20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Demonstrated By the Resurrection of Christ (v. 20)
Paul continues the elaboration of his prayer by pointing believers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The power he mentioned in the previous verse "to us-ward" is the very same power God showed when He “raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”
The resurrection was not just a miracle proving Christ’s identity. It was a declaration of victory over sin, death, and the grave itself. Christ now sits at the Father’s right hand—the place of authority, honor, and power.
This should remind us that our faith rests in a living Savior, not just in teachings, traditions, or memories from the past.
Christ in Relation to Powers (v. 21)
Paul then says Christ is “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion.” Every earthly ruler, spiritual force, authority, and kingdom remains beneath Him.
At times, the world can appear unstable and frightening. Governments shift, cultures change, and powerful people often seem unaccountable for their deeds. Yet "far" above all of it stands Jesus Christ. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing threatens His throne.
Christ the Head (v. 22)
Paul explains that God “put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” Christ not only rules over creation generally, but He also lovingly governs His church specifically.
The church doesn't belong to human leaders, rituals, trends, or charismatic personalities. It belongs to Christ. He guides, corrects, preserves, and cares for His people with perfect wisdom, and He uses Spirit-filled, yielded, doctrinally sound spiritual leaders to do it (Acts 20:28–30).
The Church, His Body (v. 23)
Finally, Paul describes the church as Christ’s body, “the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Believers are joined to their risen Savior in a living relationship.
Though the church on earth is still imperfect, weak at times, and made up of ordinary people, it remains precious to Christ because it is His body. The same Lord who conquered death still works among His people today, strengthening them, shaping them, and reminding them that they are never abandoned under His care.
