What does Paul say we are really wrestling against in verse 12?
Paul says believers do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. These are not ordinary human enemies; they are positioned in high places and possess tremendous power beyond the normal.
Les explains that verse 12 contrasts flesh and blood with principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. He emphasizes that this conflict is not down in the gutter, on skid row, or among the offscouring of humanity, but in high places. That should wake us up, because we are up against something beyond the normal, with tremendous power and position. Les notes these powers are in high positions, and he compares the same Greek word with Matthew 10, where Jesus called His twelve disciples and gave them power, to show what Paul is driving at.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
More Questions
What does Paul mean when he says we wrestle not against flesh and blood?
When Paul says 'we don't wrestle against flesh and blood,' he means the battle is against principalities and powers rather than against human beings.
What do believers wrestle against according to Ephesians 6:12?
Les teaches that when Ephesians 6:12 says believers wrestle, it is God speaking directly to us today, and our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places.