Returning to the first blessing, redemption, Paul elaborates what is implied in it. Through the work of Christ, by divine fiat, God has swept clear the ground on which he re-creates the spoiled creation. The word “redeem/redemption” does not occur in this portion of the letter, but the theme pervades it. The human predicament is described first from the Gentiles’ perspective (2:1–2; cf. 2:3). They were formerly dead, in the estimation of God, since they previously lived in transgressions and sins. Their lifestyle conformed to this present worldly age, to the competitive values underlying all cultures and all political and economic systems. Behind that worldly system stands the satanic “ruler of the kingdom of the air” (“air” referring to the presumed dwelling place of the spirit world), w…