Verse 2
The apostle further described the sphere in which unbelievers live in three ways. First, it is a lifestyle in which people follow the ways of the world. The philosophy that seeks to eliminate God from every aspect of life dominates this lifestyle (cf. John 15:18; John 15:23).
"The Jews called their laws of conduct Halachah, which means ’Walking’ (cf. Mk. vii. 5; Acts xxi. 21; Heb. xiii. 9, RV mg.)." [Note: Foulkes, p. 69.]
Second, the unsaved follow the person who is promoting this philosophy, namely, Satan. As prince of the power of the air Satan received temporary freedom to lead this rebellion against God (cf. 1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9). The "spirit" now working probably refers to the "power" or "kingdom" (lit. authority) of the air since that word is its nearest antecedent.
". . . by speaking of the devil’s authority as ’in the air’, Paul was not necessarily accepting the current notion of the air being the abode and realm of evil spirits. Basically his thought was of an evil power with control in the world (see on vi. 12), but whose existence was not material but spiritual." [Note: Ibid.]
"Sons of disobedience" is a way of saying people characterized by disobedience, as a son bears the traits of his parent. Unbelievers resemble Satan in their rebellion.
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