Ephesians 6:12

We wrestle. The passage reads literally, “Our fight is not against blood and flesh.”

Flesh and blood. Literally, “blood and flesh,” as also in Heb. 2:14. This is opposite to the order given in Matt. 16:17; 1 Cor. 15:50; Gal. 1:16. Paul did not mean that Christians would find no enemies among men, for the church has always suffered at the hands of wicked men. He refers to those spirits and powers that are superior to men in intelligence as well as in evil cunning, the satanic forces arrayed in open rebellion against God and against His children. The struggle between Christ and Satan is not of some local or earthly concern only; it is of cosmic significance, embracing the whole universe of God.

Principalities … powers. See on Rom. 8:38; Eph. 1:21; cf. Eph. 3:10; Col. 2:15.

Rulers … this world. Literally, “world rulers of the darkness of this age.” Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “world rulers of this darkness.” See on Rom. 8:38. Clearly Paul is referring to personal evil spirits, who exercise a degree of authority over the world. Compare the phrase “prince of this world,” describing Satan, in John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11. The personality of the devil was also clear to the revelator (Rev. 2:10; 12:10).

Spiritual wickedness. Rather, “spiritual hosts [or “elements,” or “forces”] of wickedness.”

In high places. See on ch. 1:3. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of this phrase.