Ephesians 1:22
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
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.22And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And hath put all things under his feet - All beings and things are subject to him, whether they be thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers, Col 1:16-18; Col 2:10; for he, God the Father, has given him to be head - chief, and supreme, over all, to the Church, the Church having no ruler but Jesus Christ; others may be officers in his Church, but he alone is head and supreme.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
put . . . under--Greek, "put in subjection under" (Psa 8:6; Co1 15:27). gave . . . to the church--for her special advantage. The Greek order is emphatic: "HIM He gave as Head over all things to the Church." Had it been anyone save HIM, her Head, it would not have been the boon it is to the Church. But as He is Head over all things who is also her Head (and she the body), all things are hers (Co1 3:21-23). He is OVER ("far above") all things; in contrast to the words, "TO the Church," namely, for her advantage. The former are subject; the latter is joined with Him in His dominion over them. "Head" implies not only His dominion, but our union; therefore, while we look upon Him at the right hand of God, we see ourselves in heaven (Rev 3:21). For the Head and body are not severed by anything intervening, else the body would cease to be the body, and the Head cease to be the Head [PEARSON from CHRYSOSTOM].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And hath put all things under his feet,.... These words are taken out of Psa 8:6. See Gill on Co1 15:27. And gave him to be the head over all things to the church; the Vulgate Latin version reads, "and gave him to be the head over every church", or "all the church"; the Ethiopic version, "the whole church"; which intends not barely professors of religion, or a family of faithful persons, or a particular congregation, in which sense the word is sometimes used; but the whole body of God's elect, the church, which is built on Christ the rock, for which he gave himself, and which is the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven: Christ is an head to this church; in what sense he is so; see Gill on Co1 11:3. And this headship of Christ is the gift of God; and it is an honourable gift to him, as Mediator; it is a glorifying of him, and a giving him in all things the pre-eminence; and it is a free grace gift to the church, and a very special, valuable, and excellent one, and of infinite benefit and advantage to it; and which is expressed in his being head "over all things" to it; to overrule all things for its good; to communicate all good things to it; and to perform all the good offices of an head for it: the Syriac version reads, "and him who is above all things, he gave to be the head to the church" even him who is God over all, blessed for evermore.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:22 under the authority of Christ (literally under his feet): In pictures from the ancient Near East, victorious kings have their feet on the necks of their defeated enemies. Paul is graphically picturing the way Christ has defeated all his enemies and reigns as king of all things (see Ps 110:1; 1 Cor 15:25-28).
Ephesians 1:22
Spiritual Wisdom
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.22And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Stephen Kaung's Personal Testimony
By Stephen Kaung1.9K1:06:42Personal TestimonyMAT 6:24LUK 9:62LUK 14:28LUK 14:33ACT 2:421CO 12:12EPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his journey in serving the Lord and the struggles he faced. He emphasizes the importance of returning to simplicity and unity in the church. The speaker recounts a pivotal moment when he heard a message on counting the cost before following the Lord. This led him to deeply consider his commitment and surrender to God's will. Despite his initial hesitation, the speaker eventually recognized the need to fully devote himself to the Lord and began serving alongside other believers.
K-282 the Mystery of the Gentile Church
By Art Katz1.9K58:05GentilesEPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and significance of one verse in the Bible. He highlights that this verse, spoken by Paul, encapsulates the entire purpose of creation, which is for the church. The speaker acknowledges that answering this call to fulfill the apostolic vision will require sacrifice and opposition from worldly powers. However, he encourages the audience to embrace this calling and face any adversity with grace and praise, trusting in God's guidance.
(Presenting Christ #3) Fullness and Glory
By Dana Congdon1.6K1:26:12Glory Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:42EPH 1:9EPH 1:22HEB 12:2REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to pursue the glory of God, even in the midst of tribulation. He emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility and owning up to one's own faults. The speaker also highlights the urgency of the times, urging the church to be ready for the Lord's return and to gather people to Him. The sermon concludes with a vision of the church in fullness, inviting others to come and experience the beauty of the Lord.
Why Christ Died and God Raised Him From the Dead
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K39:41Christ's DeathMAT 7:6MAT 9:12JHN 17:2EPH 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of living a life ruled by sin, which leads to ruin and eternal judgment. On the other hand, being under the sweet and loving God as Lord brings joy and peace in this life. The preacher highlights that everything in this world belongs to God, and being right with Him is essential for true peace. The sermon also addresses the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and the danger of preaching a distorted version of the gospel, which has led to the decline of true evangelism and revival.
Anabaptist History (Day 9) the Martydom of Michael Sattler and the Schleitheim Confession
By Dean Taylor1.1K1:26:22EPH 1:22This sermon discusses the significance of the Schleitheim Confession and highlights key figures like Leonard Schemer and Pilgrim Marpeck. It emphasizes the incorporation of all believers into the body of Christ, the importance of being conformed into the image of Christ, and the unity of believers chosen out of the world despite being despised. The sermon also addresses the challenges of false brethren introducing harmful beliefs and the need to stay true to the faith.
The Church How Jesus Builds It
By Bob Hoekstra1.0K1:04:24MAT 16:18EPH 1:22This sermon delves into the topic of 'The Church, How Jesus Builds It,' emphasizing the importance of understanding the foundational scriptures outlining the nature, purpose, and function of the church. It contrasts man's methods of building the church with Jesus' promise to build His church, highlighting the need for the church to align with God's Word and rely on Jesus as the ultimate builder. The sermon also explores the significance of believers being equipped for ministry through the Word of God and the essential role of love in all aspects of ministry.
06 - True Unity in the Body of Christ
By Ben Torrey87308:56True UnityEPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Drawing from passages in the Bible such as 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, the speaker highlights the idea that believers are all connected to one another in a tight, organic bond, just like the members of a body. The speaker emphasizes that every separation and division within the church has caused deep and painful wounds in the body of Jesus Christ. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on the significance of unity and urges believers to seek greater unity in humility and love, working towards the restoration of relationships and reconciliation among the different parts of the broken and wounded body of Christ.
The Church: How Jesus Builds It #2 - the Head and the Body
By Bob Hoekstra53446:11ACT 2:47EPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of quantitative growth in the church. He highlights that the Lord adds to the church by saving people and bringing them out of sin and darkness into Christ. The speaker also points out that many churches have members who do not know the Lord, emphasizing the need for true spiritual growth. The sermon explores the relationship between Jesus as the head of the church and the church as His body, emphasizing that the authority, direction, and growth of the church lie with Him.
Church, the Reigning Christ Is for You
By Tim Conway48855:36PSA 8:6EPH 1:22PHP 2:9COL 1:29HEB 2:8This sermon delves into Ephesians chapter 1, emphasizing the richness of its content and the significance of understanding the power and authority given to believers through Christ. It highlights the unity between Christ as the Head and the Church as His body, emphasizing the exalted human nature of Jesus and the power available to believers through Him. The sermon encourages living in the reality of Christ's reign and the victory over sin and challenges believers to embrace the power at work within them to live a victorious Christian life.
Why God Made Man - Part 5 of 6
By Paris Reidhead4541:03:15PurposeEPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. He shares his personal experience of realizing his need for salvation and how he dedicated his life to becoming a missionary. However, upon reaching the mission field, he realizes that he is not as spiritually strong as he had hoped. The speaker then discusses the concept of temptation and the need to find a way of escape from the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. He encourages the audience to seek God's guidance and find victory over sin through being born again and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Cross and the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church as the Body of ChristThe Role of the Cross in the ChurchEPH 1:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the integral relationship between the Cross and the Church, asserting that the Church is the primary vessel through which the fullness of Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the promise of Christ's return are expressed. He warns against separating these doctrines from the Church, as doing so leads to a disembodied faith lacking true vitality and purpose. The Church, as the Body of Christ, is not defined by earthly distinctions or denominational lines but is a spiritual entity that embodies Christ's life and mission. Sparks highlights the necessity of recognizing the Church's organic nature and the importance of the Cross in facilitating a true expression of Christ within the Church. Ultimately, he calls for believers to embrace the transformative power of the Cross to fully realize their identity and purpose within the Church.
The Local Church and Revival
By James A. Stewart0ACT 17:6ACT 2:41ACT 4:33ACT 5:1EPH 1:22James A. Stewart emphasizes that true revival, as seen in the New Testament, involves renewals from within local churches, elevating them to a higher spiritual position. Revival is not merely about large evangelistic gatherings but about bringing a mighty spiritual atmosphere back to the local churches. The early Church in Acts exemplified a powerful revival, characterized by steadfastness, adherence to doctrine, fervent prayer, overflowing generosity and praise, and a demonstration of the gospel with signs and wonders, all empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Of Christ, as the Covenant-Head of the Elect.
By John Gill0Christ as HeadCovenant TheologyEPH 1:4EPH 1:22John Gill expounds on Christ as the Covenant-Head of the Elect, emphasizing His role as the representative of all believers in the covenant of grace. He illustrates how Christ, as the Head of the Church, provides life, nourishment, and protection to His members, akin to a natural head's relationship with its body. Gill explains that all the elect were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, and the promises and blessings of the covenant were made to them through Him. He further highlights that Christ's obedience and suffering were not for Himself but as the federal Head of His people, ensuring their justification and resurrection in Him. Ultimately, Gill reassures that all things are under Christ's authority for the good of His church, securing the safety of believers in Him.
The Fellowship of the Mystery
By Raymond Golsworthy0ACT 2:44ACT 6:1ACT 11:231CO 1:101CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 1:22EPH 3:9PHP 2:4Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the importance of unity in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the concept of the church as one body, all believers being baptized into this one body by the Spirit. He addresses the mystery of God's plan for unity among believers, highlighting the dangers of divisions within the church, especially the recent trend of gaps between old and young Christians. Golsworthy urges for a return to the early church's unity and fellowship, cautioning against the acceptance of divisions that weaken the church's witness and power.
The Visible Church
By J.H. Newman0MAT 28:19ACT 2:421CO 12:27EPH 1:221TI 3:15J.H. Newman discusses the visible Church of CHRIST as a congregation of faithful men where the pure Word of GOD is preached and the Sacraments are duly administered, reflecting the One Holy Catholic Church diffused throughout the world. The Article describes the Catholic Church as a society of the faithful, as seen in various historical references from St. Clement of Alexandria to Pope Pius II. It emphasizes the Church's unity and the ministration of the Word and Sacraments as essential characteristics.
The Christian Church
By David Shelby Corlett0MAT 5:13ACT 20:281CO 12:13EPH 1:22EPH 3:141TI 3:15HEB 12:23JAS 5:14David Shelby Corlett preaches about the Church of God, emphasizing that it is composed of spiritually regenerate individuals whose names are written in heaven, and it is a spiritual organism where believers are incorporated by the Spirit. The Church belongs to Christ, purchased by His blood, and is called the Bride of Christ. Its mission is to be the pillar and ground of truth, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, proclaiming the gospel of Christ. The Church is to be composed of regenerate individuals associated for holy fellowship and ministries, with the Church of the Nazarene seeking Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, and the preaching of the gospel to every creature.
The Clergy: From God or Man?
By Stan Thompson0JOB 32:21PSA 23:1PSA 111:9LUK 10:71CO 12:71CO 14:33EPH 1:221TI 5:19REV 2:6Stan Thompson challenges the traditional clergy-laity system by emphasizing the importance of following God's Word over man-made traditions and denominational teachings. He highlights the need for believers to recognize Christ as the only head of the Church and to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in decision-making and ministry. Thompson addresses the concept of worship, ministry, pastors, offices, and the sin against the Holy Spirit, urging believers to prioritize God's design for the Church over human structures and titles.
The Body of Christ: A Reality
By Watchman Nee0The Body of ChristUnity in the ChurchEPH 1:22Watchman Nee emphasizes the reality of the body of Christ, asserting that it is not merely an abstract concept but a living experience that believers should actively engage in. He highlights that Christ is the head of the church, and the body of Christ is a vital, life-giving entity that requires a deep, personal relationship among its members and with Christ. Nee encourages believers to move beyond theoretical understanding and to embrace the body of Christ as a daily reality, governed by its own divine laws. He prays for wisdom and strength for all who seek to live in this reality, urging them to recognize the importance of their connection to one another and to Christ. Ultimately, the body of Christ is a manifestation of life that should be experienced and lived out in the community of believers.
Christ the Head of the Body
By Robert Hawker0JHN 1:16EPH 1:22COL 1:18HEB 2:14HEB 4:15Robert Hawker preaches on the profound truth that Jesus is the head of His body, the church, emphasizing the intimate union believers have with Christ. Through His representation and assumption of human nature, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and shares in the experiences of His people, providing comfort and support in every trial. As the source of life and fullness, Christ supplies all the needs of His body, pouring out awakening, justifying, sanctifying grace, and eternal blessings upon His beloved members.
The Eternal Purpose of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church as the Body of ChristEternal Purpose of GodEPH 1:4EPH 1:11EPH 1:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the eternal purpose of God as revealed in Ephesians, focusing on the church as the body of Christ, which is called to fulfill God's sovereign will. He discusses the significance of God's will, purpose, and the means by which the church is to realize its calling, highlighting the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. Sparks illustrates this with the story of Esther, drawing parallels between her role and the church's mission to embody Christ's fullness. He concludes by stressing the obligation of believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting Christ's love and humility in all relationships.
Christ Is Still King
By David Wilkerson0Christ's AuthorityThe Lordship of JesusPSA 121:1ISA 9:6MAT 28:18JHN 18:36ROM 14:11EPH 1:22PHP 2:9COL 1:161TI 6:15REV 19:16David Wilkerson emphasizes that Christ is still King over all nations and nature, despite the apparent chaos and rejection of His authority in society and the Church. He highlights the alarming trend of Christians and churches turning away from Christ's lordship and relying on worldly wisdom instead. Wilkerson urges believers to recognize the importance of enthroning Christ in their hearts, as the consequences of dethroning Him lead to spiritual decline. He reminds us that God has placed all things under Jesus' feet, and we must acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives. The call to action is clear: put Christ back on the throne of your heart and live in His power.
God's Mind About the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0SpiritualityThe ChurchEPH 1:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Church in God's divine plan, asserting that individual Christians alone cannot fully engage with spiritual forces without the corporate body of the Church. He highlights that true spirituality is rooted in understanding God's mind about the Church, as revealed in the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. Despite the visible shortcomings of the Church, the Apostle Paul maintained a triumphant spirit because he grasped God's ultimate purpose for the Church. This inward revelation empowers believers to rise above disappointment and despair, recognizing the eternal reality of the Church that transcends temporal appearances. Ultimately, a true spiritual understanding leads to dynamic impact and resilience in ministry.
The Church - the Body of Christ
By Zac Poonen0MAT 16:18JHN 13:351CO 12:12EPH 1:22COL 3:14Zac Poonen emphasizes that the church is not a physical building or a denomination but rather an assembly of people called out of the world to be God's possession. Believers worldwide who have responded to God's call to separate from sin and the world form the Body of Christ, with each local gathering meant to express this unity. By reflecting Jesus collectively, believers can show the world the totality of Christ, as each member complements the strengths and weaknesses of others, highlighting the importance of love and submission within the church.
The Church the Body of Christ
By Elijah Goodwin0MAT 1:23JHN 1:1JHN 1:3ROM 6:31CO 11:31CO 12:12GAL 3:27EPH 1:22EPH 5:23COL 1:18HEB 1:101JN 4:11Elijah Goodwin preaches about the significance of Christ as the head of the church, emphasizing His supremacy in various biblical figures and the pre-eminence He should have in all aspects. The sermon delves into the character of Christ, highlighting His divine nature as the creator and upholder of all things, and the unity that exists between Christ as the head and the church as His body. Practical reflections are drawn on the importance of loving one another, honoring Christ, cooperating for the church's welfare, maintaining purity, and the assurance of resurrection for the members of Christ's body.
We Beheld His Glory - Volume 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Person of ChristUnion with ChristJHN 1:12JHN 1:14EPH 1:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of the Gospel of John, highlighting that it uniquely presents Christ as the Son of God and the importance of union with Him. He explains that the manifestation of Christ is characterized by grace and truth, which the Church is called to embody. Sparks points out that the Gospel addresses the religious intellectualism of Judea, where the true testimony of Jesus is often obscured by tradition. He stresses that the essence of the Testimony of Jesus is not merely in teachings but in a living union with Him, which should reflect life, light, and love. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper personal relationship with Christ, urging believers to manifest His grace and truth in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And hath put all things under his feet - All beings and things are subject to him, whether they be thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers, Col 1:16-18; Col 2:10; for he, God the Father, has given him to be head - chief, and supreme, over all, to the Church, the Church having no ruler but Jesus Christ; others may be officers in his Church, but he alone is head and supreme.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
put . . . under--Greek, "put in subjection under" (Psa 8:6; Co1 15:27). gave . . . to the church--for her special advantage. The Greek order is emphatic: "HIM He gave as Head over all things to the Church." Had it been anyone save HIM, her Head, it would not have been the boon it is to the Church. But as He is Head over all things who is also her Head (and she the body), all things are hers (Co1 3:21-23). He is OVER ("far above") all things; in contrast to the words, "TO the Church," namely, for her advantage. The former are subject; the latter is joined with Him in His dominion over them. "Head" implies not only His dominion, but our union; therefore, while we look upon Him at the right hand of God, we see ourselves in heaven (Rev 3:21). For the Head and body are not severed by anything intervening, else the body would cease to be the body, and the Head cease to be the Head [PEARSON from CHRYSOSTOM].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And hath put all things under his feet,.... These words are taken out of Psa 8:6. See Gill on Co1 15:27. And gave him to be the head over all things to the church; the Vulgate Latin version reads, "and gave him to be the head over every church", or "all the church"; the Ethiopic version, "the whole church"; which intends not barely professors of religion, or a family of faithful persons, or a particular congregation, in which sense the word is sometimes used; but the whole body of God's elect, the church, which is built on Christ the rock, for which he gave himself, and which is the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven: Christ is an head to this church; in what sense he is so; see Gill on Co1 11:3. And this headship of Christ is the gift of God; and it is an honourable gift to him, as Mediator; it is a glorifying of him, and a giving him in all things the pre-eminence; and it is a free grace gift to the church, and a very special, valuable, and excellent one, and of infinite benefit and advantage to it; and which is expressed in his being head "over all things" to it; to overrule all things for its good; to communicate all good things to it; and to perform all the good offices of an head for it: the Syriac version reads, "and him who is above all things, he gave to be the head to the church" even him who is God over all, blessed for evermore.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:22 under the authority of Christ (literally under his feet): In pictures from the ancient Near East, victorious kings have their feet on the necks of their defeated enemies. Paul is graphically picturing the way Christ has defeated all his enemies and reigns as king of all things (see Ps 110:1; 1 Cor 15:25-28).