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Answer
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:1-2; emphasis added). In this text, the apostle Paul describes Satan first as a “prince” with power because he has authentic power in the world «And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. », (1 John 5:19). This power has been given to him by God «And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. », (Luke 4:6). Satan has power over some illnesses (Luke 13:16; see also 2 Corinthians 12:7—it’s unknown if Paul’s “thorn” was an illness or something else). In some sense, Satan has power over death «Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; », (Hebrews 2:14). The reason Satan is called a prince rather than a king is that there is only one King—Jesus Christ «which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; », (1 Timothy 6:15).
Satan also has power over certain individuals. The individuals known as the “sons of disobedience” in Ephesians 2:2 are those who have not placed their trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior (cf: Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 13:12). The demons are also subject to the authority of Satan «But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub the ruler of the demons. », (Matthew 12:24), and one of his designations is “prince of demons” «But the Pharisees said, He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons. », (Matthew 9:34). Satan possesses a kingdom «and if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? », (Matthew 12:26) and a throne «I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. », (Revelation 2:13). Satan is referred to as a prince because he is a ruler and possesses the authority to promote evil in the world by influencing individuals and commanding demons.
“The air” mentioned in Ephesians 2:2 could indicate the unseen realm above the earth where Satan and his demons operate and exist. This realm, undoubtedly, is the region of the earth’s atmosphere or “air.” In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This evil realm called the “air” could be an actual locality, but it could also be synonymous with the “world” of John 12:31. This entire world is Satan’s domain (Matthew 4:8-9).
Although Satan has power and authority in the current world system in which we exist, his power is limited, always under the sovereign control of God “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.”, (Job 1:12), and it is temporary “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”, (Romans 16:20). God has not revealed all of the reasons and timing concerning Satan’s rule, but He has made it clear that there is only one way to escape the power of Satan’s dominion, and that is through His Son, Jesus (Acts 26:18;Colossians 1:13-14). It is Jesus who, speaking of the impending cross, declared victory: “Now the prince of this world will be driven out” “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”, (John 12:31).
