Ephesians 2:2-3
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The verse doesn't just describe our past state as sinful; it highlights that our former lives were a course or age of this world, shaped by the "prince of the power of the air." This emphasizes that this wasn't just a series of isolated bad choices, but a pervasive way of life led under the influence of a spiritual ruler who operates in the unseen realm around us.
in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Before this verse, Paul describes humanity as spiritually "dead" in their sins and trespasses. Here, he explains that this former way of life, the "walk" of the Ephesians before their conversion, was dictated by the patterns of the world and the influence of a spiritual enemy. This enemy, Satan, is presented as a powerful ruler, the "prince of the power of the air," who actively works through disobedient people.
Paul talks about walking according to the 'course of this world.' What does he mean by 'age' and how does it shape our lives?
The Greek word here, 'aion,' doesn't just mean 'world' in a general sense. It refers to a specific era or age, characterized by its prevailing mindset, values, and way of life. When Paul says 'according to the age of this world,' he's pointing to the way of living that is dominant in the current, fallen era—a way of life that stands in opposition to God's kingdom and purposes.
This 'age' is marked by a focus on the temporal, the material, and the self, often leading to a rejection of spiritual realities. It's a system that influences our desires, our ambitions, and our understanding of what truly matters.
Think of it as a prevailing cultural current. Before we knew Christ, we were swept along by this current, conforming to its norms and expectations, even if we didn't realize it.
Who is the 'prince of the power of the air,' and why is his domain described this way?
Paul identifies a spiritual enemy, Satan, as the 'prince of the power of the air.' This title is rich with meaning:
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This description highlights the unseen spiritual warfare that is constantly at play, where a hostile force seeks to control human hearts and minds.
Paul speaks of a 'spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.' What does this tell us about human nature and God's grace?
This 'spirit' isn't just a general negative influence; it's the active principle of evil, personified by Satan, that energizes and operates within those who are characterized by disobedience.
The 'children of disobedience' are those whose lives are marked by a fundamental rebellion against God's will. This isn't just about isolated acts of sin, but a disposition, a nature that is contrary to God.
Paul uses this language to show that before salvation, people are not neutral; they are actively under the sway of this evil spirit, moving further away from God. Their 'walking' (living) is defined by this inner disposition and its outward expression.
This emphasizes the profound need for God's intervention. It's not just a matter of improving our behavior, but of a spiritual transformation that changes our fundamental allegiance from the spirit of disobedience to the Spirit of God.
Understand the original words
peripateō · Greek Verb
A figure of speech describing a person's behavior, lifestyle, or habitual way of life. It implies a moral path or a pattern of conduct.
aiōn · Greek Noun
Refers to the fallen world system—the prevailing culture, values, and philosophies that are hostile to God and operate independently of His lordship.
archōn · Greek Noun
Refers to Satan, the adversary, who exercises temporary, delegated influence over the sphere of fallen humanity. He is the mastermind behind the spiritual rebellion against God.
apeitheia · Greek Noun phrase
A collective term for those who persist in active rebellion against God. It identifies them by their characteristic refusal to submit to His divine authority.
sarx · Greek Noun
The human nature in its fallen, unredeemed state; the seat of sinful impulses and desires that are contrary to the will of God.
orgē · Greek Noun
A state of being under the righteous, judicial judgment of God due to human sinfulness. It describes the holy antagonism of God against all that is evil and corrupt.
Ephesians 2:2 describes a past spiritual reality for believers before their conversion. The 'course of this world' and the 'prince of the power of the air' refer to the pervasive influence of evil and Satan that characterized life before encountering Christ's liberating power.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal event of Christianity, Jesus' death and resurrection, marked a decisive victory over the powers of sin and death, though the full realization of this victory is yet to come.
c. 33-60 AD
Early Spread of Christianity
The Gospel message begins to spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, with the Apostle Paul playing a key role in establishing churches in cities like Ephesus.
c. 60-62 AD— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, writes several epistles, including Ephesians, to encourage and instruct the churches he had planted.
Jesus declares that the 'prince of this world' will be cast out, directly linking Satan to worldly power and influence that Ephesians 2:2 describes believers as having followed.
1 John 5:19This verse states that 'the whole world is under the power of the evil one,' reinforcing the idea in Ephesians 2:2 that the world operates under a spiritual ruler hostile to God.
Colossians 1:13Paul speaks of God rescuing believers from 'the domain of darkness' and transferring them to the kingdom of His beloved Son, echoing the transition from the spiritual ruler mentioned in Ephesians 2:2.
2 Corinthians 4:4This passage identifies Satan as the 'god of this age' who blinds the minds of unbelievers, directly paralleling the 'prince of the power of the air' in Ephesians 2:2 who works in the disobedient.
Ephesians 6:12This verse explicitly mentions wrestling 'against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places,' elaborating on the nature and domain of the spiritual enemy described in Ephesians 2:2.
barnesEphesians 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:"
Wherein - In which sins, or in the practice of which transgressions. Ye walked - You lived, life being often compared to a journey or a race. note, Romans 6:4. According to the course of this world - In conformity with the customs and manners of the world at large. The word rendered here as "world" -…
calvinEphesians 2:1-3: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"
- And you who were dead. This is an epexergasia of the former statements, that is, an exposition accompanied by an illustration. [118] To bring home more effectually to the Ephesians the general doctrine of Divine grace, he reminds them of their former condition. This application consists of two parts. "Ye were formerly lost; but now God, by his grace, has rescued you from destruction." And here we must observe…
The verse doesn't just describe our past state as sinful; it highlights that our former lives were a course or age of this world, shaped by the "prince of the power of the air." This emphasizes that this wasn't just a series of isolated bad choices, but a pervasive way of life led under the influence of a spiritual ruler who operates in the unseen realm around us.
Before this verse, Paul describes humanity as spiritually "dead" in their sins and trespasses. Here, he explains that this former way of life, the "walk" of the Ephesians before their conversion, was dictated by the patterns of the world and the influence of a spiritual enemy. This enemy, Satan, is presented as a powerful ruler, the "prince of the power of the air," who actively works through disobedient people.
Before this verse, Paul describes humanity as spiritually "dead" in their sins and trespasses. Here, he explains that this former way of life, the "walk" of the Ephesians before their conversion, was dictated by the patterns of the world and the influence of a spiritual enemy. This enemy, Satan, is presented as a powerful ruler, the "prince of the power of the air," who actively works through disobedient people.
"in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out…" — The verse doesn't just describe our past state as sinful; it highlights that our former lives were a course or age of this world, shaped by the "prince of the power of the air." This emphasizes t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
