And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience – Ephesians 2:1-2

The importance of “and you” here cannot be lost within the context of this epistle. This is the designation of Gentile converts (Eph 1:12; 2:11; 3:1; 4:17). Paul’s discourse here is first and best applied to Gentiles. This will require application to Jews but it also helps us arrive in the right state of mind for the conclusion of this chapter.

Gentile believers were once dead. Their lives use to be focused on “walking” (figuratively “living”) in the path of the world. This will change to “walking” in new creation and obedience to Christ (Eph 2:10). Previously Gentiles were followers of a “prince.” But Christ now reigns above him and his false “spirit” (Eph 1:19-21).