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],

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,

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

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

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

Ephesians 1:20 describes the immense power of God demonstrated in the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ. This verse is a foundational statement within Paul's opening prayer, establishing the supreme authority and position granted to Christ after His victory over death.

Context

This verse follows Paul's prayer for the Ephesians to receive spiritual wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:17). He specifically prays that they would know "what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe" (Ephesians 1:19). Verse 20 then illustrates this "exceeding greatness of his power" by pointing to God's work in Christ – His resurrection and ascension to the highest place of authority.

Key Themes

  • God's Power: The verse highlights the ultimate display of God's power in raising Christ from the dead.
  • Christ's Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is presented as a historical event wrought by God's mighty power.
  • Christ's Exaltation: Christ's placement at God's own right hand signifies His supreme honor, authority, and rule over all things.
  • Heavenly Places: This refers to the spiritual realm or sphere where God's throne is located, distinct from the earthly realm, and where Christ now reigns.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "wrought" (KJV) comes from the Greek word energeó, meaning 'to work, to be active, to effect'. It emphasizes the active, powerful energy God exerted.
  • "Set him at his own right hand" is a biblical idiom signifying the position of ultimate authority, honor, and co-regency. It is the place of the chief administrator or ruler. See Hebrews 1:3.
  • "In the heavenly places" (Greek: en tois epouraníois) is a key phrase in Ephesians, appearing five times (1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12). It denotes the spiritual reality and realm where God operates and where believers now have a position in Christ, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:6.

Reflection and Application

Understanding the power that raised Christ and seated Him at God's right hand is crucial because, as the following verses explain, this same power is available to believers. Christ's exalted position is the foundation of the church's authority and hope. His placement "in the heavenly places" reminds us that our ultimate citizenship and spiritual reality are not bound by earthly limitations but are connected to where Christ is now reigning. This truth should inspire awe and confidence in the power of God working in and through His people.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 10:12 (8 votes)

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

  • Mark 16:19 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 22:43 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 22:45 (4 votes)

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