Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Extended Explanation

This verse marks the beginning of the famous passage on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Paul is closing his letter to the Ephesians with a call to spiritual strength. He tells believers to “be strong in the Lord”, meaning that their strength must come from God, not from their own abilities.

The phrase “in his mighty power” reinforces the idea that God is the true source of strength. Paul is not calling Christians to rely on their own wisdom, strength, or courage, but to depend fully on God’s power. This is important because the following verses describe a spiritual battle that cannot be fought with human effort alone.

Paul is reminding believers that they are engaged in a spiritual war. Temptation, sin, and the attacks of the devil are real. But rather than fearing, Christians are called to stand firm—not in their own power, but in God’s strength.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. During his time there, he was constantly surrounded by Roman soldiers. Their armor and discipline likely influenced his imagery in the following verses about the armor of God.

The believers in Ephesus lived in a city filled with pagan worship, spiritual darkness, and persecution. They faced pressure from Roman authorities, hostility from non-believers, and the temptation to compromise their faith. Paul’s words encouraged them to stand strong in the Lord, knowing that their real enemy was not other people, but spiritual forces.

In the broader historical context, the idea of being strong in the Lord is seen throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, leaders like Joshua were commanded to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9), not because of their own might, but because God was with them. Paul echoes this same truth here.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches an important truth: Christians cannot fight spiritual battles on their own. Many people try to rely on their own intelligence, discipline, or morality, but Paul makes it clear that true strength comes from God alone.

It also reminds believers that the Christian life is not passive. There is real opposition from spiritual enemies, and believers must actively depend on God’s strength. The phrase “his mighty power” points to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). This power is available to all who trust in Christ.

This verse also emphasizes humility. Recognizing that strength comes from the Lord keeps believers from becoming prideful. It shifts the focus from self-reliance to God-reliance.

Literary Analysis

Paul begins this section with the word “finally,” signaling the conclusion of his letter. This transition shows that all his previous teachings—on unity, holiness, family relationships, and Christian living—lead to this final command: Be strong in the Lord.

The words “be strong” in Greek (endynamousthe) are written in the passive voice, meaning that this is not something believers do for themselves—it is something God does in them. They do not generate their own strength; they receive it from Him.

Paul also links this strength to “his mighty power.” This phrase reflects other passages in Ephesians that emphasize God’s strength, especially in Christ’s resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20) and in His victory over evil (Ephesians 3:16).

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”
• Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
• Ephesians 3:16 – “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is just as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time. Christians still face spiritual battles—temptation, doubt, persecution, and the lies of the enemy. This verse reminds believers that they do not have to face these struggles alone.

For today’s Christian, this means:

• Depend on God, not yourself. True strength comes from trusting in Him, not in your own abilities.
• Recognize the spiritual battle. Life is more than just physical challenges—there are real spiritual forces at work.
• Pray for strength daily. Just as soldiers need to prepare for battle, Christians need to seek God’s power through prayer and His Word.
• Live with confidence, not fear. Because God’s strength is greater than any enemy, believers can stand firm.

This verse also challenges Christians to evaluate where they are looking for strength. Are they relying on their own intelligence, resources, or willpower? Or are they daily seeking the strength that comes from God?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in this verse because He does not leave His people defenseless. He provides His strength freely to those who seek Him. Unlike worldly leaders who expect their followers to rely on themselves, God gives His people the power they need to stand firm.

This verse also shows that God is personally involved in His children’s struggles. He does not sit back and watch—He strengthens, equips, and fights for them. His mighty power is a demonstration of His care and protection.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate source of strength for believers.

• Jesus overcame sin and death. The same power that raised Him from the dead is now available to all who trust in Him (Ephesians 1:19-20).
• Jesus Himself depended on the Father. In His earthly ministry, Jesus constantly sought strength through prayer (Luke 5:16).
• Jesus gives His followers power through the Holy Spirit. Before ascending to heaven, He promised His disciples that they would receive power (Acts 1:8).

Paul’s command to “be strong in the Lord” is ultimately a call to remain connected to Jesus, who is the true source of strength.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What are some areas in your life where you feel weak? How can you rely on God’s strength instead of your own?
2. How do you try to fight spiritual battles in your own power? How does this verse challenge you?
3. What does it mean to be “strong in the Lord”? How can you apply this daily?
4. How does knowing that God’s strength is available to you bring comfort in difficult times?
5. How did Jesus demonstrate dependence on the Father’s strength, and how can you follow His example?

Ephesians 6:10 is a powerful reminder that strength is not about human ability—it is about trusting in God’s power. No matter what challenges believers face, they can stand firm because the Lord is their strength.