Ephesians 1:20-23, Christ’s Authority

Tonight we are discussing Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving found in Ephesians 1:15-23. This prayer ends with Paul once more extolling the power of God demonstrated in and through Christ Jesus. If you have time today, also please read through 1 Corinthians 15 and Colossians 1:15-20 where Paul uses similar language and imagery.

God’s Power: (v.19-20)

As we discussed recently in our reading of the Christological Hymn of Philippians 2:6-11, it is God the Father who acts powerfully and decisively in the resurrection of Jesus. It is God who brings about the Resurrection, and this act is the clearest demonstration of God’s power. v.20. If God can bring about the Resurrection then God has the power to do anything. (And, as Paul previously wrote, if God did not bring about the Resurrection, then our faith is in vain. 1 Cor. 15:14.)

The Exaltation: (v.20)

God’s power is further demonstrated in his exaltation of Christ Jesus who he places at his right hand above all things in the heavenly places. This is similar to John’s vision in Revelation 4 and 5, and draws heavily from the language of Psalm 8:6 and 110:1. Think about a king (like Caesar Augustus or Yul Brynner in the “Ten Commandments”) sitting in glory on his throne and surrounded by his courtiers, provincial governors, military leaders, vassals and anyone else that holds any power and authority. The king then calls forth someone, declares this person to be his son, places him at his right hand demonstrating that this person is the king’s successor, and then gives this person direct authority over everyone present. This is Paul’s vision of Jesus’ exaltation.

All Means All: (v.22)

Paul tells us that Jesus has power over all things. All things are placed under his feet and he is over all things. v.22. Paul writes that the only exception to the word “all” is God himself, and that “all” encompasses everything including all enemies of God and even death itself. 1 Cor. 15:20-28. This is why every knee will bow at the mention of Jesus – in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Phil. 2:10. Because all things are subject to Jesus, he has the power to give life to all people and to bring about the reconciliation of all things to himself and to God both on earth and in heaven. Col. 1:20, Rom. 5:18, 1 Cor. 15:28. With the exception of God, Jesus power is absolute.

The Church: (v.22-23)

Jesus is the head of the church, and the church is his body. v.22-23. Paul goes on to write that the church is the “fullness of him who fills all in all.” v.23. (Paul will use this same language “all in all” in  1 Corinthians 15:28.) Paul is telling his audience that the church is filled by this same Christ who is over all things. Christ gives the church (its members) the same power and life that he has been given by God so that the church may experience this power as Paul will later describe in Chapter 2. Paul is also telling his audience that the church fills out and completes Christ’s body. The church is the extension of Christ on earth and this is where the world can find the divine presence and likewise participate in the power and life given by God.

Dinner is at 6. The menu is chicken pesto over spaghetti squash. Discussion about 6:45. Compline at 8. Hope to see you here!

What is man that you should be mindful of him?
   the son of man that you should seek him out?
You have made him but little lower than the angels;  
   you adorn him with glory and honor;
You give him mastery over the works of your hands;
   you put all things under his feet.
Hebrews 2:6-8 quoting Psalm 8:5-7