12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual `hosts' of wickedness in the heavenly `places'.
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;
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;
And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they `do it' to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
having despoiled the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly `places' might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,
to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.
Blessed `be' the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly `places' in Christ:
Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
of judgment, because the prince of this world hath been judged.
And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully.
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:
And Jehovah said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Ephesians 6
Commentary on Ephesians 6 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 6
In this chapter,
Eph 6:1-9
Here we have further directions concerning relative duties, in which the apostle is very particular.
Eph 6:10-18
Here is a general exhortation to constancy in our Christian course, and to encourage in our Christian warfare. Is not our life a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the common calamities of human life. Is not our religion much more a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the opposition of the powers of darkness, and with many enemies who would keep us from God and heaven. We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves. "Finally, my brethren (v. 10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers.' Now it is requisite that a soldier be both stout-hearted and well armed. If Christians be soldiers of Jesus Christ,
Eph 6:19-24
Here,