What does Ephesians 1:20 mean?
The power Paul mentions in verse 19 "worked in Christ." This involves two aspects. First, Paul highlights the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. When God brought the Son back from death, it revealed His overwhelming power. Christianity is grounded, ultimately, on that single event (1 Corinthians 15:14).Second, Jesus now reigns at the "right hand" of God. This theme is mentioned frequently in the New Testament. It was predicted by Jesus in Luke 22:69, preached by Peter in Acts 2:33 and Acts 5:31, and seen by Stephen in Acts 7:55–56. Paul mentioned Jesus at the right hand of God the Father on other occasions (Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1). This concept is also found in the books of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2) and 1 Peter (1 Peter 3:22).
According to ancient thinking, the "right hand" was associated with closeness and power. Placing Jesus at this symbolic location implies Christ's supremacy, authority, and ability.