Ephesians 6:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is wise that after the particular commandments to be observed by husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants, he now commands all in general to be strengthened in the Lord and in His might. He commands them to prepare themselves against the devil, about whom he writes in the following words.

Having taught Christians to struggle with their passions and to live amid the world, the Apostle now teaches them to struggle with the chief authors of evil, the spirits of wickedness under heaven. In battle, the first thing is courage. Therefore the Apostle says, "Be strong!" But to be courageous, one must feel strength. Therefore the Apostle advises them to believe in God's power and arm themselves with it.

The second moment of battle is boldly to stand against the enemy, then to withstand him and conquer all his attacks. This battle is especially difficult because our enemies are invisible. "For the most part we fight with spirits as men fight in darkness. Yet it must be noted that those experienced in spiritual warfare come to understand the crafty devices of the evil one" (Bishop Theophan).

Blessed Jerome says: "If the devil does not succeed in carrying someone away by lust, he proposes love of possessions. If he does not succeed in captivating him by this, he brings him to make the belly his god. In general, he acts just as skilled commanders do. Noticing a weak side in a man, he directs all his forces there, thinking that, once he has seized the weak side, he will take the strong sides into his hands as well."

According to St. John Chrysostom's explanation, "the Apostle called the evil spirits principalities and powers by analogy with the fact that among the heavenly spirits there are thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers." To this our commentator adds: "Our enemies are not only numerous and powerful, but also experts in their work. For this reason the Apostle gives them the titles: world-rulers of the darkness of this age, spirits of wickedness. In a word, 'under heaven' signifies that the spirits dwell in the air and block our path to heaven. They use every unfortunate event for temptations in the evil day. That day will be especially terrible during the toll-houses, when the battle will be face to face. Therefore great heavenly blessings are granted for victory over the spirits under heaven."

Blessed Jerome says: "The Apostle also indicates the advantages of victory, so as to make the soldiers more zealous. The Kingdom of Heaven is prepared as the reward for this struggle."

He has already taught at length how to overcome the passions, first anger and then desire. He also taught what Christians ought to be like amid the world. Now he arms them against the chief enemies. They usually enter the struggle in their own person after the flesh and the world prove powerless against a zealous Christian.

"Finally." Now I have said everything. What remains is to inspire you for battle and arm you. "My brethren." You are not alone. I too am with you. It is as though he said: come, brothers, let us stand firm.

"Be strong," ενδυναμουσθε, can mean "be filled with strength," "put on strength," and "gather your strength." Be inspired with courage, dare, and go out to battle without timidity. This is the same as the Apostle says elsewhere: "Be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened" (Ps. 30:25). Or as the Lord Himself inspired the Apostles: "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33).

Trusting in Him, the Apostle also teaches them to be strong, saying, "be strong." "In the Lord, and in the might of His strength." This is where strengthening lies. It is in the Lord and in the strong might of His power, in His almighty authority by which He sustains all and governs all.

Such is the Lord, and He is our Lord, and we are His. He will not allow His own to be wronged. The Lord is our helper. We will not fear. What can they do to us? If God is for us, who is against us? Let us be bold and courageous. With such a Leader and Protector, what hostile power can overcome us?

"Be strong in the Lord," that is, in hope in Him, through His help. He speaks as though saying: "Do not fear. Place your hope in God, and He will make everything easy for you" (St. Chrysostom). "Put away every fear, guarded by the power of God" (Theodoret).

When the Apostle says, "be strong in the Lord," he does not command them to seek help, but to take courage while trusting in ready help. The Lord is already with you and is ready to defend you and scatter the enemies. Only do not be timid.

Timidity will mean a weakening of hope in the Lord, an inner betrayal of Him. It is as though His power were diminished before the face of the enemies. After this diminishing comes a diminishing of help and protection, and therefore stronger assaults from the enemies. But for one who wholly trusts in the Lord and is devoted to Him, one gesture from the Lord scatters all their armies.