Principality

"Principalities" (Greek archai) appears in the NT as one of several terms for categories of spiritual beings, both good and fallen. Paul uses it alongside "powers" (exousiai), "thrones" (thronoi), and "dominions" (kyriotetes) to describe the hierarchical ranks of the angelic and demonic realm. In Romans 8:38 he declares that neither principalities nor powers can separate believers from the love of God. In Ephesians 6:12 the Christian's battle is described as against "the rulers" (principalities), "the authorities," "the cosmic powers over this present darkness," and "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

The incarnation and resurrection are presented as a cosmic victory: Christ is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" (Eph. 1:21), and the cross disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (Col. 2:15). The church itself is the demonstration to these powers of the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10).