വ്യാഖ്യാനം നിലവിൽ ഇംഗ്ലീഷിൽ മാത്രമേ ലഭ്യമാകൂ. മലയാള പരിഭാഷ പുരോഗമിക്കുകയാണ്.
Ephesians 6 — The Whole Armor of God
Paul closes his great epistle on the church's identity in Christ with practical exhortations — for children, parents, servants, masters — and then names the spiritual war every believer is in. Six pieces of armor are described, six pieces every Christian must put on, every day.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
— Ephesians 6:12
- v.1-4 Children and parents
- v.5-9 Servants and masters
- v.10-13 The spiritual war declared
- v.14-17 The whole armor of God
- v.18-20 Prayer in the Spirit
- v.21-24 Closing greetings
"Whole armor" — not selected pieces. Every piece is essential. Soldiers who omit one are vulnerable at exactly that point.
"Wiles" — Greek methodeia, schemes or strategies. The devil is not random; he plans. The believer must plan to defeat him with the armor God gave.
The verse that explains the armor. The opponent is not the difficult coworker, the broken family member, the political enemy. The opponent is spiritual.
Four ranks of opposition are named — principalities, powers, world rulers, spiritual wickedness in high places. There is an entire hierarchy arrayed against the saint. But the armor provided is sufficient.
"The evil day" — there is one coming for every believer. The armor is for then. Putting it on after the attack begins is too late.
"Having done all, to stand" — the goal is not to advance and conquer; it is to remain. The believer's great task is endurance. Christ has already won; we are called to hold the line.
"Loins girt with truth" — the belt held everything else in place. Truth is the foundation. Without it, every other piece flaps loose.
"Breastplate of righteousness" — the breastplate covered the vital organs. Righteousness covers the heart. This is both Christ's righteousness imputed (Romans 4) and the believer's righteousness in practice (1 John 3:7).
The soldier's footwear gave him stability and the ability to march long distances. The gospel of peace does the same for the believer.
"Preparation" — readiness. Always ready to share the gospel that brought peace to your own soul. The feet are shod for going, not just for standing.
"Above all" — Greek epi pasin, meaning "in addition to all these" or "over all." The shield could be moved to deflect attack from any direction.
"Fiery darts" — Roman soldiers faced arrows tipped with pitch and lit on fire. The shield was leather-covered wood soaked in water; the darts hit it and were extinguished.
Faith is the believer's shield against the fiery accusations, lies, and temptations the enemy hurls.
"Helmet of salvation" — protection for the mind. The assurance of salvation guards the believer from the doubts and despair the enemy whispers.
"Sword of the Spirit" — the only offensive weapon in the list. Notice it is identified as "the word of God." Jesus used this very sword against Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4) — "It is written," three times.
Prayer is not a seventh piece of armor; it is the atmosphere in which the armor is worn. Without prayer, the armor hangs unused.
"All prayer and supplication" — the full range. Prayer for self, intercession for others, thanksgiving, confession, praise.
Put on the armor before the evil day comes. Read this passage in the morning and name each piece. Pray it on. Walk out the door clothed. The enemy is real; the armor is real; the war is real. So is the victory.
The armor of God is, ultimately, Christ Himself. He is the Truth (John 14:6). He is our Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). He is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). He is the object of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is our Salvation (Acts 4:12). He is the living Word (John 1:1). Putting on the armor is, in the deepest sense, putting on Christ (Romans 13:14).
"Be strong" — passive in Greek. Literally, "be made strong" or "be empowered." The believer's strength is received, not generated.
"In the Lord, and in the power of his might" — two phrases, one source. The strength is His, located in Him, drawn from His mighty power.