Resurrection Power

 

We need the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and revelation in our knowledge of God, that we may know the immeasurable greatness of God’s power. This power is for us who believe. It’s the power that raised Jesus from the dead, enthroned him over his enemies, effected his absolute victory, and gave him as the head of all things to the church. 

      I. God’s power to raise Christ (1:20b) 

            A. “out from among the dead (plural)” (cf. Rom. 6:4) 

            B. The law of sin and of death (cf. Gen. 5:1, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, 31; Rom. 5:12-14; 8:2) 

Hoehner. The plural for the “dead” is normal and the preposition indicates separation; thus, Christ was raised out of all those who had died and who remain buried in the earth.  

      II. God’s power to enthrone Christ (1:20c-21; cf. Matt. 26:64; Rom. 1:4) 

            A. Sovereignty (1:20c) 

Hoehner. The location of this is seen in the prepositional phrase “in the heavenlies.” As discussed at verse 3, this prepositional phrase, unique to Ephesians, is used five times (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12) and denotes the place where God dwells. From there every spiritual benefit is derived (1:3). This prepositional phrase only reinforces that Christ is seated in the presence of God at his right hand. However, as Lincoln points out, one must not equate the functions of “at the right hand” and “in the heavenlies” because the former is a symbol of sovereignty. This is in contrast to the position of believers (2:6) and satanic forces (6:12) who are in the heavenlies, but neither are at the right hand of God. This is reserved only for Christ. It displays sovereignty at the present time and indicates his authority over the world and the church. This will be seen further in verse 22. The main point of the passage, then, is that God exercised his power in raising Christ and then seated him at his right hand. This is an exalted position with all authority (cf. Matt. 28:18) and this same power is available to believers to appropriate in their lives.  

            B. Dominion (1:21; cf. Eph. 6:11-12; Heb. 1:3, 4, 13; 8:1, 10:12, 13; 12:1, 2) 

      III. God’s power to make Christ victorious (1:22-23) 

Psa. 110:1 ¶ The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” 

            A. Subjugation of all things to Christ’s reign (1:22a) 

(Cf. Psa. 110:1; 8:3-8; Heb. 2:6-9; 1 Cor. 15:24-28, 45, 47; Rom. 5:14) 

Hoehner. The metaphorical language “under his feet” has the idea of victory over enemies. It is used of the winner of a duel who places his foot on the neck of his enemy who has been thrown to the ground, like Joshua who had his generals place their feet on the necks of the five defeated Amorite kings (Josh. 10:24; cf. 2 Sam. 22:39). Similarly, everything is subjected under Christ’s feet, meaning that everything is currently under his control, both friends and enemies. This coincides with 1 Peter 3:22 where it states that Christ has gone to heaven and is at the right hand of God, having the angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 

            B. God’s gift of the Victorious King to the church (1:22b-23) 

Hoehner. It is God who gave Christ to the church and Christ who fills the church; thus, he is the means. As God fills Christ with the fullness of moral excellence and power, so Christ fills the church with the fullness of moral excellence and power. Therefore, the main assertion in this verse is that Christ is the agent who fills the church, as opposed to the relationship of God to the saints or to the church. 

Lenski. As its spiritual head . . . The Vine has its “fullness” in the branches; the Christ cannot have his “fullness” in any save the Christians, the church. The very paradox demands that “fullness” be taken in the active sense: we are “that which fills” him who “fills” all the things.  

Conclusion: Why do we need this power? (cf. Rom. 7:21-25; 8:1-2) 

            A. Power toward us through union with Christ. 

                  1. The power of resurrection is ours in union with Christ. 

                        a. Physical resurrection (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:20; 2 Cor. 4:14) 

                        b. Spiritual resurrection (cf. Eph. 2:4-7; Col. 2:12) 

                  2. The power of enthronement is ours in union with Christ. (Eph. 2:6)

Hoehner. This is an exalted position with all authority (cf. Matt. 28:18) and this same power is available to believers to appropriate in their lives.  

            B. Power appropriated through union with Christ 

                  1. Paul’s desire for himself (Phil. 3:7-12) 

                  2. Paul’s desire for the church (Rom. 6:1-4) 

            C. The immeasurable greatness of God’s power toward us who believe (Eph. 3:14-21)

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