(Willmington P. 716)
A. The Main Enemy of the Church is the Devil and his cohorts.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness
Eph 6:15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:16 Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,
Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching to this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
1. His Cohorts. Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
a. Principalities:
A possible reference to Satan’s generals who have the oversight of entire nations. (see Daniel 10) Willmington.p.716
Barnes: There can be no doubt whatever that the apostle alludes here to evil spirits. Like good angels, they were regarded as divided into ranks and orders, and were supposed to be under the control of one mighty leader; see the notes on Eph_1:21. It is probable that the allusion here is to the ranks and orders which they sustained before their fall, something like which they may still retain. The word “principalities” refers to principal rulers, or chieftains.
b. Powers
Thayer Dictionary (exousia) 4c2b) the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates.
c. The world-rulers of this darkness (tous kosmokratoras tou skotous toutou).
This phrase occurs here alone. In Joh_14:30 Satan is called “the ruler of this world” (ho archōn tou kosmou toutou). In 2Co_4:4 he is termed “the god of this age” (ho theos tou aiōnos toutou). The word kosmokratōr is found in the Orphic Hymns of Satan, in Gnostic writings of the devil, in rabbinical writings (transliterated) of the angel of death, in inscriptions of the Emperor Caracalla. These “world-rulers” are limited to “this darkness” here on earth.
d. The spiritual hosts of wickedness (ta pneumatika tēs ponērias).
No word for “hosts” in the Greek. Probably simply, “the spiritual things (or elements) of wickedness.” Ponēria (from ponēros) is depravity (Mat_22:18; 1Co_5:8).
In the heavenly places (en tois epouraniois). Clearly so here. Our “wrestling” is with foes of evil natural and supernatural. We sorely need “the panoply of God” (furnished by God).
2. His Tactics.
a. The Wiles of the Devil Eph 6:11 (stand against the stratagems of the devil).
“ Wiles” is methodeia in the Greek referring to cunning arts, deceit, craftiness, trickery.” K. Wuest Gk Scholar. “ The wiles of the devil (tas methodias tou diabolou). See already Eph_4:14 for this word. He is a crafty foe and knows the weak spots in the Christian’s armour.
Methodia is from methodeuō (meta, hodos) to follow after or up, to practise deceit, and occurs nowhere else (Eph_4:13; Eph_6:11). RWP. Compare
2Co 2:11 lest we be taken advantage of by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan. Devil. Lucifer. The Great Dragon and Serpent. Is he real, figurative or a figment of our imagination. Where did he come from? And what is he up to? These are just a few questions that we’ll answer in our series. Biblical authors and Jesus himself warns us of Satan’s schemes because he is very real and so are his strategies. The good news is, he’s already been defeated and, through Christ, we fight from victory, not for it.
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Eph 4:14 :Whereby they lie in wait to deceive (πρὸς τὴν μεθοδείαν τῆς πλάνης)
Lit., tending to the system of error. Rev., after the wiles of error. Μεθοδεία means a deliberate planning or system. Of error includes the idea of deceit or delusion. See Mat_27:64; Rom_1:27; 2Pe_2:18; 2Pe_3:17; Jam_5:20. Error organizes. It has its systems and its logic. Ellicott remarks that here it is almost personified.
1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Ti 6:9 But those desiring to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many senseless and harmful lusts which sink men in destruction and perdition.
This has reference to arrows tipped with tar or pitch then set on fire before being discharged.
Eph 6:16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
RWP All the fiery darts (panta ta belē ta pepurōmena). Belos is an old word for missile, dart (from ballō, to throw), only here in N.T. Pepurōmena is perfect passive participle of puroō, old verb, to set on fire, from pur (fire). These darts were sometimes ablaze in order to set fire to the enemies’ clothing or camp or homes just as the American Indians used to shoot poisoned arrows.
1Pe 1:7 so that the genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, though being tested with fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised by the fiery trial among you, taking place to test you, as though some strange thing was happening to you;
1Pe 4:13 but inasmuch as you partake in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, in order that also at the unveiling of His glory, you may rejoice with great happiness.
1Pe 4:14 If you are reviled in the name of Christ, blessed are you, because the
B. Our Equiptment - the Armour of God. (Eph 6:11; 13-17)
Let us look carefully at each piece of a Roman soldiers armour. Paul uses this to illustrate our spiritual armour.
They must be well armed: “Put on the whole armour of God (Eph_6:11), make use of all the proper defenses and weapons for repelling the temptations and stratagems of Satan - get and exercise all the Christian graces, the whole armour, that no part be naked and exposed to the enemy.” Observe, Those who would approve themselves to have true grace must aim at all grace, the whole armour. It is called the armour of God, because he both prepares and bestows it M. Henry
1. The Girdle of Truth.
In girding himself for the field, the first thing the soldier does is to fasten round his waist the military belt. With this he binds in his undergarments, that there may be nothing loose or trailing about him, and braces up his limbs for action. Peace admits of relaxation. The girdle is unclasped; the muscles are unstrung. But everything about the warrior is tense and firm; his dress, his figure and movements, speak of decision and concentrated energy. He stands before us an image of resolute conviction, of a mind made up. Such a picture the words "girt about with truth" convey to us.
The epistle is pervaded by the sense of the Church’s need of intellectual conviction. Many of the Asian believers were children, half-enlightened and irresolute, ready to be "tossed to and fro and carried about with. every wind of doctrine". (Eph_4:14) They had "heard the truth as it is in Jesus," but had an imperfect comprehension of its meaning. They required to add to their faith knowledge, -the knowledge won by searching thought respecting the great truths of religion, by a thorough mental appropriation of the things revealed to us in Christ. Only by such a process can truth brace the mind and knit its powers together in "the full assurance of the understanding in the knowledge of the mystery of God, which is Christ". (Col_2:2-3)
Such is the faith needed by the Church, now, as then, the faith of an intelligent, firm, and manly assurance. There is in such faith a security and vigour of action that the faith of mere sentiment and emotional impression, with its nerveless grasp, its hectic and impulsive fervours, cannot impart. The luxury of agnosticism, the languors of doubt, the vague sympathies and hesitant eclecticism in which delicate and cultured minds are apt to indulge; the lofty critical attitude, as of some intellectual god sitting above the strife of creeds, which others find congenial-these are conditions of mind unfit for the soldier of Christ Jesus. He must have sure knowledge, definite and decided purposes-a soul girdled with truth. Expositor’s Bible Commentary
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness.
This speaks of of Righteous acts accomplished by the Believer. The Brestplate was to protect the heart of the soldier. Any indulgence in unrighteousness left the warrior for Christ exposed to the spiritual attacks of Satan.
Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been washed with pure water.
Heb 13:9 Do not be carried about with different and strange doctrines, for it is good for the heart to be established with grace, not with foods, in which those who have walked in them were not helped.
Jas 1:26 If anyone thinks to be religious among you, yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is vain.
Jas 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, double-minded ones.
3. The Sandals of the Gospel of Peace.
Eph 6:15 as well as the shoes of the Good News of peace-- a firm foundation for your feet.WNT
There is undoubtedly an allusion here to what was worn by the ancient soldier to guard his feet. The Greek is, literally, “having under-bound the feet;” that is, having bound on the shoes, or sandals, or whatever was worn by the ancient soldier. The protection of the feet and ankles consisted of two parts:
(1) The sandals, or shoes, which were probably made so as to cover the foot, and which often were fitted with nails, or armed with spikes, to make the hold firm in the ground: or.
(2) with “greaves” that were fitted to the legs, and designed to defond them from any danger. These “greaves,” or boots 1Sa_17:6, were made of brass, and were in almost universal use among the Greeks and Romans.
With the preparation - Prepared with the gospel of peace. The sense is, that the Christian soldier is to be prepared with the gospel of peace to meet attacks similar to those against which the ancient soldier designed to guard himself by the sandals or greaves which he wore. The word rendered “preparation” - (ἑτοιμασία hetoimasia) - means properly readiness, fitness for, alacrity; and the idea, according to Robinson (Lexicon), is, that they were to be ever ready to go forth to preach the gospel. Taylor (Fragments to Calmet’s Dic., No. 219) supposes that it means, “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel; not iron, not steel - but patient investigation, calm inquiry, assiduous, laborious, lasting; or with “firm footing” in the gospel of peace.” Locke supposes it to mean,” with a readiness to walk in the gospel of peace.” Barnes
4. The Shield of Faith.
Eph 6:16 And besides all these take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one;
Kenneth Wuest writes “The word shield used here designated the shield of the heavy infantry, a large oblong one, four feet by two and a half feet, sometimes curved on the inner side.
Barnes Above all - Ἐν πᾶσιν En pasin. Not “above all” in point of importance or value, but “over” all, as a soldier holds his shield to defend himself. It constitutes a protection over every part of his body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith had a similar importance in the Christian virtues.
The shield - note, Isa_21:9. The shield was usually made of light wood. or a rim of brass, and covered with several folds or thicknesses of stout hide, which was preserved by frequent anointing. It was held by the left arm, and was secured by straps, through which the arm passed, as may be seen in the annexed figures. The outer surface of the shield was made more or less rounding. Item the center to the edge, and was polished smooth, or anointed with oil, so that arrows or darts would glance off, or rebound.
Of faith - On the nature of faith, see the notes on Mar_16:16. Faith here is made to occupy a more important place than either of the other Christian graces. It bears, to the whole Christian character, the same relation which the shield does to the other parts of the armor of a soldier. It protects all, and is indispensable to the security of all, as is the case with the shield. The shield was an ingenious device by which blows and arrows might be parried off, and the whole body defended. It could be made to protect the head, or the heart, or thrown behind to meet all attack there. As long as the soldier had his shield, he felt secure; and as long as a Christian has faith, he is safe. It comes to his aid in every attack that is made on him, no matter from what quarter; it is the defense and guardian of every other Christian grace; and it secures the protection which the Christian needs in the whole of the spiritual war.
Note Hebrews 11 as a commentary on Faith.
5. The Helmet of Salvation.
Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation.
And take the helmet - The helmet was a cap made of thick leather, or brass, fitted to the head, and was usually crowned with a plume, or crest, as an ornament. Its use was to guard the head from a blow by a sword, or war-club, or battle-axe. The cuts will show its usual form.
Of salvation - That is, “of the hope of salvation;” for so it is expressed in the parallel place in 1Th_5:8. The idea is, that a well-founded hope of salvation will preserve us in the day of spiritual conflict, and will guard us from the blows which an enemy would strike. The helmet defended the head, a vital part; and so the hope of salvation will defend the soul, and keep it from the blows of the enemy. A soldier would not fight well without a hope of victory. A Christian could not contend with his foes, without the hope of final salvation; but, sustained by this, what has he to dread? Barnes
6.The Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
Here is the only offensive weapon listed. The rest are defensive in nature. The Sword of the Spirit is identified as the WORD of GOD.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and effectual, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
7. Praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
always — Greek, “in every season”; implying opportunity and exigency (Col_4:2). Paul uses the very words of Jesus in Luk_21:36 (a Gospel which he quotes elsewhere, in undesigned consonance with the fact of Luke being his associate in travel, 1Co_11:23, etc.; 1Ti_5:18). Compare Luk_18:1; Rom_12:12; 1Th_5:17.
with all — that is, every kind of.
prayer — a sacred term for prayer in general.
supplication — a common term for a special kind of prayer [Harless], an imploring request. “Prayer” for obtaining blessings, “supplication” for averting evils which we fear [Grotius].
in the Spirit — to be joined with “praying.” It is he in us, as the Spirit of adoption, who prays, and enables us to pray (Rom_8:15, Rom_8:26; Gal_4:6; Jud_1:20).
watching — not sleeping (Eph_5:14; Psa_88:13; Mat_26:41). So in the temple a perpetual watch was maintained (compare Anna, Luk_2:37).
So we have seen how “He exhorts and directs Christians how to behave themselves in the spiritual warfare with the enemies of their souls; and to the exercise of several Christian graces, which he proposes to them as so many pieces of spiritual armour, to preserve and defend them in the conflict (Eph_6:10-18)” M.H.
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