Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Wherein {G1722}{G3739} in time past {G4218} ye walked {G4043} according to {G2596} the course {G165} of this {G5127} world {G2889}, according to {G2596} the prince {G758} of the power {G1849} of the air {G109}, the spirit {G4151} that now {G3568} worketh {G1754} in {G1722} the children {G5207} of disobedience {G543}:

You walked in the ways of the ‘olam hazeh and obeyed the Ruler of the Powers of the Air, who is still at work among the disobedient.

in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience;

Commentary on Ephesians 2:2 (KJV)

Ephesians 2:2 is a powerful verse that describes the former spiritual condition of believers before their conversion to Christ. It vividly contrasts their past life of sin and rebellion with the new life they now have in Christ, laying the groundwork for the glorious grace described in the following verses.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial passage in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, beginning in Ephesians 2:1. Paul reminds his readers of their spiritual state prior to receiving God's grace: they were "dead in trespasses and sins." Verse 2 elaborates on *how* they lived in that state, detailing the influences and powers that governed their lives. This serves to magnify the transformative power of God's work, which Paul will describe from Ephesians 2:4 onward.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Former Life of Sin: The phrase "walked according to the course of this world" signifies a life lived in conformity to the prevailing values, customs, and practices of an unregenerate society. This "course" (Greek: aion, meaning 'age' or 'epoch') refers to the prevailing spirit or system of the unbelieving world, which is alienated from God and hostile to His ways. It describes a lifestyle characterized by self-interest, materialism, and moral decay, rather than obedience to God.
  • Satan's Dominance: The verse explicitly identifies the guiding force behind this worldly system: "the prince of the power of the air." This title refers to Satan, the chief adversary of God and humanity. The "power of the air" suggests his unseen, pervasive influence over the spiritual atmosphere and cultural currents that shape human thought and behavior. He is the orchestrator of worldly rebellion and the spiritual force behind human disobedience. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, where Satan is called the ruler of this world.
  • Spiritual Enslavement and Disobedience: The "spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" highlights the active, internal influence of Satan. He doesn't just rule from afar; his spirit actively energizes and motivates those who choose to live in rebellion against God. "Children of disobedience" (Greek: huioi tēs apeitheias, literally "sons of disobedience") is a Hebraic idiom indicating that disobedience is their inherent characteristic and defining nature. This reveals a state of spiritual bondage where individuals are willingly or unwillingly instruments of Satan's will, leading lives of open defiance against divine authority.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word for "course" (of this world) is aion (αἰῶνα), which refers to an age or a prevailing system of thought and culture, not just a chronological period. It speaks to the corrupt moral and spiritual atmosphere of the world apart from God.
  • "Prince" is archon (ἄρχοντος), meaning a ruler, chief, or leader. "Power" is exousia (ἐξουσίας), denoting authority or jurisdiction. This emphasizes Satan's position of authority within the spiritual realm that influences the unredeemed world.
  • "Children of disobedience" is a powerful phrase, indicating that disobedience is not just an occasional act but a fundamental characteristic of those who are not in Christ. It's their spiritual lineage or identity.

Related Scriptures

  • For the contrast with their new life in Christ, see Ephesians 2:5.
  • Paul further describes the spiritual battle believers face against these unseen forces in Ephesians 6:12.
  • The idea of being "delivered from the power of darkness" is also found in Colossians 1:13.
  • The contrast between the mind set on the flesh and the mind set on the Spirit is explored in Romans 8:5-8.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:2 serves as a stark reminder of our former spiritual condition and the pervasive influence of evil in the world. For believers, it highlights the immense grace of God who rescued us from such a state. It encourages gratitude for salvation and a conscious effort to live according to God's will, not the world's. For those who do not yet know Christ, it reveals the spiritual forces at work in lives apart from God and points to the urgent need for salvation. Understanding the reality of the "prince of the power of the air" also equips believers to recognize and resist his schemes, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and reliance on God's strength.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 6:12

    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

  • 1 John 5:19

    [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

  • Ephesians 2:3

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

  • John 12:31

    Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

  • Colossians 3:6

    For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

  • Colossians 3:7

    In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

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