Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience."
Text: Ephesians 2:2
AWARENESS OF THE PRESENCE OF THE DEVIL
Paul was most conscious of the existence and pervasive influence of the Devil. In a letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul wrote of Satan and how he has affected people.
“Whose minds the god of this age has blinded…”
2 CORINTHIANS 4:4
Imagine the power of Satan! He has power enough to blind the masses. In the Ephesians text, Paul described the evil one as
“…the prince of the power of the air,
the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”
EPHESIANS 2:2
We have three descriptions of the Devil in these texts. These words of Paul must not be taken lightly. We do well to take heed of what he wrote.
1. “The god of this age”
How should we understand this phrase?
a) This does not mean that the devil has the same powers of God.
b) The word “God” (“theos”)
This word was actually employed to describe human beings (cf. Psalm 82:6) The Hebrew word “elohim” (“gods”) may be simply translated as “mighty ones”.
c) Paul’s understanding of the word “god”
To clear any misunderstanding concerning Paul’s use of the word “god” let us consider the following text he wrote to the Corinthian Church. He used the word “god” in a very qualified manner.
“There is no other God but one;
for even if there are so-called gods,
whether in heaven or on earth
(as there are many gods and many lords),
yet for us, there is one God, the Father,
of whom are all things, and we for Him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things,
and through whom we live.”
1 CORINTHIANS 8:4D-6
2. “The prince of the power of the air”
Satan is well-described as “prince” (“archon” which means “head” or “ruler”). He rules a kingdom of evil spirits. Their domain is described simply as in “the air”.
3. “The spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience”
Satan is essentially a spirit being. He is most active in the world of man. He is active in this age. He blinds eyes and he causes people to walk in disobedience and defiance.