Definition: 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:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ephesians 2:2. It's a pretty dense passage, but I’ll try to make it understandable. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that before Jesus Christ came into the world, people were living according to the ways of this life – the way of the earth, and the influence of the "spirit of the air" (which we can think of as a powerful, unseen force). They were following the rules and customs of the world, like what was popular or expected. Let’s unpack it further: “Wherein in time past…” : This means “in the past,” referring to a long time ago – before Jesus. “…ye walked according to the course of this world…” : "Ye" is a plural form of "you," referring to all humanity - all people throughout history. They were living their lives according to this way – the rules, customs, and behaviors that dominate our modern society. Think about things like: Following trends: What's popular right now? What do people want to do? Social expectations: What’s considered acceptable or expected in your culture? Materialism: Focusing on possessions and wealth. “…according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” : This is the really important part. “The prince of the power of the air” is a figure of authority – a powerful, unseen force. The "spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" refers to people who are still living according to these worldly rules. “Children of disobedience” means individuals who have strayed from God’s plan and are not following His will. So, put it all together: The verse is saying that before Jesus Christ came, people were living a life shaped by the world – living according to the customs and ways of this Earth. They weren't fully understanding or trusting in God’s plan for their lives. They were influenced by forces outside of God's guidance. What does this mean for us today? This verse is a reminder that we all have a tendency to follow the world around us – to be influenced by trends, expectations, and desires. It encourages us to consciously choose to turn away from these things and to seek God’s will, which is what Jesus teaches us. In short, it's a call to step back from the superficial and focus on what truly matters - our relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of this in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical principle (like forgiveness or redemption)?