that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Ephesians 1:20
What does Ephesians 1:20 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Ephesians 1:20
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that the same incredible, life-altering power God used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him in heavenly glory is the power now actively working in you through your faith. It’s not just a past event; it's a present, dynamic force for transformation.
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is praying that God would grant believers wisdom and revelation to truly know Him, so they can grasp the immense power God has already demonstrated. This power is illustrated by God's actions in raising Jesus from the dead and seating Him in the highest position of authority in heaven, a display of divine might that surpasses all earthly and spiritual authority. This glorification of Christ is presented as the basis for the incredible power available to believers.
Ever wonder about the sheer force behind Jesus' resurrection and ascension? It wasn't just a historical event; it was a demonstration of God's ultimate power.
The verse speaks of the 'working' (or 'energy') that God exerted in Christ. This wasn't a small feat! It began with raising Jesus from the dead, a profound act that reversed death itself.
The Resurrection:
This was a unique demonstration of God's might, proving His power over the ultimate enemy: death. It wasn't just about bringing Jesus back to life, but a powerful declaration of His victory and identity.
The Ascension:
After His resurrection, Jesus was 'seated at His own right hand in the heavenly places.' This signifies the highest honor, authority, and intimate fellowship with the Father. It's a position of supreme power and reign, far above all other powers.
This incredible display of divine energy in Christ's exaltation is the same power God makes available to believers.
What does it mean for Jesus to be 'seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places'? It's more than just a location; it's about supreme authority.
The phrase 'in the heavenly places' (or 'heavenly realms') refers to a spiritual reality that transcends earthly limitations. It's the domain where Christ now reigns supreme.
Supreme Authority:
Ask a follow-up
Being seated at God's right hand signifies Christ's ultimate authority over all things. This isn't just a symbolic position; it's a declaration of His current reign and dominion.
Universal Dominion:
This authority extends 'far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.' This means Christ is sovereign over every spiritual and earthly power, seen and unseen, now and in the future.
Understand the original words
dexios · Greek Noun/Adjective
The place of highest authority and honor. Seating at the right hand signifies participating in royal power and executing divine authority over all creation.
epouranios · Greek Adjective
The spiritual realm or domain where God dwells and from which He exercises His sovereign rule over the cosmos. It represents the ultimate reality beyond the earthly sphere.
The incredible power God displayed in raising Jesus from the dead and exalting Him to His right hand is the same power now at work in believers, empowering them for a life of faith and service.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus
Following Jesus' crucifixion, God raised him from the dead, demonstrating divine power. Jesus then ascended to heaven and was seated at God's right hand, signifying his supreme authority and exaltation.
c. AD 30-40s
Early spread of the Gospel
The message of Jesus' resurrection and ascension rapidly spread through the apostles and early believers, leading to the formation of new Christian communities.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's missionary journeys
The Apostle Paul embarked on extensive journeys, establishing churches across Asia Minor and Greece, often facing significant opposition but witnessing the growth of faith.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's imprisonment
While imprisoned, likely in Rome, Paul wrote letters to various churches, including Ephesians, reflecting on God's eternal plan and the nature of the church.
This passage directly parallels the power of God in raising Christ's body by the Spirit with the Spirit's power in giving life to believers, echoing the resurrection power mentioned in Ephesians 1:20.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage describes Christ's exaltation to the highest place, 'at the right hand of God,' after His suffering, mirroring the statement in Ephesians 1:20 about Him being seated at God's right hand in heavenly places.
1 Corinthians 15:20-24This section emphasizes Christ's resurrection as the 'firstfruits' of those who have fallen asleep, directly connecting the resurrection of Christ in Ephesians 1:20 to the future resurrection of believers.
Acts 2:33This verse states that Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God and received the promise of the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the concept of Christ's ascension and His place of authority described in Ephesians 1:20.
Hebrews 1:3This verse speaks of Christ 'having purified us from our sins' and then sitting down 'at the right hand of the Majesty on high,' connecting His redemptive work with His current exalted position as stated in Ephesians 1:20.
vincentEphesians 1:20: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"
Which (ἣν)Refer to working (Ephesians 1:19).He wrought (ἐνήργησεν)The best texts read ἐνήργηκεν, perfect tense, He hath wrought. The verb is kindred with working (Ephesians 1:19).In ChristIn the case of Christ. Christ's dead body was the point on which this working of divine power was exhibited. See Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:14.When He raised (ἐγεί…
gillEphesians 1:20: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,.... There are many articles of faith contained in this passage; as that Christ died, that he is raised from the dead, that he was raised from the dead by God the Father, and that his resurrection was by the power of God: the resurrection of any person is an instance of great power, but Christ's res…
The verse highlights that the same incredible, life-altering power God used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him in heavenly glory is the power now actively working in you through your faith. It’s not just a past event; it's a present, dynamic force for transformation.
Paul is praying that God would grant believers wisdom and revelation to truly know Him, so they can grasp the immense power God has already demonstrated. This power is illustrated by God's actions in raising Jesus from the dead and seating Him in the highest position of authority in heaven, a display of divine might that surpasses all earthly and spiritual authority. This glorification of Christ is presented as the basis for the incredible power available to believers.
Paul is praying that God would grant believers wisdom and revelation to truly know Him, so they can grasp the immense power God has already demonstrated. This power is illustrated by God's actions in raising Jesus from the dead and seating Him in the highest position of authority in heaven, a display of divine might that surpasses all earthly and spiritual authority. This glorification of Christ is presented as the basis for the incredible power available to believers.
"that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places," — The verse highlights that the same incredible, life-altering power God used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him in heavenly glory is the power now actively working in you through your faith.…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026