I recently read a verse in Ephesians in a different version and it caught my attention. I have read this verse many times, but this translation put a unique spin on it.

But before I discuss that verse, the New York Post had an interesting story about a pastor in Baltimore. He is now carrying a gun because of rising attacks on the church in that city.

Rev. Rodney Hudson stated that he has been personally attacked two times. In one instance, he was speaking from the pulpit inside the church, and the second time he was mugged in the church’s parking lot.

“It’s sad to say — we all believe in God as our protector, but the other harsh reality is that there are so many people who have absolutely no respect for God and the church nowadays,” Hudson said in an interview with the Baltimore Sun.

He is not alone.

The Post adds that there has been an increase in the number of ‘hostile incidents’ against churches over the past four years.

According the Family Research Council there were 415 incidents in 2024 compared to only 55 in 2020. This represents a dramatic 650% increase in just four years.

And it’s continuing in 2025. One of the most serious this year involved a gunman who killed two children in an attack on a Catholic School in Minneapolis, this past August.

It’s not just happening in America, similar incidents are being reported around the world.

An article in The European Conservative (TEC) reports there has been an increase in attacks on churches in Austria.

“Hate crimes against Christians are rising across Europe, especially in Austria,” writes TEC. “In Vienna alone, five incidents of vandalism against churches and Christian memorials were reported between mid-September and early October.”

Many of the attackers are left-wing activists who are brazenly posting videos of their attacks on social media.

While Baltimore’s pastor Hudson says these attacks are due to a lack of respect for God and the Church, other factors are clearly at work.

This takes us to that verse in Ephesians, that I mentioned earlier.

I read it in the New English Translation (NET). It is becoming one of my favorites, largely because of its many explanatory notes.

Most Bible versions translate Ephesians 2:2 like how we read it in the NIV:

“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 [Greek energeō] in those who are disobedient.“

It talks about how Satan is at work in the hearts of those who are disobedient. The verse reveals that Satan has inroads in the hearts of those who are openly violating the purposes of God. They are vulnerable to demonic manipulation.

But the NET translates this verse differently which I believe put a slightly different spin on the verse.

It reads that Satan is “now energizing [Greek energeō] the sons of disobedience.”

The NET translated the Greek word “energeō” as energizing. Not only is Satan working in the hearts of the disobedient he is activating them to do his bidding.

When we look at how different Bible dictionaries translate the Greek word, “energeō”, I think NET has the more precise rendering.

Strong’s says “energeō” means, “to be active, efficient: – do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).“

Thayer’s writes, “to be operative, be at work, put forth power.“

Satan is not just working in the hearts of those who are disobedient, he is energizing them. He is bringing them to life to do his bidding.

This suggests that Satan has sleeper agents around the world.

They may not even be aware of it. They are not only disobedient, some are undoubtedly angry at God. They are offended. They feel rejected. They are hurt.

This also includes people who are unwilling to forgive. According to 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, they are also vulnerable to satanic manipulation.

Demons are now activating some of them to attack Christians.