HeavenlyRealms

Paul refers to Heavenly realms in Ephesians loads and what I want to know is, what are they?

How many realms are there, who are they for and what is there purpose etc. and can you show me where you get your thinking? ~

Well, from a language point of view, the word Paul uses is an adjective meaning 'in heaven' but in the plural, so it's sometimes translated 'heavenly places' or 'the heavenlies'. So 'realm' doesn't have any significance - it's not talking about kingdoms or empires or anything. Paul uses it 5 times in Ephesians and it doesn't seem to be anywhere else (though he uses the word in different phrases in 1 Cor 15:40, Phil 2:10, 2 Tim 4:18). But Paul also talks about 'heaven' and 'all the heavens'.

That only gets us so far - you have to look at the context to see what Paul's talking about, whether these phrases all mean the same thing. At first glance, with the mention of spiritual blessings and evil forces, it seems like 'the heavenly realms' are like the spiritual world.

Our church is doing a series on Ephesians in the morning, which might talk about this, but I only go in the evening.

Brilliant - At least I'm not going mad - To take what you have said and go a little further (as I see it)

First there is definitely a physical world and a spiritual world. (Are these the same place but we just can't see the spiritual or is it in another universe so to speak) This Spiritual World has what in it exactly. Where Does Hell fit into this multi universe I am creating.

Everything seems a little hazy or is that because I'm misinterpreting things badly. ~