Ephesians 1:19-23

God's Greatness

To show God's ability to accomplish his purpose, Paul uses six different Greek words in describing his power. The word "exceeding" and "greatness" come from the original huperbalo and megethos respectively. According to Thayer, they mean "to transcend, surpass, exceed, excel" and "greatness". The word "power" comes from the Greek dunamis, which Thayer says is a power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or inherent power. "Working" is from energeia, describing superhuman power at work. Isxus is the Greek word for ability, strength, and might and is translated "mighty". The next "power" is from the Greek kratos and is often translated dominion because it suggests a power that rules (1:19). All of this power is directed toward the salvation of those who believe.

There are three ways Paul says God's greatness is seen. It was seen in the sending of Christ. His resurrection from the dead being the ultimate evidence during the time Christ spent on earth (Romans 1:4; Acts 2:23-24). Further, God seated Jesus on the throne of power (1:20; Acts 2:24-36; Hebrews 1:3). He then gave Jesus authority over all other authorities both in this present world and the one to come (1:21; Matthew 28:18; 1 Peter 2:9-11; Colossians 1:18).

It might be said there is a fourth way God showed his power in Christ, or at least an extension of the third. Jesus was made the ruling head of the church, with all phases of it being under his direction and authority (1 Peter 5:4). That church is synonymous with Christ's body. Later in the letter, Paul states there is only one body which plainly establishes the fact that there is only one church (Ephesians 4:4). The church makes Christ full, because it was his ultimate purpose to establish the church (Matthew 16:13-20). Also, in his coming and establishing the church Jesus fulfilled all God's purpose in all that he did, especially the redeeming of man (1:22-23).