ACC ~ Ephesians 6 v12c

HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS. ORIGEN: From what ancient Scripture is Paul drawing when he speaks of “the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places?” My conjecture is that it comes out of the narratives written in Israel about wars and particular combats, like those of David and Goliath, and about the battles of the children of Israel against their enemies. … In each of these narratives there is some implication of the vanquishing and overcoming of demonic spiritual powers. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS.

INIQUITY IN HIGH PLACES. ORIGEN: Some spiritual creatures have sinned in heaven. It is against these that we now struggle, “against the spirits of iniquity in high places.” They first sinned in heaven. Now they are doing it again on earth. PALESTINIAN CATENA ON PSALM 118.119.

WHETHER DEMONS COULD RESIDE IN THE SAME HEAVEN WITH GOD. JEROME: “Hosts of wickedness in heavenly places?” This does not mean that demons dwell in heaven but that the air above has received this name, as birds who fly through the air are called “fowls of heaven.” … It is indeed impious to suppose that the spirits of wickedness in the heavens occupy the same heaven of which God says, “It is my throne.” EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 3.6.11.

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