Ephesians 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of His might NHEB
Although quite common throughout the Roman Empire, magic and other dark powers were especially noteworthy in Ephesus as it was the home of the Temple of Artemis. (There is some confusion out there regarding her role but Artemis is a rather multi-faceted goddess who oversees the crossroads or transition. With death as the ultimate crossroads, you certainly wanted her on your side if you were a first century pagan). In contrast, Paul wants us to know about the power of God, especially when everyone else seems to be accessing different powers. This power conversation will set the context for what is coming up as we need to understand the magnitude of God’s power in light of these opposing powers.
Ephesians 1:20 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, NHEB
There are additional saving works that are proclaimed by the New Testament beyond Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. One is Ascension at which is when Christ is placed at God’s right hand in the heavenly places. John Calvin’s explanation is that the Ascension was not about Christ going somewhere but rather about Him becoming something. Jesus is now consolidating the victory of the cross against sin, death and the devil.
In our day to day lives, it doesn’t quite feel like victory when we still sin and are still subject to death but this is a war that will not end until the Second Coming. It is similar to D-Day in World War II. Although there were still many fierce battles that occurred afterward, once the Allies gained a toehold back into the European continent by storming the beaches, there was no doubt about what the final outcome would be. Same is true for us as Christians. God gives us the Holy Spirit to assure us that these promises will happen and that the saving work of Christ will be completed.
Ephesians 1:21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. NHEB
There are claims being made about power and Paul wants us to know that the power of Jesus is greater than any other power. We know this because He is seated at the right hand of the Father, was raised from the dead and is above all rule and authority. It is the name of Jesus that is attractive to the exorcists in Acts 19 because that is where the power lies. Rule, authority, power and dominion refer to different types of powers. For example, the Greek word translated as “power” is dynameōs from which we get the English word dynamite. Authority comes from the Greek word exousias which means authority and control, having the power to act, and having dominion over.
In the Jewish world are good and bad spirits. This may not match up to common beliefs in our day (to our detriment), but it is part of day to day life in Paul’s Ephesus. People are worried about managing all of these forces, especially the bad ones because they are subject to these powers. The good news here is that because God’s power surpasses every other power, you are no longer have to be subject to these dark powers. (This is reminiscent of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1Kings 18).
Ephesians 1: 22 He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things for the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. NHEB
Christ is the head of the church but this isn’t His only focus. Paul is telling Ephesus that Christ is powerful but this power isn’t limited to just the church – it is to everyone (after all, John doesn’t say “For God so loved the church”). As Christians, we know what God is doing and where he is headed which is to unite all things in Christ. In the closing to the Lord’s Prayer, that was added from the Didache, we are asking God to do several things. But we aren’t just asking – we know it will happen because God can do these things because He is all powerful. The modern church doesn’t often put much emphasis on this aspect of God’s authority and power. This leaves us a little unprepared, like the people in Ephesus, as we are surrounded by conflicting powers and beliefs that seem to be overpowering us just like it did them. Christ is the alternative and the answer to these problems. Remember that Paul is writing this letter from prison where he is charged with a capital crime. Paul appears powerless yet he has power in Christ.
Ephesians 2:1 And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins, NET
As was the case in verses 12 and 13 of chapter one, “you” is referring to Gentiles. The power to raise Jesus from the dead is the power that raises us to newness of life. This is a watershed event as in our natural state, we are spiritually dead and cannot please God.
From a Reformed perspective, you can only become a Christian if God changes you so that you are capable of responding to the Word. If you don’t respond to the Word, then God didn’t make this change in you. This is what leads to the doctrine of predestination. The Arminian side would agree that you are spiritually dead but have the capability of life because God comes after us relentlessly to try and bring us to faith. So we are dead but God isn’t content to leave us this way without putting up a fight to save us.
Again we see “trespasses and sins”. One way to look at this is sins of commission versus sins of omission. Another way is to think of trespass is as it relates to property where we have stepped over a boundary we shouldn’t have crossed. Sin is missing the mark. To use archery as an example, we shoot the arrow with the goal of hitting the target but we miss. Paul wants to make it clear that regardless of how we define trespasses and sins, both of these things have led to our death. (Death as used here refers to spiritual death as was the case for Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 where the consequences of disregarding God led to spiritual death for them). These sins and trespasses were how you once walked, i.e., they were our habit.
Note that Paul is saying this in the past tense. This is how we used to be but something as changed as we are now putting the deeds of the body to death through the Holy Spirit.