Eph. 6:10-18
(NKJV)
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10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 Put on
the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we
do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this age, against
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places. |
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13
Therefore take up the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.
In the first century when
the Apostle Paul wrote this passage in
his letter to the Ephesians soldiers looked
similar to the soldiers shown here.
(left to right: Greek and Roman in
armor)
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14
Stand therefore, having
girded your waist with truth,
Girding one's waist entailed more than
just a belt. For a soldier it also included
a type of skirt made of thick leather
straps that were overlapped and attached
to a strong belt. This protected the loins
and thighs from sharp slashing weapons
such as swords, arrows or spears.
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having put
on the breastplate of righteousness,
The breastplate was made of metal and also
overlapped to protect the chest and abdomen
from slashing weapons.
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15
and having shod your feet with the preparation
of the gospel of peace;
The feet and lower legs were protected
by metal shin-guards and/or thick leather
sandals.
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16
above all, taking the shield of faith
with which you will be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
One of the most important defences was
the shield. Shields came in different
shapes and sizes. The one shown here was
a large rectangular shield used to protect
the soldier of the line from all types
of assault. It covered most of his body
and could be crouched behind during a
barrage of arrows or charge by an enemy
wielding spears.
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17
And take the helmet of salvation,
The helmet was a soldiers salvation from
blows to the head. The helmet was made
of thick iron that could withstand almost
all weapons of the day.
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and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God;
The sword, a mighty weapon of the first
century was made of tempered iron. It
was short and stout for close combat.
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The word of God is sharper than
a two edged sword. It is one of our greatest
weapons we can use against the evil one! |
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18
praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, being watchful to this
end with all perseverance and supplication
for all the saints-
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