This verse claims that God exerted this power in Christ when he raised him from the dead.

Furthermore, it asserts that after raising Christ from the dead, God seated him at His right hand in the heavenly places. The "right hand" is traditionally a position of honor and authority.

Therefore, this verse is not only explaining a historical event, the resurrection, but it is also making a statement about the supremacy and sovereignty of Christ in the spiritual realm.

Historical Context

The book of Ephesians is one of the epistles written by the Apostle Paul.

It was written around AD 60-62 while Paul was imprisoned in Rome.

The letter is addressed to the Christians in Ephesus, a major city of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

During this period, there was a cultural and religious melting pot with various beliefs and practices, including emperor worship, paganism, and a strong presence of the Jewish religion.

This context was one where establishing and affirming the authority and divinity of Christ was essential for the young Christian community.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer varied insights into this verse.

• From a Trinitarian perspective, this verse confirms the unity and distinct roles within the Godhead, the Father exercising power, the Son being the recipient of that resurrection power, and subsequently the exalted Lord.

• In Dispensational theology, this could be seen as a pivotal moment that inaugurates the church age, with Christ being the head of the church, which is described metaphorically as His body.

• Covenant theologians might emphasize the enthronement of Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the Davidic covenant, and as heralding the New Covenant.

• From a Christological standpoint, the verse affirms the preeminence and divine nature of Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied practically in various ways. Believers may find comfort in the idea that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to them. It encourages Christians to look to Christ as the supreme authority and example.

Furthermore, it invites followers of Christ to live in the reality of spiritual power and victory over sin and death, recognizing that Christ's resurrection has personal implications for their own spiritual life and walk of faith.

Cross-References

• Philippians 2:9-11: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name"
• Colossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
• Hebrews 1:3: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
• Matthew 28:18: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Ephesians 1:20 include:

• "Energeō": translated as "wrought," meaning to work, to be operative, to put forth power.
• "Egeirō": translated as "raised," which, in this context, means to awaken from death, to resurrect.
• "Dexios": referring to the "right hand," symbolizing a place of honor, authority, and power.
• "Epouranios": translated as "heavenly places," indicating the spiritual realm, often associated with the abode of God and celestial beings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The exaltation and ascension of Jesus have parallels in various mythologies and religions where figures are deified or attain a high status in the afterlife.

Figures such as Osiris in Egyptian mythology, Hercules in Greek mythology, and various "ascended masters" in Eastern traditions share some resemblance to the concept of Jesus' exaltation but with clear and significant theological differences in nature, process, and meaning.

Scientific Perspectives

The resurrection and ascension described in this verse are matters of faith and fall outside the scope of empirical scientific investigation. These events are considered supernatural claims and cannot be tested or verified through scientific methods.

Therefore, the scientific perspective would not confirm or deny this verse's details but would classify them as metaphysical beliefs.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes that the power exerted in Christ's resurrection is the same mighty strength available to believers, highlighting Christ's dominion over all things.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible delves into the specifics of Christ's exaltation, pointing to this as evidence of God's great power and love towards Christ and his people.
• The Pulpit Commentary suggests the raising and setting of Christ at God's right hand is a figurative description of the high degree of power and honor to which Christ has been exalted.
• Barnes' Notes on the Bible discusses the power of God as an ultimate force demonstrated in Christ, contrasting earthly and heavenly dominion.

These commentaries generally maintain that Ephesians 1:20 is a testament to the power of God in Christ's resurrection and exaltation and its significance for both Christ and his followers.