which he is elevated, which we propose for your present consideration. This includes,
1 . A state of dignity —
["The right hand of God" is a metaphorical expression for the place of the highest dignity and glory in the heavenly world. There Jesus sits, exalted " far above all " creatures in earth, in hell, or in heaven. The phrase, " principalities and powers," is applied in Scripture to mena, to devilsb, and to the holy angels c. And the Apostle evidently intended to comprehend them all, because he specified yet further " every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." Now it should seem, that as, on earth, there are different ranks and orders of magistrates, from the king, who is supreme, to those who exercise the most limited jurisdiction, so there is a gradation of beings both in heaven and hell. We read of Michael, the archangel ; and of Beel- zebub, the prince of the devils; and to them we ascribe a pre-eminence among their fellows. But however exalted any creature may be, Jesus Christ is raised " far above" him. The lustre of the whole universe, in comparison of his, would be only like that of the twinkling stars before the meridian sun ; they may have a splendour in his absence ; but before him they are constrained to hide their inglorious heads : they are eclipsed, they vanish at his presence. If he but suffer one ray of his majesty to appear, men fall, as dead, at his feet; devils tremble; and " angels worship him" with profoundest adoration.]
2. A state of power —
[While Jesus yet hanged upon the cross, " he spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them openly in it." From that time "all things were put under his feet;" and more especially from the moment that he was seated on his mediatorial throne. It is true that " we see not yet (as the Apostle says) all things put under him." But though they are not visibly, they are in fact. All his enemies are like the five kings of Canaan, when Joshua and all the elders of Israel put their feet upon their necks. They are living indeed ; but their power is broken : and they are doomed to a speedy and ignominious death. Devils are more aware of this than men : when they saw Jesus in the days of his flesh, they asked, " Art thou come to torment us before our time?" Still however they combine with men, and stimulate them to oppose his will. But when they are consulting together, saying, " Let us break his bands asunder, and cast away his cords from us,"
a Tit. iii. 1. *' Eph. vi. 12. c Eph. iii. 10.