7. Our Present Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-24)

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Audio (27:24)

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Humility: Disciple's Guide to a Humble Life

"When you become a Christian," say some, "all your troubles are over. God smooths out all the troubles and life is easier."

"When you become a Christian," say others, "your troubles are just beginning. Satan didn't bother with you before, since you were on his side. Not he will buffet you unmercifully. Fasten your seat belts."

Both are distortions of the truth, which is this: Before you were a Christian, whole areas of your life were devastated because of the way you lived, as well as from the emptiness and purposeless in your life. Now that you have become a Christian, God is renewing your mind and helping you to change your lifestyle. This in itself will save you from a lot of troubles. You now have the Holy Spirit within you to guide and teach and comfort you. You are a lot better off.

But you will face some terrible conflicts ahead. Before you were a Christian, you just gave into the temptations and then suffered the consequences of your sins. Now as you begin to stand against those temptations, you are beginning to realize the real source of them -- Satan himself. This struggle against temptation and evil is not really against people. It is against the unseen evil spiritual world of the demonic. But you can stand your ground when you equip yourself with the tools God has given you.

In this passage, Paul spells out for the Ephesians the nature of the battle and describes how to find the strength to resist the temptations we will face. Finally, he leaves the Ephesians a strong exhortation to pray -- for prayer is one of their chief weapons and comforts in the battle.

7.1 Wrestling with the Enemy of Our Souls (6:10-18)
7.2 Prevailing through Prayer (6:18-24)

7.1. Wrestling with the Enemy of Our Souls (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Learning to stand up in the battle, resist temptation, and find victory is a learned skill for believers. To teach this, Paul calls on the dress and equipment of soldiers of his time. He uses the motif of battle.

Gravestone of a Marcus Favonius, a Roman centurion of the 20th Legion (died after 43 AD), Colchester Castle Museum, England.
Gravestone of a Marcus Favonius, a Roman centurion of the 20th Legion (died after 43 AD), Colchester Castle Museum, England.

Relying on God's Strength (Ephesians 6:10-11a)

"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11)

So often we are overcome with a feeling of powerlessness. Much of powerlessness -- not all  -- comes from not using what God has provided. The command in verse 10 is "Be strong234 in the Lord and in his mighty235 power."236 Our problem is that we try to be strong in ourselves, and have not learned the secret of drawing our strength from God.

It appears from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 that Paul was afflicted with some kind of disease. What it was we do not know, though he called it "a thorn in my flesh" and recognized its source: "a messenger of Satan to torment me." Paul didn't sanctify his illness, even though God was using this evil thing, he asked for God to remove it. But God denied his request and instead told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God used evil for good once again (Romans 8:28), so that Paul would remain humble and so that he would learn in his weakness to draw on God's strength. Paul learned to glory in it, "For when I am weak," he said, "then I am strong."

Not that he wasn't tested. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 he enumerates some of his trials: prison, severe floggings, shipwreck, betrayal, hunger, the pressure of his responsibilities.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

To the Philippian church he writes,

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do237 everything through him who gives me strength!"238 (Philippians 4:12-13)

Indeed, the secret is to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Paul likens it to the armor (and armament) of a soldier, perhaps using one of his prison guards as a model as he penned these lines. "Put on239 the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." When we do not rely on God's strength, we have not donned the full "armor"240 which he gives us for the struggle.

The Diabolical Nature of the Struggle (Ephesians 6:11b-12)

"11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.241 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Most of us in Western cultures grew up with a scientific, materialist mindset. If you cannot see it or touch it or measure it in a scientific manner, then it is not real. Science has made great strides in the last few decades in "seeing" particles so small they once eluded our electron microscopes. We can now see heavenly bodies so far away that previously we couldn't find with our finest telescopes, though they are huge. Bravo for science.

But there are some things which science is not equipped to measure. Love, for one. Right and wrong, for another. Science can measure the physiological responses to fear, but it cannot "see" fear.

The location where you are reading this study, this very moment is being penetrated by all kinds of waves and signals --TV, radio, cell phone, microwave, WiFi, Bluetooth. But you can't detect them unless you turn on a suitable device. Spiritual beings are the same way. While we can't "see" spiritual beings, we can sense them so long as we have our antennae up.

"I believe in Jesus," I've heard people exclaim, "but I don't believe in Satan and demons." Interesting, since Jesus had a great deal to say about both. That kind of in-your-face ignorance is like a blind man denying the existence of street lights.

Paul instructs us on the nature of our spiritual struggle in Ephesians 6:11b-13:

  • The devil's schemes
  • Not flesh and blood
  • Rulers
  • Authorities
  • Powers of this dark world
  • Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms
  • Day of evil

Let's dive into our study with a few definitions of the Greek words which underlie our English translations:

"Devil" translates Greek diabolos (from which we get words such as "diabolical"): 1. adj. "slanderous", 2. noun, "one who engages in slander," in the New Testament the title of the principal transcendent evil being "the adversary, the devil."242 The proper name Satan (which is not used here) is a transliteration of the Hebrew word satan meaning "adversary," and in the Bible, in a very special sense, the enemy of God, simply "Satan, the Enemy."243 The word diabolos is used synonymously with satan in Revelation 2:9-10 and 20:2.

"Rulers" (NIV, NRSV, ESV) and "principalities" (KJV) translate Greek archē (from which we get words such as "archbishop") which means "ruler, authority, official."244 It can be used of good rulers as well as bad. The idea here is that some of the "rulers" in the spiritual realm are demonic in their allegiance. We believe (though the Scripture is pretty sparce here) that Satan was once an archangel who rebelled against God and was thrown, with the angels under his authority (perhaps a third of heaven's angels), out of heaven (Revelation 12). We call these rebel angels "demons" or "evil spirits," though that terminology was mainly used by Jesus in the Gospels, not so much in Paul's writings.

We see in a hint of this in Daniel 10:12-13, 20, where Daniel relates an experience in which Michael the archangel was delayed in answering Daniel's prayer because of a battle with "the prince of the Persian kingdom." Peter Wagner and others in the intercessory prayer movement in the US believe that spiritual rulers seek to control and influence neighborhoods, cities, regions, and countries. Wagner reported local spiritual breakthroughs in response to prayer directed against the ruling spirits of an area.245

"Authorities" (NIV, NRSV, ESV) and "powers" (KJV) translate the plural of Greek exousia, a generic word meaning "the right to control or command, authority, absolute authority, warrant," both good and bad.246 When the words archē and exousia ("principalities and powers") are used together in the New Testament, they always refer to the evil spiritual powers.247

"Powers of this ... world" (NIV), "cosmic powers" (NRSV, ESV) or "rulers ... of this world" (KJV) is Greek kosmokratōr which means "world-ruler." But the world here is described as "darkness," in other words, Paul is describing here the "rulers of this sinful world."248

"Spiritual forces (of evil)" (NIV, NRSV, ESV) or "spiritual (wickedness in high places)" (KJV) is Greek pneumatikos, "pertaining to the spirit, spiritual," here pertaining to evil spirits.249 Notice the words to which "spiritual" is appended: "evil" and "heavenly realms" (epouranos, "heavenly"). Since Hitler's day it is common to hear people try to make Paul's words refer to the evil social structures of the day -- institutionalized evil -- and translate the Greek word epouranos as "high places," but this doesn't really fit the context here. (Having said that, institutionalized evil is clearly real and must be resisted!) We have seen the word "heavenly realms" (epouranos) used a number of times in Ephesians, always concerning spiritual realities.250 Paul is speaking here about spiritual wickedness in the unseen but very real spiritual sphere in which we presently dwell.

Q58. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/556-q58-the-demonic/

Stand Your Ground (Ephesians 6:13)

Our problem is that we can't see the spiritual realm and thus often misunderstand the very nature of the life and death struggle in which we as humans are engaged. It's easy to focus on people as evil. Sometimes they are. But the real struggle is not with the people themselves ("flesh and blood"), but with the evil spiritual forces that are motivating them, driving them. If we fight the people, we lose. If we try to fight with intellectual or psychological or metaphysical weapons we will lose. But if we will arm ourselves with God's weapons and fight the way he instructs us, we can succeed.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

What is victory? To swashbuckle our way across the minions of hell and capture Satan himself? No. But it certainly is to remain standing at the end of the battle.

On Sunday I asked an elderly gentleman at church, "How are you?" and he replied with a smile on his face, "I'm still vertical." That's the idea. That is victory: to hold our ground, to stand our ground, not to give in, not to give up. To remain standing at the end of the conflict.

If Satan can discourage us, wear us down, we may fall, we may retreat, we may give up. But victory is to remain, to stand, to be left standing at the end of the day.

One of my interests is American Civil War history, especially the mighty battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, and Sharpsburg. The army that was remained in possession of the battlefield at the end of the day was the victor, even though it may have been wounded and suffered serious casualties. The armor of God is designed to help us to stand. Jesus said,

"In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, KJV)

Q59. (Ephesians 6:13) What is difficult about standing our ground in today's world? In what way can standing our ground be considered victory? Why are the saints in Revelation 12:11 considered victorious over the devil? How did they stand their ground?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/557-q59-stand/

The Nature of the Armament (Ephesians 6:14-17)

"14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Let's look at the pieces of the armor Paul describes as he develops this military analogy:

Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14a)

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...." (Ephesians 6:14a)

First, the belt251 of truth. Think of the wide belt that the weight lifter wears to protect and strengthen him. A Roman soldier would wear a strong belt. Jesus said:

"If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

When we don't know any better, the "father of lies," the "great deceiver" can hoodwink us and get the better of us. But when we hold firmly to the truth that we know and seek diligently to acquire wisdom, we are protected. This is a good piece of equipment to put on in the morning with a regular reading of the Scriptures.

Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)

"... With the breastplate of righteousness in place...." (Ephesians 6:14b)

A Roman soldier would wear a breastplate made of steel, leather, or coat of mail (thorax252) to protect his torso in the thick of battle. Our protection is righteousness. This is two-fold. First, we have been made righteous by Christ's death on our behalf (imputed righteousness). We are "holy," "set apart," we are "saints," we belong to God now. His righteousness is our righteousness, and his blood covers our sins. We can often be fooled when Satan reminds us of our sins and weaknesses, and tells us, "You've done it now! God will never forgive you after this." Our protection is our understanding of the righteousness in which we stand in Christ.

But this righteousness must not be only imputed righteousness from Christ. We are also protected by living holy lives, by obedience, by walking in God's ways righteously. When we do that we deprive the devil of a "foothold" (Ephesians 4:27) from which to attack us further. Our righteous ways are a powerful protection from the destruction that sin brings with it.

Q60. (Ephesians 6:14) Why are such simple things as truth and personal holiness such powerful armament? Are they defensive or offensive weapons?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/558-q60-truth-and-righteousness/

Footgear for Battle (Ephesians 6:15)

"... With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15)

Strong footgear253 is important in a battle situation. If we wear thongs on our feet instead of Army-issue boots, we may slip in the struggle and leave ourselves exposed to the enemy. But notice that shod feet are also an offensive weapon, an enablement for us to be ready to run with and share the gospel of peace. Truth and good news are a weapon in that they give us sure footing against darkness, deceit, and despair.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7)

Q61. (Ephesians 6:15) What would be the characteristic of a person who didn't have his feet ready to run with the Gospel? How does heart preparation make you more ready to share the Good News with those around you? How does this help defeat the dominion of darkness?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/559-q61-good-news/

The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

"In addition to all this, take up the shield254 of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16)

Often before battle, soldiers would soak their leather shields in the local creeks. This made them much heavier, but impervious to the flaming arrows shot by the enemy. A shield is both a defensive weapon to hide behind as well as an offensive weapon that enables you to strike with your sword hand while protecting your body with the shield held in the other. With a shield you can attack.

Sometimes we have devastating circumstances that come upon us like a flaming arrow that threatens to consume us, our family, and our whole position in life. We can react with fear and terror. Or we can put up the shield of faith and start to trust God when all hell breaks loose. Your faith helps you to stand in the intense battles within your mind as well as in your home and workplace. Trust God no matter what is going on, for he knows what he is doing. Put up the shield of faith; don't let it hang useless at your side.

The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)

"Take the helmet255 of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17a)

Helmets protect the head, hence battle helmets, bicycle helmets, hard hats, and the like. Our salvation from God protects us against self-doubt and fear that God won't forgive us when we mess up. We must put on our confidence in His salvation daily and not let Satan slam us in the head with his lies. Lack of assurance of our own salvation can be devastating when we're in a spiritual battle for our lives. Get this straight. If you're not sure of your salvation, discuss this with a pastor who will give you some counsel and Scripture to help you receive the assurance from God that you need to resist Satan. Remember, we are not saved by our own good works, but by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b)

"Take ... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17b)

The sword,256 too, is both offensive and defensive. We parry our enemy's blows with our sword, as well as thrust home when we see a weakness in his defense. Our sword is God's Word. When we study the Bible for its principles and truths, we can stand against Satan's lies. When Jesus was tempted during the 40 days he spent in the wilderness before beginning his ministry, he answered Satan's half-truths with Scripture (Luke 4:1-13), and so stood his ground against the Tempter. Reading the Scripture often, studying it, and committing it to memory are all ways keep this sword sharp, so when we are attacked we'll be able to respond.

Q62. (Ephesians 6:15-17) Why is it important to have your "shield" up each day? In what way does the "helmet of salvation" protect you? Is the "sword of the Spirit" an offensive or defensive weapon? How do you keep it sharp and ready for the battle?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/560-q62-faith-and-the-word/

Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

"Pray in the Spirit" is Paul's transition from the military analogy to a further exhortations. There might be a contemporary military analogy however -- "Carry your walkie-talkie and call in when you get in trouble so we can direct firepower where you need it."

Offensive or Defensive Weapons?

To what extent are the weapons of warfare Paul has mentioned offensive weapons or defensive weapons? In a very real sense they are all offensive weapons, since they allow the warrior to continue in the battle instead of being wiped out early. Part of active fighting is protecting oneself from blows so one can continue to fight. 

Sometimes I've wondered if these weapons are too weak. The battle rages and all I have is a hope and a prayer and my Bible. How can I expect to find victory?

Martin Luther, who wrote that great hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," had many well-chronicled battles with the devil. One line of this hymn is particularly telling about the devil:

"One little word shall fell him."

Truth will win the war with deceit and half-truth. "The pen is mightier than the sword," and God's truth is stronger than all of Satan's well-crafted lies.

We are weak in ourselves. But in God these simple weapons -- truth, righteousness, the good news, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer -- are more than we need to fend off an attack and remain standing at the end of the day.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand ... and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11, 13)

Once I pastored a church that included a man who was extremely liberal in his politics and an adamant pacifist. He sometimes carried signs against war and armament. My friend had a very difficult time understanding even the basic concepts of spiritual warfare.

Whether we like it or not, to succeed at the Christian life we must undertake it as a conflict, a fight. That doesn't mean that we have to be negative pessimists -- only realists. There is a foe against which we must defend ourselves. The only alternative is to live miserable, defeated lives. There is a King for whom we take the ground and claim the lives of those who are perishing. It is a fight, yes, but it is a good fight of faith, a joyous fight fought in the camaraderie of Christ and our brother and sister Christians. It is a positive fight, too, for when read the end of the book -- Revelation -- you find that we win!

Paul tells young Timothy:

"Fight the good fight of the faith." (1 Timothy 6:12).

Then near the end of his life, Paul recalls his own struggle -- and victory in Christ:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 2:7-8)

Prayer

Father, the more we know about the spiritual enemies arrayed against us, the more we realize we need you. I pray for faithfulness for me and for my brothers and sisters to put on the weapons daily and stand ready to fight. Help us, O Lord, for we are weak without you. Supply us continually with the strength and protection of your Spirit -- and teach us to fight! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Key Verses

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

7.2. Prevailing through Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-24)

Audio (14:27)

Francisco de Zurbar? (1598-1664), 'St. Francis in Meditation' (1635-39), oil on canvas. National Gallery, London, 162 x 137 cm.
We prevail by earnest prayer. Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664), 'St. Francis in Meditation' (1635-39), oil on canvas. National Gallery, London, 162 x 137 cm.

Spiritual Warfare and Struggle

This passage is about spiritual struggle, and though we finished looking at the pieces of the armor in the previous chapter of this study, we have not yet left the subject of struggle.

"For we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12)

The word "struggle" (NIV, NRSV) and "wrestle" (KJV, ESV) in verse 12 is Greek noun that from Homer on down referred to "wrestling," a contest between two in which each endeavors to throw the other and hold him down with a hand on the neck.257 The word is particularly used of prayer in the New Testament. The companion epistle Colossians uses the figure of an athletic event to describe intense prayer also:

"... So that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in me. I want you to know how much I am struggling or you and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not known me personally" (Colossians 1:28-2:1).

"Epaphras ... is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" (Colossians 4:12).

In Romans also Paul urges his readers to:

"... Join me in my struggle by praying to God for me...." (Romans 15:30)258

Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)

After having taken a look at prayer as "wrestling" and "struggle," let's examine the passage at hand:

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

Paul's battle instruction concludes with a call to constant prayer (Ephesians 6:18-20). If you've found that intercessory prayer isn't easy, that it is labor, struggle, then you share this experience with the Apostle Paul.

Verse 18 tells us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Some argue from 1 Corinthians 14:14-16 that praying "in the spirit" means praying in tongues, but this verse seems to mean something different. 259The sense in this verse seems to be: "Pray guided by or inspired by or empowered by the Spirit." Interesting, isn't it, that even to pray effectively we need God's help.

Verse 18 tells us to "pray with all prayers and petitions." What's the difference between the two? The first word uses the generic word for prayer to God.260 The second word, "requests" (NIV), or "supplications" (KJV, NRSV, ESS) is a bit more specific: "urgent request to meet a need, exclusively addressed to God -- seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty."261 Notice the repetition in verse 18a of the word "all," giving emphasis to the command to pray "on all occasions" with "all kinds" of prayer. A very strong command indeed!

Q63. (Ephesians 6:18) Why is prayer vital to spiritual warfare? What does it mean to "pray in the Spirit"? 
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/561-q63-praying-in-the-spirit/

Alertness in Prayer for All the Saints (Ephesians 6:18b)

"With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

Sometimes when I pray my mind wanders. Paul's mind must have wandered too, for his exhortation contains two commands:

  1. "Be alert" -- "to be vigilant in awareness of threatening peril, be on the alert, keep watch over something, be on guard," then "the state of being alertly concerned, care.262" After an attack or emergency we're at a state of high alert for a while, but then there's a natural tendency to become lax, to slough off, to go through the motions. Paul warns us that we are at war with the devil and must pray with alertness to Satan's wiles, tricks and feints (Ephesians 6:11).
  2. "Persevere" -- "firm persistence in an undertaking or circumstance, perseverance, patience."263 We are to "keep on keeping on" with our praying, never flagging with diligence.

I, for one, struggle with this alertness and perseverance in prayer (though I've found that praying aloud helps). Maybe you struggle with alertness, too. May Paul's words stimulate us to renewed diligence in prayer.

Q64. (Ephesians 6:18b) Why is alertness in prayer vital to success in spiritual warfare? How is perseverance in prayer important to success? Why do we need this exhortation?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/562-q64-alertness-and-perseverance/

Paul Requests Prayer for Himself (Ephesians 6:19-20)

Having exhorted his readers to pray for "all the saints," now he requests specific prayer for himself:

"19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:19-20)

If prayer weren't really that important, Paul wouldn't urge it so strongly. But he longs for their prayers for him, knowing that through the prayers of the saints, God empowers him in his ministry. Specifically, he asks them to pray for him for "fearlessness" (NIV), "boldness" (ESV, KJV, NRSV) -- "a state of boldness and confidence, courage, confidence, boldness, frankness, especially in the presence of persons of high rank."264 As he writes this, Paul lies in prison for preaching (Acts 22:1-21). Yet, on every subsequent occasion at which he appears before those who could release him, he preaches.265 Paul asks for prayers that he will not slack off and compromise with fear as he awaits trial in Rome.

This same kind of courage is found in Peter and John (Acts 4:13), a boldness that causes their imprisonment. After their release, they pray:

"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." (Acts 4:28).

If Paul must ask for prayer that he might be faithful to "fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Timothy 6:12) at his trial, how much more should we pray for one another to, not only survive and hold our own, but to be fearless in the face of opposition. We must help one another through prayer! Our natural tendency is to avoid pain and persecution, but when we are going through our most difficult struggles, people watch us most closely to see whether our faith is real, or if we are just "fair-weather Christians." God give us boldness rather than a wimpy faith!

Q65. (Ephesians 6:19) Why would Paul request prayer for boldness? Why is boldness necessary in war? What is the opposite of boldness? What happens if this is our accustomed life-posture?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/563-q64-sharing-our-faith/

An Ambassador in Chains (Ephesians 6:20a)

Paul describes himself with the curious and paradoxical phrase: "an ambassador in chains" (verse 20). The Greek noun here is presbeuō, "be an ambassador or envoy, travel or work as an ambassador."266 It refers to one who acts as an emissary, transmitting messages or negotiations, used of envoys, imperial legates, and business agents.267

Paul realizes that when he appears before the Roman emperor for trial, he will do so as the representative of his Government before the Roman court. Paul represents the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. He is the emissary of the Kingdom of God -- and he must not wimp out when he is given his audience.

We, too, are ambassadors, envoys, emissaries of the Kingdom of God. Paul says to the Corinthian church, with a "we" that includes all of us:

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

To everyone with whom our lives intersect, we are Christ's personal representatives. When we are fearful, when we neglect to identify ourselves with Christ, when we remain silent to avoid ridicule or persecution, we do the King a disservice. Jesus said,

"He who receives you receives me,
and he who receives me receives the one who sent me." (Matthew 10:40)

What an awesome responsibility!

Q66. (Ephesians 6:20) Developing this analogy of an ambassador in a foreign land.... What nation has sovereignty over the embassy and its property? Who does the ambassador represent? What responsibilities does he or she have? How do these relate to being an ambassador of Christ?
https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/564-q66-ambassadors-of-christ/

Tychicus -- Personal Matters (Ephesians 6:21-22)

"21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you." (Ephesians 6:21-22)

As is customary at the conclusion of nearly all his letters, Paul moves to personal comments. Though in this letter his personal references are surprisingly brief.

He commends to them Tychicus, "the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord" (verse 21). Tychicus (it's fun to say -- TI-ki-kis. Say it.) was probably from Ephesus and was Paul's traveling companion on several occasions. He brings not only the letter to the Ephesians, but also a personal report of how the Apostle is doing to "encourage" the believers there. Notice that Tychicus is not an outstanding preacher or fiery evangelist. But he is "a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord" (Colossians 4:7). You may not be outstanding, but you can be faithful, and you can be one who loves and is loved.

Closing Benediction (Ephesians 6:23-24)

Four words characterize Paul's closing benediction ("blessing") to his readers: Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace:

"Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love." (Ephesians 6:23-24)

Paul began the letter with "grace and peace" and so he closes it. One of the best known verses in this great letter is probably the classic statement of what grace really is:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Sometimes in her quest for holiness, the Church has de-emphasized grace in favor of a tenuous and brittle righteousness achieved by great effort of the will. But the wonder of God's work through Jesus Christ is his fully free gift of salvation -- undeserved and unlimited grace -- in exchange for heartfelt faith. Amazing!

However, the word used most in this benediction is love -- undying love: "Love with faith from God" (Ephesians 6:23) and "love [for] our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love" (Ephesians 6:24).

May your love be undying love for the One who died for you -- our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Father, in this wonderful Letter of Ephesians our eyes have been opened to many things. We pray that you would never let us take these things for granted again. I pray for my fellow comrades in arms and warriors in prayer. For my fellow ambassadors. That we might fight well, pray well, and represent you and your Kingdom well to those around us, until you call us home. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

Key Verse

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

Endnotes

Section 7.1

[234] Endynamoō, "to become able to function or do something, become strong" (BDAG 333).

[235] Kratos, "ability to exhibit or express resident strength, might," here "of intensity in might" (BDAG 565, 1b).

[236] Ischus, "capability to function effectively, strength, power, might" (BDAG 484).

[237] Ischuō, "to have requisite personal resources to accomplish something, have power, be competent, be able" (BDAG 484).

[238] Endynamoō, see note above on Ephesians 6:10.

[239] Endyō, "put on, clothe oneself in, wear" (BDAG 333-334), which we saw in 4:24 -- "Put on the new self...."

[240] Panoplia, "the complete equipment of a heavy-armed soldier, full armor" (BDAG 754), from hoplon, "implement, weapon," and pan, "all."

[241] Methodeia, "scheming, craftiness" (Ephesians 4:14; 6:11) (BDAG 625).

[242] Diabolos, BDAG 226-227.

[243] Satan, BDAG 916-917.

[244] Archē, BDAG 137-138.

[245] See C. Peter Wagner, Engaging the Enemy: How to Fight and Defeat Territorial Spirits (Regal Books, 1991) and C. Peter Wagner and F. Douglas Pennoyer (eds.), Wrestling with Dark Angels: Toward a Deeper Understanding of the Supernatural Forces in Spiritual Warfare (Regal Books, 1990).

[246] Exousia, BDAG 352-353.

[247] 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16, 2:10, 15; 1 Peter 3:22.

[248] Kosmokratōr, BDAG 561.

[249] Pneumatikos, BDAG 837.

[250] Ephesians 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12.

[251] Zōnnumi, "to gird. "The girdle is an item of military equipment, e.g., as a broad leather band for protection, as an apron under the armor, as a belt studded with metal, or as a sign of rank" (Albrecht Oepke, hoplon, ktl., TDNT 5:292-315).

[252] Thorax, ibid.

[253] Hypodeō, "to furnish with footgear." "The Roman legionnaires wear half-boots with strong soles." Ibid.

[254] Thyros, "probably a long oblong shield (shaped like a door, thyra) (BDAG 462). "The thyreos is the ancient four-cornered long shield.... The rectangular Greek shield is almost a portable wall [and] covers the whole person, which poses the hard problem of reconciling strength with lightness. The Romans take over a later form of the long shield around 340 BC and retain it until the days of Constantine, who reverts to the round or oval form" (Albrecht Oepke, hoplon, ktl., TDNT 5:292-315).

[255] Perikephalaia, "helmet," also 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (BDAG 802). "Greek soldiers wear bronze helmets, as do the Romans. The helmet is slung on a strap during marches and put on for battle" (Albrecht Oepke, hoplon, ktl., TDNT 5:292-315).

[256] Machaira, "a relatively short sword or sharp instrument, sword, dagger," also used figuratively of the Word of God in Hebrews 4:12 (BDAG 622).

Section 7.2

[257] Palē, Thayer 474. "engagement in a challenging contest ... struggle against" (BDAG 752).

[258] These verses us the Greek noun agōn and verb agōnizomai. They were first used as "to engage in an athletic contest" and then, generally, "to struggle" (agōn, BDAG 17; Ethelbert Stauffer, agōn, ktl., TDNT 1:134-140). We get our word "agony" from agōn, though the concept of pain isn't exactly the original concept of struggling. This word is used in Ephesians 6:12 to set the stage for the battle.

[259] The syntax is different here. Instead of using the dative case (perhaps dative of reference) as in Corinthians, in Ephesians 6:18 Paul uses the preposition en ("in" or "by") to refer to the Spirit.

[260] Proseuchē, "petition addressed to deity, prayer" (BDAG 878, 1).

[261] Deēsis, BDAG 213, Thayer 126.

[262] Agrypneō, BDAG 16.

[263] Proskarterēsis, BDAG 882.

[264] The basic meaning of parrēsia is "outspokenness, frankness, plainness." Here it has the extended meaning of "a state of boldness and confidence, courage, confidence, boldness, frankness, especially in the presence of persons of high rank" (BDAG 781-782).

[265] Acts 23:1; 24:10-21, 24-25; 25:8-11; 26:1-29; 28:31.

[266] Presbeuō, BDAG 861.

[267] Günther Bornkamm, presbys, ktl., TDNT 6:651-683.

Ephesians: Discipleship Lessons

Copyright © 2024, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Sign up now!To be notified about future articles, stories, and Bible studies, why don't you subscribe to our free newsletter,The Joyful Heart, by placing your e-mail address in the box below. We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.
FirstLast
E-mail
Country(2-letter abbreviation, such as US)
Preferred FormatHTML (recommended) Plain text