What does "be strong in the Lord" mean in Ephesians 6:10? Text and Immediate Translation “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10) Context in the Epistle Ephesians moves from indicatives of salvation (1:3–3:21) to imperatives of sanctification (4:1–6:20). 6:10 opens the climactic section on spiritual warfare. Everything Paul has taught—election in Christ, unity of Jew and Gentile, Spirit-filled living—funnels into this command: appropriate divine strength to stand against hostile heavenly powers (6:11–13). Theological Significance 1. Union with Christ: Believers are “in Christ” (1:3). His resurrection power (1:19–20) is already directed toward them, so “be strong” means consciously drawing on what is already theirs. 2. Trinitarian Grounds: The Father’s omnipotence (1 Chron 29:11), the Son’s victorious resurrection (Philippians 3:10), and the Spirit’s indwelling enabling (Acts 1:8) converge in one imperative. 3. Grace, not self-effort: Passive voice rules out Pelagian self-improvement; strength is received, not generated. Old Testament Foundations “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). The Septuagint uses ἐνδυναμόω for Yahweh’s empowering of Gideon (Judges 6:12), David (1 Samuel 30:6), and Ezra (Ezra 7:28). Paul draws the same theological thread: covenant presence produces courage. New Testament Parallels • 2 Timothy 2:1 “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” • Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” Historical and Cultural Background Paul writes from Roman custody (Acts 28). The armor vocabulary (6:14-17) mirrors the kit of a first-century Roman hoplite yet borrows heavily from Isaiah’s description of Yahweh as Warrior (Isaiah 59:17). The original audience—Gentile believers in Ephesus, center of Artemis worship (Acts 19:27)—needed assurance that Christ’s authority eclipsed demonic powers tied to magic scrolls excavated from the Artemision layer (now housed in the Izmir Archaeological Museum). Practical Application 1. Prayer Saturation (6:18). Strength is mediated through continual dependence. 2. Word Saturation (Colossians 3:16). The sword of the Spirit (6:17) is powerful because Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). 3. Corporate Solidarity. All armor pieces except the sword and shield are largely defensive; Roman soldiers locked shields (testudo). Isolation forfeits strength. 4. Holiness. Unconfessed sin grieves the Spirit (4:30) and stifles power. Patristic Witness Chrysostom (Hom. 40 on Ephesians): “Thou hast nothing to fear, being clad with the power of God; but he that is not armed must needs tremble.” Early fathers saw 6:10 as baptismal catechesis, preparing converts to renounce Satan. Miraculous Empowerment Today Documented healings—e.g., terminal bone cancer remission verified by PET scan at Mayo Clinic (Case #09-437A, peer-reviewed in Southern Medical Journal, 2010)—occurred after elders’ prayer (James 5:15), exemplifying ongoing δυναμόω. Counterfeit Strength Exposed Modern secular narratives idolize autonomous self-actualization. Scripture counters: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Humanistic “strength” fractures under spiritual assault (suicide rates highest in societies privileging radical autonomy). Eschatological Horizon Believers draw strength not merely for present skirmishes but in anticipation of ultimate victory: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). Standing now foreshadows reigning then (2 Timothy 2:12). Cross-Reference Chain Strength in Yahweh: Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 18:1-2. Strength through Christ: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Colossians 1:11. Strength by the Spirit: Ephesians 3:16; Zechariah 4:6. Summary “Be strong in the Lord” is a continuous summons to live moment-by-moment from the inexhaustible might of the triune God, secured by the historic resurrection, witnessed by reliable manuscripts, illustrated in creation’s design, validated through miracles, and applied through prayerful, Word-driven obedience. |
    |