Paul admonishes believers to utilize the armor of God in order to effectively withstand the incessant spiritual barrage which they will confront on a daily basis. Without this armor that is provided through a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Christian, both in the context of Paul’s time and ours, can easily fall prey to the wiles of the adversary. With the effective teaching and preaching of Paul, and God performing many supernatural acts, including the healing of the sick and the exorcism of demonic spirits, spiritual revival had begun to take root in Ephesus and this revival eventually spread to the surrounding cities of Asia Minor. This revival then brought on tremendous spiritual warfare on the believers in Ephesus. Paul begins his teaching of the armor that would be needed for this spiritual battle (what we would call spiritual warfare) in the latter part of his epistle in (Ephesians 6:10-20) with the word “finally.” This word indicates that the final section of Ephesians is built upon the preceding chapters.
“Finally, having laid before you, your great and high calling, and all the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel, it is necessary that I should show you the enemies that will oppose you, and the strength which is requisite to enable you to repel them. You must have strength, and strength of a spiritual kind and such strength too as the Lord himself can furnish; and you must have this strength through an indwelling God, the power of his might working in you. Adam Clark
The metaphor of the armor of God utilized by Paul in this passage gives one the picture of a fully armed, well-trained warrior. Of particular importance is the method by which Paul contrasts a typical Roman soldier to the average believer. Theologian Michael Gudorf teaches that the Greek word (palē) that Paul utilizes in (Ephesians 6:12) for struggle or wrestle as identified in some translations means more than resistance against an enemy. A heavily armored soldier who also happens to be an accomplished wrestler, as one might imagine, such an individual would be particularly formidable in the arena of close-quarter military combat, where only one is left standing. The picture of an individual such as this fits quite well with the extended metaphor in (Ephesians 6:10-18) where the consistently prominent theme is to remain standing in the face of attack.
Paul is clearly indicating the necessity for the believer to be spiritually fit as the battle in which they are engaged is not for the faint at heart or the spiritually weak. Our enemy is indeed formidable and his attacks should not be taken lightly. Paul urges the believer to exercise all aspects of spiritual discipline in order to be in a constant battle with the enemy.
The true source of strength for the believer is not physical weaponry or carnal ability. As Paul saliently notes, the armor of God is only effective if the believer places complete trust in God. Paul commands the believer to be “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Despite the fact that God has provided the believer with the necessary apparatus by which to withstand the “wiles of the devil”, the Christian must not lose sight that every element of the armor of God is the creation of God and thus is His provision.
Another vital aspect of the armor of God is the mandate to put on the “full armor of God.” A soldier who goes into battle missing any element of his or her armor is in danger of being beaten down by the enemy in the very area where the armor is either weak or absent. So the armor must be put on!
Put on the whole armor, lit, panoply, a term then applied to the entire equipment, offensive and defensive (comp. Ephesians 6:17), of heavy-armed infantry, the choice troops of those days. The several parts are spoken of in (Ephesians 6:14-17). As Paul was bound by a chain to a soldier thus equipped (comp. Ephesians 6:20), the figure was literally at hand. Of God. Supplied by God, ‘altogether of a Divine kind, in contrast to the arms of the opponent’ That ye may be able to stand; to stand one’s ground against foes, a military phrase, the opposite of fleeing. Karl Braune – New Testament Commentary
Additionally, the believer must properly put on all aspects of the armor of God.
“the powers of the one and the senses of the other are divinely protected. No part is left exposed…God designs each part of the armor for a particular purpose; therefore, the saint must be properly attired…the saint is called to keep his armor ready for use and shining.” William Gurnall
This imagery, when combined with that of a soldier who is refined in the art of close-combat warfare, provides a picture of what it means for the Christian to engage the enemy. The elements of the armor of God, when combined with the visualization of a wrestler/soldier outlined by Paul in (Ephesians 6:12) clearly identify the dangerous nature of the battle which every believer has faced or will face. After making all necessary preparations for battle, Paul exhorts the believer to gird their loins with the first part of armor to be put on, the belt of truth. For the Roman soldier, the belt was the very part of his clothing which prevented his outer tunic from being an obstacle in battle.
“since the greatest part of ancient combat was hand-to-hand, a loose tunic was a potential hindrance and even a danger.” John MacArthur
Without the belt, the soldier would be unable to successfully stand in battle, as his tunic or garment would continually be an issue of encumbrance, and his gear would have nothing to which he could connect it to. So the belt also provided a means for carrying his sword along with other pieces of armor. The importance of the belt to the Roman soldier was crucial and the parallels for the believer are just as crucial. The spiritual application of this belt is of the truth the believer is to depend on. Everything the Christian needs for spiritual battle has to be attached to Truth.
Truth or sincerity is our girdle, (Ephesians 6:14). It was prophesied of Christ (Isaiah 11:5) that righteousness should be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. That which Christ was girded with all Christians must be girded with. God desires truth, that is, sincerity, in the inward p arts. This is the strength of our loins, and it girds on all other pieces of our armor and therefore is first mentioned. I know no religion without sincerity. Some understand it of the doctrine of the truths of the gospel: they should cleave to us as the girdle does to the loins, (Jeremiah 13:11). This will restrain from libertinism and licentiousness, as a girdle restrains and keeps in the body. This is the Christian soldier’s belt: ungirded with this, he is unblessed. Matthew Henry
The Word of God is to be our means for the distinction between truth and falsehood. As the belt of truth served as the point of which all the Roman soldier’s equipment is attached the Bible must serve as the underpinning of the believer. And just as the belt took the slack out of the Roman soldier’s cloak enabling him to be ready at all times for battle, truth enables the believer to do the same. Christians should take inventory of their spiritual life in order to identify anything which has the potential to hinder their ability to fight the enemy and then tighten things up. Paul reminds believers in (2 Corinthians 10:5) to bring into captivity “every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This concept is also explicated in (Hebrews 12:1) where the author tells believers to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us.” Therefore, when a Christian soldier girds himself with truth, in the Pauline sense he appropriates the Word through faith. This gives assurance, and stability to his life.
That brings us to the breastplate of righteousness. In (Isaiah 59:17), God is pictured as putting on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head. Righteousness here is not be taken as the new position (status) that man has with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, but rather it is the life of purity that a new relationship with God creates. Barclay writes,
When man is clothed in righteousness, he is impregnable. Words are no defense against accusations, but a good life is.”
But in order to give credit where credit is due, this moral behavior results directly from the appropriation of Christ’s righteousness (Ephesians 5:9). The Christian’s protection (righteousness) then is not to be found in any works he/she may do on their own, but only in what Jesus Christ has done (His righteousness).
The breastplate on the Roman soldier was a sleeveless piece of armor that covered the Roman soldier from the neck to the lower part of the torso. The breastplate typically consisted of two parts – the front and the back. This was a vital piece of the soldier’s equipment, so a soldier who went to battle without his breastplate would be exposed to “every weapon of the enemy. Paul urges believers to put on the breastplate of righteousness, which we receive from God by faith (Philippians 3:8-9). To be clothed in the righteousness – is also an essential defense against an accusing conscience and against the slanderous attacks of the evil one. So a believer who wholeheartedly depends on God for righteousness and justification in their life will find that the breastplate is an impenetrable protection. Paul exhorts the believer to put on the breastplate of righteousness in order to withstand the full “bodily” assault of the enemy.
We now come to the feet of the believer, which is to be shod with the Gospel of Peace. Once the breastplate was fitted into position, the Romans soldier would put on his army boots known as a caligae; it was a half boot, half sandal used especially for long marches. This type of foot covering was normally made of strong leather with nails in the sole for traction. F. F. Bruce says,
“those who must at all costs stand their ground need to have a secure footing; in the spiritual conflict, this is supplied by the gospel, appropriated and proclaimed.”
History teaches that the military successes both of Alexander the Great and of Julius Caesar were due in large measure to their armies’ being well shod and able to undertake long marches with incredible speed through very rough terrain. The Christian soldier must have the protection and mobility that comes with one having their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The word preparation can mean, making ready, steadfastness, or readiness which the gospel of peace creates. The gospel secures our peace with God, and gives the assurance of His favor. So there is a steady stance of alertness that is needed to share the gospel signifying that those who are properly equipped with God’s armor have their feet properly fitted, prepared and ready for spiritual warfare.” Therefore, Paul exhorts believers to stand firm, in a defensive posture, as in the military position of battle. This defensive stance can be observed in the Apostle Peter’s command in (1 Peter 3:15) where he says,
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…..”
This brings us to the shield of faith, which Paul references the shield held in front of a typical Roman soldier that was constructed of wood and covered with leather, in order to create a flame retardant protection on the shield. This type of shield is called a “thereos,” which was derived from “thyra” (a door) and refers to a large oblong shield the soldier held in front of him for protection. The “thereos” covered the soldier’s entire body and when a row of soldiers stood side by side in battle, they formed a protective barrier against the flaming arrows of their enemy. It is well known that his type of shield was not used only for defensive measures, but offensive also, using these interlocked shields to push right through enemy ranks.” For the Christian this protective shield is “faith.” With such a shield the believer can extinguish all the flaming darts flung by the devil. The importance of the shield of faith cannot be overstated, it is portrayed as the protection of God for His people in the Scriptures (Genesis 15:1) (Psalm 5:12) (Proverbs 30:5). So taking up the shield of faith is essential if the believer expects to withstand the flaming arrows of the evil one. By taking up the shield of faith as part of the armor of God, the believer will not only be able to deflect the attack of the enemy but will also be able to extinguish the entirety of satan’s attack. It is the Shield of Faith, and it must be rooted in God alone. Only by trusting in God’s sovereign power and will, will the Christian be able to resist the enemy and to take up the shield up faith in an offensive rather than a defensive posture. The function of the helmet was the protection of the soldier’s head. This piece headgear was typically made of bronze with attachments often added to protect the side of the face. The concept of a helmet is spoken of throughout the scriptures, such as in (Isaiah 59:17) which states that God wears the helmet of salvation, referring to the granting of salvation to His people. An interesting point for us to think about is that the pieces of the soldier so far were put on by the soldier himself. The next two pieces of equipment Paul refers to are the “helmet of salvation” and the “sword,” which both are handed to the soldier by his armor bearer. The verb is more in the line of “given” than “take up” when it comes to salvation. Salvation og God is then “given,” handed to us as also His Word. His giving of salvation is a present deliverance from all sin to be realized in eternity by complete deliverance from every kind of wicked evil. Also in (1 Thessalonians 5:8), Paul mentions putting on the “hope of salvation as a helmet.” What would such a helmet for the believer mean in (Ephesians 6:17)? That the mind would be protected from the onslaught of the enemy against all wicked thought, doubt, and unbelief. It is the only true source of protection against the attack of the enemy when it comes to believing the things promised to us by God, such as eternal security. No other element of the armor of God brings such peace to the believer when engaging the enemy. Having confidence in one’s eternal security enables the believer to enter the battle boldly as they “have every reason to be confident of the outcome of the battle.”
Then there is the weapon that the believer is given to wield in both the defense and offense of spiritual warfare. The type of sword referred to by Paul is the sword commonly used in close-quarter combat. The “machaira” was a “short two-edged cut-and-thrust sword wielded by the heavily armed legionary.” It was typically carried in a leather sheath attached to the soldiers’ belt and was always at hand ready to be used at a moments notice. John MacArthur speaks of this sword, saying it was
“carried by the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus in the Garden, wielded by Peter when he cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave and used by Herod’s executioners to put James to death.”
Paul clearly ties the sword of the Spirit with the Word of God. The Word of God is the revealed will of God – and to us, it is in effect Holy Scriptures, the “rhema,” the Divine utterance or speech of God Himself. As Jesus used the words of Scripture to fight the devil when he was tempted in the wilderness, the Christian must use the same in spiritual battle, fighting the enemy with every word (rehma) that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). This would imply that it is crucial for the Christian to know what God’s word declares. As noted by John MacArthur,
The “Christian who does not know God’s Word well cannot use it well. Satan will invariably find out where we are ignorant or confused and attack us there. Scripture is not a broadsword to be waved indiscriminately, but a dagger to be used with great precision.”
Even in (Hebrews 4:12) we see that the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow.” God’s Word will be victorious over any enemy of God it is wielded against.
In our text of (Ephesians 6:10-20) we can see that the Sword of the Spirit is not to be wielded by a weak saint, but one who is strong with a life of prayer and boldness. This implies fighting spiritual warfare with an attitude of alertness
If we would therefore behave like good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we must be always on our guard, and never pretend to lay down our spiritual weapons of prayer and watching, till our warfare is ended by death; for if we do, our spiritual foe will quickly prevail against us. What if he has left us? It is only for a season; yet in a little while, and, like a roaring lion, with double fury, he will break out upon us again. Satan is such a evil enemy, that he seldom leaves us after the first attack. As he followed our blessed Lord with one temptation after another, so will he treat the Lord’s servants. And the reason why he sometimes does not renew his attacks, is because God knows our weaknesses and at times are unable to bear an attack. Sometimes the pause in the temptations come because our adversary thinks it is better to assault us at a more convenient season. And since He has promised to make us more than conquerors, of whom should we be afraid? No, though an host of demons are lined up against us, let us not be afraid; though the hottest persecution should rise up against us, yet let us put our trust in God. Even though Satan, and the rest of his apostate spirits, are powerful, when compared with us; yet, if put in competition with the Almighty, they are as weak as the smallest worms. God has them all reserved in chains of darkness until the final judgment day. They shall only go as far as He permits them, and no farther.
George Whitefield