Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 55

"Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come."

Text: Ephesians 1:21

AND EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED

Paul used four different words to describe “the powers that be”. However, he also realized that his listing of these powers was non-exhaustive. There were other “titles and names” that could be mentioned. He saw little point in making a long list of these “names”. Ultimately, all these names would be subjugated and subordinated under just One Name- that of the Lord Jesus Christ.

SIGNIFICANCE OF NOMENCLATURE

Nomenclature or names were regarded with great significance. A number of things are associated with “names” (or “nomenclature”).

1. Character and names (“titles”) were closely associated.

2. Authority and names were also associated .

FOOLISH ATTEMPTS OF MEN WHO EXALT THEIR NAMES

The desire to have a great name is something that many are drawn towards. An example of this may be found in the following text.

“For he sees wise men die;
Likewise the fool and the senseless person perish,
And leave their wealth to others.
Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever,
Their dwelling places to all generations;
They call their lands after their own names.
Nevertheless man, though in honour, does not remain,
He is like the beasts that perish.”
PSALM 49:10-12

The name of the greatest man, and deserving of the highest honour cannot last. Foolish are the attempts of man to immortalize their names.

THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME

In Paul’s estimation, God has given to Jesus the highest name ever. This authority was accorded Him because of His redemptive work at Calvary. It is interesting to note that Jesus never sought a name for Himself, for His focus was on being obedient to His Father and to exercise complete humility when He donned flesh on earth.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him
and given Him the name which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven, and of those on earth,
and of those under the earth, and that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11