Ephesians 6:12-13

6:12

For – reason for preceding is found below

our struggle – my wrestling, difficulty, battle(s), warfare

is not – simple present tense, does not consist of

against – opposition, attackers

flesh and blood – human, physical forces

but – contrast

against the rulers – this starts a list of 4 categories of evil spiritual authority. I think I have to break my rule and consult a commentary or 2 to sort this out. [Next day:] I’m getting some general sense of differentiation between the various terms. One item of interest is that the first 2 terms are also used in 1:21. As I noted there, Paul is trying to address the variety of evil spirits who oppose us.

against the authorities – To my thinking each of these terms refers to an increased level of authority in Satan’s army of evil. So those identified as “authorities” hold sway over “rulers.”

against the powers – The Greek is KOSMOKRATORAS, viz. “KOSMO” = world; “KRATORAS” = rulers. I am very much a novice regarding spiritual warfare. But it seems (from my little reading and more contemplation) that perhaps “rulers” refers to the princes of certain countries (e.g., the “prince” of Persia who opposed God’s messenger in Daniel 10). Then possibly “authorities” would oversee the national spirits; so they would influence events in a region. That leads me to “kosmocrats,” world rulers, which I think becomes self-explanatory.

of this dark world – cannot see where I/we are going, confusion, mishaps, easy growth of evil

and – fourth in the series of powerful evil beings

against the spiritual forces – This is one word in Greek. My Western outlook quickly forgets the non-physical forces that influence me and all around me. I get so wrapped up in the physical processes of living that I often ignore the “spiritual forces,” the non-physical beings at work all around me, and seeking to influence my decisions and actions, and not just mine but the processes of our society and world.

of evil – all that opposes God. Often I assume that evil has to be gross or sensual or cruel or something extreme and obvious like those things. But everything that opposes God is by default evil.

in the heavenly realms – The first 3 terms—rulers, authorities and powers—are connected to this dark physical world. But this final term refers to those who work evil in the heavenly realms. Again, my Western mind set at first wants to ask, “What is that to me?” But the Bible’s perspective is that there remains a vital link between the physical and the non-physical realms of activity. Each influences the other. Animists get this. We sophisticates of modern civilization remain generally ignorant of this interplay.

Perhaps I need to personalize this a bit more: Paul identifies rulers, authorities, powers and spiritual forces against whom we struggle. As I picture it, these beings influence nations, regions, et al. But I cannot forget that there are spirit beings working much closer to home. I don’t know what terms might apply to them. But it makes sense that if a ruler is assigned to a country, then some being under him would be assigned to each state/province in that nation. Others would focus on increasingly narrower segments of the population. It seems sensible that there would be a spirit focusing on my community. Does he have a specialty? How about my home state? How can I cooperate with God in defeating the spirit rulers of my community and state today?

6:13

Therefore – Because my struggle involves mighty spirit beings…. Because these beings operate in an ever-increasing hierarchy of power and evil…. Because their realms affect both the physical world and the heavenly realms…. Because I want and need to take my stand against the devil’s schemes…. As a result of all these, Paul gives me one clear command [post script: actually, after living in 6:18 for a week, I see this a little differently. The instructions to “put on” and “take up” are preparations for the singular command in verse 18, vis-à-vis, “pray.” With that caveat, I continue…]:

put on – clothing, protection, attire, equipment, preparation

the full [NLT: every piece] – don’t leave anything out, protect every part of my being

armor – protection against attack; it must take considerable time for a soldier to put on all his gear. Even today, I would guess, most of his equipment is defensive/protective and a minority portion is for actually attacking and offensive purposes.

of God – belongs to the Almighty, it reflects His nature and character; really we’re talking about being clothed completely with God. But it’s not as simple as that.

so that – for the purpose, with the goal in mind

when – not if; this is a certainty that I will be attacked, not just a possibility

the day of evil – Since Paul uses the definite article, he could refer to the final, climactic conflict that ends all time. But if I spend all my time looking for that ultimate day of evil, I will miss all the days of evil that precede it.

day – particular time, season, period

of evil – opposition to God, the absence of good breeds increasing corruption and calamity

day of evil (redux) – seasons of life, not all my walk with Christ is a struggle. Times of joy, bliss and refreshing. Just as the soldier remains on alert at all times, so must I, because the season of attack will return.

comes – the attack approaches me. It acts the aggressor. But in fact, God’s Kingdom marches on. His Kingdom always takes new territory. So these attacks from God’s enemies originate from a defeated foe.

you – I. This picks up the thought from earlier in the verse: “so that…you”

may be able – not that I have the ability, but God who clothes me completely enables me

to stand – Choose any war scene from any movie (or from real life if you have that memory). I see the hero standing in victory at the end of the battle. The one who is still standing in the field of battle when that day’s conflict stops, he is the victor. Another day of conflict will come. Another time, he will strive and pray to be standing at the close of another battle. But for today, he stands because today he conquered. At the end of the day yesterday, I was sanding victorious, by God’s grace. Today, another battle awaits.

your ground – my assignment. My wife’s cousin has a completely different task, given him by our Commander-in-Chief. I admitted to Jerry that I could never do what he does. I could not stand in that field of battle. He laughed (on line). He loves that arena. God has equipped him for that setting. And God keeps me where He can best employ me. I have been given this little territory to defend, with God’s covering. At the end of today’s battle, I pray I will be standing in victory, with Christ. Tomorrow will be another battle. Today, I am called to stand this ground.

and – this succeeding phrase seems just kind of for emphasis

after – time connector, suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between putting on the full armor of God leading to standing my ground.

you have done – I have responsibility, a function to fill, in this struggle against evil powers. It is not enough for me to put on the armor of God; He leaves things for me to get done—past tense, accomplished, achieved, completed

everything – all that I can with the armor God provides

to stand – 3 times in 2 lines (plus the earlier use in v. 11), Paul uses this word “stand”: firmness, “here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God,” resolve, commitment, make a decision and stick with it; the victor after a contest, wrestling match, stands and raises his hands in victory.