Imprisoned General - The allusion to Paul as the author of Ephesians is clear (1:1, 3:1, 4:1). Yet, nowhere more than in this lesson does the letter reflect the irony of a Paul (or some other disciple) as a general-orator who lives behind bars. Verses 10-17 are the general’s call to battle: be strong, soldiers . . . put on your armor . . . know your enemy . . . stand in the heat of battle. In stark contrast are the next words from the general: pray for me . . . for I am an ambassador in chains.

Cosmic Battle - The quest for holiness forces a confrontation with the tangled web of confusion, sin, and ignorance in the human heart. Nor should the injunction to take up the armor of God and stand firm be limited to individuals. Groups are also subject to a dynamic that works for evil that no one individual would engage in separately . . . The cosmic and demonic powers still seek to exercise a tyranny over the Christian, and in that sense the Christian appears to be "in bonds." In actuality, however, the bonds are broken and the powers are defeated "in Christ." They have God’s armor, and it is God who guarantees their freedom. [1]

Ancient Voice - Paul calls them world rulers [v. 12] not because they have received authority to rule from God but because they have made captive loose-living people as their willing slaves. [2]

 

Where do you see Evil’s schemes being played out in the global theatre today?

If you had to compare your spiritual armor to this list where are you strong? Weak?

What do you need to do to prepare for battle? What evidence do you see of the battle in your life?

What piece of armor do you most need at this moment?

Please see the DPS homily for this week’s lessons based on this passage.

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[1] New Interpreter’s Bible XI (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000), page 464.
[2] Theodoret (393-466 ace) in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture VIII   (InterVarsity, 1999), page 208.