Re-thinking the "Armor of God" (Not about Roman Soldiers!)

Have you ever felt ill-equipped to face life's challenges? In a world that often seems overwhelming, where do we find the strength to stand firm? Paul's letter to the Ephesians offers a powerful metaphor that speaks to this universal human experience: the armor of God.

 

Ephesians 6:10-18 presents a vivid description of spiritual armor. It's a favorite Sunday School topic. I can't say how many times my kinds have come out of Sunday School with colorings, and art projects, meant to detail the "armor of God" from Ephesians 6. Almost every time, though, the art gets it wrong, the project is off...

 

Because they're trying to compare what Paul's talking about as the "armor of God" to the armor of a Roman soldier.  

 

But that's not what Pauls' talking about. To understand what Paul's describing, we have to look at it through the lens of Old Testament priestly garments.  

 

Paul isn't talking about brutal, unjust, Roman soldiers, and hailing them as an example. Quite the opposite. He has the Old Testament in mind. He's talking about priestly armor.  

 

Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." 

 

The Greek phrase ἐνδύσασθε τὴν πανοπλίαν τοῦ θεοῦ (endysasthe tēn panoplian tou theou), traditionally translated as "put on the whole armor of God," takes on new significance when viewed through a priestly lens. The verb ἐνδύω (endyō) is used in the Septuagint (The Greek version of the Old Testament that is usually quoted from in the New Testament) to describe the donning of priestly garments (Ex 28:41, Lev 8:7).

 

This connection suggests that Paul may be calling believers to assume a priestly role, rather than that of a soldier. He's telling them to clothe themselves in God's holiness and authority.

 

Just as priests were set apart for service to God, we too are called to a holy vocation. Our strength comes not from our own abilities, but from the Lord Himself. In putting on God's armor, we're not merely defending ourselves; we're taking on the mantle of His representatives in the world. 

 

Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." 

 

This verse emphasizes the spiritual nature of our struggle, echoing the priestly role of mediation between the earthly and heavenly realms. The Greek term πάλη (palē), translated as "wrestle," evokes the image of intense, close-quarters combat. In the priestly context, this struggle takes place in prayer and intercession, as seen in Exodus 32:11-14, where Moses intercedes for the people.

 

Our battles, then, are not primarily against human opponents, but against unseen spiritual forces. Like the priests of old, we're called to stand in the gap, wrestling in prayer for ourselves and others.

 

Ephesians 6:13 - "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." 

 

The exhortation to "stand firm" (στῆναι - stēnai) recalls the priestly duty to stand before God (Deut 10:8). This standing is not passive but active, mirroring the priests' role in representing God to the people and the people to God.

 

In our daily lives, standing firm means maintaining our faith and integrity even when circumstances tempt us to compromise. It's about being steadfast in our commitment to God's truth and righteousness.

 

Ephesians 6:14 - "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness," 

 

The "belt of truth" corresponds to the priestly sash or girdle (Ex 28:4). In Hebrew thought, the loins were associated with strength and action. Thus, the belt of truth suggests that all our actions should be grounded in God's truth.

 

The "breastplate of righteousness" parallels the breastplate worn by the high priest (Ex 28:15-30). This breastplate bore the names of the twelve tribes, symbolizing the priest's role in bearing the people before God. For believers, this suggests that our righteousness in Christ enables us to stand before God on behalf of others.

 

Truth and righteousness are not mere abstractions, but vital components of our spiritual armor. They protect our core, guarding our hearts and minds against deception and moral compromise.

 

Ephesians 6:15 - "and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." 

 

While priests served barefoot in the temple, the emphasis on "readiness" (ἑτοιμασίᾳ - hetoimasia) recalls Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news." This readiness suggests a priestly role of proclamation and mediation of God's peace.

 

Our feet, shod with the gospel of peace, carry us into the world as ambassadors of reconciliation. We're called to be ready at all times to share the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15).

 

Ephesians 6:16 - "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;" 

 

The "shield of faith" (τὸν θυρεὸν τῆς πίστεως - ton thyreon tēs pisteōs) may not have a direct priestly equivalent, but it resonates with the Old Testament imagery of God as a shield (Gen 15:1, Ps 3:3). In a priestly context, this faith represents unwavering trust in God's promises and protection.

 

Faith is our defense against doubt, fear, and temptation. It's not a passive belief, but an active trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised.

 

Ephesians 6:17 - "and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," 

 

The "helmet of salvation" corresponds to the priestly turban, which bore the inscription "Holy to the LORD" (Ex 28:36-38). This emphasizes the believer's set-apart status and the mind's protection by the assurance of salvation.

 

The "sword of the Spirit," identified as God's word, recalls the priest's role in teaching and applying Scripture (Mal 2:7). It suggests that our spiritual warfare is primarily conducted through the proper use and proclamation of God's word.

 

Our minds, protected by the assurance of salvation, are freed from the fear of condemnation. And God's Word, sharp and powerful, equips us to discern truth from falsehood and to counter the enemy's lies with divine truth.

 

Ephesians 6:18 - "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," 

 

This verse underscores the priestly function of intercession. The Greek προσευχόμενοι (proseuchomenoi) emphasizes continuous prayer, reflecting the priests' constant service before God.

 

Prayer is not an afterthought in spiritual warfare; it's the very air we breathe. Like the priests who offered continual sacrifices, we're called to a life of ongoing communion with God, interceding for ourselves and others.

 

In conclusion, the armor of God, viewed through a priestly lens, reveals our calling to stand before God, represent Him to the world, and intercede for others. This perspective challenges us to see spiritual warfare not primarily as combat against evil forces, but as faithful service in God's presence, equipped with His truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and word. 

 

This interpretation aligns with the New Testament's portrayal of believers as a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9), called to minister God's grace to the world. It's what's sometimes referred to as "the priesthood of All Believers," or the "priesthood of the Baptized."

 

It invites us to approach spiritual battles not with aggression, but with the dignity, holiness, and intercessory spirit befitting our priestly calling in Christ. 

 

As we don this spiritual armor daily and walk in the power and authority given to us by our Heavenly Father, we step into the role of priests before Him, clothed in His holiness and equipped for every spiritual battle that comes our way.

 

Just as the ancient priests were set apart for service to God, we too are called to a holy vocation. Our strength and courage do not stem from our own abilities but are derived from the divine might of the Lord. As we don the armor of God, we are not merely defending ourselves; rather, we are embodying His representatives on earth. 

 

Our battles are not against flesh and blood but against unseen spiritual forces that seek to undermine God's kingdom. Like the priests of old who interceded for the people, we stand in the gap through prayer and supplication, wrestling in the heavenly realms for ourselves and others.

 

One good example of wearing a wrong armor is David when he fought against Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17:38-47) 

 

David didn't use the armor of Saul. He didn't don the armor that Saul had used in his battles before. He rejected that kind of armor. He came in the name of the LORD of hosts.

 

And the battle is the LORD’s, and He will fight for us and give us victory! We only need to stand still and see His salvation!

 

Therefore, let us take up the full armor of God, standing firm in the face of darkness and temptation. Let us fasten on the belt of truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, and shod our feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace. As we lift up the shield of faith and wear the helmet of salvation, let us wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And in all circumstances, let us be vigilant in prayer and supplication, interceding for all the saints.

 

With each piece of the priestly armor firmly in place, we are prepared to face spiritual battles with steadfastness and courage. Our identity as chosen ones, called to be a royal priesthood, empowers us to stand against the schemes of the devil and to withstand in the evil day.

 

In Jesus' name,

Judah

 

My series The Unfallen is all about Spiritual Warfare. See how this armor of God stuff unfolds in Landon's story.