Tag: aion

Romans 12:2 – Transformed, Not Conformed

Posted on by Will

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, to prove in you what the good and pleasing and perfect will of God is.

Truth to Learn

Don’t be like everyone around you and don’t let others tell you what you should be. Instead, let God transform you to into the image of His Son.

 

Behind the Words

“Do not be conformed” is from me suschematidzesthe. Me is the conditional negation particle and suschematidzesthe is a compound made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of schēmatidzo, from which we get our English word schematic. It refers to the pattern or outward appearance of something. So Paul is telling us not to allow ourselves to look, and act, like the world around us.

The word translated “world” is not kosmos (world system) as one might expect. Rather, it is from the Greek word aion, which refers to” the age or time” in which we live. So, Paul is saying, “… do not be conformed to this present age.”

“Transformed” is from metamorphoō, from which we get our English word metamorphosis, meaning not simply a change in outward appearance, but “to completely change form.” This is the same word that is used in both Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 when referring to Jesus’ transfiguration before Peter, James, and John.

“Prove” is translated from the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something with the intent of finding its value.” It is the notion of proving gold by subjecting it to extreme heat, thus removing the dross and leaving the pure, valuable gold only. Some translations say “that you may prove.” The problem with this is that dokimadzō is expressed as an infinitive (to prove), and the word translated “you” is not in the form of a subject, rather it is in the form of an indirect object. Therefore, we should translate this as “to prove in you.”

 

Meaning Explained

At the end of the previous verse Paul told us that we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices because it is only logical and reasonable that we should serve God in this way. Now he continues on. Not only should we offer ourselves as God’s slaves, once and for all, but we should allow God to reshape our thinking instead of letting the world in which we live do so.

We should not take on the same appearance, habits, and attitudes as all the people around us. Instead of being this kind of a conformist, we need to “be transformed.” This transformation is one of the mind, from being worldly minded, focusing on the thing of this world, to being heavenly minded, focusing on what God is doing to and through us. And our ultimate objective is that of giving glory to God Himself. The reason that we are to be transformed instead of conformed is so that God can “prove in us what His will is.”

As we are transformed by God in our minds, we become more like His son. That is, we become more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions, which is, in fact, what God’s will is for our lives.

 

Application

What Paul has told us in these two verses is that we need to surrender our physical lives to God for His use. We are to do so by not letting the things of this age influence our thoughts and actions. Instead, we are to let His Spirit transform us to be more like He wants us to be, like Jesus Christ our Lord.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 3:11 – Eternal Plan – Accomplished!

Posted on by Will

according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Truth to Learn

God has already accomplished His eternal plan.

 

Behind the Words

“Eternal” is from the Greek word aiōn, which we have seen several times recently. It refers to “an indefinitely long period of time.” The most literal translation of this word into English is “age.” The form used in this verse literally translates to “of the ages.” So, Paul is talking about God’s “purpose of the ages” or His “eternal purpose” as we have in this translation.

The word “purpose” is from prothesis, which is based on the verb protithēmi. This is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or position” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” Thus, prosthesis refers to a “setting forth” or “determining ahead of time.” This could also be translated as “plan.”

“Accomplished” is translated from poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” It is expressed in the aorist tense and indicative mood indicating action that was completed at a point in time in the past.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul began a statement in verse one that was then interrupted in verse two, and he won’t resume his original thought until verse fourteen. What appears in verses two through thirteen is a sort of parenthesis that talks about the mystery of the church age in which Gentiles and Jews are united in the body of Christ, co-heirs of God’s estate, and joint partakers of the promise of salvation through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

One fascinating thing about this parenthesis is that it closely parallels the parenthesis that we refer to as the church age. Before Christ’s first coming, God was dealing almost exclusively with the Jews. In fact, from Genesis chapter twelve through the remainder of the Old Testament, the focus is on the descendants of Abraham. However, when the Messiah (Jesus) came and was rejected by the Jews, God turned to the Gentiles. This church age (time of the church) will continue until the rapture, when the church will be removed from this earth. Then, God’s focus will once again be on the Jews as He ushers his faithful ones through “… great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)”

During the parenthesis, the church age, God is revealing His mystery to us (His church) and to the spirit beings in heaven through us (His church). In today’s verse we learn that this is not just by accident. This is all part of God’s plan of the ages. Before He created anything, God (that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), put together a plan. This plan included the choosing of every member of the church, according to the fourth verse of the letter to the Ephesians. That plan included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins so that we can live in His presence eternally. And, according to today’s verse, He has accomplished His plan in Jesus Christ.

 

Application

Let me urge you to take a few minutes to mentally “step away” from the world system and all of its distractions. Do you realize that you are part of God’s eternal plan, and you have been part of that plan since before He created this physical world? Not only was your salvation part of His plan, but He has completely accomplished His plan in Jesus Christ. Now – what are you going to do with this knowledge?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 2:7 – Priceless Grace

Posted on by Will

that in the ages coming He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

God’s grace is priceless.

 

Behind the Words

The word “ages” is from aiōn, which refers to a duration or continuance of time. As used here, it refers to “an indefinitely long period of time.”

“Coming” is translated from eperchomai, which is composed or epi, meaning “on, upon, to, over, or above” and erchomai, meaning “to come.” It is expressed as a present participle, so we could translate this as “coming upon us.”

The Greek word translated “He might show” is endeiknumi, which is made up of en, meaning “in” or “to” and deiknumi, meaning “to point out” or “to present for viewing.” We might translate this word as “to showcase.” It is expressed here in the middle voice (action done by the subject to the subject), so it could be translated as “He might showcase for himself.”

“Exceeding” is from the Greek verb huperballō, which is made up of huper (hyper), meaning “above” or “beyond” and ballō, meaning “to throw.” Thus huperballō literally means “to throw beyond,” that is, “to go beyond” or “to exceed.”

“Riches” is the translation of the Greek word ploutos, which refers to “wealth composed of valuable things.”

The Greek word translated “kindness” is chrēstotēs, which is based on chrēstos, meaning “usefulness” or “moral excellence.” Hence, chrēstotēs refers to “goodness” or “kindness.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that our merciful God did three things for us: He made us alive, He raised us up (resurrected us), and He caused us to sit in the heavenlies. Today’s verse explains why God decided to do this for us. Well, actually He didn’t do it for us. He did it for His own glory. Let me say that a little differently. God did not give us eternal life, raise us from the dead, and seat us in His presence for our sake. He did it for Himself to showcase His glorious grace.

According to the Apostle Paul, God did these things so that He could showcase, for Himself, the exceedingly great value of His grace, so that He would receive glory and praise. What is the value of grace? A couple of verses back we learned that God’s grace to us is undeserved “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.” Why is it undeserved? We are all sinners; that is, we are not righteous. And we know that the penalty for not being righteous is God’s wrath and eternity in hell. But, as a result of God’s grace, we who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior will not experience hell because we have been made alive, resurrected, and seated in His presence.

So, let me ask again, “What is the value of grace?” There is not enough money in all the earth to purchase eternal life, resurrection, and a seat in God’s presence. God’s grace is more valuable than all we have or could ever possess. It is exceedingly valuable, and we can’t afford it.

 

Application

No, we can’t afford God’s grace. That’s why He freely gives it to us, not because we deserve it, but because we don’t. If we deserved it, it wouldn’t be grace; it would be something He owes us. God doesn’t owe us anything, but He gave it to us anyway, simply because He wanted to show how gracious and glorious He is!

I think it’s time once again to fall on our knees and thank God for His priceless grace. Thank you Lord!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 2:2 – Who’s Your Master?

Posted on by Will

in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience,

Truth to Learn

Christians are no longer under Satan’s authority. We are now in God’s family and under God’s authority.

 

Behind the Words

“Walked” is translated from the Greek verb peripateō. This is composed of peri, meaning “around” and pateō (based on patos, meaning “a path”), which means “to walk.” Thus, peripateō literally means “to walk around.” Metaphorically it refers to “how one lives one’s life.”

Aion is the Greek word translated “course.” Generally, this word refers to a timeframe, a period of time, or an “age.” Here, however, it is used as a metonym referring to the people and customs of the “world system.” [A metonym is a word or expression used as a substitute for something else with which it is closely associated. For example, Washington is a metonym for the federal government of the United States of America.]

The word “world” is from the Greek noun kosmos, which is indirectly based on the word kolumbos, meaning “to tend or to take care of.” Kosmos refers to “an orderly arrangement” or “a system of order.” It is the word from which we get our English word “cosmetics.” As it is used here, kosmos refers to “the orderly arrangement or ‘system’ of this world.”

“Ruler” is translated from archon, which refers to someone who is “first in authority or power.”

The word “air” is aēr, which refers to “the lower atmosphere” or “the air surrounding the earth.”

The word “disobedience” is translated from the Greek word apeitheia, which is made up of a, meaning “not” and peithō, meaning “to convince or persuade.” Thus, apeitheia refers to “those who are not convinced” or “those who are not willing to be persuaded,” which by extension means “those who do not obey God.”

 

Meaning Explained

The first two words of this verse, “in which,” are a reference to “trespasses and sins,” mentioned in the previous verse. So, Paul is saying that we Christians used to live our lives in a manner characterized by trespasses and sins. He goes on further to say that we used to live our lives in accordance with the ruler of the power (authority) of the atmosphere. This is a reference to Satan, who Jesus referred to as “the ruler of this world” (see John 16:11).

But, Paul doesn’t stop there with his description of Satan. He tells us that he is a spirit being who is currently at work in the unsaved people of this world (the sons of disbelief or the sons of disobedience). As a spirit being, Satan is not only the ruler of the world system in which we live, he also has access to the throne room of God in heaven. We know this from the book of Job, where Satan is characterized as appearing before God:

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." (Job 1:6-7)

Satan will continue to have access to Heaven until he is cast out during the seven year tribulation, as described in Revelation chapter twelve.

 

Application

You were once controlled by your sins and by Satan, but that is no longer true. When you were saved, you were placed into (baptized into) the body of Christ, where Jesus is now your Lord and Master; therefore, you are no longer under Satan’s power and authority. Praise be to God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:21 – Powerful Proof

Posted on by Will

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Truth to Learn

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of God’s resurrection promise.

 

Behind the Words

“Far above” is translated from the Greek adverb huperanō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above or over” and anō, meaning “upward” or “on top.” Thus, we can see that huperanō means “above the top” or “far above.”

Archē is the Greek word translated “principality.” The basic meaning of archē is “beginning” or “commencement.” As it is applied to people, it refers to “the first in a series,” that is, “the chief” or “the leader.”

The word translated “power” is exousia, which is based on exesti, meaning “permissible.” Exousia refers to “someone who has permission, authority, or power to do something.”

“Might” is from dunamis, which we saw in verse nineteen. It refers to “someone who has the capability or power to do something.”

The word translated “dominion” is kuriotēs. It is based on the noun kurios, meaning “lord or master.” Thus, kuriotēs refers to “someone having lordship or civil authority over others.”

“Age” is translated from aiōn, which properly refers to “duration or continuance of time.” Here it refers to “a long period of time.” Aiōn is sometimes translated as “world” where it refers to the time that this world exists.

 

Meaning Explained

In the past couple of verses, Paul has been talking about God’s power, which has been demonstrated toward those of us who have believed His promises. This power was demonstrated when He resurrected Jesus from the dead, giving eternal life to his resurrected body. As we pointed out in the previous verse, not only has Jesus been raised from the dead, He has been seated (a sign of completion of the Father’s work of resurrection) at the Father’s right hand. This is the seat that declares the most honor and prestige among those who are seated.

But Paul is not finished with his description of the glory and honor of our risen Lord. Not only has He been seated in the position of the most honor, this position is above every created being. Not just above, mind you, but “far above” them all. Most biblical scholars agree that the words translated “principality” and “power” are references to angelic beings. Therefore, Paul’s designation of “all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named” is a description of every created being, whether human or spirit (angelic). And, it includes not just all beings that have ever been, but any that might exist in the future.

There is no question that Paul has just described the position of highest honor, power, and authority in all of God’s creation. It might seem obvious that the Son of God should have such a position, but this is a description of the man Jesus Christ.

 

Application

God has demonstrated His awesome power in raising Jesus to the highest position of all to assure you and me that He can, and will, raise us from the dead as well. Do you believe it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:18 – When Wisdom is Foolish

Posted on by Will

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

Truth to Learn

Use your gifts with wisdom, but not worldly wisdom.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “deceive” is exapataō. This word is made up of ex, used as an intensifier and apataō, meaning “to seduce” or “to deceive.” Thus, exapataō means “to completely deceive.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command, not just a suggestion. This is indicated in English by the use of the word “Let.”

“Himself” is translated from the third person pronoun heautou, meaning “himself, herself, or itself.” Paul could have used the middle case (subject acting on itself) of the verb exapataō, but added this word instead, to emphasize self-deception.

“Among” is from the Greek preposition en, meaning “in” or “inside.” It is an indication that Paul is talking about someone inside the church, as opposed to an outsider.

Dokeō is the word translated “seems.” It refers to the subjective mental estimate or opinion regarding something.

The word translated “age” is aiōn, which refers to a period of time. If he had been referring to people or society, he would have used the word kosmos (world system). By using aiōn, he is specifically referring to the current time in which we are living, as opposed to the “age to come.”

Meaning Explained

Keep in mind that Paul has been talking about the divisions that had occurred in the church in Corinth. These divisions had been caused by various groups within the church claiming to follow one leader in the church to the exclusion of others. This may have been the result of certain teachers having the reputation of, or self-proclaimed possession of, great wisdom. Throughout the second chapter of this letter, Paul taught specifically regarding the “wisdom of this world” as opposed to the “foolishness of the gospel.” He said of himself and the other apostles:

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)

Paul’s comments in today’s verse and the two that follow are directed specifically at those leaders of the Corinthian church who believed themselves to be wiser or more gifted than others. Paul is not saying that education, training, and experience are not good or desirable for church leaders. He is not speaking against the possession of such things; rather, he is speaking directly to those who have become proud of such possession and who somehow believe they are better than others who don’t.

Application

All Christians have gifts which have been given to them for the work of building up the church. Let us use those gifts in a humble manner, giving all the glory to the one who has given us these gifts, for only He is worthy. 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 2:6 – Wise Maturity

Posted on by Will

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians understand the true wisdom of God’s Word.

Behind the Words

“We speak” is translated from the Greek verb laleō, which means “to speak.” It is a reference to the ability to speak rather than the quality of speech. It is expressed here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

The word “mature” is translated from a form of telos, meaning “the goal, completion, or end purpose” of something. As used here, it is a reference to those who are complete or fully grown. It could be a reference to those who have reached adulthood, or it could be a reference to mature Christians, as implied in Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Aiōn is the word translated “age.” It is a reference to a period of time or of the characteristics of that time period. Paul is probably referring to the time before the return of Christ.

The word “rulers” is from archōn, which means “one who is first in rank or power,” that is, a ruler.

The words “coming to nothing” are translated from the verb katargeō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and argeō, which means “to be idle.” Katargeō generally means “to be completely useless or without purpose.”

Meaning Explained

In verse four, Paul talked about some of the things that are not characteristics of his teaching and preaching style. In today’s verse he talks about something that is characteristic of his style. In the previous chapter he contrasted the worldly view of the gospel message (foolishness) with the supposed wisdom of the world’s teachers. Throughout this chapter he has been talking about his wise method of delivering the simple gospel message.

After describing the wisdom of the world as foolish and un-wise, he now tells us about the true wisdom of God’s Word. Our faith is not based on the wisdom of men, as he said in yesterday’s verse, but on true wisdom. This true wisdom is spoken to those who are mature. As we pointed out in Behind the Words, the Greek word telos refers to someone who has reached spiritual maturity; however, many of the Corinthian Christians were anything but mature in their faith.

This seems to be a slight jab at those who had been so easily distracted from the simple truths of the good news. They were not spiritually mature. So, what Paul means is that those who are mature in their Christian faith would understand the wisdom that he is talking about. The immature Christians in Corinth were still under the impression that the wisdom of the philosophers and sophists was desirable. However, Paul points out that the supposed great ones of the world system not only were not very wise, but their lack of true wisdom will eventually result in their total destruction.

Application

Are you seeking after truth and godly wisdom? If so, you won’t find it in the world. You will only find it in the Word of God, faithfully taught by those who are well grounded in the Bible.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

Ephesians 3:11 – Eternal Plan – Accomplished!

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 3:11  – Eternal Plan – Accomplished!

according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Truth to Learn

God has already accomplished His eternal plan.

Behind the Words

“Eternal” is from the Greek word aiōn, which we have seen several times recently. It refers to “an indefinitely long period of time.” The most literal translation of this word into English is “age.” The form used in this verse literally translates to “of the ages.” So, Paul is talking about God’s “purpose of the ages” or His “eternal purpose” as we have in this translation.

The word “purpose” is from prothesis, which is based on the verb protithēmi. This is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or position” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” Thus, prosthesis refers to a “setting forth” or “determining ahead of time.”

“Accomplished” is translated from poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” It is expressed in the aorist tense and indicative mood indicating action that was completed at a point in time in the past.

Meaning Explained

Paul began a statement in verse one that was then interrupted in verse two, and he won’t resume his original thought until verse fourteen. What appears in verses two through thirteen is a sort of parenthesis that talks about the mystery of the church age in which Gentiles and Jews are united in the body of Christ, co-heirs of God’s estate, and joint partakers of the promise of salvation through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

One fascinating thing about this parenthesis is that it closely parallels the parenthesis that we refer to as the church age. Before Christ’s first coming, God was dealing almost exclusively with the Jews. In fact, from Genesis chapter twelve through the remainder of the Old Testament, the focus is on the descendants of Abraham. However, when the Messiah (Jesus) came and was rejected by the Jews, God turned to the Gentiles. This church age will continue until the time of the rapture when the church will be removed from this earth. Then, God’s focus will once again be on the Jews as He ushers his faithful ones through “… great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)”

During the parenthesis, the church age, God is revealing His mystery to us (His church) and to the spirit beings in heaven through us (His church). In today’s verse we learn that this is not just by accident. This is all part of God’s plan of the ages. Before He created anything, God (that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), put together a plan. This plan included the choosing of every member of the church, according to the fourth verse of the letter to the Ephesians. That plan included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins so that we can live in His presence eternally. And, according to today’s verse, He accomplished His plan in Jesus Christ.

Application

Let me urge you to take a few minutes to mentally “step away” from the world system and all of its distractions. Do you realize that you are part of God’s eternal plan and you have been since before He created this physical world? Not only was your salvation part of His plan, but He has completely accomplished His plan in Jesus Christ. Now – what are you going to do with this knowledge?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 2:7 – Priceless Grace

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 2:7  – Priceless Grace

that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

God’s grace is priceless.

Behind the Words

The word “ages” is from aiōn, which refers to “an indefinitely long period of time.”

“To come” is translated from eperchomai, which is composed or epi, meaning “on, upon, to, over, or above” and erchomai, meaning “to come.” It is expressed as a present participle, so we could translate this as “coming upon us.”

The Greek word translated “He might show” is endeiknumi, which is made up of en, meaning “in” or “to” and deiknumi, meaning “to point out” or “to present for viewing.” We might translate this word as “to showcase.” It is expressed here in the middle voice (action done by the subject to the subject), so it could be translated as “He might showcase for himself.”

“Exceeding” is from the Greek verb huperballō, which is made up of huper (hyper), meaning “above” or “beyond” and ballō, meaning “to throw.” Thus huperballō literally means “to throw beyond,” that is, “to go beyond” or “to exceed.”

“Riches” is the translation of the Greek word ploutos, which refers to “wealth composed of valuable things.”

The Greek word translated “kindness” is chrēstotēs, which is based on chrēstos, meaning “usefulness” or “moral excellence.” Hence, chrēstotēs refers to “goodness” or “kindness.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that our merciful God did three things for us: He made us alive, He raised us up (resurrected us), and He caused us to sit in the heavenlies. Today’s verse explains why God decided to do this for us. Well, actually He didn’t do it for us. He did it for His own glory. Let me say that a little differently. God did not give us eternal life, raise us from the dead, and seat us in His presence for our sake.

According to the Apostle Paul, God did these things so that He could showcase, for Himself, the exceedingly great value of His grace, so that He would receive glory and praise. What is the value of grace? A couple of verses back we learned that God’s grace to us is undeserved “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.” Why is it undeserved? We are all sinners; that is, we are not righteous. And we know that the penalty for not being righteous is God’s wrath and eternity in hell. But, as a result of God’s grace, we who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior will not experience hell because we have been made alive, resurrected, and seated in His presence.

So, let me ask again, “What is the value of grace?” There is not enough money in all the earth to purchase eternal life, resurrection, and a seat in God’s presence. God’s grace is more valuable than all we have or could ever possess. It is exceedingly valuable, and we can’t afford it.

Application

No, we can’t afford God’s grace. That’s why He freely gives it to us, not because we deserve it, but because we don’t. I think it’s time once again to fall on our knees and thank God for His priceless grace. Thank you Lord!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 1:21 – Powerful Proof

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 1:21  – Powerful Proof

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Truth to Learn

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of God’s resurrection promise.

Behind the Words

“Far above” is translated from the Greek adverb huperanō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above or over” and anō, meaning “upward” or “on top.” Thus, we can see that huperanō means “above the top” or “far above.”

Archē is the Greek word translated “principality.” The basic meaning of archē is “beginning” or “commencement.” As it is applied to people, it refers to “the first in a series,” that is, “the chief” or “the leader.”

The word translated “power” is exousia, which is based on exesti, meaning “permissible.” Exousia refers to “someone who has permission or authority to do something.”

“Might” is from dunamis, which we saw in verse nineteen. It refers to “someone who has the capability or power to do something.”

The word translated “dominion” is kuriotēs. It is based on the noun kurios, meaning “lord or master.” Thus, kuriotēs refers to “someone having lordship or civil authority over others.”

“Age” is translated from aiōn, which properly refers to “duration or continuance of time.” Here it refers to “a long period of time.” Aiōn is sometimes translated as “world” where it refers to the time that this world exists.

Meaning Explained

In the past couple of verses, Paul has been talking about God’s power, which has been demonstrated toward those of us who have believed His promises. This power was demonstrated when He resurrected Jesus from the dead, giving eternal life to his resurrected body. As we pointed out in the previous verse, not only has Jesus been raised from the dead, He has been seated (a sign of completion of the Father’s work of resurrection) at the Father’s right hand. This is the seat that declares the most honor and prestige among those who are seated.

But Paul is not finished with his description of the glory and honor of our risen Lord. Not only has He been seated in the position of the most honor, this position is above every created being. Not just above, mind you, but “far above” them all. Most biblical scholars agree that the words translated “principality” and “power” are references to angelic beings. Therefore, Paul’s designation of “all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named” is a description of every created being, whether human or spirit (angelic). And, it includes not just all beings that have ever been, but any that might exist in the future.

There is no question that Paul has just described the position of highest honor, power, and authority in all of God’s creation. It might seem obvious that the Son of God should have such a position, but this is a description of the man Jesus Christ.

Application

God has demonstrated His awesome power in raising Jesus to the highest position of all to assure you and me that He can, and will, raise us from the dead as well. Do you believe it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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