Ephesians 1:20
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
19and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,20which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places - Gave him, as mediator between God and man, the highest honors and dignities, Phi 2:9; in which state of exaltation he transacts all the affairs of his Church, and rules the universe. The right hand is the place of friendship, honor, confidence, and authority.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in Christ--as our "first-fruits" of the resurrection, and Head, in virtue of God's mighty working in whom His power to us-ward is made possible and actual [ALFORD]. when he raised him--"in that He raised Him." The raising of Christ is not only an earnest of our bodies being hereafter raised, but has a spiritual power in it involving (by virtue of our living union with Him, as members with the Head) the resurrection, spiritually of the believer's soul now, and, consequently, of his body hereafter (Rom 6:8-11; Rom 8:11). The Son, too, as God (though not as man), had a share in raising His own human body (Joh 2:19; Joh 10:17-18). Also the Holy Spirit (Rom 1:4; Pe1 3:18). set him--Greek, "made Him sit." The glorious spirits stand about the throne of God, but they do not sit at God's right hand (Heb 1:13). at his own right hand-- (Psa 110:1). Where He remains till all His enemies have been put under His feet (Co1 15:24). Being appointed to "rule in the midst of His enemies" during their rebellion (Psa 110:2), He shall resign His commission after their subjection [PEARSON] (Mar 16:19; Heb 1:3; Heb 10:12). in the heavenly places-- (Eph 1:3). As Christ has a literal body, heaven is not merely a state, but a place; and where He is, there His people shall be (Joh 14:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,.... There are many articles of faith contained in this passage; as that Christ died, that he is raised from the dead, that he was raised from the dead by God the Father, and that his resurrection was by the power of God: the resurrection of any person is an instance of great power, but Christ's resurrection from the dead was an instance of peculiar and special power; for he was raised from the dead as a public person, representing all his people, for whom he became a surety; and he was raised again for their justification, and to great glory in himself, after he had been brought into a very low estate indeed: moreover, this passage in connection with the preceding verse suggests, that there is some proportion between the power put forth on Christ in raising him from the dead, and that which is exerted in the work of conversion and faith: there is some likeness between the things themselves, as well as in the display of power in them; Christ's resurrection is called a begetting, and he is styled the first begotten from the dead, and the regeneration of men is signified by a resurrection from the dead; as Christ's body was really dead, lifeless, and without motion, antecedent to his resurrection, so men, previous to conversion, are dead in trespasses and sins, and are destitute of spiritual life and motion; and as Christ's human nature could not help itself, could not raise itself, so neither can dead sinners convert themselves, or bring themselves out of that state and condition, in which they are by nature; and as the resurrection of Christ was the pure work of God, and a display of his almighty power, so the work of faith, of grace and conversion, is the entire work of God, which is begun, carried on, and finished wholly by his power; and as Christ's resurrection was in order to his glorification, so is the regeneration and conversion of men, in order to their enjoyment of the heavenly inheritance, as it follows: and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places; which is expressive of the great honour conferred upon the human nature of Christ, such as never was given to any of the angels, and of the glory it is exalted to; and shows that he has done his work on earth with acceptance, which he came about; and therefore is set down at his Father's right hand, where he enjoys rest and ease from his labours, and is out of the reach of every enemy; will never die again, but live for ever, to intercede for his people, to assist and protect them, and bring them where he is; and in whom, as their head and representative, they are already set down in the same heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:20
Spiritual Wisdom
19and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,20which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 6 of 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K46:46RecoveryEPH 1:20PHP 2:8In this sermon, the preacher explains the objective nature and meaning of the preaching of the word of God. He emphasizes that when a person truly understands and accepts the value of Christ's death and resurrection, they experience a sense of closeness and fellowship with God. This fellowship replaces enmity and separation, bringing a consciousness of union with God. The preacher highlights that Satan's ultimate objective is to alienate humanity from God, either by promoting self-sufficiency and independence or by fostering bitterness and rebellion. However, the cross of Jesus Christ destroys Satan's kingdom and restores the relationship between God and humanity.
The Church - Part 2
By Les Wheeldon1.4K1:06:13Church1CO 12:13EPH 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal surrender to Christ and yielding everything to Him. They highlight the contrast between churches that constantly plead for money and the Church of Christ, where monetary appeals are out of place because Christ is the head. The speaker shares their personal experience of knowing Christ intimately and emphasizes that the greatest thing one can know is that Christ becomes their personal head. They also discuss the significance of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and the need for churches to be governed by Christ through the agency of the Holy Ghost. The sermon concludes with the reminder that each generation must seek the will of Christ and walk in His plan for the church.
The Priority of Regeneration Part 2
By John Murray1.2K47:13RegenerationJHN 3:3ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 1:20TIT 3:5JAS 1:181PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the relationship between regeneration and responsibility in the context of the preaching of the word of God. The speaker emphasizes that our belief or knowledge of being regenerated should not be the basis for our actions, but rather the rule of God should guide our actions. The speaker also highlights that regeneration and responsibility are not mutually exclusive, and that we should not delay repentance and belief until we are regenerated. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding regeneration in both a restrictive and inclusive sense, as outlined in specific passages of the Bible.
(Pdf Book) the Greatest Secret
By Bakht Singh53700:00Resurrection PowerEbooksSpiritual GrowthEPH 1:20Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, which not only raised Him from the dead but also empowers believers to live victoriously. He explains that this power is essential for righteousness, the promise of immortal bodies, and overcoming daily trials through faith. Singh illustrates how believers can appropriate this resurrection power by understanding their union with Christ and living in obedience, humility, and worship. He highlights the ten appearances of Jesus after His resurrection as a means to reveal the secrets of experiencing this power in their lives. Ultimately, he calls believers to embrace this power for spiritual growth and to fulfill their calling in Christ.
Authority and Unbelief Part 2
By Phil Beach Jr.1040:09UnbeliefAuthority in ChristOvercoming UnbeliefMAT 6:10MAT 12:28MAT 28:18MRK 16:15LUK 10:19JHN 12:31EPH 1:20COL 1:16COL 2:14HEB 2:14Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the power of faith and the authority believers have through Christ, asserting that Satan has already been defeated at Calvary. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ, which grants them authority over darkness and empowers them to bring God's will to earth. The sermon highlights the importance of believing God's Word and living in the reality of Christ as our life, which enables believers to overcome the enemy and fulfill their purpose. Beach Jr. calls for a revolution in faith that will impact not just individuals but entire cities, urging the church to rise in its authority and proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit the Comforter
By Roy Hession0Comfort in ChristThe Holy SpiritISA 40:1JHN 16:14ROM 4:25ROM 7:10ROM 7:24EPH 1:20Roy Hession emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter for those who repent, transitioning from conviction of sin to the assurance of Christ's sufficiency. He illustrates how the Spirit comforts the contrite by revealing the finished work of Christ, encouraging believers to rest in His grace rather than striving for self-improvement. Hession highlights that the Holy Spirit's ministry is to lead us away from despair and towards the peace found in Jesus, who is clear of judgment. The Comforter not only addresses our sin but also provides for all our needs, empowering us for service through a renewed vision of Christ. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit invites us to come to Jesus, where we find true rest and strength.
Who Is Even at the Right Hand of God
By C.H. Spurgeon0Exaltation of ChristAssurance of SalvationROM 8:34EPH 1:20HEB 1:3C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the exalted position of Jesus Christ at the right hand of God, highlighting that He, once despised, is now honored and serves as the representative of His people. This position signifies not only majesty and favor but also the assurance of freedom from condemnation for believers. Spurgeon reassures the faithful that with Christ's power and authority, they are secure against any adversary, as He has triumphed over sin, death, and hell. The sermon calls believers to rest in the knowledge that their victory is assured through Jesus, their all-prevailing King.
A New Creature
By Thomas Watson0EZK 36:26JHN 3:3ROM 2:292CO 5:17EPH 1:20EPH 4:24COL 1:12HEB 11:61PE 1:3Thomas Watson preaches about the essence of true Christianity being a new creature in Christ, emphasizing the necessity of being grafted into Him by faith to experience a supernatural work of God's Spirit that renews and transforms the heart. He explains that the new creature is a work of divine power, greater than creating the world, and a display of God's free grace, infusing new qualities and restoring God's image lost by the fall. Watson highlights the importance of grieving, detesting, opposing, and mortifying old sins, as well as the need for a visible change in thoughts, affections, and actions to evidence the new creature. He urges the congregation to seek the new creature through the preaching of the Word, earnest prayer, and thankfulness for God's abundant mercy.
In the Heavenlies
By Daniel Steele0JHN 16:33EPH 1:3EPH 1:20EPH 2:6EPH 3:10EPH 5:18EPH 6:12Daniel Steele preaches about 'The Heavenlies,' a spiritual realm accessible to believers in Christ, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians. This heavenly realm is a place of spiritual blessings, holiness, and constant communion with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Despite the existence of infernal powers in 'The Heavenlies,' believers are victorious over them as they are strengthened by God's Spirit. The terms of admission into 'The Heavenlies' include being chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His love.
"Who Shall Ascend?"
By T. Austin-Sparks0JOB 42:6PSA 22:6PSA 24:3EPH 1:20PHP 3:13HEB 13:201PE 5:4REV 14:1T. Austin-Sparks delves into the profound question posed in Psalms 24:3 about who can ascend to the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place, providing an answer from Revelation 14:1-5 where the Lamb stands on mount Zion with a select group of 144,000. The sermon emphasizes the journey from the Cross to the glory, portraying the Lamb's victory and the company's complete oneness with Him. It highlights the end goal of God to have a company fully united with His Son, reflecting His nature and character, and serving a significant vocation in the ages to come.
Jehovah-Jesus, the Priest, Prince and Protector of His People
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 139:23MIC 5:4MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 14:1EPH 1:20HEB 1:3REV 15:3Thomas Bradbury preaches on the strength and majesty of the Lord as depicted in Micah 5:4, highlighting the dark times of error and idolatry faced by God's covenant people. He emphasizes the remnant of Jacob, despised and scattered, yet cherished by God. Bradbury reflects on the sufferings and glory of Jesus, the Judge of Israel, who sympathizes with His people's grief and provides for their every need. He exalts Christ as the Shepherd and Ruler who stands in the strength of the Lord, feeding and ruling over His flock with unwavering love and care, ensuring their eternal security and satisfaction in Him.
Satan's Moves and God's Countermoves
By W.H. Westcott0MAT 28:18ACT 1:11CO 15:4EPH 1:20W.H. Westcott preaches on the triumphant victory of God over Satan through Christ, despite the enemy's persistent efforts to thwart God's work by leading man into sin, rebellion, and rejection of Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead reveals God's ultimate power over evil, establishing goodness and truth at His right hand. The Holy Spirit's coming at Pentecost fulfills the promise of God, empowering believers to bear witness to Christ's life and forming a unified body of diverse individuals transformed from sinners to children of God, anticipating Christ's return and the ultimate defeat of evil through the Rapture.
Jesus Ascended to God
By Paul Bramsen0MRK 16:19ACT 1:4EPH 1:20HEB 4:141PE 3:22Paul Bramsen emphasizes the agreement between the Qur'an and the Bible regarding the ascension of Jesus, highlighting that both texts affirm Jesus is alive and presently with God. The sermon delves into the profound implications of Jesus' current state on how believers should live and approach God, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' presence with God. The vivid details of Jesus' ascension in the Bible are explored, showcasing the moment when Jesus was taken up into heaven before the disciples' eyes, promising to return in the same way. This truth of Jesus' current existence with God serves as a powerful reminder of His ongoing presence and authority in believers' lives.
Jesus, the Ultimate Example of Godly Exaltation
By Bob Hoekstra0ISA 9:7LUK 18:14ROM 14:11EPH 1:20PHP 2:81PE 5:6REV 19:11Bob Hoekstra preaches on the profound example of humility and exaltation demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who humbly surrendered to the Father's will, leading to the ultimate exaltation where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, salvation was secured for humanity, and God exalted Him above all names, raising Him victoriously from the dead and seating Him at the Father's right hand. Those who humbly bow and confess Jesus now will be exalted into heavenly realms and eventually share in His eternal exaltation, while those who resist will be separated from Him forever.
Zion, the Throne of God
By George Warnock0PSA 110:1MAT 28:18EPH 1:20HEB 10:12REV 3:21George Warnock preaches about the Messianic prophecy in Psalms 110:1, emphasizing how Christ currently reigns over the earth from the throne of God, subduing His enemies under His feet. Despite the presence of many enemies of God in the world, Christ's authority and power are complete and eternal, as He rules amidst opposition according to God's divine plan. Warnock highlights that believers are also being prepared for positions of authority, but only in union with Christ's throne, as even Christ's throne is inseparable from the Father's throne.
Of the Session of Christ at the Right-Hand of God.
By John Gill0Christ's ExaltationIntercession of ChristPSA 80:17PSA 110:1MAT 26:64ACT 2:33ACT 7:55ROM 8:33EPH 1:20COL 3:1HEB 12:21PE 3:22John Gill expounds on the significance of Christ's session at the right hand of God, emphasizing that this position follows His resurrection and ascension, fulfilling prophetic scripture. He illustrates that Christ's sitting at God's right hand symbolizes His honor, authority, and the completion of His redemptive work, providing believers with protection, intercession, and hope for His return. Gill explains that this session signifies Christ's ongoing reign and the assurance of His ultimate victory over all enemies, including sin and death. The sermon encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing Christ advocates for them and prepares a place in heaven. Ultimately, it highlights the profound implications of Christ's exaltation for the faith and lives of Christians.
King of Kings
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:23ISA 26:13MAT 28:18ACT 2:32ROM 1:4EPH 1:20PHP 3:211TI 3:16HEB 2:14REV 3:21J.C. Philpot preaches about the exalted state of Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father, emphasizing the profound display of wisdom, love, and grace in the union of human nature with the divine Person of the Son of God. He contrasts the debased condition of human nature due to sin with its future exalted state through Christ, highlighting the need for faith to grasp the reality of Jesus' current reign and the glorious transformation awaiting believers. Philpot delves into the significance of Jesus' enthronement as Zion's King, the authority and power bestowed upon Him, and the spiritual implications for believers in submitting to His rule and finding refuge and strength in His sovereignty.
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.
Christ in Heaven and Christ Within
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ's Work in BelieversBalance in Spiritual TruthROM 6:1EPH 1:20COL 1:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the duality of Christ's work: Christ in heaven and Christ within believers. He explains that while Christ's completed work in heaven assures believers of their perfect salvation, the subjective work of Christ within them is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Sparks warns against the dangers of overemphasizing either aspect, which can lead to spiritual shallowness, delayed maturity, and a lack of true transformation. He encourages believers to maintain a balance between the objective truth of their salvation and the subjective experience of Christ's life within them. Ultimately, understanding both aspects leads to a fuller realization of their identity in Christ and the hope of glory.
Some Distinctions of the Son of Man
By H.J. Vine0PSA 8:41CO 15:27EPH 1:20HEB 2:5REV 21:19H.J. Vine preaches on the unique distinctions of Jesus Christ as the Son of man, focusing on His glory and dominion as revealed in Psalms 8 and other Scriptures. Jesus, as the Son of man and Son of God, settled the question of sin on the cross, harmonizing God's attributes and bringing glory to God. Through His revelation and redemption, He reconciled us to God, setting us in His holy presence. The Scriptures progressively reveal His dominion over all creation, angels, and the eternal kingdom, culminating in His supreme majesty as Head over the universe.
Christology: Jesus Christ
By Greg Herrick0MAT 1:23JHN 1:1ACT 2:331CO 15:3EPH 1:20PHP 2:6COL 1:17HEB 2:14REV 19:16Greg Herrick delves into the comprehensive study of Christ, known as 'christology,' covering various aspects such as the preexistence of Christ, Old Testament prophecies about Christ, his humanity, deity, incarnation, temptations, sinlessness, death, resurrection, ascension, exaltation, return, three-fold office, and states. The sermon explores how Christ's preexistence is evident in the New Testament, the fulfillment of numerous prophecies in the Old Testament, the humanity and deity of Christ, the significance of his incarnation and kenosis, the impeccability of Christ, his sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, ascension, exaltation, and the future return of Christ as King of Kings.
The Spirit Glorifying Christ
By Andrew Murray0Glorifying ChristThe Role of the Holy SpiritJHN 13:32JHN 16:7JHN 16:14JHN 17:10EPH 1:20HEB 2:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of Christ's departure for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who glorifies Christ in the hearts of believers. He explains that the glorification of Christ occurs both in heaven by the Father and on earth by the Spirit, revealing Christ's hidden excellence and worth. Murray encourages believers to move beyond knowing Christ in the flesh to experiencing His glory through the Spirit's indwelling. He highlights that true glorification requires surrendering the old ways of knowing Christ and embracing the Spirit's transformative power. Ultimately, the Spirit's work leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the glorified Christ, filling believers with His glory.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places - Gave him, as mediator between God and man, the highest honors and dignities, Phi 2:9; in which state of exaltation he transacts all the affairs of his Church, and rules the universe. The right hand is the place of friendship, honor, confidence, and authority.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in Christ--as our "first-fruits" of the resurrection, and Head, in virtue of God's mighty working in whom His power to us-ward is made possible and actual [ALFORD]. when he raised him--"in that He raised Him." The raising of Christ is not only an earnest of our bodies being hereafter raised, but has a spiritual power in it involving (by virtue of our living union with Him, as members with the Head) the resurrection, spiritually of the believer's soul now, and, consequently, of his body hereafter (Rom 6:8-11; Rom 8:11). The Son, too, as God (though not as man), had a share in raising His own human body (Joh 2:19; Joh 10:17-18). Also the Holy Spirit (Rom 1:4; Pe1 3:18). set him--Greek, "made Him sit." The glorious spirits stand about the throne of God, but they do not sit at God's right hand (Heb 1:13). at his own right hand-- (Psa 110:1). Where He remains till all His enemies have been put under His feet (Co1 15:24). Being appointed to "rule in the midst of His enemies" during their rebellion (Psa 110:2), He shall resign His commission after their subjection [PEARSON] (Mar 16:19; Heb 1:3; Heb 10:12). in the heavenly places-- (Eph 1:3). As Christ has a literal body, heaven is not merely a state, but a place; and where He is, there His people shall be (Joh 14:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,.... There are many articles of faith contained in this passage; as that Christ died, that he is raised from the dead, that he was raised from the dead by God the Father, and that his resurrection was by the power of God: the resurrection of any person is an instance of great power, but Christ's resurrection from the dead was an instance of peculiar and special power; for he was raised from the dead as a public person, representing all his people, for whom he became a surety; and he was raised again for their justification, and to great glory in himself, after he had been brought into a very low estate indeed: moreover, this passage in connection with the preceding verse suggests, that there is some proportion between the power put forth on Christ in raising him from the dead, and that which is exerted in the work of conversion and faith: there is some likeness between the things themselves, as well as in the display of power in them; Christ's resurrection is called a begetting, and he is styled the first begotten from the dead, and the regeneration of men is signified by a resurrection from the dead; as Christ's body was really dead, lifeless, and without motion, antecedent to his resurrection, so men, previous to conversion, are dead in trespasses and sins, and are destitute of spiritual life and motion; and as Christ's human nature could not help itself, could not raise itself, so neither can dead sinners convert themselves, or bring themselves out of that state and condition, in which they are by nature; and as the resurrection of Christ was the pure work of God, and a display of his almighty power, so the work of faith, of grace and conversion, is the entire work of God, which is begun, carried on, and finished wholly by his power; and as Christ's resurrection was in order to his glorification, so is the regeneration and conversion of men, in order to their enjoyment of the heavenly inheritance, as it follows: and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places; which is expressive of the great honour conferred upon the human nature of Christ, such as never was given to any of the angels, and of the glory it is exalted to; and shows that he has done his work on earth with acceptance, which he came about; and therefore is set down at his Father's right hand, where he enjoys rest and ease from his labours, and is out of the reach of every enemy; will never die again, but live for ever, to intercede for his people, to assist and protect them, and bring them where he is; and in whom, as their head and representative, they are already set down in the same heavenly places.