What do you judge to be Paul’s purpose in listing a variety of titles for the evil spiritual powers depicted in Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 3:10, and Ephesians 6:10-20?
Paul describes “our struggle” (Ephesians 6:12, NRSV), using a Greek word for the competition between wrestlers (palé). Since wrestling was regarded as excellent preparation for battle, this is an appropriate description of the weapon-against-weapon and hand-to-hand combat that takes place when armies clash. Paul is emphasizing the reality of believers’ close struggle against the evil powers.
Here are the titles he gives them:
| Ephesians 1:21 | Ephesians 3:10 | Ephesians 6:12 |
|---|---|---|
| every ruler (or every rule) | the rulers | the rulers |
| (every) authority | the authorities | the authorities |
| (every) power | the cosmic powers over this present darkness | |
| (every) dominion | the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places | |
| every name named |
Image © Kevin Carden at Goodsalt.com
In his broad descriptions (“every name named,” Ephesians 1:21, LEB; “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 6:12, ESV) Paul does affirm that all evil and supernatural powers are subjugated to Christ (Ephesians 1:21). However, in any battle, it is never a good strategy to underestimate the forces on the opposing side. Paul warns that we do not just confront human enemies, but “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV), led by a wily general, the devil (Ephesians 6:11). However, while we must be on the alert against our powerful foes, we need not be daunted by them. God is present with us in the battle (Ephesians 6:10) and has supplied us with the finest of weaponry, His own armor, the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11; compare Isaiah 59:15-17). He has placed at our disposal His truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation, and the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:13-17). With God going before us and our being equipped from head to toe in the armor He has supplied, we cannot fail (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).
| What should the reality of these supernatural evil powers — against whom we, ourselves, are utterly helpless — teach us regarding why we must grasp hold of the Lord Jesus, who is not only greater than these powers but has already defeated them? |
(2)The post Thursday: Wrestling Against Evil Powers appeared first on Sabbath School Net.
Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/thursday-wrestling-against-evil-powers/
