Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to Ephesians · About this commentary
Head Over All Things
Ephesians 1:20-23
20 which he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, · WEB
The measure of God's power is given as one past event, and the chapter ends by making the church the body of the one seated above every authority.
The power of the previous verse is measured by what he worked in Christ, and two acts are named: raising him from the dead, and seating him at his right hand in the heavenly places — the second occurrence of the letter's distinctive phrase Ephesians 1:3.
Verse 21 then piles up the authorities he is above: rule, authority, power, dominion, and every name that is named. The last is the widest possible clause, and the letter adds a time span to it — not only in this age but in the one coming. Whatever powers exist and whatever they are called, present or future, the seating is above them.
That matters for chapter 6, where the readers are told they wrestle against principalities and powers in that same realm Ephesians 6:12. The enemy is named as real and located in the region where Christ is already enthroned.
Verse 22 supplies the purpose, and it is the surprise of the chapter. All things are put under his feet, and he is given as head over all things for the assembly. The universal headship is stated as being for the benefit of a particular body of people.
And verse 23 identifies that body: which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. The metaphor has consequences the letter will draw out — a body grows Ephesians 4:16, is fitted together, and can be damaged by what its members say to one another.
The chapter that began before the foundation of the world ends in a congregation.
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