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:
Study Note
Study Note
'In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience' — the multi-layered description of pre-conversion life identifies both structural ('this age') and personal ('the prince') dimensions of spiritual captivity. The 'prince of the power of the air' (archonta tēs exousias tou aeros) draws on Jewish cosmological traditions about evil spiritual powers inhabiting the sub-lunar atmosphere (Testament of Benjamin 3:4; 2 Enoch 29:4), giving satanic influence a cosmic-structural dimension. The phrase 'the spirit now at work in the sons of disobedience' uses energountos (the same word for divine energy in Philippians 2:13) to describe demonic activation of the unregenerate will — a mirror image of the Spirit's work in believers. The verse is essential for understanding Paul's theology of principalities and powers as not merely individual demons but systemic spiritual structures organizing resistance to the divine order.
Other Translations
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;
in which once ye did walk according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience,
In which you were living in the past, after the ways of this present world, doing the pleasure of the lord of the power of the air, the spirit who is now working in those who go against the purpose of God;
Cross References
Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye …
Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a …
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we …
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness …
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our …
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he …
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not …
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son …