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Ephesians 6:10 Commentary

What do the great Christian commentators say about Ephesians 6:10? Below is a side-by-side look at how Matthew Henry, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Albert Barnes, and John Wesley read this passage — where they agree, where they diverge.

Ephesians 6:10 · WEB

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

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What the commentators agree on

All commentators agree that true spiritual strength comes from God, not from the believer's own abilities.
They all understand the verse as a command to actively rely on or draw from God's power.
Each commentator sees this strength as necessary for facing spiritual battles and for perseverance in faith.

Summaries are AI-rendered overviews of public-domain commentaries (Henry, Calvin, Spurgeon, Barnes, Wesley). Always consult primary sources for study.

Each commentator on Ephesians 6:10

John Calvin

Reformation

Calvin emphasizes that true strength does not come from ourselves but from God's power. He explains that believers must actively draw upon the Lord's might to overcome spiritual challenges, seeing it as a call to depend wholly on divine grace.

“Believers' strength is found only in reliance on God's power.”

John Wesley

18th Century

Wesley urges believers to be strong not in their own abilities, but in the Lord's mighty power, viewing it as essential for resisting evil. He sees this strength as actively received through faith and important for spiritual growth and perseverance.

“Actively receive God's power for spiritual resilience.”

Albert Barnes

19th Century

Barnes interprets this verse as a command to be courageous and firm in faith, drawing power from God's might. He highlights that this strength is not innate but imparted by God for enduring trials and standing against spiritual enemies.

“Employ God's strength to stand firm in faith and trials.”

Charles H. Spurgeon

19th Century

Spurgeon calls believers to be mighty in the Lord, emphasizing that God's power is the source of all spiritual strength. He stresses the need for a deep reliance on God's inherent might to face life's battles and effectively serve Him.

“God's might is the ultimate source of a believer's strength.”

Matthew Henry

Late 17th Century

Henry explains that believers should be strong in the Lord, meaning they must depend on Christ's power and grace, not their own. He encourages taking hold of God's mighty power to overcome sin, temptation, and spiritual opposition.

“Depend on Christ's power for overcoming spiritual challenges.”