Ephesians 6:10 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
The closing of ancient letters like this often have a final exhortation that emphasizes the key ideas of the letter and encourages the readers to respond with action. Paul now begins the closing section of this letter marked by the word finally. He has come to the point of making a simple application of the profound theology focused on the concept of new life in Jesus Christ.
Paul then uses three words about power to show that God’s grace is what will sustain us as we live out our faith. This verse reiterates the point of 2:8-9, that we are saved by grace, and shows how God’s grace can be experienced as the ability to stand up to the forces of evil. Spiritual victory is available for those who put themselves fully into the care of the Lord. Lord for Paul refers to Jesus (1 Corinthians 8:6).
Be strong (endynamousthe) is a passive verb with this strength coming from the Lord. Although the Lord strengthens, a person has a part to play in this since the verb is an imperative (command). Obedient and active faith is the key to experiencing the strength of the Lord. The Lord will not strengthen us unless we seek him and acknowledge his sovereignty over our lives.
Power (kratei) refers to the resident strength a person possesses, such as with a strong arm. It is used for the power of rulers and authorities. The power of the Lord is evident in creation and resurrection. The Lord is able to give strength to believers because his sovereign over all things. Might (ischuos) refers to one’s capability to do something. The Lord’s strength is able to carry out what the Lord has promised.
The Ephesians can ensure that they can be strong in the hope Paul has explained in this letter when they seek the Lord and rely upon his strength. Abraham is an example of someone who was strong in his faith in God’s promises (Romans 4:20). The Ephesians can experience strength when the recognize that their source is the Lord. To experience spiritual victory will require that we seek the grace of God in Christ and “lean not on our own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6) or abilities, which will fail because we cannot overcome our bent towards self and flesh. We need a power source outside of ourselves and beyond creation.
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