Ephesians 1:20-22
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The verse highlights that the same "working" power God used to raise Christ from death and seat Him in heavenly glory is now actively at work in believers today. It's not just a historical event, but a present, dynamic force transforming us too.
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 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. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is detailing the immense power God has shown, first in raising Jesus from the dead and exalting Him to the highest place in heaven. This divine power, demonstrated so spectacularly in Christ's resurrection and ascension, is the same power that God now applies to believers to bring them to spiritual life and secure their future inheritance.
When God wants to show off His incredible strength, what's His ultimate example? It’s not just creation, but something even more profound, demonstrating life overcoming the absolute finality of death.
Paul uses the resurrection of Jesus as the peak demonstration of God's mighty power. This wasn't just bringing Jesus back to life; it was a complete transformation, a victory over death itself.
Power Over Death
Imagine being given the seat of honor next to the most powerful ruler. What does Jesus' 'seating' signify, and what does it mean for us who are united with Him?
Jesus isn't just raised; He's also 'seated at his own right hand in the heavenly places.' This isn't just a place of honor; it's a position of supreme authority and access.
Reigning with Christ
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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.
arche · Greek Noun
A term used in the New Testament to describe various levels of angelic, demonic, or human governing powers. In this context, it refers to the sovereign authority held by Christ over all created hierarchies.
exousia · Greek Noun
Refers to delegated power, jurisdiction, or the right to act. In a spiritual sense, it denotes the spiritual beings or systems over which Christ has absolute supremacy.
dynamis · Greek Noun
Refers to inherent strength, capability, or active force. It highlights that no spiritual or physical force exists that is not subject to the power of the resurrected Christ.
kyriotēs · Greek Noun
Denotes lordship, sovereignty, or the realm of a king. It emphasizes Christ's unrivaled rule over all creation and all spiritual realms.
onoma · Greek Noun
In Hebrew and biblical thought, a name represents the essence, character, and authority of a person. Christ's name is superior to all others, signifying his unique and supreme identity.
aiōn · Greek Noun
Refers to the present era of human history under the influence of sin, contrasted with the coming eternal age of the Kingdom of God. Christ is sovereign over both the current world order and the future eternal order.
hypo podas · Greek Prepositional phrase
A metaphor for total subjection and victory. It is rooted in Old Testament imagery (e.g., Psalm 110:1) describing the complete defeat and surrender of an enemy to a king.
kephalē · Greek Noun
Refers to Christ's position of supreme authority, guidance, and source of life for the church. It signifies that the church derives its direction and existence entirely from him.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The assembly of believers called out of the world to belong to God. In this context, it is viewed as a living, organic organism united with Christ as its head.
The resurrection and ascension of Jesus weren't just historical events; they were the ultimate demonstration of God's immense power, a power Paul assures believers is also at work in them. This divine might, displayed in Christ's exaltation, is the foundation for the Church's spiritual life and future glory.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus
Following Jesus' crucifixion, God the Father powerfully raised Him from the dead, signifying victory over sin and death. Christ then ascended to heaven, being seated at God's right hand, a position of supreme authority and honor.
c. AD 30-40
Early Church Growth
The resurrection and ascension of Jesus empowered the early apostles and believers through the Holy Spirit, leading to rapid expansion of the Christian faith throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Ministry and Imprisonment
The Apostle Paul, a key missionary to the Gentiles, founded many churches. During this period, likely while imprisoned, he wrote letters explaining the significance of Christ's work and the nature of the Church.
c. AD 60-62
Epistle to the Ephesians Written
Paul, imprisoned in Rome, penned this letter to the churches in the province of Asia, likely including Ephesus. The letter emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ and the cosmic scope of God's plan.
This passage directly parallels Christ's exaltation, stating He 'has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him,' reinforcing the idea of His supreme authority after His resurrection.
Colossians 1:18This verse describes Christ as the 'head of the body, the church' and the 'beginning, the firstborn from the dead,' echoing the theme of His resurrection and His primary position as the resurrected one.
Philippians 2:9-10This passage describes God exalting Jesus and giving Him 'a name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,' which directly relates to His position at God's right hand as a sign of supreme honor and authority.
Romans 8:34This verse states that Christ Jesus 'is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us,' directly linking His exalted position with His ongoing work for believers.
Acts 2:24This verse explicitly states that God 'raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it,' highlighting God's powerful work in Christ's resurrection, which is the foundation of His exaltation.
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 "working" power God used to raise Christ from death and seat Him in heavenly glory is now actively at work in believers today. It's not just a historical event, but a present, dynamic force transforming us too.
Paul is detailing the immense power God has shown, first in raising Jesus from the dead and exalting Him to the highest place in heaven. This divine power, demonstrated so spectacularly in Christ's resurrection and ascension, is the same power that God now applies to believers to bring them to spiritual life and secure their future inheritance.
Paul is detailing the immense power God has shown, first in raising Jesus from the dead and exalting Him to the highest place in heaven. This divine power, demonstrated so spectacularly in Christ's resurrection and ascension, is the same power that God now applies to believers to bring them to spiritual life and secure their future inheritance.
"that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also i…" — The verse highlights that the same "working" power God used to raise Christ from death and seat Him in heavenly glory is now actively at work in believers today. It's not just a historical event, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
