The Whole Armour of God

The Story

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Ephesus, he was a prisoner in Rome. He lived in a rented house under guard, likely chained to a Roman soldier day and night.

So when Paul wanted to explain how believers can stand firm, he may have simply looked at the man beside him.

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might,” he wrote. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Our struggle, he explained, isn’t against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers of darkness.

Then he went piece by piece. The belt of truth. The breastplate of righteousness. Shoes ready to carry the gospel of peace. The shield of faith, to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The helmet of salvation. And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Finally, he said, pray. Pray always, in the Spirit, for all the saints. And pray for me, too, that I may speak boldly.

Reflection