Scriptural References to Jesus Standing at God's Right Hand
The New Testament frequently references Jesus being at the right hand of God, a motif deeply rooted in biblical imagery and theology. The phrase is derived from Psalm 110:1, which states, "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool'" [7]. This psalm is cited multiple times in the New Testament to affirm Jesus' exalted status and authority.
In the Gospels, Jesus himself references Psalm 110:1 during his trial before the Sanhedrin, as recorded in Mark 14:62, saying, "I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven" [11]. This statement is seen as a claim to messianic authority and divine sonship. Luke 22:69 similarly records Jesus saying, "But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God" [6].
The New Testament epistles further develop this theme. Hebrews 12:2 describes Jesus as having "sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" after enduring the cross [3]. Colossians 3:1 exhorts believers to "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" [2]. The image of Jesus seated at God's right hand signifies his exaltation, authority, and ongoing intercession on behalf of believers.
However, Acts 7:55 presents a notable variation on this theme. As Stephen is being stoned, he sees "Jesus standing at the right hand of God" [1]. This depiction of Jesus standing, rather than sitting, has been interpreted in various ways. One possible explanation is that Jesus is standing to welcome Stephen, the first Christian martyr, into heaven, honoring his faithfulness [5].
The right hand of God is a symbol of power, authority, and honor, derived from ancient Near Eastern and biblical cultural contexts [4]. In biblical terms, the right hand is associated with strength, blessing, and favor. To be at someone's right hand is to be in a position of privilege and authority.
The early Christian interpretation of Jesus being at God's right hand is rooted in the conviction that Jesus, through his resurrection and ascension, has been exalted to a position of supreme authority. This understanding is reflected in various patristic writings, which affirm Jesus' role as mediator and intercessor at God's right hand [10].
The theological significance of Jesus being at God's right hand is multifaceted. It underscores Jesus' divine sonship, his messianic authority, and his ongoing role in the salvation of humanity. As the exalted Lord, Jesus is seen as the one who guides and directs his church from his position of glory and authority in heaven [8, 9].
The image of Jesus at God's right hand has been a cornerstone of Christian theology and devotion, affirming the central Christian conviction that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, exalted by God to a position of supreme authority and power. This motif continues to be a vital part of Christian doctrine and worship, emphasizing Jesus' ongoing intercession and lordship over all creation.
Sources
- Acts “But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, -- Acts 7:55”
- Colossians “Colossians 3:1 (KJV) — If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
- Hebrews “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Hand — Called by Galen "the instrument of instruments." It is the symbol of human action (Ps. 9:16; Job 9:30; Isa. 1:15; 1 Tim. 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Ps. 26:6; 73:13; Matt. 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11; Isa. 51:16; Ps. 24:3, 4). In Ps. 77:2 the correct rendering is, as in the Revised Version, "My hand was stretched out," etc., instead of, as in the Authorized Version, "My sore ran in the night," etc. The right hand denoted the south, and the left the north (Job 23:9; 1 Sam. 23:19). To give the right hand was a pledge of fid”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 7:55: 7:55-56 Jesus standing . . . at God’s right hand: Usually Jesus is described as seated in heaven at God’s right hand (2:33-34; 5:31; Luke 20:42; 22:69; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3, 13; 10:12). One possible explanation is that Jesus was welcoming Stephen, the first martyr, to heaven with honor. Stephen had confessed his Lord faithfully on earth, and now his Lord honored his promise to confess his faithful servant in heaven, standing as a witness to defend him (Matt 10:32; Luke 12:8). • the Son of Man standing: Cp. Dan 7:13-14. The Jewish leaders understood t”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 22:69: 22:69 Jesus referred to Ps 110:1 (cp. Luke 20:42-43). Though he would be crucified, Jesus would be vindicated through his resurrection and exalted to God’s right hand (see Acts 2:33-36; cp. Dan 7:13-14). Furthermore, he would be seated in the place of power as Judge. Jesus would soon sit in judgment over those who were trying him.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 110:1: Ps 110 Jesus and the apostles cite this psalm to explain Jesus’ unique ministry and status as the Messiah (Matt 22:43-45; Acts 2:32-36). It reaffirms God’s covenant with David and gives hope for the future (see 2 Sam 7:8-16). 110:1 The king of Israel had the great privilege of being the Lord’s adopted son (Ps 2; 1 Chr 22:10), but he fell (Ps 89). This decree restores and heightens his position. • The Lord: Hebrew Yahweh, the name of God (see Exod 3:6-14; 6:2-8; 20:2). • my Lord (Hebrew ’adoni) means “my master” or “my superior.” The psalmist viewed God’s messiani”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:50: 24:50-53 Luke also narrates Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1:1-11. For Luke, Jesus’ ascension confirmed his vindication, exaltation, and enthronement at God’s right hand as Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:24-36). From his position of glory and authority in heaven, Jesus guides and directs his church. 24:50 Bethany: See study note on 19:29; see also Acts 1:11-12; cp. Zech 14:4.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:20: in Christ--as our "first-fruits" of the resurrection, and Head, in virtue of God's mighty working in whom His power to us-ward is made possible and actual [ALFORD]. when he raised him--"in that He raised Him." The raising of Christ is not only an earnest of our bodies being hereafter raised, but has a spiritual power in it involving (by virtue of our living union with Him, as members with the Head) the resurrection, spiritually of the believer's soul now, and, consequently, of his body hereafter (Rom 6:8-11; Rom 8:11). The Son, too, as God (though”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — THAT IT IS THE CUSTOM OF JEWS AND GENTILES TO OBSERVE NATURAL PURGATIONS, AND TO ABOMINATE THE REMAINS OF THE DEAD; BUT THAT ALL THIS IS CONTRARY TO CHRISTIANITY. (part 2): of God, and may rest for ever, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. To Him, therefore, who is able to open the ears of your hearts to the receiving the oracles of God administered to you both by the Gospel and by the teaching of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; who was crucified under Pontius Pilate and Herod, and died, and rose again from the dead, and will come aga”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 14:62: 14:62 I Am: Cp. study note on 6:49-50. The reader has known from the beginning that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God (1:1). This was acknowledged by demons (1:24; 3:11; 5:7), by God (1:11; 9:7), and by the disciples (8:29-30), but this is the first time that Jesus openly and publicly acknowledged that he was the Messiah. • The second part of Jesus’ reply was that he would sit in the place of power at God’s right hand, which foretold his resurrection and ascension (Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11; see Phil 2:9; Heb 1:3) and his triumphal coming on the clouds of heav”