James Nisbet Commentary - Ephesians 2:2 - 2:2

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

James Nisbet Commentary - Ephesians 2:2 - 2:2


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

SATAN AND HIS WORK

‘The prince of the power of the air.’

Eph_2:2

The New Testament, as it reveals Christ, so also it reveals the Devil. The New Testament depicts Christ’s life as one protracted contest with the Evil One. It was as the Devil’s vanquisher that He became man’s Saviour. We see this throughout.

The Devil is a reality. The text gives Satan’s title. The Prince of the Power of the Air. The very title is a revelation in itself. Take it word by word: Prince—Power—Air.

I. Prince.—What does this word reveal? It is implies lordship, leadership. He is a leader, a ruler. Lordship over what? Ruler over what?

(a) Over this world.

(b) Over his own followers.

II. Power.—There are two words in the original which our English version renders by the same word power. Of these, one answers to our word right, or constituted authority, the other answers to might, or the mere power of force. It is curious that the original here indicates constituted authority. His army is an army, not a crowd. His evil ones obey him with the willingness with which you obey one who has authority, distinguished from the grudgingness with which you obey mere force.

III. Air.—He is a Prince of the Power of the Air. What does this mean? First and most chiefly, the word has a metaphorical meaning. It sets before you the diffusiveness, the penetrating-ness, the universality of the power which Satan exercises. You talk of the velocity of sound as it travels upon the air, or of the velocity of light as it is transmitted by the œther. These analogies will guide us as to what the phrase teaches here. So, again, we speak of a polluted air—of an air laden with infection. If the air is laden with infection, do what you will you cannot bar out the mischief. Door and window are closed in vain against the tainted air. What is in the air will find you, spite of bars and bolts. The tiniest crevice will admit it. So, again, the air gives the idea of universality so far as the earth is concerned. You may go to the Antipodes, but it is the same air you breathe, though under different stars and with a different climate. The air is everywhere. So the phrase tells you that while we are in this sin-laden world we cannot escape the range of Satan’s influence or the presence of his legions. We are ever in their midst.

Illustration

‘To those of us who are confirmed a text like this is the most solemn “exhortation to Holy Communion” I know of. Here in this House of God you breathe awhile the airs of Heaven. You are in God’s House and Presence. Here from His very Presence you breathe a purer atmosphere. Outside, indeed, Satan may range at will. Here, unless you bring him in your own hearts, he cannot come.’