Ephesians 6:10-20
Chapter 6
Fight Against Evil
Finally, be strong in the Lord through his energy and power.Put on the full armor of God so you can stand against the devil’s schemes.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and dark powers of this world. We are fighting against spiritual and supernatural forces of evil.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that, on the evil day, you may resist and stand firm, using all your equipment.
Take truth as your belt, righteousness as your breastplate,
and zeal as your shoes to spread the gospel of peace.
Always hold the shield of faith in your hand to deflect the fiery darts of the devil.
Finally, put on the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray constantly as the Spirit leads; stay alert with persistent prayer and supplication for all God’s people.
Pray also for me, so that I may speak boldly and clearly, making known the mystery of the gospel.
Even when I am in chains, I am an ambassador for Christ; may he give me the strength to speak as I should.
Commentaries
Fight Against Evil.
Paul urges the Ephesians to seize the opportunity for salvation and to stay alert. For him, the Christian life is like a military campaign. The Gospel faces fierce, dangerous enemies we must fight, so we need to be armed with God’s weapons. Jesus Christ has already triumphed, and his victorious weapons are available to us. His call is a call for the entire community to commit. Our “ally” in this fight is the Lord, and his victorious presence among us is made possible through prayer (cf. Ps 35:1-4). Paul concludes his letter with this final advice, encouraging the Ephesians to be persistent in praying and supplicating… with perseverance… for everyone… including himself (18f).