What are the spiritual hosts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12)?

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul introduces believers to the reality of “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (NKJV). These hosts are not physical beings, what Paul calls “flesh and blood” in the same verse, but are spiritual beings that cannot be detected by normal human perception. They are described as “wicked,” referring to their evil nature—they are opposed to everything that is true, good, and righteous. There is not one enemy, but multiple enemies, and they are organized like a military force. Paul says there are rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers. This imagery helps us to understand both the power of our spiritual enemies and the need to put on the whole armor of God (verse 11).

The domain of the “spiritual hosts of wickedness,” Paul says, is “in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV). The expression heavenly places should not be misconstrued as the divine dwelling place of God; it refers to a spiritual domain that coexists with the physical world. In this domain, spiritual hosts of wickedness exert their influence on believers and attempt to carry out their evil plans. To this end, these evil spirits wage war on our thoughts, emotions, and wills. The “heavenly places” therefore are a battleground between believers and our spiritual enemies. Who will emerge victorious?

It is crucial for believers to understand both the nature and schemes of these spiritual hosts of wickedness. These beings are not rogue operators; they are organized and have a strategy, operating under a hierarchical system of authority. Their actions are not random but are directed against God and His people. To draw us away from righteousness, these hosts use deception, temptation, manipulation, and many other tactics. The truth is that they only want corruption and destruction. As Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10, ESV). Knowing this, we should “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13, ESV).

The call to “stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, ESV) reinforces the strategic capabilities of these spiritual hosts. They are adept at crafting schemes to lead believers into spiritual or moral destruction. Their goal is to foster doubt and despair, promote false teachings, entice to immorality, and trap us in damaging attitudes and actions. Each tactic is tailored to exploit our weaknesses. For this reason, believers must rely on God’s strength and protection.

God knows all about our spiritual battles, and He promises help in each circumstance: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV). Our glorious God “is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 1:24).

Spiritual warfare is an enduring aspect of our spiritual lives. But we must not be discouraged. If we put on the armor of God and persist in faith, prayer, and righteousness, we can overcome the spiritual hosts of wickedness. Not through our strength, but through God’s. “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall” (2 Samuel 22:30).

The spiritual hosts of wickedness are no match for our Lord. So, let us remember that the battle is the Lord’s, and it is He who will fight for us: “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).