Ephesians 1:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

NIV: he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

NASB: which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

CSB: He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens —

NLT: that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

KJV: Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

NKJV: which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

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.

Ephesians 1:15–23 celebrates the value of our salvation in Christ. Paul's prayers for the believers of Ephesus not only include praise for their success, but an appeal for their growth. This passage heavily involves the supremacy of Christ. As believers, we are not only followers of Jesus, but also recipients of His blessings and power. Paul seeks to remind the Ephesian church that a complete understanding of Christ leads to a greater love and a stronger faith.

The first chapter of Ephesians contains two main passages. The first describes the blessings Christians have been given as a result of our salvation through Christ. Paul explains these through praises directed to God the Father. The second section both commends the Ephesians for their reputation, and prays that Christ would bring them into an even fuller and more aware faith.

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. Chapter 1 establishes Paul's view on the value of our salvation in Christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. He does this in the form of praise, directed at God, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. Later chapters will build on these ideas as Paul connects who we are in Christ to how we should live as Christians.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 12/19/2024 1:20:09 PM