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:
a. NLT: You
used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the
commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the
hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
b. NIV: in
which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the
ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are
disobedient.
c. YLT: 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,
d.
Amplified Bible Classic: In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were
following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of
the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the
air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that
still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the
rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].
e.
Worrell Translation: In which ye once walked according to the course of this
world, according to the prince of the authority of the air, the spirit that is
now working in the sons of disobedience.
1.
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world…”
a. Wherein [Strong: 1722 * en en a
primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and
(by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation
of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by,
etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before,
between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to,
(here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X
outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on),
through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in).
Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs
of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a
separate (and different) preposition.]
b. wherein [Strong: 3739 * hos hos,
including feminine he hay, and neuter ho ho probably a primary word (or
perhaps a form of the article 3588); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative)
pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what,
which, who(-m, -se), etc.]
c. in time past [Strong: 4218 * pote pot-eh'
from the base of 4225 and 5037; indefinite adverb, at some time,
ever:--afore-(any, some-)time(-s), at length (the last), (+ n- )ever, in the
old time, in time past, once, when.]
d. ye walked [Strong: 4043 * peripateo per-ee-pat-eh'-o
from 4012 and 3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as
proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a
companion or votary):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).]
1). Rick Renner Sparkling Gems Daily Devotional 2/27/16:
Paul was reminding his readers of what they were like before the grace of God
touched their hearts. With this one statement, he reached into his pocketbook,
pulled out a stack of old photographs, and began flipping through them,
searching for one old photo that would remind them of their past. When Paul
wrote Ephesians 2:2, it was like he held that old photo up in the air and said,
“Hey, look at this! Do you remember what you looked like back then?” Then Paul
reminds his readers, “Back then…you walked according to the
course of this world.” The word “walked” is the Greek word peripateo,
a compound of the words peri and pateo. The
word peri means around and the word pateo means to
walk. When these are joined together, it means to walk around
habitually in one general area all the time. The Greek grammar implies
that it is a path from which these people cannot deviate. You might say they
are trapped on this path — bound to walk it again and again. They are locked in
this one general sphere and can’t find their way out by themselves.
e. according [Strong: 2596 * kata kat-ah'
a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied
relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it
is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X
alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to
touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly,
concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more
excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect
of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X
mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against,
(+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus,
(un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it
retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution,
or intensity.]
f. the course [Strong: 165 * aion ahee-ohn'
from the same as 104; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past);
by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or
future):--age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the
, while the) world (began, without end).]
1). Rick Renner Sparkling Gems Daily Devotional 2/27/16:
The word “course” is from the Greek word aiona, a word that
describes a specific, allotted period of time, such as
an age, a specific era, or a generation. It often denotes the influence
of a particular generation on a period of time, like a decade,
a century, or even a millennium. The word aiona also denotes
the spirit of a period; for instance, the 1920s were typified
as “the Roaring Twenties.” The spirit of the 1960s and 1970s
was typified as a “rebellious” period because of drug use and the strong reaction
against the Vietnam War. Many times in Greek literature, this word aiona carries
this same meaning of the spirit of the age.
g. of this [Strong: 5127 * toutou too'-too
genitive case singular masculine or neuter of 3778; of (from or concerning)
this (person or thing):--here(-by), him, it, + such manner of, that,
thence(-forth), thereabout, this, thus.]
h. world [Strong: 2889 * kosmos kos'-mos
probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by
implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants,
literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world.]
1). Paul
is describing here, life before any of us became Christians, before we were
born again. Biblically, there should be a marked change in our behavior before
we were born again as opposed to after we get born again. He writes, “Wherein
in time past ye walked…” Paul uses the
same language elsewhere.
a). 1
Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
6:10 Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall
inherit the kingdom of God.
6:11 And
such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
2). The
language is clear, “such were some of you”, “wherein in time past ye walked’,
these are descriptions of live before we are born again. Yes it is a lifelong process
of growth with struggles, but after we get born again there should be a
difference in our life exhibiting the characteristics of God.
3). Albert
Barnes NT Commentary: According to the course of this world. In conformity with
the customs and manners of the world at large. The word here rendered world—course
aiwn—means properly age, but is often used to denote the present world, with
its cares, temptations, and desires; and here denotes particularly the men of
this world. The meaning is, that they had lived formerly as other men lived;
and the idea is strongly conveyed that the course of the men of this world is
to walk in trespasses and sins.
4). The
course of this world is dictated by the wisdom of this world and is foolishness
compared to the wisdom of God.
a). 1
Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it
is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
2.
“…according to the prince of the power
of the air…”
a. according
to [Strong: 2596 * kata kat-ah'
a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied
relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it
is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X
alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to
touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly,
concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more
excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect
of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily,
more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X
own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus,
(un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it
retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition,
distribution, or intensity.]
1). Rick Renner Sparkling Gems Daily Devotional
2/27/16 That phrase “according to” is from the Greek word kata, which
portrays something that is forceful or dominating. By
using this little word, Paul reminds us that before we met the Lord, we “habitually
walked around under the dominating influence of this world, unable to alter the
path we were taking.” Although unaware of our condition, we were
spiritual prisoners that were dominated and manipulated by
the influence of a lost society.
b. the
prince [Strong: 758 * archon ar'-khone present participle of 757;
a first (in rank or power):--chief (ruler), magistrate, prince, ruler.]
c. of the
[Strong: 3588 * ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the
neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to
be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he,
she, it, etc.]
d. power
[Strong: 1849 * exousia ex-oo-see'-ah from 1832 (in the sense of
ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom,
or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token
of control), delegated influence:--authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power,
right, strength.]
e. of the
[Strong: 3588 * ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the
neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to
be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he,
she, it, etc.]
f. air
[Strong: 109 * aer ah-ayr' from aemi (to breathe unconsciously,
i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow); "air" (as naturally
circumambient):--air.
1). This
is referring to Satan and all the devils under his authority. Jesus called
Satan a prince at least three times in the gospel of John.
a). John
12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be
cast out.
b). John
14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world
cometh, and hath nothing in me.
c). John
16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
2). When
we walk or are in obedience with the course of this world we are walking and
are being led by the devil.
a). Romans
6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience
unto righteousness?
3). The
Apostle Paul referred to the devil and his minions as princes when preaching
that the devil was clueless as to the plan of God regarding Christ dying for
our sins, purchasing our redemption.
a). 1
Corinthians 2:6-8 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not
the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to
nought:
2:7 But
we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God
ordained before the world unto our glory:
2:8 Which
none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not
have crucified the Lord of glory.
3. “…the spirit that now worketh in the children
of disobedience…”
a. the [Strong:
3588 * ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to
in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied,
at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
b. spirit
[Strong: 4151 * pneuma pnyoo’-mah from 4154; a current of air,
i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e.
(human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental
disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s
spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
c. that [Strong:
[Strong: 3588 * ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the
neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to
be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he,
she, it, etc.]
d. now
[Strong: 3568 * nun noon a primary particle of present time; “now”
(as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective
present or immediate:--henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this
(time).]
e.
worketh [Strong: 1754 * energeo en-erg-eh’-o from 1756; to be
active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth
self, work (effectually in).]
f. in [Strong: 1722 * en en a primary
preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by
implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of
rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); “in,” at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about,
after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between,
(here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to,
(here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X
outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on),
through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in).
Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs
of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a
separate (and different) preposition.]
g. the [Strong: 3588 * ho ho, including
the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the
definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English
idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
h. the children [Strong: 5207 * huios hwee-os’
apparently a primary word; a “son” (sometimes of animals), used very widely of
immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.]
i. of disobedience [Strong: 543 * apeitheia ap-I’-thi-ah
from 545; disbelief (obstinate and rebellious):--disobedience, unbelief.]
1). When
people are disobedient to the word of God, there is a spirit at work in them,
and that spirit is the devil. If we are children of something or someone, then
we have to have a father and Jesus identified the father of such individuals is
the devil.
a). John
8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.
He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there
is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a
liar, and the father of it.
2). There
are only two families on this earth, the family of God and the family of satan.
There is only one way to become a part of the family of God and that is by
becoming born again.
a).
Colossians 1:12, 13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to
be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
1:13 Who
hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the
kingdom of his dear Son:
3). Before
we get born again we are under the authority of the devil, he works in us to be
disobedient and he is our spiritual father and we walk in the lusts of the
flesh.
a).
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you
before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things
shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
