Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 1
The word ‘Christ’ is a translation into the Greek language of the word ‘Messiah’, which comes from the Hebrew language. Both words describe the king whom God has appointed to save his people. In the Book of Psalms, David described the Messiah as God’s Son (Psalm 2) and David’s Lord or master (Psalm 110).
It is the work of a king to rule. Of course, during his life on earth, Christ was not a ruler. He lived in a humble manner; he even chose to serve people (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8).
Now Christ has returned to heaven, where he has received the place of greatest authority. He sits at the right side of God the Father (Hebrews 1:3). So, in heaven, Christ’s rule as the king whom God has appointed, is complete.
Christ also rules over God’s people who are still here on earth. They are the people who accept Christ’s rule over their lives. That is why Christ is called the head of the church, God’s people (1:22). Our heads direct our bodies, even as Christ directs his people.
However, God’s wonderful plan is that, in the future age, Christ will rule all things. He will rule both heaven and earth. Everyone and everything will accept his complete authority (Philippians 2:9-11). His rule will be completely good and right, and the earth will at last know true peace (Isaiah 11:1-9).
At former times, these things seemed hard to understand. People did not know how God would bring about the end of all this world’s troubles. Now that Christ has come, God has explained his plan clearly in the Bible. God has chosen Christ both to defeat every evil power, and to establish his perfect rule over both earth and heaven.
Next part: God's work in the lives of Jewish Christians (Ephesians 1:11-12)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.