How does 1 Peter 3:22 connect with Ephesians 1:20-21 about Christ's exaltation? Unpacking 1 Peter 3:22 “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.” • Peter looks past the cross and resurrection to the triumph: Jesus has “gone into heaven.” • “At the right hand of God” pictures supreme honor and unrestricted authority (cf. Psalm 110:1). • Every created spiritual force—“angels, authorities, and powers”—now submits to Him. Echoes of Ephesians 1:20-21 “[God] raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far 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.” • Both passages: “raised/seated” and “gone into heaven” describe the same enthronement event. • Each lists unseen hierarchies—“rule and authority, power and dominion” / “angels, authorities, and powers”—all placed beneath Christ. • Paul adds “every name that is named,” expanding Peter’s list to include every conceivable rival. One Throne, One Sovereign • Psalm 110:1 foretold the Messiah seated at God’s right hand; Peter and Paul declare the prophecy fulfilled. • Acts 2:33-36 links the heavenly seating to Jesus’ lordship: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” • Hebrews 1:3-4 reinforces the theme: the Son “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… superior to the angels.” What Christ’s Exaltation Means for Believers • Guaranteed victory: Colossians 2:15—He “disarmed the rulers and authorities.” • Unshakable security: Romans 8:34—our Advocate intercedes “at the right hand of God.” • Shared authority: Ephesians 2:6—God “seated us with Him in the heavenly realms.” Living in the Light of His Supreme Reign • Confidence in witness: if every power bows to Jesus, we need not fear opposition (1 Peter 3:14-16). • Hope in suffering: His path went through unjust suffering to glory; ours follows the same trajectory (1 Peter 4:13-14). • Submission and obedience: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), because the enthroned Christ is the ultimate audience. Key Takeaways to Remember • 1 Peter 3:22 and Ephesians 1:20-21 describe the same exaltation—Christ seated at God’s right hand. • Every spiritual and earthly authority is already subject to Him. • His enthronement secures our salvation, empowers our mission, and guarantees His final victory. |
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