The Promised Resurrection

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Author: Paul

Audience: All the saints

Content: v19-20 the resurrection given to Jesus is the hope we expectantly await.

Context: The prayer of Paul for the understanding and growth of the saints

Comparison: 1 Cor 15

Explanation

Ephesians 1:20 ESV

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Verse 20

that He worked in Christ when he raised Him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

What did God work in Christ and how?

WHAT: the “immeasurable greatness of his power”

HOW: by resurrecting Jesus from the dead

Because of the Lordship of Jesus, He is not only resurrected, but also seated at the right hand of the father.

Ephesians 1:19 ESV

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

Verse 19

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe

The explanation of what His power is: verse 20

How is that power expressed? Toward us who believe

The very same resurrection experienced by Jesus will be experienced by all the saints

Greatest chapter in all of scripture to deal with Resurrection is 1 Corinthians 15.

1 Corinthians 15:51–57 ESV

51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verses 51-52 reveals a truth Paul lives and walks in: Not everyone will experience resurrection from death, but everyone will be changed (resurrected) to everlasting life.

Verses 53-55 are the summary of chapter 15

Verses 56-57 are the parallel to Ephesians 1:19-20

Finally, verse 58 is our exhortation:

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Be steadfast in your salvation

Be immovable in your doctrine

Be dedicated to the work of the Lord

Be sure that Jesus is coming again

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