How does Ephesians 1:21 connect to Philippians 2:9-11 about Christ's exaltation? Setting the Stage • Paul is talking about Jesus' exaltation in both letters, but from two slightly different angles. • Ephesians 1:21 zooms in on Christ’s position—“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.” • Philippians 2:9-11 shows the response to that position—God “gave Him the name above all names” so that every knee bows and every tongue confesses. Reading the Key Verses Together • Ephesians 1:21: “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.” • Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The Scope of Christ’s Exaltation • Ephesians emphasizes the extent: “far above all… in the present age and the one to come.” • Philippians emphasizes the height: “to the highest place.” • Together they declare an unlimited, unending supremacy—no realm or era escapes His authority. Name Above Every Name • Ephesians: “every name that is named.” • Philippians: “the name above all names.” • Reinforced by Colossians 1:16-18—“in Him all things were created… so that in everything He might have the supremacy.” • Hebrews 1:3-4 echoes: “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… He has inherited a name superior to the angels.” Universal Submission • Ephesians implies every power is under Him. • Philippians shows every being acknowledges Him: – “in heaven” (angels), – “on earth” (humanity), – “under the earth” (the departed and defeated powers). • Psalm 110:1 foretold this: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool.” • Daniel 7:13-14 pictures an everlasting dominion given to the Son of Man—fulfilled in Jesus. Heavenly Enthronement and Authority • Ephesians 1:22 adds, “God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.” • Philippians 2:9’s “highest place” matches Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • 1 Peter 3:22 ties the themes: Jesus “has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.” Why the Two Texts Fit Together • Ephesians tells us where Christ is positioned; Philippians tells us why everyone must respond. • The same Spirit inspired Paul to show: – Position (Ephesians 1) → Possession of unmatched authority. – Response (Philippians 2) → Inevitable worship and confession. Living in Light of His Exaltation • Confidence: Our Lord already reigns “far above” every rival power. • Hope: His rule spans “the age to come,” guaranteeing the future. • Worship: Every knee will bow—wisdom starts by bowing now. • Mission: Because “all authority” is His, we make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) under His unstoppable kingship. |
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