Answer: Christ is the head over every power and
authority, (verse 10).
MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
The KJV translates "every power and authority" as
"all principality and power."
"Principality" is from the Greek word arche,
which, in this verse, has the sense of "dominion" or
"rule." It always signifies
"primacy," whether in time or in rank.
(Primacy: a being first in time, rank, etc.,
supremacy.)
The word "power" in the KJV is from the Greek
word exousia, which properly means
"authority"--in distinction from dynamis,
which means "power."
The correct combination here is that "Christ is the
head over every rule and authority." Every other rule
and authority comes after Christ, whether angles,
aeons (also "eon," an extremely long, indefinite
period of time), kings, etc. He Who is the Head over
every power/rule and authority has the RIGHT to command of
His disciples that they proclaim Him to all, and that all obey
everything He has commanded. We need to understand the
full power and authority which calls us to the hope that is in us,
and that NOTHING can overcome this power and authority:
Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came
to them and said, 'ALL authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to Me. THEREFORE go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of
the age.'"
John 16:33: [Jesus said,] "I have
told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world."
Ephesians 1:18-23: "I pray also
that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you
may know the hope to which He [God] has called you, the riches of
His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great
power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His
mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from
the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every
title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in
the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and
appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is
His body, the fullness of Him Who fills everything in every
way."
Colossians 2:15: "And having
disarmed the powers and authorities, He [Jesus] made a public
spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the
cross."
Revelation 17:14: "They will make
war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is
Lord of lords and King of kings--and with Him will be His
called, chosen and faithful followers."
