Ephesians 1:22 - "Christ, The Head Over All"

Ephesians 1:22

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,"

Here, Christ is exalted as the Head over all things—not only as Creator, but as the One Who has accomplished redemption for the sinners the Father gave Him. He earned the righteousness God’s law required through His obedient life and sacrificial death. Having completed that work, God the Father raised Him from the grave, caused Him to ascend, and seated Him at His Right Hand in heavenly majesty. His work was finished, and He continues to reign over all things for the benefit of His church (Psalm 2:6; Ephesians 1:3-14)

The word “to” in verse 22 speaks of purpose. Though all creation belongs to Him, Christ’s Headship is especially in view of the redeemed—the called-out ones whom God chose before the foundation of the world. Christ came to lay down His life for these elected sinners, and now, exalted, He governs all things for His glory and their Spiritual good. The church is not a place or a gathering; it is the sum of those whom Christ has redeemed, the body of which He is the Head (v. 23).

The Greek word for “head” conveys authority, direction, and foundation. In Mark 12:10, the rejected Stone becomes the Head of the corner, even the Chief Cornerstone (v.20) from which all angles and structure flow. In Mark 15:19, Christ suffers and is struck on the head, demonstrating man’s rejection of God’s purpose. Yet this could not thwart God’s purpose. John 19:30 shows Christ voluntarily laying down His life, bowing His Head in obedience to the Father’s command, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." Only through this submission could He ascend as Head over all.

Christ’s Headship is universal—over creation, earthly rulers, and even the powers of darkness. Every river, storm, kingdom, and fallen angel is under His Authority (Colossians 1:16). Yet His rule is especially for the church. Those for whom He paid the debt of sin are safe; nothing can harm or remove them from His care. “No weapon formed against thee [any of His own] shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). Even death itself is tributary to His purpose, delivering the redeemed to eternal glory.

Christ’s relationship to His church is illustrated by the body. As in 1 Corinthians 12, the body has many members, each placed by God under the Headship of Christ. Diversity exists, yet unity is given under direction of and because of the Spirit of Christ. Each member is vital; no one is excluded or overlooked. Christ, the Head, nourishes, directs, and governs the body for its life and growth.

This analogy extends into marriage, as Ephesians 5:22–23 shows, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Just as the church is subject to Christ, wives are called to submit to their own husbands, and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. The order God has established reflects the Authority of Christ over His church, guiding and sustaining the body, ensuring its presentation to the Father as glorious, holy, and without blemish.

As members of this body, our lives are lived in grateful submission to Christ, our Head. Though flesh is weak and the world opposes, we rejoice that all things are under Him. His Authority is absolute, and His purpose is sure. One day, gathered around our blessed Head in glory, the fullness of His Presence will be ours forever (Revelation 7:17). Until then, we trust in His completed work, His sovereign Headship, and His unfailing care for His people.