The book of Ephesians is widely believed to be written to Gentile followers of Christ, those primarily being in the church of Ephesus. Through this epistle, Paul emphasizes the unity between Jew and Gentile, that they have been reconciled as one body in Christ. Paul encourages these Gentile believers in their Christian living, and exhorts them towards moral living. In chapter six of Ephesians, Paul closes his epistle by introducing the "armor of God":
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (v. 10-12).
Paul lists six essential pieces of armor that a believer must put on: belt of truth, breast plate of righteousness, shoes fit with the readiness given by the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. There are a few key points that Paul is trying to establish in this passage.
1. The armor of God is focused on protecting the soul of man.
God is most concerned with our spiritual health, growth, and sanctification, not promoting our earthly kingdoms. We are to renew our mind (Rom.12:2), sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:8), seek the things that are above (Col. 3:1), and not gain the whole world but forfeit our soul (Matt. 16:26). In putting on the armor of God, our soul is guarded to achieve spiritual victory, all for the glory of God.
2. The armor of God is largely defensive.
Five of the six pieces of armor are used defensively, with the sword of the Spirit as an offensive weapon. MacLaren's exposition on this passage explains the reason for defensive armor:
"That is to say, the main part of our warfare consists in defense, in resistance, and in keeping what we have, in spite of everybody, men and devils, who attempt to take it from us. ‘Hold fast that thou hast; let no man take thy crown'."
The act of taking is not part of the Christian mission, for the believer has found his all in Christ: "he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col. 1:17). God desires for us to stand firm, to hold fast in times of trial, to persevere to the end.
3. The sword of the Spirit.
This text explains that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Jesus uses the Word of God during His temptation in the wilderness defensively, precisely countering Satan's attacks. (Matthew 4). Yet the sword of the Spirit has an essential offensive power best understood through this verse:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).
When Satan, or the enemy, attacks us with lies, discouragements, or temptations toward sin, the sword of the spirit thrusts forward truth. The sword of the Spirit seeks to transform people "from the realm of falsehood to that of truth, from the realm of darkness to that of light, and from the realm of sin and death to that of righteousness and life." Consider also this verse:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
This verse expounds the meaning of our warfare in using the sword of the Spirit by noting that we are to attack and destroy that which pulls us or others from knowing God.
4. God fights with us.
Paul begins this section by saying: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God..." (Eph. 6:10-11a). As we fight, equipped with the armor of God, we must remember that Lord will fight for us (Exo. 14:14), and the Lord Himself goes before us and will be with us (Deut. 31:8). It is a mystery the work and effort that we put in, for Scripture is clear that we have a part in our battles. But Scripture is also clear that it is by His strength that we fight. This is eternally peace-giving because Christ has already overcome (John 16:33).
