1 Peter 3:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 3:22 serves as the triumphant capstone to Peter's discussion of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, emphatically declaring the exalted status of Jesus Christ. It proclaims His physical ascension into heaven, His supreme position of authority at the right hand of God the Father, and His absolute dominion over all spiritual hierarchies, including angels, authorities, and powers, all of whom have been made subject to Him. This verse underscores the completed victory and unparalleled sovereignty of Christ, providing profound assurance and hope to believers, particularly those enduring suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal theological passage in 1 Peter that begins with Christ's suffering (1 Peter 3:18). Peter contrasts Christ's death in the flesh with His being "quickened by the Spirit," leading to His unique proclamation to "the spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:19). The narrative then transitions to a profound theological parallel between Noah's salvation through water and the saving power of baptism, not as a physical cleansing, but as "the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). Thus, [1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "1 Peter 3:22 - Christ's Exaltation") is the culmination of this theological argument, presenting Christ's post-resurrection exaltation as the ultimate guarantee of the believer's salvation and hope, firmly rooting it in His divine authority and completed work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter writes to scattered believers in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1), who were likely facing various forms of social ostracism and persecution for their faith. The concept of a suffering Messiah who then ascends to ultimate power would have been both challenging and profoundly encouraging. In the ancient Near East, the "right hand" was universally recognized as the position of highest honor, authority, and power, often reserved for the king's chief advisor or heir. For a Jewish audience, this imagery would immediately evoke passages like [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King"), which speaks of the Messiah sitting at God's right hand, signifying divine appointment to kingship and judicial authority. The mention of "angels, authorities, and powers" reflects a common Jewish and early Christian understanding of a complex spiritual hierarchy, over which Christ's dominion is now asserted.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme in [1 Peter](/1_peter "1 Peter - Suffering and Hope") is the connection between Christ's suffering and His subsequent glory, which serves as a model and source of hope for suffering believers. [1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "1 Peter 3:22 - Christ's Exaltation") powerfully articulates the theme of **Christ's Exaltation and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His suffering was not an end but a prelude to ultimate triumph. This verse also reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority**, emphasizing that Christ's resurrection and ascension were not merely events but a transfer of cosmic power, placing Him above all created beings. Furthermore, it contributes to the theme of **Security in Christ**, assuring believers that their salvation is anchored in the unshakeable reign of a sovereign Savior, as also seen in [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Enthroned Above All").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **right hand (Greek, _dexiós'_):** From δέχομαι, meaning the right side or hand, typically associated with taking or receiving. In biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, it signifies the position of highest honor, authority, and power. Christ being "on the right hand of God" is a powerful idiom denoting His supreme preeminence and shared divine authority, not a literal physical location.
* **authorities (Greek, _exousía'_):** From ἔξεστι, implying ability, privilege, force, capacity, or freedom. It often refers to delegated power, mastery, or jurisdiction, and can denote concrete magistrates, superhuman potentates, or tokens of control. In this context, it refers to a class of spiritual beings or powers.
* **powers (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From δύναμαι, meaning force, might, or inherent ability. It can refer to miraculous power or a miracle itself. Like "authorities," it signifies a category of spiritual entities, often implying inherent strength or might. The pairing with "angels" and "authorities" indicates a comprehensive range of spiritual beings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is gone into heaven":** This phrase refers to the physical ascension of Jesus Christ from earth to the heavenly realm, an event described in detail in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus"). It signifies the completion of His earthly redemptive work, His physical departure from human sight, and His return to the Father's immediate presence. It is a crucial aspect of His post-resurrection glory.
* **"and is on the right hand of God;":** This clause describes Christ's exalted position in heaven. As discussed in the key word analysis, "the right hand of God" is a powerful metaphorical expression signifying the highest place of honor, supreme authority, and shared divine power. It indicates Christ's co-regency with the Father and His rightful place as King and Judge over all creation.
* **"angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.":** This final clause declares the universal scope of Christ's dominion. "Angels, authorities, and powers" are terms used in the New Testament to categorize various ranks of spiritual beings, both benevolent and malevolent. The phrase "being made subject unto him" (Greek: _hypotássō_) emphasizes that all these spiritual entities, regardless of their nature or previous standing, are now under the absolute, sovereign control and authority of the ascended Christ. This underscores His ultimate victory over all opposing forces.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "1 Peter 3:22 - Christ's Exaltation") to convey Christ's supreme authority. The phrase "on the right hand of God" is a potent **Metaphor** and **Idiom**, universally understood in biblical culture to denote the place of ultimate honor, power, and authority. It is not a literal physical location but a symbolic representation of Christ's supreme status. The listing of "angels and authorities and powers" functions as a **Merism** or **Categorization**, encompassing the entirety of spiritual beings, both good and potentially evil. By naming these distinct categories, Peter emphasizes the comprehensive and absolute nature of Christ's dominion, leaving no spiritual entity outside of His sovereign rule. This declaration also serves as the **Climax** of the preceding narrative of Christ's suffering and resurrection, presenting His exaltation as the triumphant and ultimate outcome of His redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The exaltation of Christ to the right hand of God is a foundational truth of Christian theology, affirming His unique divine status and His ongoing sovereign rule. This position signifies not only His completed work of redemption but also His perpetual intercession for believers and His ultimate authority over all creation. It assures believers that the One who suffered for them is now enthroned in glory, fully capable of sustaining them through their own trials and guaranteeing their ultimate salvation. This truth transforms the understanding of suffering, as it is seen through the lens of Christ's ultimate victory and the assurance of His reign.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Confession")
* [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Position and Sustaining Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of [1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "1 Peter 3:22 - Christ's Exaltation") offers immense comfort and strength to believers in every age, particularly those undergoing hardship. Knowing that Jesus Christ, who shared in our humanity and suffered for our sins, is now ascended to the highest position of power and authority at God's right hand means that our hope is anchored in an unshakeable reality. His dominion over "angels, authorities, and powers" assures us that no spiritual force, no earthly opposition, and no personal struggle is outside of His ultimate control. This should fill us with confidence, not fear, enabling us to live boldly for Him, knowing that the Victorious One reigns. It empowers us to face suffering with resilience, to resist temptation with divine backing, and to engage in spiritual warfare from a position of Christ's already-won victory. Our security is not in our own strength or circumstances, but in the absolute sovereignty of our enthroned Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Christ's absolute authority over all powers impact your daily fears or anxieties?**
* **In what ways does knowing Christ is "on the right hand of God" strengthen your faith when facing personal suffering or injustice?**
* **How should the reality of Christ's sovereignty influence the way you pray, particularly regarding spiritual battles or societal challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus being "on the right hand of God"?**

Answer: Being "on the right hand of God" is a powerful biblical idiom that signifies the highest possible position of honor, authority, and power. It is not a literal physical location but a symbolic representation of Christ's supreme preeminence and His co-regency with God the Father. It means that Jesus, as the resurrected and ascended Lord, possesses all divine authority and power, ruling over all creation. This concept is deeply rooted in Old Testament messianic prophecies, such as [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King"), which foretold the Messiah's enthronement at God's right hand.

**Who are "angels and authorities and powers" that are made subject to Christ?**

Answer: These terms refer to various categories of spiritual beings. "Angels" are divine messengers and servants of God. "Authorities" (Greek: _exousía_) and "powers" (Greek: _dýnamis_) are often used in the New Testament to denote different ranks or classes within the spiritual realm, which can include both good angels and fallen demonic forces (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The key point is that Christ's ascension and exaltation mean that *all* these spiritual entities, regardless of their nature or previous influence, are now completely subordinate to His supreme dominion. He reigns over every spiritual hierarchy.

**How does this verse relate to Christ's suffering, which Peter discusses earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: [1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "1 Peter 3:22 - Christ's Exaltation") is the triumphant culmination of Peter's argument that begins with Christ's suffering (1 Peter 3:18). Peter emphasizes that Christ's suffering and death were not a defeat but a necessary part of His redemptive work, leading directly to His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate exaltation. The verse highlights that Christ's current position of supreme authority is the glorious outcome of His obedient suffering. For Peter's audience, who were themselves suffering, this connection provided immense comfort: just as Christ's suffering led to His glory and victory over all powers, so too would their faithful endurance in suffering ultimately lead to their participation in His glory and triumph (e.g., [1 Peter 4:13](/1_peter/4-13 "1 Peter 4:13 - Suffering with Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "1 Peter 3:22 - Christ's Exaltation") paints a vivid portrait of Christ's ultimate triumph, serving as a cornerstone of Christ-centered theology. His ascension into heaven and enthronement "on the right hand of God" is not merely a historical event but signifies His ongoing, active reign as the sovereign Lord of the universe. This position of unparalleled authority means that Christ is fully qualified to be our great High Priest, interceding on our behalf before the Father (as seen in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our Great High Priest and Access to Grace")). His subjection of "angels and authorities and powers" assures us that He has decisively defeated the forces of darkness, providing believers with victory over sin and spiritual opposition (a truth echoed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). As the ascended King, He continues to build His church, exercising His headship over all things for its sake ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Ultimately, this verse points to the glorious future when Christ will return to fully establish His kingdom, and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;