An Overview of Ephesians
By Joe Guagliardo
Ephesians 6:10-20
“God Defensive and Offensive Weapons.”
August 25, 2023
In today’s final lesson from the book of Ephesians, Paul discusses the “Full Armor of God.”
On a secular level, he’s describing the standard armor of a Roman soldier. But spiritually, Paul is talking about something entirely different. He speaks of five defensive pieces of armor that the Roman soldiers wore and one that was offensive.
Let’s take a look at Paul’s description of the “Full Armor of God” in detail.
“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. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and, after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the (gospel of peace). In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6 10-20
As I mentioned earlier, five of the six pieces of armor Paul mentions are defensive. The soldier’s belt, breastplate, and feet which are fitted with the proper kind of footwear for battle, shield, and helmet. Each of these five pieces of armor are attached to a soldier’s body, while his sword (the sixth piece of armor mentioned) is either carried in his hand or kept close in a scabbard.
“A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword, dagger, knife, or similar edged weapon.”
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scabbard)
It’s noteworthy to ask why Paul uses a Roman soldier’s armor as an example. Actually, there’s a good reason. First of all, Roman soldiers were everywhere in Paul’s day, so they were relatable. Second, Paul used each part of a Roman soldier’s protective armor as an example of how Gentiles should stave off attacks by the devil.
Truth, righteousness, gospel (foot protection), faith, and salvation are all part of what Christ has done for us. These are our defenses against the devil’s attack.
But that’s only five pieces of armor. Those are our defenses against Satan’s attacks. The sixth piece of armor is an offensive weapon.
“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
“Armed with this, he (a Christian) he not only can defend himself but go on the offensive as well, for the Word is:”
(Peoples Bible Commentary, Galatians/Ephesians, P.p.217)
“Living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and Spirit, joints and marrow.”
(Hebrews 4:12)
Of course, we find God’s Word in the Bible.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
Paul concludes the book of Ephesians talking about prayer.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Finally, Paul ask us to pray in two ways.
First, he tells us that we should lift up all kinds of prayers and requests through God’s Holy Spirit. There are no limits to what we can pray for. As I’ve mentioned before, we may not necessarily like God’s answer, which, at times, is no answer at all. But, we should pray. And Paul distinctly tells the Ephesians and us to pray for all the Lord’s people. In other words, it’s not all about you!
Then Paul asked for the people of Ephesus to pray for him. At this time, Paul is writing from Rome, where he is under house arrest. Although he is in chains, he will continue preaching, teaching, and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for following my overview of the book of Ephesians. May the Lord open your mind, ears, eyes, and heart to all the wonder and love He has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Joe Guagliardo
(Joe G.)
joegministries.com 