Ephesians 6:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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 firm.

NIV: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

NASB: Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

CSB: For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

NLT: Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

KJV: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

NKJV: 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.

Because of the wide scope and power of spiritual evil faced by believers (Ephesians 6:12), Paul reminds Christians that all of these tools are critically important. God's armor is a package, not a cafeteria of items from which we can select. We must have salvation and God's Word. We need prayer and righteousness, not one or the other. All of these areas must work together to operate effectively.

Paul often groups interconnected spiritual ideas together to emphasize their importance. An example is his reference to the "fruit" of the Spirit, which mentions nine total attributes (Galatians 5:22–23). This is a literary technique, meant to imply that all listed areas are essential for the believer. This avoids the misinterpretation of picking and choosing which instructions a person wishes to pursue, while neglecting others.

Those who put on the full armor of God are promised certain benefits. The "evil day" can refer to any moment of spiritual attack. It does not refer to a future "last days" scenario. Believers are to constantly be on guard, living prepared with God's armor. Also, believers who wear God's armor can "stand firm," a phrase used in connection with success with God in the Old Testament (Exodus 14:13; 2 Chronicles 20:17; Psalm 89:28; Isaiah 46:8; Daniel 11:32).

As with verse 11, the phrases used in this verse strongly imply defense over offense. This is not to say that Christians are never called on to actively engage falsehoods (2 Corinthians 10:5). Rather, it is a reminder that in our spiritual battle, God will win the victory. We are not called on to charge against Satan, but to endure his attacks until Christ wins the ultimate triumph.

Ephesians 6:10–20 concludes Paul's practical application of Christianity with a famous series of metaphors. Here, he describes the ''armor of God.'' In this passage, Paul uses the allegory of a Roman soldier's basic equipment to show how the components of Christianity work together as we strive to serve God. The soldier's tools include a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. In parallel, the Christian's implements are truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Christians are also given prayer. Just as a soldier's equipment is designed for their earthly battle, a Christian's equipment is meant for spiritual warfare.

Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans.

Ephesians opens with three chapters of doctrine, followed by three chapters of practical application. This final chapter of Paul's letter focuses on specific ways Christians should live. It also summarizes the spiritual tools we are given by God, imagining them as a suit of armor. Paul pulls the same basic ideas from the rest of letter together, showing how Christians should live out their knowledge of what salvation in Christ really means.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.