Ephesians 1:20

KJV

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} he wrought {G1754} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}, when he raised {G1453} him {G846} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and {G2532} set {G2523} him at {G1722} his own {G846} right hand {G1188} in {G1722} the heavenly {G2032} places,

Complete Jewish Bible

when he worked in the Messiah to raise him from the dead and seat him at his right hand in heaven,

Berean Standard Bible

which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

American Standard Version

which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:20 unveils the magnificent display of God's immeasurable power, specifically demonstrated in two pivotal acts: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and His subsequent exaltation to the highest position of authority at God's own right hand in the heavenly realms. This verse serves as the climax of Paul's prayer, illustrating the "exceeding greatness of his power" that is also at work in believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Paul's profound prayer for the Ephesian believers, which began in [Ephesians 1:15](/ephesians/1-15 "Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians"). Having prayed for their spiritual wisdom and revelation ([Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - Prayer for Wisdom")), Paul then expresses his desire for them to comprehend the "exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe" ([Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19 - God's Exceeding Power")). Verse 20 immediately follows, providing the ultimate illustration and concrete evidence of this power: God's work in Christ. The resurrection and enthronement of Jesus are presented not merely as historical events, but as the supreme demonstration of the very power that is now available to and at work within those who believe, setting the stage for the church's position and authority in Christ discussed in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of being "set at the right hand" carried profound significance in the ancient world, including Jewish, Roman, and Greek cultures. The right hand was universally understood as the place of honor, authority, power, and privilege. Kings would seat their most trusted advisors, co-regents, or heirs at their right hand, signifying shared rule and supreme status. For the Ephesians, who lived in a city steeped in pagan worship (especially of Artemis) and various mystery cults that emphasized spiritual power, Paul's declaration of Christ's supreme authority, established by God's power over death itself, would have been a radical reorientation of their understanding of true divine power and sovereignty. It countered any claims of other deities or spiritual forces, establishing Christ as preeminent.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 1:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ephesians and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Sovereign Power**, presenting the resurrection and exaltation of Christ as the ultimate demonstration of His omnipotence, a power that transcends all earthly and spiritual limitations. Secondly, it highlights **Christ's Resurrection and Exaltation**, establishing His unique status as victor over death and His supreme authority over all creation. This theme is foundational to Christian hope and the church's identity, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:20-28](/1_corinthians/15-20-28 "Christ's Resurrection and Reign"). Thirdly, the phrase "in the heavenly places" introduces a crucial **Ephesian Motif** that recurs five times in the letter ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Heavenly Places"), [1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20 - Christ's Exaltation"), [2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ"), [3:10](/ephesians/3-10 "God's Wisdom Through the Church"), [6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")). This theme emphasizes the spiritual reality and realm where God operates, where Christ now reigns, and where believers are spiritually positioned in Him, transcending earthly limitations and engaging in spiritual warfare.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrought (Greek, _energéō_):** From G1754, meaning "to be active, efficient; to work, to effect." This word emphasizes the dynamic, active, and powerful energy God exerted in raising Christ. It speaks of a force that is not passive or static, but intensely operative and effective, bringing about a profound change. It highlights God's direct, purposeful, and potent involvement in the resurrection and exaltation.
* **Raised (Greek, _egeírō_):** From G1453, meaning "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." This term precisely captures the act of bringing Christ back to life from the state of death. It underscores the miraculous, life-giving power of God that overcame the ultimate enemy, death, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all existence.
* **Right Hand (Greek, _dexiós_):** From G1188, meaning "the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)." In biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, the "right hand" is a powerful idiom signifying the place of supreme honor, authority, power, and privilege. To be seated at God's right hand means to share in His divine authority, co-reign, and exercise ultimate dominion. It is the position of chief administrator and sovereign ruler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which he wrought in Christ":** This opening clause immediately identifies the divine agent behind the mighty acts to follow: "he," referring to God the Father. The verb "wrought" (from _energéō_) conveys an active, powerful, and effective working. It signifies that God actively and powerfully performed these deeds, with Christ as the recipient and sphere of this divine operation.
* **"when he raised him from the dead":** This describes the first monumental act of God's power. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the state of death is the foundational event of Christian faith, demonstrating God's victory over sin and death and validating Christ's identity and mission. It is the ultimate display of life-giving power.
* **"and set [him] at his own right hand":** This describes the second, equally significant act: Christ's exaltation and enthronement. "Set" (from _kathízō_) implies a deliberate act of placement. Being placed "at his own right hand" is a powerful idiom signifying Christ's reception of supreme honor, authority, and co-regency with God the Father. It is the position of ultimate power and dominion in the universe.
* **"in the heavenly [places]":** This specifies the sphere or realm where Christ's exaltation and reign occur. "Heavenly places" (from _epouránios_) refers not merely to a physical location in the sky, but to the spiritual, transcendent realm of divine authority and reality, where God's throne is. It signifies a position of spiritual supremacy and cosmic dominion, far above all earthly and spiritual powers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in Ephesians 1:20 to convey the profound truth of Christ's exaltation. There is clear **Parallelism** between the two great acts of God's power: raising Christ from the dead and setting Him at His right hand. These two events are presented as complementary aspects of God's overarching plan of exaltation, demonstrating His complete triumph. The phrase "at his own right hand" functions as a powerful **Idiom**, universally understood in the ancient world to denote the highest position of honor, authority, and shared rule. This idiomatic expression avoids literal interpretation and instead conveys a profound theological truth about Christ's co-equality and co-reign with the Father. Furthermore, the concept of "heavenly places" carries significant **Symbolism** throughout Ephesians. It symbolizes the spiritual realm of divine authority and power, distinct from and superior to the earthly realm, where believers are now spiritually positioned in Christ, and from which Christ exercises His cosmic headship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:20 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the supreme authority and preeminence of Jesus Christ. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, whose power is capable of overcoming even death itself and elevating His Son to the highest possible position. This verse is central to Christology, affirming Christ's divine nature and His role as the exalted Lord and Head of all creation. For believers, it provides immense assurance: the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within them, and their spiritual position is intimately tied to Christ's exalted status in the heavenly realms. This truth forms the basis for understanding the church's authority, spiritual blessings, and ultimate hope in Christ.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")
* [Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Seek Things Above, Where Christ Is Seated")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ's Supremacy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding the profound truth of Ephesians 1:20 should ignite a deep sense of awe and confidence within every believer. The power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of God is not merely a historical fact but a living reality that undergirds our faith and empowers our lives. This means that no obstacle, no spiritual opposition, and no earthly limitation can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome His people, for the same omnipotent power that conquered death and exalted Christ is actively at work within us. Our identity and spiritual reality are intrinsically linked to Christ's exalted position "in the heavenly places," reminding us that our ultimate allegiance and citizenship are not of this world, but with our reigning Lord. This truth should inspire us to live with boldness, confidence, and a heavenly perspective, knowing that we serve a King who is utterly supreme and victorious over all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does meditating on God's power in raising Christ from the dead impact your understanding of His power in your own life and circumstances?**
* **What does Christ's position at God's "right hand" mean for His authority over your daily life and the world around you?**
* **How does the concept of being connected to Christ "in the heavenly places" change your perspective on earthly challenges and spiritual warfare?**
* **In what ways can you more fully appropriate and live out the reality of the "exceeding greatness of his power" that is at work in believers?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Christ being "set at his own right hand"?**

Answer: Being "set at his own right hand" is a powerful biblical idiom signifying the highest possible position of honor, authority, and power. In ancient cultures, the right hand was the place of the chief advisor, co-regent, or heir. Therefore, Christ's placement at God's right hand means He shares in God's divine authority and sovereignty, reigning supreme over all creation. It indicates His completed work of salvation and His ongoing rule as King and Lord, as prophesied in [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "The Lord's Anointed at God's Right Hand") and affirmed in the New Testament, such as in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Peter's Sermon on Christ's Exaltation").

**What does "in the heavenly places" mean in Ephesians?**

Answer: The phrase "in the heavenly places" (Greek: _en tois epouraníois_) is a key theological concept unique to Ephesians, appearing five times ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Blessed in Heavenly Places"), [1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ's Exaltation"), [2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Seated with Christ"), [3:10](/ephesians/3-10 "God's Wisdom Through the Church"), [6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")). It refers not to a physical location in the sky, but to the spiritual realm or sphere where God's ultimate authority resides. It is the realm of divine power, spiritual blessings, and cosmic conflict. For Christ, it signifies His supreme reign; for believers, it signifies their spiritual position and identity in Christ, seated with Him, and the arena where spiritual battles are waged.

**How does this verse relate to believers today?**

Answer: Ephesians 1:20 is profoundly relevant to believers because the very power that raised Christ from the dead and exalted Him is the same "exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe" mentioned in [Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "God's Exceeding Power"). This means that believers are not left to their own strength but are empowered by the omnipotent God. Furthermore, [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Seated with Christ") reveals that God "raised us up together with Christ, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." This establishes the believer's spiritual union with Christ and their shared position of authority and victory in Him, providing a foundation for confidence, hope, and spiritual living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:20 beautifully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the triumphant validation of His messianic claims and His victory over sin and death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a reigning Messiah who would overcome His enemies (e.g., [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "David's Prophecy of Resurrection")). His subsequent exaltation to God's own right hand directly fulfills prophecies like [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "The Lord's Anointed at God's Right Hand"), where the Lord invites His anointed King to sit at His right hand until His enemies are made His footstool. This enthronement signifies Christ's cosmic headship, His supreme authority over all creation, and His ongoing role as the interceding High Priest for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession"); [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, Ephesians 1:20 paints a vivid picture of Christ as the victorious Lamb and the reigning King, through whom God's ultimate purposes for humanity and creation are being realized, culminating in His final return to establish His eternal kingdom ([1 Peter 3:22](/1_peter/3-22 "Christ at God's Right Hand")).

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 10:12

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

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.

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 22:43

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

Matthew 22:45

If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?