… should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Summary: Looking deeper into God’s manifold wisdom, we find a small opening in the veil between our world and the next.
To begin with, let’s review:
Paul is telling us what God intends.
By commissioning Paul to bring the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles and having Paul explain how the church will operate, he then notes that one function of the church is to reveal the “manifold wisdom of God” to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.”
Personally, I find this whole passage mind-blowing.
In my experience, the church appears broken and confused. The grand vision of a single “body of Christ” split between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions very early in the church’s existence. Later, confronted by a church corrupted by a desire for power and money, Luther protested against the Catholic Church, and those protestations continued to echo through the years resulting in dozens if not hundreds of variations.
Is this what Paul means by “manifold?”
This battered and shattered Body of Christ looks more like Christ on the cross than the resurrected Jesus. Yet, somehow, in all this, God uses the church to make known his manifold wisdom to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.”
I don’t claim to know what this means, but like you, I can offer a guess. Without Christ, humanity devolves into a chaotic hellscape of self-centered depravity. With Christ, God’s manifold wisdom finds expression through the souls that are touched by Christ’s light and love. These souls shine Christ’s light into the world and transform what was lost into something that is being restored as God originally intended.
Peter affirms Paul’s vision of the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” when he writes, “Even angels long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12). The writer of Hebrews echoes Peter’s affirmation noting that we are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,” referring to saints of old who now live by faith with God (Hebrews 12:1).
One thing we can be sure of; we are not alone! The spiritual realm existed before the physical world and will continue to exist after the physical realm is no more. God’s kingdom exists and is a real kingdom filled with real subjects. The rulers and authorities Paul refers to are not fabrications of Paul’s mind but insights into the heavenly realms that Paul has received by revelation from God.
Application: Rejoice in knowing God has not given up on his Creation.
Food for Thought: What do we gain by knowing about the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms?”
Applications are very helpful and encouraging
Thanks Jim!
Good to hear from you! 🙂
What do we gain by knowing about the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms?”
We are going through the Book of Revelations at my home church on Sundays. We are in Chapters 5 & 6, learning about the worthiness of the Lamb. The Pastor said something in relation to this (I am paraphrasing next) “there comes a time when you must stop trying to fit God into your plan, and start asking God where you fit into His plan.”
I believe we gain a more fortified perspective of eternity by knowing about the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” I can “see” ants on the ground; I dont think they can “see” me. We both exist though. To know that there are other creations in the heavens that seek the Lord’s Will fills my mind with both wonder and a greater sense of belonging. That there is a Kingdom of God, and through His grace and redemption I am a part of it.
Also (and this blows my mind to think of it), this world is full of sin, yet Jesus came to save it. God demonstrates His great love by sending His Son to pay our debt, and not only can we see it, but the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms are witness to it.
1 Corinthians 1:28-31 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Chris,
I can see where our view here on earth is the ant-tithesis of the view from heaven. Thank you!
I also appreciate the reminder to put my life’s worries in their proper perspective: Where do I fit in God’s plan.
Thanks Chris. Very interesting and helpful.
I think one thing we gain is understanding that we are in a spiritual battle and ultimately this world is not our home. Since it is not our home, we should keep our eyes on the prize. Colossians 3: 1 – 4; Philippians 3: 12 – 14.
Thanks you, Rich.
Great reminder!!
05-24-2023, What do we gain by knowing about the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms?”
In most places where this phrase appears, it is clear that it refers to the evil and malicious spirits who make war against the people of God as they oppose everything and everyone that is of God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, we can quickly recognize and allow Christ to neutralize these powers of Satan.
We are encouraged to see and live our lives in light of God’s purposes for the whole universe as we, THE CHURCH, are part of something really, really big.
Ephesians 2:6, God raised up Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms and His power in us is sovereign over “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” . We have nothing to fear.
Ephesians 3:10, We now have purpose, which is, THROUGH THE CHURCH,” THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD” is to be MADE KNOWN TO THE RULERS AND AUTHORITIES IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS. In obedience to God, we announce their doom.
Ephesians 6:10–20, We are provided, told to put on and are wise to live in the whole armor of God.
V10, Our objective, is to be strong in the Lord through prayer, study and living in His Word! The Bible and His Son Jesus Christ.
V17, Our offensive weapon “ The Word Of God.”, employed by the power of God.
V18-20, Trust and obey the source of our strength, the Holy Spirit of God as He provides our direction, and the power to overcome.
Ron,
You have a very interesting take on this passage today. Thank you!
Hi