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1 Corinthians 15:25
Verse
Context
Sermons
A.W. Tozer
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
Hans R. WaldvogelT. Austin-Sparks
St. John Chrysostom
Tom MacartneySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he must reign, etc. - This is according to the promise, Psa 110:1 : "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Therefore the kingdom cannot be given up till all rule and government be cast down. So that while the world lasts, Jesus, as the Messiah and Mediator, must reign; and all human beings are properly his subjects, are under his government, and are accountable to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
must--because Scripture foretells it. till--There will be no further need of His mediatorial kingdom, its object having been realized. enemies under his feet-- (Luk 19:27; Eph 1:22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Not eternal death; for though that is abolished by Christ with respect to his own people, who shall never be hurt by it, and over whom it shall have no power; yet the wicked will always be subject to it, and under the dominion of it: but a corporeal one is here meant; which is an enemy, the fruit, effect, and wages of sin; the penalty and curse of the law; is contrary to human nature, and destructive of the work of God's hands: it is, indeed, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, become the friend of his people; it is disarmed of its sting, and ceases to be a penal evil; it is the saints' passage to glory, what frees them from the troubles of this world, and is their way to the joys of another; but yet in itself is formidable to nature, and disagreeable to it: and it is the last enemy; it is so both in its rise and duration; it appeared as an enemy last; Satan was the first enemy of mankind, who attacked, tempted, and ruined the first parents of human nature, and all their posterity in them; and by this means, sin, the next enemy, came into the world of men; and, last of all, death, with its numerous train of calamities, either going before, attending, or following of it: and as it was the last enemy that came into the world, it is the last that will go out of it; for when the saints are rid of Satan, and clear of sin, they will remain in the grave under the power of a corporeal death till the resurrection, and then that will be "destroyed": for the saints will be raised to an immortal life, never to die more, and to an enjoyment of everlasting life, in the utmost glory and happiness; and though the wicked when they rise, they will rise to damnation, to shame and contempt, yet their worm will never die, nor their fire be quenched; they will always live, though in torment, there will be no more corporeal death, neither among the righteous nor the wicked; it will be utterly abolished: and thus the apostle, though he seems to digress from his subject awhile, by relating the several things which will either immediately or quickly follow the second coming of Christ; yet at the same time has it in view, and proves the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which must needs be, or death cannot be said to be destroyed, and by degrees returns to his subject again. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Not eternal death; for though that is abolished by Christ with respect to his own people, who shall never be hurt by it, and over whom it shall have no power; yet the wicked will always be subject to it, and under the dominion of it: but a corporeal one is here meant; which is an enemy, the fruit, effect, and wages of sin; the penalty and curse of the law; is contrary to human nature, and destructive of the work of God's hands: it is, indeed, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, become the friend of his people; it is disarmed of its sting, and ceases to be a penal evil; it is the saints' passage to glory, what frees them from the troubles of this world, and is their way to the joys of another; but yet in itself is formidable to nature, and disagreeable to it: and it is the last enemy; it is so both in its rise and duration; it appeared as an enemy last; Satan was the first enemy of mankind, who attacked, tempted, and ruined the first parents of human nature, and all their posterity in them; and by this means, sin, the next enemy, came into the world of men; and, last of all, death, with its numerous train of calamities, either going before, attending, or following of it: and as it was the last enemy that came into the world, it is the last that will go out of it; for when the saints are rid of Satan, and clear of sin, they will remain in the grave under the power of a corporeal death till the resurrection, and then that will be "destroyed": for the saints will be raised to an immortal life, never to die more, and to an enjoyment of everlasting life, in the utmost glory and happiness; and though the wicked when they rise, they will rise to damnation, to shame and contempt, yet their worm will never die, nor their fire be quenched; they will always live, though in torment, there will be no more corporeal death, neither among the righteous nor the wicked; it will be utterly abolished: and thus the apostle, though he seems to digress from his subject awhile, by relating the several things which will either immediately or quickly follow the second coming of Christ; yet at the same time has it in view, and proves the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which must needs be, or death cannot be said to be destroyed, and by degrees returns to his subject again. 1 Corinthians 15:27 co1 15:27 co1 15:27 co1 15:27For he hath put all things under his feet,.... This is a reason proving that all enemies, and death itself, shall be put under the feet of Christ, and is taken out of Psa 8:6 which is spoken of one that is styled man, and the son of man; and is to be understood not of Adam in a state of innocence; for the word there used signifies a frail mortal man, which he then was not, nor could he be called the son of man; and though the earth was subdued and subject to him, and he had dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowls of the air, and every living thing that moveth on the earth, yet all creatures were not subject to him in this large sense, in which it is here and elsewhere explained by the apostle; and much less of man in his fallen state, who instead of having all things under his feet, is become like the beasts that perish; many of them: are unsubdued to him, and he is even in fear of them, and he himself is subject to corruption and vanity: but of the man Christ Jesus, who took and bore all the sinless infirmities of human nature; is often called the son of man; of whom God was mindful, and whom lie visited in his state of humiliation, at the time of his death, resurrection, and exaltation; who was made through sufferings of death a little lower, or a little while lower than the angels, but now crowned with glory and honour; in whose days God ordained strength and praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, to the confusion of his enemies; and has put all things under his feet, which may elude all things animate and inanimate, the whole creation and universe of things, the world and its fulness, the earth and all that is therein, the beasts of the forest, and the cattle of a thousand hills; he is heir of the world, and has a right to it, and to dispose of it, not merely as the Creator, but as Mediator; it is put in subjection to him to make use of, and what is in it to subserve his mediatorial kingdom and his glory; when his ends are answered by it, the earth and all that is therein shall be burnt up, and a new earth arise out of it, in which Christ and his people will dwell: the air and all that is therein are under him; the fowls of it are at his dispose; he it was that rained feathered fowls as the sand of the sea, about the camp of the Israelites in the wilderness, and commanded the ravens to feed Elijah in distress; and who holds the winds in his fist, lets them loose, calls them in, and commands them at pleasure; as he also does the sea, and the boisterous waves of it, and has dominion over the fishes in it; one of those supplied him with money, to pay his tribute; and multitudes of them, more than once, were gathered together, and taken up by his order and direction; and at the last day, the sea at his command will give up the dead that are in it; yea, this may extend to all rational creatures, angels and men, friends or foes: good angels, principalities and powers, are subject to him, as appears by their attendance on him: at his incarnation, ascension, and second coming; by their ministration to him in the wilderness, and in the garden; by their employment under him, for the good of the heirs of salvation; by their dependence on him, as their Creator and head, and by their adoration of him as their Lord and God. Evil angels, the devils, are also put under his feet, as is evident from his overcoming Satan, and baffling all his temptations; by his dispossessing the devils out of the bodies of men, and giving his disciples also power over them; by his spoiling them at death, and triumphing over them in his ascension; by delivering his people out of their hands, and power, in conversion; and by his binding of Satan during the thousand years, and by casting him and his angels into everlasting fire prepared for them. Elect men are made subject to him, by the power of his grace upon them; and yet their subjection to him, to his Gospel ordinances, and the sceptre of his kingdom; is voluntary and from their hearts; it proceeds from a principle of love to him; and is universal, being a regard unto, and a compliance with all his precepts; and evil men are also under his dominion and control; he rules them with a rod of iron; he disappoints their counsels, restrains their wrath, overrules their evil designs and actions against his people for good; and will one day gather them all before him, pass the righteous sentence on them, and send them into everlasting punishment. Moreover, this may reach to everything that is for the glory of Christ as Mediator, and for the good of his church, and to every enemy of his or theirs, as the world, sin, Satan, and the last enemy, death; to prove the subjection of all which to Christ, this testimony is produced: and respects Christ as Mediator, and the Father's delivering all things into his hands, and giving him all power in heaven and in earth, and rule over all creatures and things; but when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him; that is, when David, or the Holy Spirit by him, said the above words, in Psa 8:6 nothing is more clear and evident, than that God the Father, who made all things subject to Christ as Mediator, is himself not subjected to him; since his power as such must be greater than his: this exception is made to secure the government, power, and honour of the Father; for though he has made his firstborn higher than the kings of the earth, yet not higher than himself; and though he has set him his King over his holy hill of Zion, yet not over himself; and though it is his will that all men should honour the Son, as they honour the Father, yet not above him, or more than he; nor has he quitted the government, either in the world or in the church, by subjecting all things to Christ: and this exception is also made to confirm the universal power and empire of Christ, for an exception to a general rule does but the more establish it; and since the Father is only excepted, it is a clear case, that he has left nothing that is not put under him; see Heb 2:8 but it must be observed, that though the Holy Spirit is not mentioned, yet he is equally excepted; since he is the one God with the Father, and was jointly concerned in the mission, unction, and installation of Christ, as Mediator; nor can he be reckoned among the all things put in subjection to Christ, for they regard only creatures, and many of these enemies, with neither of which the Spirit of God can be numbered; and though the gifts and graces of the Spirit are put into Christ's hands, and are at his dispose, yet the person of the Spirit can never be thought to be put under his feet.
1 Corinthians 15:25
The Order of Resurrection
24Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.25For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
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The Second Coming
By A.W. Tozer3.0K53:21Second ComingPSA 84:7MAT 6:33JHN 14:31CO 15:25EPH 4:111TH 5:20HEB 10:25The sermon transcript is about the preacher's intention to talk about the coming of the Lord Jesus and not about details or schedules. The preacher shares a personal story about his joy and relief upon being reunited with his daughter after a difficult time in the military. He emphasizes the importance of being together and the value of family. The preacher also mentions the lack of focus on prophetic teaching in current Bible conferences compared to the past.
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K43:16Seeing JesusGEN 1:26EZK 1:26MAT 6:33ACT 26:16ROM 8:191CO 15:252CO 4:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus reigning until all His enemies are under His feet, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:25. The speaker highlights the vision of Ezekiel, who saw a throne in heaven with a man on it, representing Jesus. The speaker also references the apostle Paul's experience in Damascus and Arabia, where he gained a deeper understanding of the Bible and saw God's intention for mankind to have dominion and reign in glory. The speaker emphasizes that the current state of suffering, evil, and misery in the world is contrary to God's intention and should motivate the church to seek the realization of God's glory in their lives.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 10
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K37:29ChristGEN 3:15DAN 12:4MAT 24:141CO 15:25PHP 3:102PE 3:10REV 22:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs of the near approach of the Lord's coming. One sign is the increase of knowledge in the world, with deep secrets being revealed and becoming common knowledge. This intensification of knowledge is seen as an indication that the end is near. Another sign is the intensification of evil and godlessness, with the speaker expressing concern over the state of youth and the increase in crime. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the grace of God and the gathering of believers from different nations and peoples.
Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God (Faith Does Not Mean Wavering, Wondering, and anxiety.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Trust in GodFaithPSA 37:51CO 15:252CO 1:20EPH 1:19HEB 11:61PE 1:6Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God, urging believers to trust in God's promises without wavering or succumbing to anxiety. He explains that true faith is absolute and rooted in the belief that God has already accomplished what He has promised, and that trials serve to strengthen our faith rather than defeat us. Waldvogel encourages the congregation to commit their ways to the Lord, reminding them that faith leads to rest and assurance in God's power and provision. He highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ and His victory, rather than on our doubts and fears, to cultivate a steadfast faith. Ultimately, he calls for a faith that grows stronger through trials, leading to a deeper relationship with God.
He Must Reign
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Reign of ChristThe Lordship of JesusACT 10:361CO 15:25EPH 1:20T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the present reign of Christ, asserting that His Lordship is not a future event but a current reality that must be recognized and embraced by the Church. He highlights how the early apostles lived in the consciousness of Christ's exaltation, which empowered their mission and transformed their understanding of Scripture. Sparks argues that a personal encounter with the reigning Christ is essential for believers to experience His Lordship in their lives. He calls for the Church to recover this awareness of Christ's active reign, which is crucial for overcoming adversities and fulfilling its divine purpose. Ultimately, he stresses that Christ is actively working to put all His enemies under His feet through His Church.
1 Timothy 1:5-7
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 38:5MAT 18:19MAT 24:12JHN 3:20ROM 10:4ROM 13:31CO 15:252CO 2:15PHP 4:41TI 1:5John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of genuine love, faith, and a pure heart in following God's commandments, warning against the dangers of vain pursuits and false teachings driven by envy and a desire for power. He highlights the significance of using the law lawfully, directing believers to Christ for true fulfillment and righteousness. Chrysostom urges the congregation to seek the eternal glory of God's Gospel, which surpasses worldly pleasures and possessions, and to clothe themselves with virtues and spiritual fragrance that bring honor and joy in this life and the next.
God Is My King
By Tom Macartney0PSA 74:12ISA 6:5MAL 1:14MAT 24:14JHN 10:10JHN 16:13JHN 17:17ACT 10:36ROM 15:131CO 15:252CO 4:6EPH 1:151TI 3:15REV 1:9Tom Macartney emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to truly see and know Christ as the reigning King in their hearts and in the church, highlighting the importance of surrendering all areas of life to Him. He points out that many Christians and churches are weak and worldly because they fail to acknowledge Christ's absolute crown-rights and rightful place as King. Macartney stresses the significance of repentance, faith, and surrender to Christ as fundamental aspects of the Christian life, emphasizing that true and stable Christian experience depends on Christ being recognized as King.
The Evil Origin of a Good King
By John Piper0DEU 17:14MAT 2:2LUK 1:32JHN 1:49ACT 2:30ROM 5:201CO 15:25REV 1:5REV 17:14John Piper preaches about the evil origin of a good king, tracing the lineage of kings in Israel back to the period of Samuel and the people's demand for a king like other nations. Despite the sinful beginnings, God's sovereign purposes prevail, using even the sins of His people to fulfill His plans. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing past deeds of God, repenting from sin, and trusting in God's grace and faithfulness, even in the face of irreversible consequences.
Christ Exalted
By Jonathan Edwards0PRO 18:14DAN 2:34DAN 7:13MAT 16:18ROM 4:251CO 15:25COL 2:15HEB 2:14REV 19:1REV 21:4Jonathan Edwards preaches about the glorious exaltation of Jesus Christ above all evil in the work of redemption, emphasizing how Christ triumphs over Satan, guilt, corruption, affliction, and death. Edwards explains how Christ's victory is manifested in his resurrection, ascension, and sanctification of believers, ultimately leading to the complete destruction of evil and the eternal exaltation of the elect. He encourages sinners to come to Christ, assuring them that no sin or misery is too great for Christ to overcome. Believers are urged to glory in their Redeemer, who is infinitely above all evil and promises victory over every enemy.
Rev 12:10. the Heavenly Song of Victory
By Horatius Bonar0The Kingdom of GodVictory in ChristGEN 1:28PSA 8:6MAT 28:18ROM 16:201CO 15:25PHP 2:92TI 4:18HEB 2:8REV 11:15REV 12:10Horatius Bonar expounds on Revelation 12:10, celebrating the heavenly song of victory that proclaims the arrival of salvation, strength, and the kingdom of God, as the accuser is cast down. This song signifies progress in the ongoing battle against evil, marking each victory as a step closer to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Bonar emphasizes that while the dragon is temporarily cast down, the work of salvation unfolds progressively through history, culminating in the final victory at Christ's return. Each note of the song—salvation, power, kingdom, and authority—reflects the ongoing revelation of God's glory and the establishment of His reign. The sermon encourages believers to anticipate the complete realization of God's kingdom and the authority of Christ over all creation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he must reign, etc. - This is according to the promise, Psa 110:1 : "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Therefore the kingdom cannot be given up till all rule and government be cast down. So that while the world lasts, Jesus, as the Messiah and Mediator, must reign; and all human beings are properly his subjects, are under his government, and are accountable to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
must--because Scripture foretells it. till--There will be no further need of His mediatorial kingdom, its object having been realized. enemies under his feet-- (Luk 19:27; Eph 1:22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Not eternal death; for though that is abolished by Christ with respect to his own people, who shall never be hurt by it, and over whom it shall have no power; yet the wicked will always be subject to it, and under the dominion of it: but a corporeal one is here meant; which is an enemy, the fruit, effect, and wages of sin; the penalty and curse of the law; is contrary to human nature, and destructive of the work of God's hands: it is, indeed, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, become the friend of his people; it is disarmed of its sting, and ceases to be a penal evil; it is the saints' passage to glory, what frees them from the troubles of this world, and is their way to the joys of another; but yet in itself is formidable to nature, and disagreeable to it: and it is the last enemy; it is so both in its rise and duration; it appeared as an enemy last; Satan was the first enemy of mankind, who attacked, tempted, and ruined the first parents of human nature, and all their posterity in them; and by this means, sin, the next enemy, came into the world of men; and, last of all, death, with its numerous train of calamities, either going before, attending, or following of it: and as it was the last enemy that came into the world, it is the last that will go out of it; for when the saints are rid of Satan, and clear of sin, they will remain in the grave under the power of a corporeal death till the resurrection, and then that will be "destroyed": for the saints will be raised to an immortal life, never to die more, and to an enjoyment of everlasting life, in the utmost glory and happiness; and though the wicked when they rise, they will rise to damnation, to shame and contempt, yet their worm will never die, nor their fire be quenched; they will always live, though in torment, there will be no more corporeal death, neither among the righteous nor the wicked; it will be utterly abolished: and thus the apostle, though he seems to digress from his subject awhile, by relating the several things which will either immediately or quickly follow the second coming of Christ; yet at the same time has it in view, and proves the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which must needs be, or death cannot be said to be destroyed, and by degrees returns to his subject again. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Not eternal death; for though that is abolished by Christ with respect to his own people, who shall never be hurt by it, and over whom it shall have no power; yet the wicked will always be subject to it, and under the dominion of it: but a corporeal one is here meant; which is an enemy, the fruit, effect, and wages of sin; the penalty and curse of the law; is contrary to human nature, and destructive of the work of God's hands: it is, indeed, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, become the friend of his people; it is disarmed of its sting, and ceases to be a penal evil; it is the saints' passage to glory, what frees them from the troubles of this world, and is their way to the joys of another; but yet in itself is formidable to nature, and disagreeable to it: and it is the last enemy; it is so both in its rise and duration; it appeared as an enemy last; Satan was the first enemy of mankind, who attacked, tempted, and ruined the first parents of human nature, and all their posterity in them; and by this means, sin, the next enemy, came into the world of men; and, last of all, death, with its numerous train of calamities, either going before, attending, or following of it: and as it was the last enemy that came into the world, it is the last that will go out of it; for when the saints are rid of Satan, and clear of sin, they will remain in the grave under the power of a corporeal death till the resurrection, and then that will be "destroyed": for the saints will be raised to an immortal life, never to die more, and to an enjoyment of everlasting life, in the utmost glory and happiness; and though the wicked when they rise, they will rise to damnation, to shame and contempt, yet their worm will never die, nor their fire be quenched; they will always live, though in torment, there will be no more corporeal death, neither among the righteous nor the wicked; it will be utterly abolished: and thus the apostle, though he seems to digress from his subject awhile, by relating the several things which will either immediately or quickly follow the second coming of Christ; yet at the same time has it in view, and proves the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which must needs be, or death cannot be said to be destroyed, and by degrees returns to his subject again. 1 Corinthians 15:27 co1 15:27 co1 15:27 co1 15:27For he hath put all things under his feet,.... This is a reason proving that all enemies, and death itself, shall be put under the feet of Christ, and is taken out of Psa 8:6 which is spoken of one that is styled man, and the son of man; and is to be understood not of Adam in a state of innocence; for the word there used signifies a frail mortal man, which he then was not, nor could he be called the son of man; and though the earth was subdued and subject to him, and he had dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowls of the air, and every living thing that moveth on the earth, yet all creatures were not subject to him in this large sense, in which it is here and elsewhere explained by the apostle; and much less of man in his fallen state, who instead of having all things under his feet, is become like the beasts that perish; many of them: are unsubdued to him, and he is even in fear of them, and he himself is subject to corruption and vanity: but of the man Christ Jesus, who took and bore all the sinless infirmities of human nature; is often called the son of man; of whom God was mindful, and whom lie visited in his state of humiliation, at the time of his death, resurrection, and exaltation; who was made through sufferings of death a little lower, or a little while lower than the angels, but now crowned with glory and honour; in whose days God ordained strength and praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, to the confusion of his enemies; and has put all things under his feet, which may elude all things animate and inanimate, the whole creation and universe of things, the world and its fulness, the earth and all that is therein, the beasts of the forest, and the cattle of a thousand hills; he is heir of the world, and has a right to it, and to dispose of it, not merely as the Creator, but as Mediator; it is put in subjection to him to make use of, and what is in it to subserve his mediatorial kingdom and his glory; when his ends are answered by it, the earth and all that is therein shall be burnt up, and a new earth arise out of it, in which Christ and his people will dwell: the air and all that is therein are under him; the fowls of it are at his dispose; he it was that rained feathered fowls as the sand of the sea, about the camp of the Israelites in the wilderness, and commanded the ravens to feed Elijah in distress; and who holds the winds in his fist, lets them loose, calls them in, and commands them at pleasure; as he also does the sea, and the boisterous waves of it, and has dominion over the fishes in it; one of those supplied him with money, to pay his tribute; and multitudes of them, more than once, were gathered together, and taken up by his order and direction; and at the last day, the sea at his command will give up the dead that are in it; yea, this may extend to all rational creatures, angels and men, friends or foes: good angels, principalities and powers, are subject to him, as appears by their attendance on him: at his incarnation, ascension, and second coming; by their ministration to him in the wilderness, and in the garden; by their employment under him, for the good of the heirs of salvation; by their dependence on him, as their Creator and head, and by their adoration of him as their Lord and God. Evil angels, the devils, are also put under his feet, as is evident from his overcoming Satan, and baffling all his temptations; by his dispossessing the devils out of the bodies of men, and giving his disciples also power over them; by his spoiling them at death, and triumphing over them in his ascension; by delivering his people out of their hands, and power, in conversion; and by his binding of Satan during the thousand years, and by casting him and his angels into everlasting fire prepared for them. Elect men are made subject to him, by the power of his grace upon them; and yet their subjection to him, to his Gospel ordinances, and the sceptre of his kingdom; is voluntary and from their hearts; it proceeds from a principle of love to him; and is universal, being a regard unto, and a compliance with all his precepts; and evil men are also under his dominion and control; he rules them with a rod of iron; he disappoints their counsels, restrains their wrath, overrules their evil designs and actions against his people for good; and will one day gather them all before him, pass the righteous sentence on them, and send them into everlasting punishment. Moreover, this may reach to everything that is for the glory of Christ as Mediator, and for the good of his church, and to every enemy of his or theirs, as the world, sin, Satan, and the last enemy, death; to prove the subjection of all which to Christ, this testimony is produced: and respects Christ as Mediator, and the Father's delivering all things into his hands, and giving him all power in heaven and in earth, and rule over all creatures and things; but when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him; that is, when David, or the Holy Spirit by him, said the above words, in Psa 8:6 nothing is more clear and evident, than that God the Father, who made all things subject to Christ as Mediator, is himself not subjected to him; since his power as such must be greater than his: this exception is made to secure the government, power, and honour of the Father; for though he has made his firstborn higher than the kings of the earth, yet not higher than himself; and though he has set him his King over his holy hill of Zion, yet not over himself; and though it is his will that all men should honour the Son, as they honour the Father, yet not above him, or more than he; nor has he quitted the government, either in the world or in the church, by subjecting all things to Christ: and this exception is also made to confirm the universal power and empire of Christ, for an exception to a general rule does but the more establish it; and since the Father is only excepted, it is a clear case, that he has left nothing that is not put under him; see Heb 2:8 but it must be observed, that though the Holy Spirit is not mentioned, yet he is equally excepted; since he is the one God with the Father, and was jointly concerned in the mission, unction, and installation of Christ, as Mediator; nor can he be reckoned among the all things put in subjection to Christ, for they regard only creatures, and many of these enemies, with neither of which the Spirit of God can be numbered; and though the gifts and graces of the Spirit are put into Christ's hands, and are at his dispose, yet the person of the Spirit can never be thought to be put under his feet.