13"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Ephesians 6:13-17 (NASB)
Decisive Action Called For
In Ephesians 6:13 Paul emphasizes his profound plea for spiritual readiness and resilience, by repeating the phrase “Take up the full armor of God”. This phrase is an Aorist Active Imperative in Greek, and it is a strong directive that urges believers to act decisively without delay. This call to put on God’s complete armor is not just a suggestion but a command that demands swift and resolute action, emphasizing the critical importance of spiritual readiness. Just as a soldier must be fully equipped and alert on the battlefield, Christians are urged to be prepared for the ongoing spiritual battles they face. This metaphorical armor is to be embraced diligently and with a sense of purpose, representing a profound exhortation for believers to be actively engaged in spiritual readiness and to rely on God’s strength and protection amid spiritual warfare (cf. 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; James 4:7; 1 John 4:4).
The lack of awareness among modern-day Christians regarding the ongoing spiritual battle is akin to a soldier unaware of being in combat, already at a disadvantage. Recognizing the existence of spiritual warfare is essential, as ignorance leaves one vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. Just as a prepared soldier is vigilant on the battlefield, Christians must be spiritually aware, armed with the full armor of God, and reliant on His strength. Understanding the reality of spiritual warfare prompts a deeper dependence on God, fostering urgency in prayer and readiness to combat evil forces through the power of the Holy Spirit. Awareness of the spiritual battle enables believers to stand firm in faith and walk in victory against all challenges.
The Divine Source of the Armor
The significance of believers being urged to put on God’s armor cannot be overstated. This symbolic armor serves as a representation of divine provision, highlighting the essential need for Christians to depend on God for strength, protection, and victory in the spiritual battle they face. By emphasizing that it is God’s armor being donned, the passage underscores the truth that human efforts alone are insufficient in combatting spiritual forces; rather, it is through God’s supernatural empowerment that believers can effectively withstand the enemy’s attacks. This reliance on God for spiritual strength not only acknowledges His sovereignty and authority but also signifies a deeper trust in His faithfulness to equip and safeguard His people. Moreover, the call to actively employ the resources provided by God’s armor implies a proactive stance in engaging with the tools of faith, righteousness, truth, salvation, and the Word of God. By being aware of the ongoing spiritual conflict and utilizing the armor of God, believers demonstrate their readiness to combat spiritual opposition, standing firm in their faith and relying wholeheartedly on the divine strength that God faithfully provides.
Resisting in Spiritual Battles
The phrase “you will be able to resist” as an Aorist Passive (deponent) Subjunctive combined with an Aorist Active Infinitive offers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare experienced by believers both before and after their conversion to Christianity. This phrase not only points to the ongoing nature of the conflict but also highlights the potential for victory and resistance against spiritual opposition. However, for the most part, believers fail to utilize God’s armor due to factors such as ignorance, neglect, or sin. This paints a stark reality of how spiritual disengagement can lead to compromised spiritual peace and effectiveness in advancing God’s kingdom. This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of actively putting on the armor of God and engaging in spiritual warfare (cf. James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 1 Corinthians 15:2, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 3:4, Philippians 2:16, and 1 Timothy 1:19. By understanding the significance of being equipped with God’s armor and actively resisting spiritual attacks, believers can strive to maintain spiritual vigilance, integrity, and effectiveness in their journey of faith and service in God’s kingdom.
“In the Evil Day”
The phrase “in the evil day” alludes to a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament idioms, drawing parallels to days characterized by intense temptation, the prevalence of evil in the current age, or periods of adversity and hardship. This expression, reminiscent of passages like Psalm 49:5ff, serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitability of facing challenging and spiritually testing times. By referencing this concept, the text underscores the necessity for believers to be constantly prepared and spiritually fortified for occasions when they encounter concentrated spiritual challenges. Whether it be moments of moral dilemma, societal corruption, personal struggles, or external persecution, the idea of the “evil day” serves as a clarion call for readiness, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
In a broader sense, the phrase “the evil day” can encompass not only individual moments of spiritual struggle but also allude to the ultimate spiritual warfare that will intensify as the end of the age approaches. Therefore, believers need to be prepared not only for daily spiritual battles but also for the ultimate spiritual showdown between good and evil that will characterize the final days before the return of Christ. Just as believers are called to be vigilant and prepared for personal and societal challenges, they are also urged to stay spiritually alert and equipped for the greater spiritual warfare that will unfold during the eschaton. This underscores the importance of readiness, faithfulness, and reliance on God’s strength not only in the present but also as we look toward the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for redemption and judgment in the end times (cf. Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 12:7-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 2 Timothy 4:8).
Doing Everything to Stand Firm
The phrase “having done everything” signifies a comprehensive effort to prepare and accomplish all required tasks. This phrase suggests that one has taken extensive measures to ensure readiness and has fulfilled all necessary actions. In this context, the Apostle Paul uses this phrase to underscore the importance of taking steps to cover all possible bases and ensuring that nothing is left undone – Spiritual preparation is not partial or superficial but exhaustive. Paul’s emphasis here is on action — actually doing the things that need to be done to stand firm in one’s faith. Paul also emphasizes the need for consistency in one’s spiritual life. The idea is to remain steadfast and unwavering, regardless of external circumstances. This consistency is vital in maintaining a strong spiritual foundation and readiness. Moreover, Paul stresses that knowledge of one’s faith and spiritual principles is crucial. Without understanding the principles and values of faith, one cannot be genuinely prepared. Knowledge arms believers with the confidence and clarity needed to navigate their spiritual journey.
Standing Firm: A Mandate to Resist
“Stand firm” is an Aorist Active Infinitive – it is a call for believers to be unwavering and prepared in their spiritual lives by embracing the full armor of God. This involves a deep understanding of their salvation, active use of spiritual tools, intentional living, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and constant prayer. Each piece of the armor represents key aspects of the believer’s defense and empowerment in the spiritual realm.
In verses 14-17, Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against spiritual adversaries. Here’s a breakdown of the elements mentioned in this passage:
- “Having Girded” (Eph. 6:14)
- “Having girded” in Ephesians 6:14 is a participle borrowed from Isaiah 11:5, vividly illustrating the imagery of the Messiah adorning Himself with righteousness. In Isaiah 11:5, this portrayal emphasizes the characteristics of the promised Messiah, highlighting His divine attributes and the righteousness with which He is clothed. This imagery conveys a sense of preparation, strength, and readiness for a significant task or conflict. By incorporating this specific participle into the instruction to put on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:14, Paul aligns believers with the Messiah’s example of being spiritually prepared, equipped, and clothed with righteousness as they face their own spiritual battles and challenges.
- “Having Put On” (Eph. 6:14)
- The phrase “having put on” in Ephesians 6:14 is directly quoted from Isaiah 59:17, where God is depicted as a warrior fighting on behalf of sinful Israel. This powerful imagery portrays God’s protective and victorious role in defending His people. Paul conveys the idea that believers are called to actively clothe themselves with righteousness. This righteousness is twofold: first, it is received as a gift from Christ upon salvation, covering believers and positioning them in the right standing with God. Secondly, it involves an ongoing process of sanctification, where believers strive to live out God’s righteousness in their daily lives. The incorporation of this concept underscores the importance of not only receiving Christ’s righteousness but also actively pursuing and embodying it as believers engage in spiritual warfare and stand firm in their faith.
- “Having Shod” (Eph. 6:15)
- The phrase “having shod” in Ephesians 6:15 is drawn from Isaiah 52:7, a significant passage where the Lord is depicted as a King bringing good news to His people. This imagery conveys a sense of royal proclamation, peace, and salvation. In Isaiah, this message of good news symbolizes hope and restoration for God’s people.
- Paul uses this imagery to exhort believers to have their feet prepared with the gospel of peace. This emphasizes the importance of readiness and a solid foundation rooted in the message of peace and salvation through Christ. By equipping themselves with the gospel of peace, believers are not only prepared for spiritual warfare but also poised to share the message of reconciliation with God with others. This instruction highlights the essential role of the gospel in providing believers with stability, confidence, and a firm footing in their faith journey.
- “Taking Up” (Eph. 6:16)
- The phrase “taking up” in Ephesians 6:16 is implied by the imagery presented in Isaiah 59:17, where God is portrayed as the ultimate warrior providing armor and protection for His people. This depiction conveys the idea that God’s provisions, symbolized as armor, are not merely for show or decoration but are meant to be actively utilized in the daily battles of life.
- Paul’s inclusion of this concept emphasizes the practical application of spiritual armor in believers’ lives. It underscores the importance of actively engaging with the protective elements provided by God, such as truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, rather than passively relying on them. By “taking up” the armor of God, believers are called to integrate these spiritual resources into their daily routines, decisions, and interactions, ensuring that they are fully equipped and empowered to withstand and overcome the spiritual challenges they may face.
the phrase “In addition” is significant as it indicates that what follows is not the only piece of spiritual armor but is an additional component to the previously mentioned ones. While the King James Version translates this as “above all,” the intended meaning is to emphasize the complementary nature of the upcoming element to the rest of the spiritual armor described earlier.
- “The Shield”: The shield mentioned in this verse is linked to the Greek word for “door” and was not just a handheld shield but a large, full-body shield measuring 4′ x 2′. It was crafted from wood with leather coverings and encased by metal. Before battles, soldiers would soak these shields in water to extinguish the fiery arrows launched by the enemy. This shield symbolized complete protection and defense, serving as a crucial component in safeguarding soldiers from harm. It also had hooks on its sides, allowing it to link up with other shields for a united defense against attacks.
- “Flaming Missiles”: This term refers to arrows that were dipped in pitch and set ablaze before being launched. The imagery conveys the idea of intense and fiery spiritual attacks that believers may face in their spiritual journey and emphasizes the need for the shield of faith for protection.
- “The Evil One”: There is ambiguity regarding whether this term refers to evil in a general sense (neuter) or specifically to Satan (masculine). The gender ambiguity in the Greek text requires context for clarification. In some instances within the New Testament, like Matthew 13:19 and 1 John 5:18-19, it is evident that “the evil one” refers directly to Satan, highlighting the spiritual warfare believers face against the adversary.
These details emphasize the practical nature of the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18, providing believers with a visual representation of the shield of faith as an essential defense against spiritual attacks and the need to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy, whether in the form of general evil or the specific adversary, Satan.
By understanding and implementing the full armor of God, believers stand prepared to face spiritual battles, protected by truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each piece of armor serves a vital role in equipping believers for spiritual warfare and enabling them to stand firm in their faith.
References:
- “The Epistle to the Ephesians” by Andrew T. Lincoln
- “Ephesians: An Exegetical Guide” by Thomas R. Schreiner
- “Ephesians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)” by Frank Thielman
- “Ephesians: Introduction, Translation, and Commentary on Chapters 1-3” by Peter T. O’Brien
- “Ephesians: Building a Community in Christ” by John Stott
- Systematic Theology and Spiritual Warfare:
- “Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine” by Wayne Grudem
- “Spiritual Warfare: Winning the Daily Battle with Satan” by Tony Evans
- “The Full Armor of God: Defending Your Life from Satan’s Schemes” by Larry Richards
- Christian Living and Spiritual Growth:
- “The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life” by Hannah Whitall Smith
- “Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle” by Tony Evans
- “The Armor of God” Bible study guide by Priscilla Shirer
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