Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
St. Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier’s armor to describe the spiritual protection and resources Christians must “put on” to resist spiritual evil. He reminds the faithful that the strength needed to overcome spiritual adversity comes not from oneself but from God through faith and grace. Paul uses the metaphor of armor used in battle to teach the Ephesians about the nature of Christian life, which he often describes as a battle or struggle against spiritual evil (cf. Rom. 13:2). The “armor of God” represents divine attributes, mirroring virtues and spiritual gifts that flow from a relationship with God and are necessary to be morally and spiritually steadfast against the temptations, deception, and lies of the devil. In light of the persecution of Christians at the time, Paul is calling the Ephesians to adopt a mindset and lifestyle grounded in divine truths and virtues as a protection against the world’s deceptions and the spiritual battle waged against the Church and its members.
Paul explains that the Christian struggle is not against human enemies but against malevolent spiritual forces. The phrase "principalities and powers" reflects the Jewish belief that there was an ordered hierarchy of angels and demons, each with specific ranks and functions. Some of these angelic beings fell from grace and became hostile to God, forming a hierarchy of demonic beings, each with distinct roles and powers which oppose both individuals and societies through various influences. These spiritual beings, “whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers,” were created through Christ and for Christ (Colossians 1:16). Through his death and resurrection, Christ has already conquered these powers, though they continue to resist God’s kingdom on earth impacting both personal lives and societal structures with deception and temptation.
In light of this ongoing spiritual opposition, Paul strongly urges believers to “put on the armor of God” so that they may be fortified with the virtues and divine attributes necessary to stand firm. The “armor” symbolizes the virtues of truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation that protect and strengthen the believer’s faith, enabling them to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of adversity and intense temptation, particularly as they await the fullness of Christ’s victory at His return.
The “belt of truth” and “breastplate of righteousness” are defensive pieces that protect essential parts of the body in Paul’s metaphor of spiritual warfare. The belt, girding one’s loins, signifies readiness and aligns with the ancient notion of truth as the foundation of moral life. Together, they symbolize the importance of truth and righteousness as virtues that protect the Christian’s spiritual life.
Paul describes footwear needed for a soldier prepared to go wherever necessary to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, which brings peace to those who accept it (cf. Romans 5:1). The “gospel of peace” not only equips believers to proclaim Christ’s message outwardly but also provides inner stability, grounding them in the assurance of God’s presence and peace during trials. Faith acts as a shield, providing both defense and a means to “quench” attacks. Flaming arrows signify the varied temptations and doubts that Satan might hurl, seeking to inflame passions or discourage believers. The “helmet of salvation” implies the protection and assurance that come from knowing one is saved, a source of confidence in the spiritual battle, and the “sword of the Spirit” is the “word of God” which refers both to Scripture and the active guidance of the Holy Spirit, serving as an offensive weapon to counter deception and proclaim truth.
Heavenly Father, strengthen us with Your might and equip us with the armor of truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation. Let Your peace guard our hearts and Your Spirit guide us, that we may stand firm against every trial and boldly proclaim Your gospel. Keep us rooted in Your love and protected by Your grace as we await the fullness of Christ’s victory. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
Comments