¹⁰ Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. ¹² For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. ¹³ So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

¹⁴ So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, ¹⁵ and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. ¹⁶ At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. ¹⁷ And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. ¹⁸ Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people. ¹⁹ And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospel’s secret. ²⁰ For the sake of this gospel I am an ambassador, though now I am in prison. Pray that I may be bold in speaking about the gospel as I should. (GNT)

Summary

This passage gives a physical representation of the weapons we must use against evil: truth, righteousness, readiness to announce peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God; it mixes physical armor with spiritual armor to prepare us for the life to come. Do all of this in prayer, asking God for everything, as the Holy Spirit will lead you.

Reflection

I appreciate the imagery of this passage, and how it lays out the qualities we need to strive for. I respect the fact that Paul asks the church to pray for him to be bold in his speaking about the Bible, which gives us an example to follow, also. It is a command to always be ready, so that you may have endurance when the battle against evil comes down upon you.