Ephesians 6:12 (DRB)

Passage

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

Nearby Context

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power.

Ephesians 6:11 Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice:

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "Spirit", "world", "darkness", "wrestling", "against", "flesh", "blood", and "principalities". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "Spirit" and "world", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "Put you on the armour of God..." into verse 13's "Therefore take unto you the armour of...", so "Spirit" and "world" belong inside that flow. In Ephesians context, the local focus is grace, union with Christ, the church, and new creation.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "Spirit" and "world" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.