The Lord at God's right hand
Jesus and the apostles apply the royal right-hand saying to his authority and exaltation.
Historical context
The royal psalm depicts enthronement, victory over enemies, and a priestly designation associated with Melchizedek.
Tradition note
Begin with each Old Testament passage in context, then examine the New Testament's wording and argument. Explicit fulfillment citations, apostolic applications, and typological comparisons carry different kinds of evidence; Protestant approaches to particular passages vary.
Avoid overclaiming
The historical royal setting and speakers are discussed by interpreters. Acts links the saying to Jesus' exaltation; it should not be treated as a timetable locating every later event.
Key points
- New Testament application
- Acts 2:32–36 (New Testament application) — Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 to interpret the risen Jesus' exaltation and lordship.
- Matthew 22:41–46 (New Testament application) — In the Jerusalem debate Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 and asks how David calls the Messiah his Lord. This is an earlier discussion of messianic authority, not an ascension narration.
- Hebrews 7:17–25 (New Testament application) — Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:4 and applies the sworn, enduring priesthood to Jesus' continuing life and intercession.
- Hebrews 1:13 (New Testament application) — The right-hand saying is addressed to the Son in Hebrews' argument about his authority over angels.
Doctrinal connections
- Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 to interpret the risen Jesus' exaltation and lordship. In the Jerusalem debate Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 and asks how David calls the Messiah his Lord. This is an earlier discussion of messianic authority, not an ascension narration. Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:4 and applies the sworn, enduring priesthood to Jesus' continuing life and intercession. The right-hand saying is addressed to the Son in Hebrews' argument about his authority over angels.
Scripture
- Psalm 110:1–4 — The royal psalm depicts enthronement, victory over enemies, and a priestly designation associated with Melchizedek.
- Acts 2:32–36 — Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 to interpret the risen Jesus' exaltation and lordship.
- Matthew 22:41–46 — In the Jerusalem debate Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 and asks how David calls the Messiah his Lord. This is an earlier discussion of messianic authority, not an ascension narration.
- Hebrews 7:17–25 — Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:4 and applies the sworn, enduring priesthood to Jesus' continuing life and intercession.
- Hebrews 1:13 — The right-hand saying is addressed to the Son in Hebrews' argument about his authority over angels.
Sources and further reading
- Acts 2:32–36 · World English Bible
- Hebrews 1:13 · World English Bible
- Hebrews 7:17–25 · World English Bible
- Matthew 22:41–46 · World English Bible
- Psalm 110:1–4 · World English Bible
- Reviewed biblical text and context · 1
- Reviewed biblical text and context · ACT02.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · HEB01.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · HEB07.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · HEB07.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · MAT22.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · MAT22.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · PSA110.htm