“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
My Notes
What Does Ephesians 6:10 Mean?
Paul's final instruction before the armor of God passage: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Three words for power stacked together — strong (endunamoo), power (kratos), might (ischus). Paul is emphatic: the strength needed for spiritual warfare is not yours.
"In the Lord" locates the strength. Not in your willpower, your discipline, your theology, or your experience. In the Lord. The source is external to you.
"The power of his might" — the Greek construction emphasizes that this is God's inherent, essential power. Not borrowed or derived. His. The very might that belongs to God is what you are being strengthened with.
This verse sets up the armor passage (6:11-18). Before Paul describes the equipment, he identifies the power source. The armor without the power is costume. The power makes the armor functional.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What is the difference between being strong in yourself and being strong in the Lord?
- 2.Why does Paul stack three words for power — what is he emphasizing?
- 3.Where are you fighting spiritual battles in your own strength?
- 4.How do you practically 'draw strength from the Lord' rather than relying on willpower?
Devotional
Be strong in the Lord. Not be strong in yourself. Not summon more willpower. Not try harder. Be strong in the Lord — draw your strength from a source that is not you.
In the power of his might. Three words for power piled on top of each other. Paul is not being redundant. He is being emphatic. The spiritual warfare you face requires strength that exceeds your personal capacity. It requires God's own might.
Finally, my brethren. This is Paul's last instruction before the armor passage. Everything that follows — the belt, the breastplate, the shield, the sword — depends on this foundation. If you are trying to wear the armor in your own strength, it will not hold.
The spiritual battles you face are real. The opposition is organized and intentional. And the strength required to stand is not human. It is divine. The power of his might — not your determination, not your spiritual maturity, not your theological knowledge. His might.
Where are you fighting in your own strength? That is where you will fail. Where are you drawing from his might? That is where you will stand.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Finally, my brethren,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle's exhortations, in which he addresses the saints as his…
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord - Paul had now stated to the Ephesians the duties which they were to…
Finally - Having laid before you, your great and high calling, and all the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel, it is…
Here is a general exhortation to constancy in our Christian course, and to encourage in our Christian warfare. Is not…
The Spiritual Combat: the Secret of Strength; the Antagonists; the Armour; Intercessory Prayer
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture