Ephesians 1:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

NIV: far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

NASB: far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

CSB: far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

NLT: Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else — not only in this world but also in the world to come.

KJV: Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

NKJV: far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

According to ancient tradition, the "right hand" was symbolic of power, authority, closeness, and acceptance. Jesus is pictured at the right hand of God in verse 20, as well as several other locations in the New Testament (Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 3:22). Jesus' status in heaven places Him "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion." Paul uses these words together of Jesus only here in Scripture. In Colossians 2:10 he noted Jesus as the one "who is the head of all rule and authority." This string of words is clearly used to offer all possible attributes of power to Jesus.

In addition to Christ's power, His name is so great that "repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations" (Luke 24:47). The greatness of His name also extends through all time and ages. Paul gives no room to suggest that Christ's power and authority might be overtaken by someone else. All figures, prophets, and leaders who come after Jesus are subordinate to Him. Christ reigns now, and will reign forever. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 offer additional details about this eternal reign of Jesus.

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.