John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 1:21

"far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:" — Ephesians 1:21 (ASV)

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion. All these names, there can be no doubt, are applied to angels, who are so called because, through them, God exercises His power, and might, and dominion. He permits them to share, as far as is fitting for creatures, what belongs to Himself, and even gives to them His own name; for we find that they are called אלהים (elohim,) gods. From the diversity of names we conclude that there are various orders of angels; but to attempt to settle these with exactness, to fix their number, or determine their ranks, would not merely reveal foolish curiosity, but would be rash, wicked, and dangerous.

But why did He not simply call them Angels? I answer, it was to convey exalted views of the glory of Christ that Paul employed those lofty titles. As if he had said, “There is nothing so elevated or excellent, by whatever name it may be named, that is not subject to the majesty of Christ.”

There was an ancient superstition, prevalent both among Jews and Gentiles, falsely attributing to angels many things, in order to draw away their minds from God Himself and from the true Mediator. Paul constantly labors to prevent this imaginary lustre of angels from dazzling the eyes of men, or obscuring the brightness of Christ; yet his utmost exertions could not prevent the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11) from succeeding in this matter. Thus we see how the world, through a superstitious dread of angels, departed from Christ. It was indeed the unavoidable consequence of the false opinions held concerning angels that the pure knowledge of Christ disappeared.

Above every name that is named. Name is here taken for greatness, or excellence; and to be named means to enjoy celebrity and praise. The age that is to come is expressly mentioned to point out that the exalted rank of Christ is not temporal, but eternal, and that it is not limited to this world, but shines illustriously in the kingdom of God. For this reason, too, Isaiah calls Him (Isaiah 9:6) The Father of the future age. In short, the glories of men and angels are made to hold an inferior place, so that the glory of Christ, unequalled and unapproached, may shine above them all.