In Ephesians 2:1-2 Satan is called the king of the air. I’ve been pondering this for the last couple of weeks. Can you explain what it means for the devil to be in charge of the kingdom of the air? How does that relate to me in heaven? Will there be air in heaven? If my body is a physical body in heaven, is it going to need air to breathe? And what about people who were disabled here on earth or had a disease like polio or Downs syndrome? Will their bodies be amended? If they were born without arms or legs, will they have arms and legs in heaven? — R.G.
Let's begin with your passage: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (Eph 2:1-2).
The evil one isn't explicitly called the king of the air—but close enough. This kingdom includes rebellious, invisible, spirit beings (angels, powers, principalities, etc), and is represented as being beneath the heavens. Or more precisely, under the firmament—nearer to us than to heaven.
While the scriptures assure us we will have bodies in the heavenly realm, details are scarce. But one thing is sure: we will be whole, complete—with glorious resurrection bodies.
Back to the "King of the Air": his kingdom is not eternal. We often envision eternity as comprising two eternal kingdoms. But this is not right. See 1 For 15:28—all authority is given to the Father. The kingdom of the evil one is, in other words, temporary!
For more:
- Check the Living New Testament Commentary (center panel of homepage), which has over 1000 pages on every passage of the New Testament. Website membership required (log in with your username and password).
- What's the Truth About Heaven and Hell? This book is available at our online store.
- What Happens After We Die? is a shorter and simpler work, focusing on the intermediate state of the dead.
- Listen to our Last Things series of audio talks.
