1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Who {G3739} is gone {G4198} into {G1519} heaven {G3772}, and is {G2076} on {G1722} the right hand {G1188} of God {G2316}; angels {G32} and {G2532} authorities {G1849} and {G2532} powers {G1411} being made subject {G5293} unto him {G846}.

He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities and powers subject to him.

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.

who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

This verse, 1 Peter 3:22, concludes a significant passage (starting around verse 18) where Peter discusses Christ's suffering, death, resurrection, and its implications, particularly linking it to baptism as a symbol of salvation. Verse 22 focuses on the exalted status of Jesus Christ following His completed work on earth.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Peter has discussed Christ's suffering in the flesh, His being quickened by the Spirit, His preaching to the spirits in prison (interpreted in various ways), and the parallel between Noah's ark saving a few through water and baptism now saving believers, not as a physical washing but as the pledge of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Verse 22 then describes Christ's post-resurrection state.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Ascension: The phrase "Who is gone into heaven" refers to Jesus' physical departure from earth to the heavenly realm after His resurrection appearances. This signifies the completion of His earthly ministry and His return to the Father's presence.
  • Christ's Exaltation and Authority: Being "on the right hand of God" is a powerful metaphor indicating Christ's supreme position of authority, honor, and power alongside God the Father. It is not a physical location but a status of divine preeminence. See Hebrews 1:3.
  • Sovereignty Over All Powers: The statement that "angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him" emphasizes Christ's absolute dominion. These terms often refer to various ranks of spiritual beings, both good and possibly fallen. Peter declares that all are under Christ's ultimate authority. This resonates with passages like Ephesians 1:21, which speaks of Christ being far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion.

Linguistic Insights

The term "right hand of God" (Greek: dexia tou theou) is a common biblical idiom representing the place of highest honor, power, and authority. Sitting at the right hand signifies being invested with royal power and judicial authority. The listing of "angels and authorities and powers" (Greek: angelois kai exousiais kai dynameis) uses terms found elsewhere in the New Testament to categorize spiritual entities, highlighting the comprehensive scope of Christ's rule.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides profound assurance to believers, especially those facing suffering, which was the context of Peter's letter. Knowing that Jesus Christ, who suffered for us, is now in heaven, exalted to the highest position of power at God's right hand, and that all spiritual forces are subject to Him, means that He is fully capable of saving, protecting, and sustaining those who belong to Him. Our hope is anchored in His supreme authority and victory. We can live with confidence, knowing that the One we serve reigns over all.

The reality of Christ's ascension and exaltation underscores the finality and effectiveness of His redemptive work. Our salvation is secure because our Savior is enthroned above all.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 9:24

    For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Hebrews 10:12

    But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  • Ephesians 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],

  • Ephesians 1:21

    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:

  • Mark 16:19

    ¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

  • Hebrews 8:1

    ¶ Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

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