Easter Season · Ascension of the Lord · Year A
Ephesians 1:17-23
Seated at God’s Right Hand
May 14, 2026
Overview & Insights
“raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20)
The reading is the intercession that follows the long blessing of Ephesians 1:3-14, and it keeps that blessing’s habit of piling up synonyms. The prayer asks for a spirit of “wisdom and revelation” (v. 17) so that its hearers may know the “immeasurable greatness of his power” (v. 19), a clause that stacks four Greek words for power into a single line. What that power has already accomplished is stated in vv. 20-22 in the words of two psalms: God seated him at his right hand (Psalm 110:1) and put all things under his feet (Psalm 8:6), the pair Paul also joins at 1 Corinthians 15:25-27. The ascension is therefore treated not as a departure but as an enthronement, after which the letter makes an unexpected turn and gives the cosmic ruler “as head over all things to the church” (v. 22). The qualifier “not only in this age but also in the one to come” (v. 21) sets that rule outside any reckoning of the present.
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Take it further: Ephesians 1:17-23
Commentary
Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23Commentary on Eph 1:15-23 Working Preacher (Luther Seminary)
Lutheran commentary written for Ascension Sunday, on the prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Ephesians 1:15-23 CommentaryEph 1:15-23 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed verse-by-verse commentary on the same prayer text, on Christ seated far above every rule and power.
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (Cycle A) Agape Bible Study
Catholic walkthrough of the Ascension readings, including Paul's prayer for the Ephesians.
The Ascension of the Lord (Year A) Catholic Productions (Dr. Brant Pitre)
Mass Readings Explained episode on the Ascension texts, including Ephesians 1.
Lifted Up, Ascension Day (A) The Episcopal Church, Sermons That Work
Anglican sermon for Ascension Day Year A on Christ's exaltation above every power.
Ephesians 1 Commentary: God's Ultimate PlanEph 1 Commentary: God's Ultimate Plan Enduring Word
Verse-by-verse commentary on the whole chapter, including Paul's prayer in verses 17-23.
Background & Word Study
Book of Ephesians SummaryBook of Eph Summary BibleProject
Overview video on Ephesians' major themes, including the church as Christ's body under his headship.
Ephesians 1 InterlinearEph 1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek interlinear useful for 'spirit of wisdom and revelation' and the 'fullness' language in verses 17-23.
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