Ephesians 1:20
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)
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The verse highlights that the same immense, divine power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly glory is the power now at work within believers. This isn't just a historical event; it's a present, active force transforming us.
Paul is explaining the incredible, life-changing power God works in believers by connecting it to the immense power God demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead and seating Him in the highest authority in the heavenly realms. This divine power isn't just for Jesus; it's the same power that enables believers to overcome sin and live a new life, and it ultimately exalts Christ above all creation.
Ever wondered what kind of power God uses? It's the same kind of power that brought Jesus back from the dead.
This isn't just any power; it's a divine, unstoppable force.
Paul tells us that the incredible power God worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead is the very same power that is now at work in us as believers.
A Power Above All
Jesus didn't just come back to life – He was placed in the highest position imaginable.
What does this heavenly seating arrangement mean for us today?
The verse doesn't stop with the resurrection; it moves to Christ's exaltation: 'seated him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.' This signifies ultimate authority and honor.
The Meaning of the Right Hand
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 immense power God displayed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him in heavenly authority is the same power that is at work within believers today, enabling them to live out their faith.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate, dies, and is buried, marking a pivotal moment of suffering and atonement.
c. 30-33 AD
Resurrection of Jesus
God raises Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His power and validating Jesus' claims. This event is the foundation of Christian faith.
c. 30-33 AD
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, signifying His exaltation, authority, and ongoing mediation.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them and initiating the Church. This event marks the beginning of the Church's mission and the empowerment of believers.
This passage directly parallels the power of God's Spirit working in believers to the power that raised Christ from the dead, highlighting the divine enablement for spiritual life.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage describes Christ's subsequent exaltation after His suffering, mirroring the 'seated at his right hand' imagery and emphasizing His supreme authority and name above all others.
Colossians 1:18This verse speaks of Christ as the head of the body, the church, and the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, connecting His resurrection and supremacy to His role in the church.
1 Peter 3:22This verse explicitly states that Christ has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to Him, underscoring His dominion after His resurrection and ascension.
Hebrews 1:3This passage describes Christ as the one by whom God created the universe, who, after making purification for sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, linking His divine work and authority to His seated position.
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 immense, divine power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly glory is the power now at work within believers. This isn't just a historical event; it's a present, active force transforming us.
Paul is explaining the incredible, life-changing power God works in believers by connecting it to the immense power God demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead and seating Him in the highest authority in the heavenly realms. This divine power isn't just for Jesus; it's the same power that enables believers to overcome sin and live a new life, and it ultimately exalts Christ above all creation.
Paul is explaining the incredible, life-changing power God works in believers by connecting it to the immense power God demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead and seating Him in the highest authority in the heavenly realms. This divine power isn't just for Jesus; it's the same power that enables believers to overcome sin and live a new life, and it ultimately exalts Christ above all creation.
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c. 40s-50s AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, establishing churches and spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, including areas where the letter to the Ephesians would later be read.
c. 60-62 AD
Imprisonment of Paul
Paul writes the letter to the Ephesians from prison, likely in Rome, reflecting on God's eternal plan and the empowerment of believers through Christ's exaltation.
"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 immense, divine power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly glory is the power now at work within believers. This isn't just a historical even…
