1 Peter 3:22: Who Has Gone Into Heaven And Is At The Right Hand Of God, With Angels, Authorities, And Powers Having Been Subjected To Him.

1 Peter 3:22

[22] Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (ESV)

 

This verse is speaking of Jesus Christ. We need to see this verse in context with all of the preceding verses in this letter from the Apostle Peter. Remember that he has been talking about submission to authority up until this point. We have been instructed to be subject to every authority given in mankind. Slaves to masters. Wives to husbands. Citizens to the emperor. 

Even Jesus himself made himself subject to authority while he was on earth. The Apostle Paul is speaking of Jesus when he tells us this in Philippians 2:6-7: "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

We now find Peter saying that Jesus Christ is in a very different situation. He modeled subjection to authority. He calls us to follow his example. Yet, now, he is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. What an amazing thing it is that Jesus, who was fully God, was willing to demonstrate submission.

It should help us to be willing to obey Christ in being submission to authority to know that we are following Jesus' example. He was submissive to authority. He is the God of all Gods. He is not asking us to do anything that was not willing to do himself. He has also given us his Holy Spirit to live within us and empower us to obey Christ.

As you look at Jesus, who is in Heaven, be encouraged. Be willing to submit yourself to authority, just like Jesus asked you to, and also, just like he demonstrated for you. The Holy Spirit will help you.