far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
The apostle expresses more plainly what he has said in the former verse figuratively; God hath exalted Christ far above all principalities and powers, might and dominion, and every name that is named; and hath put all things under his feet. Where note, 1. The eminency, 2. The universality, of our Lord's exaltation.
We must pray for those whom we give thanks for; God has appointed us to draw out these spiritual blessings by faith and prayer. Faith in Christ and love to all the saints, even the weak, the mean, the fretful, go together, and those who love saints as such love God. Though they have received the earnest of inheritance, they need not less but more our prayers.
AI summary
Commenting on Ephesians 1:15-23
Greek, "Far (or high) above all (Eph 4:10) principality (or rule, Co1 15:24), and authority, and power (Mat 28:18), and dominion (or lordship)." Compare Phi 2:9; Col 1:16; Heb 7:26; Pe1 3:22. Evil spirits (who are similarly divided into various ranks, Eph 6:12), as well as angels of light, and earthly potentates, are included (compare Rom 8:38). Jesus is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (Rev 19:16).