Ephesians 6:10-20
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Helpful Background Information:
Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians very likely while he was imprisoned in Rome in 60 AD.
The structure of the book of the letter to the Ephesians is very typical for the letters of Paul: in the first three chapters he lays out the gospel (what Christians should believe); then follows this in the latter three chapters by laying out how they should respond to this news (how Christians should behave and what Christian character should look like).
Acts 19:18-19 informs us that in the city of Ephesus, the practice of divine arts (or ‘magic’) was a widespread practice (see also Acts 8:9, 11, 13:6, 8). People in this city were no strangers to having interactions with the supernatural. So it is no surprise that Paul places special emphasis on the supernatural battle going on—a battle we cannot see—in chapter 6.
“Power was one of the greatest concerns [for people] in ancient religion. In this context of conflict with ‘the powers,’ Paul affirms the victory of Christ and that Christians clothed with the ‘full armor of God’ can stand against them. Paul exhorts [the Ephesian Christians], saying, ‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Burge and Green, The NT in Antiquity, p. 437).
Reflection Questions:
What connections do you see between Daniel 10 and Ephesians 6:10-20? Write down at least 3.
What connections do you see between the culture of the Ephesians (see background information section) and our culture today?
What do these verses reveal about the nature of spiritual warfare?
Paul says to “put on” the full armor—what does that look like practically in your daily walk with Christ?
How do truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God protect and equip us? Which of these ‘weapons’ most resonates with you?
How can we stay alert and “always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” v. 18)? What does that look like in real life?
Take 10 minutes to pray that: 1) the Lord would help you to obey His words in this passage, 2) to walk in the freedom that comes with this command, 3) to open your eyes to the spiritual battle that we can’t see.