“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
This verse is part of a larger section in Ephesians that discusses the concept of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be equipped with the armor of God. The passage metaphorically presents the idea that the struggles and conflicts Christians face are not merely physical or human in nature but involve spiritual forces at work.
By stating that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” the scripture emphasizes that the real battles Christians face are not against other human beings, but against spiritual entities and forces. These forces are described as “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This suggests that there is a spiritual realm in which evil exists and seeks to oppose the purposes of God.
The scripture serves as a reminder that believers need to be aware of the spiritual aspect of their struggles and conflicts. It encourages them to put on the whole armor of God, which is described in the following verses, to stand firm against the schemes and attacks of the enemy.
Overall, this passage emphasizes the spiritual dimension of the battles Christians face and calls for them to be prepared, relying on God’s strength and protection, in order to overcome the spiritual forces of evil.
